Ventus Active Hoodie + Pillow

Just an awesome hoodie. Light rain just rolls off, Great wind breaker. Keeps you warm but also pit vents keep you from overheating while hoodie works great for cold early mornings.
Doesn't seem to like briars much

Recently I went on a Grand Canyon backpacking trip and was talking to a friend about what layers to bring due to the expected cold and wet weather. I mentioned bringing a lightweight fleece for active insulation, but we discussed how fleece is so heavy. I'd been seeing Outdoor Vitals on social media for a while, so checked out the Ventus Hoody as a possible active insulation piece. I was pretty impressed with the specs and I was pleasantly surprised to see the insulation used in the Ventus was one I'd had experience with from another brand and really liked how it performed. Needless to say, the Ventus was my favorite and most versatile layering piece that I brought. I was pleasantly surprised by the wide range of temps and weather extremes that I was able to wear the Ventus in during my trip. Even in pre-hike testing of the piece I wore it on an early morning dog walk where I'd usually wear a fleece jacket and my back would be sweaty, the Ventus left me more comfortable (stayed plenty warm) with a non-sweaty back after the walk. Like most, I missed having pockets when wearing at camp, but completely understand the reasoning behind why there aren't any. Besides, when worn with a pack they'd be covered up by the hip belt anyway. I'm 5'8" with a 39" chest. I'm right on the upper end of a Medium measurement wise, so opted for a Large. While maybe fitting slightly more baggy than it should, it makes it a little easier to get on and there is no binding under my armpits like some of the mediums I've gotten in the past from other brands with athletic fit..

In regards to the pillow, it replaced my previous pillow on the GC trip and I liked it better. Was able to strap it to my pad, and the non-slip grip on the pillow kept it from sliding around like my previous pillow. It was also lighter than my older pillow. I'll definitely be ordering more Outdoor Vitals gear.

I'm 6'6" so it's always hard to find clothes that fit. I'm 215 and the xl tall is perfect. Pretty athletic fit but it works for me.

Actual size gives no room for a layer. Size up for layers

Light but warm! Great as an outer layer when it isn’t below freezing and great as a mid layer when it is! Best piece of clothing gear I own for everyday use and backpacking!

The marketing video sells it well. When you get it and put it on it feels cheap. Also, you must put both arms through and slide it on. It’s a challenge getting it off. It’s also not waterproof and you’d be just as fine with Nike dri-fit wear or another reputable brand for breathable jacket. I took the tags off too quickly and if I hadn’t, I would’ve return it.

Super comfortable! I wish they made another fun color for women. Super light weight easy to shove n stow.

Just did a vacation in Portugal and layered this with other OV products cause in spring here it is hot, rainy, windy then chilly as you get into the evening.

The warmth to weight ratio on this is incredible. It’s so warm that it’s allowed me to leave my puffy at home on any trip that not below freezing. And yet, despite being warm, it can dump excessive heat well.

It’s the best outdoor hoodie I have experienced.

Bought this nearly a year ago and it is literally the only jacket I pack for outdoor adventures. Takes up no space in pack and works great in all sorts of weather. Only thing to make it better would be pockets. Wool layer underneath and you’re good to go!

Quality is superb and the fit was spot on. The combination of weight to warmth makes this a great mid layer or stand alone. Would definitely recommend its use in many conditions and situations.

fits great!

The Ventus Active Hoodie is incredible versatile, comfortable and lightweight. I tend to run pretty hot so the ventilated panels in the armpit area are great for me. At the same time, this hoodie works has been effective for me even in near-freezing temperatures. Using this with a base layer or sun hoodie underneath is plenty warm for even colder times in fall or spring. My only very small complaint is that while the "tall" size is great for my long torso, the sleeves are much longer than what I'm used to in similarly sized clothes so I end up rolling them up a bit. This is a minor issue and not one that cuts this down from 5 stars!

I am 185ls, 5’7 and ordered an xl womens. Fits on my hips and I have good movement in my shoulders. I am active hiker and weightlifter so need flexiblity in shoulders and I am curvy in the hips. I bought the hoody for hiking in Wisconsin. I have other wool based layers and prefer over down. This is very lightweight but still warm. I have tested at 0 degrees with just an additional soft shell over the top. Expecting this to be excellent spring and fall single layer.

Great hoodie for backpacking! Loved it so much just purchased a pair of the hiking pants which are great as well

What magic is this!?
Ultra light, ultra dry, ultra warm
Perfect.

This thing is great! Been looking for a replacement for my old North Face summit series quarter zip synthetic down sweater. This is by far superior and has the hoodie. Wore it last night in 20 degree weather and stayed comfortable. Only thing I wish is that there was an outside chest pocket.

Everything is fine: lightweight, quality, long, but hood very small and uncomfortable. It doesn’t save your face from wind or rain.

I am the guy who has a closet full of coats and jackets and windbreakers. It makes my wife laugh. Since I've purchased the Ventus, I never have used 80% of the ones in my closet since. I purchased two more since and love how it repells water and keeps wind out. I work outside and put on three layers underneath, and i stay dry, warm, and for the first time really enjoy working outside. I honestly haven't found a jacket that I have loved more than this one. Personally, it is the best purchase I've made. Thank you outdoor vitals.

The jury is still out. I have only actively worn it twice, for two cold outside Hiit workouts. Its warm and light but the vented armpits lets lots of air both in and out! So you are warm and cold at the same. The first time i only had a tee shirt under it and it was too drafty, the second time i had a long sleeve base layer and worked much better. I was looking for a warm wintertime piece that I could generate some heat but not overheat...so maybe this is it? Maybe it is not... time will tell

Love how warm this hoodie is compared to how lightweight it is. Definitely a MUST for any backpacker as it packs down small and does not add a ton of weight/bulk to your load. Fair warning size up if you like a little room as it is VERY for fitting w/ its athletic cut

I absolutely love this hoodie! It’s so comfortable, both for being cozy and for outdoor adventures. It’s incredibly warm for how light and flexible it is, and with the ventilation it regulates temperature really well.

I bought the hoodie after researching and was very impressed on how it was made, and decided to buy one.After it got here it was in the low 30s and the wind was blowing, what a better time to try it out, It keep me warm and comfortable. I am very satisfied.You will not be disappointed.

I used this on a mid November hunt just last week and was super impressed with how warm it kept me and at the same time how well it kept me from overheating and sweating while hiking. I am one who gets cold easy and I spent the vast majority of the time with just this jacket and base layers. It was 40s during the day with a bitter cold cut right through you wind. Jacket preformed great!

Real nice needs extra layers if it is cold wind blows through it

I’m an XL in most all shirts and jackets. 6’2 215lbs. This hoodie runs small. Tight around torso and tight in the armpits. I would not recommend this if you have an athletic build. Seems very well made and would otherwise be comfortable

This is a great insulated hoodie for a mid-layer or even outer layer on its own. Low bulk, lightweight, and surprisingly warm. Great for outdoor activities or travel. I wear a Large shirt/jacket and the fit is “athletic” which is to say it fits well over a T-shirt without the extra bulk. Good call on not adding pockets to reduce bulk. If you feel the need for pockets, get the Vario. Great product and all the R&D that went into the design of the Ventura shows.

Very pleased. Quality and functional. Warm enough for chilly mornings and will be a go to under layer when colder. Really wish the full zip would have been available. I am 5‘8“ and 150 pounds. The small was recommended. It’s snug which works for an under layer. A tad bigger would be better for a solo.