Dynamic Insulator: The North Face ‘Ventrix’ Hoodie Distilled

Outerwear is an innovation hotbed. Here we look at the latest from The North Face, a laser-perforated piece with a feature called ‘dynamic venting.’

–This post is sponsored by The North Face. See all details here on its Ventrix Hooded Jacket.

IT’S COLD OUTSIDE. So you suit up, get moving, find a speed, and then… you sweat. You strip off layers. Start, stop, belay, or pause for a view. Hood up, hood down — a constant battle for equilibrium fought on high peaks and remote trails.

The North Face this year built a new jacket for active types with a simple premise to keep you comfortable during activity. Below is a breakdown from the company on its Ventrix Hoodie and the unique laser-enhanced build.

Breakdown: TNF Ventrix Hoodie

The Ventrix Hoodie is based on an active-insulation design, though with upgrades that increase its usable range. A macro trend in outerwear, “active insulation” references an air permeable piece that helps regulate body temperature during activity.

The difference with Ventrix? The callout attribute of the hoodie is that when you move this jacket responds and regulates your body temperature better. That unique property separates it from any other active-insulation piece on the market.

Dozens of tiny vertical slits in the jacket’s insulation open (when you’re moving) and close (when you stop). Body motion allows the slits to flex and open a millimeter or two, providing better air permeability during exertion. At a belay, or when you pause outdoors anywhere, the slits naturally close.

Ventrix Features & Design

Laser-Perforated holes under the arms and inside the jacket enable further venting, in addition to dynamic venting provided by perforations in the insulation itself. These “vents” increase air permeability where your body produces the most heat.

Designed with an outer fabric akin to a softshell, the Ventrix Hoodie has a soft hand feel. This hides its technical characteristics, including air permeability and a DWR treatment for weather protection.

It can retain loft and warmth when wet. A synthetic insulation, the Ventrix relies on a stretchy 80-gram weight polyester.

Variable fabric deniers are used throughout the jacket for abrasion resistance. Note the fabric on the shoulders and forearms; The North Face created the Ventrix with subtle material switches tailored for climbing and other cold-weather pursuits.

Lastly, a pre-tensioned surround “binding” frames the face and holds the hood in place.

It’s akin to a soft hat and uses the same insulation as seen throughout the jacket for warmth.

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