Honestly these are some of the best reviews on UA-cam. Love watching your videos. I love that you go into how you would use them in real life instead of only going through the features. I have a few different ranges of rain jackets that I’ve collected: One comparable to TNF venture 2, one a bit more pricey in TNF future light dryzzle (they spell it that way for some reason), and one arc’teryx zeta SL. They’re all great and I love getting out in the rain any chance I get. I am a believer in getting the quality one that will last you even if it costs a bit more. I think the north face is venture 2 is right around that perfect quality to cost for what a majority of people need. I think they’re making a bigger effort to use recycled materials in it too which is always a plus.
I purchased my entire frogg togg rain suit- (jacket and pants) for $20. Toggs are emergency rain protection at best. My hood developed some small leaks almost immediately from rolling it up maybe? That being said I would buy again because for the price there still a great value! Anyone who gets outdoors a lot knows for some situations sometimes you need a “beater”.
I have only recently learnt that by reviving the waterproofing of the face fabric if it has already begun to wet through, the overall performance of the jacket can be greatly improved. Because both the breathability and waterproofness depends on a difference in surface tension, this can make a big difference. Often, if the outer fabric has a Durable Water Repellency treatment, all that is necessary is to wash it, then either dry on the appropriate setting in a tumble dryer or using a heater airer. Sometimes, it might be necessary to reproof the DWR too though. Nikwax and Grangers are a couple of brands for washing/reproofing.
Curious to know more about the washing/drying technique. I saw a video with an interview from someone at Gore Tex, and they put it thru the washing machine as the Gore Tex representative said. But they said you could just use any liquid detergent, yet they clearly used a Nikwax product for it so I'm a little skeptical since that isn't "any" liquid detergent.
I’m an extensive ultra light hiker and I’ve found Frogg Toggs UL2 is the best option in heavy extended all day type rain…and I’ve tried all the brands…NoFa, OR, Arc, HH et all….. Once the fabric “wets out” on expensive jackets you’re getting wet inside and you get this uncomfortable cold transference feeling. The cloth like inside of the Frogg Toggs, feels more comfortable than the plastic like feeling of 2ply or 3ply jackets. They are fragile so take some duct tape to patch
I've owned a GoLite Double pertex on the PCT in 2012, a Marmot Precip and also an OR Helium 2 I just retired. Spent anywhere from 120-200 apiece on those jackets. They all wet out pretty quickly in continual rain, especially after a season or two of use. For the money you spend, rain jackets just wear out too fast to buy a $300 ZPacks Vertice or something similar. Frog Toggs UL size small is the lightest jacket I have ever had, it doesn't wet out like the rest of rain jackets I have owned, and it keeps you dry. I also find I have more room to layer underneath and the hood is perfect, especially wearing a ball cap. As long as you layer properly and ventilate, you shouldn't sweat it out. Downfalls are durability, no pit zips, and its super baggy sleeves. But if you tear a hole in it? Whoopty doo, it's a 20 dollar jacket man. Chuck it in the trash and buy a new one. People have gotten1000s of miles out of these jackets, they cost next to nothing and outperform most brands. Don't let yourself fall victim to insanely inflated prices, especially for a piece of gear that sits in your pack 99% of the time, at least during summer thru hiking. I cringe thinking of all the money I could have saved on rain jackets.
I posted this above, but the key with me was checking our those options in the store, then looking for the cheapest color of that model on Amazon. A $95 NF jacket on the rack was only $55 on Amazon. Apparently blue wasn't a popular color that month. 😊
The Emergency FT model only runs $10. I keep one with me as a wind layer if it's just a breeze, or as a quick rain layer. But it's not for hiking. Once you hit summit wind speeds, it could very well delaminate while you're wearing it. 😂
I have had cheap rain jackets and now an expensive one. I believe in quality BUT more importantly I believe in buying products that are ethically produced and sourced. The secret to purchasing a $100 jacket for cheaper is to buy it on sale. REI, Patagonia, PrAna have wonderful sales all the time. I got a $139 North Face Alta Vista for $35 from REI with my leftover dividends. The jacket was on sale for $54.
a Patagonia Torrentshell is 3-layers and incredible quality. Better than that though, lifetime warranty. Ive used it.. traded in a five year old rain jacket for a brand new one in different size. Most brands won't do that for $179
From my experience even very cheap jackets/raincoats are fully waterproof (something like 10000mm water column but they are not breathable at all. And all price increases start with breathable membranes like Goretex etc and more breathability is required - the more it costs for given level level of jacket quality. Actually I am very much surprised that such cheap jacket is breathable!
If you are regularly replacing the cheaper jacket then it is not really cheaper over time. Plus for the sake of the environment, which we all like to hike in, please buy the one jacket and keep it for a long, long, long, time
Used the frogg toggs for over 300 miles now. I know people that have over 1000 miles on theirs and it still works! Personally looks is like one of the least important factors for me. But factors like weight, breathabilility, longelivety are very important factors for me. I had much more expensive rainjackets fail on me over time. (I mean 100$ is still mid range). A good more expensive jacket is the antigravity gear ul jacket....however its a lot less breathable so i get wet from sweat instead of rain. the only big downside here is that its not tear resistant. But then you can buy a new one. Now is that really ecologically worse? I dont know because i dont know how much energy and ressources are needed to make a frogg toggs or a expensive jacket. It could very well be that making 3+ frogg togs is still better than one more expensive jacket.
Great review. The frogg toggs looks perfect to me. I'm looking for something hikes, both on foot and on a bike. I will use it during the spring/summer and just as an "emergency jacket". I will probably not go out for an overnight camp if it rains but i want a rainjacket in my pack, in case i get caught in some rain. Best case, I don't have to use it at all. I really dont care about looks when im alone deep in the woods or on a trail. :) For my usecase, jacket + pants for 20$ that are lighter and more compact or 100-150$ for just a jacket (the models i have been looking at so far)... Seem like a no-brainer.
Just bought frogg toggs online for a bikepacking trip in VT, delivered yesterday… girlfriend bought north face venture 2 for me on the way home today not knowing that I already got a rain jacket. Your video has been very helpful in making a decision on what to use. Ty.
Keep in mind frogg toggs is a company from the SE United States where it rains a lot but is much warmer weather so the breathability and poor wind protection makes a lot of sense.
There are ISO standards that manufactures refuse to include which include abrasion tests etc. Even the waterproof/breathability test is manipulated by using the test that shows the best results that they want. No jacket is going to keep you dry and sweat free under heavy exercise especially without pit zips. Ever wondered why the worlds militaries use ponchos in the jungle, hot and very humid environments.
Great video! What about Columbia? I found a Columbia Gleenaker lake for $40 USD. Do you think it can compete with the north face Resolve 2 (75USD)? Thanks!
I shopped Columbia and TNF before a summit of Mount Hood. They're fairly comparable. It's just that TNF doesn't have much at that intro Columbia price point. It comes down to options. I wanted pit zips for ventilation, and a hood that could be adjusted if wearing a helmet. Some budget Columbia's do have that hood adjustment, but none had pit zips. BUT ... I found a TNF model in the store for $95, then found the cheapest color of that model and size on Anazon for $55. If you're not too picky, you can save quite a bit doing that.
I'm plenty good sized and TNF fits fine as sizes go up. Remember that this man wears a medium - a size unheard of in the middle 85% of the US. 😅 But I can say that an XL fits me (XL and 2XL are my usual shirt sizes) just fine, with room for layering. Stats: 5'9", 245#, 51" chest.
Honestly these are some of the best reviews on UA-cam. Love watching your videos. I love that you go into how you would use them in real life instead of only going through the features. I have a few different ranges of rain jackets that I’ve collected: One comparable to TNF venture 2, one a bit more pricey in TNF future light dryzzle (they spell it that way for some reason), and one arc’teryx zeta SL. They’re all great and I love getting out in the rain any chance I get. I am a believer in getting the quality one that will last you even if it costs a bit more. I think the north face is venture 2 is right around that perfect quality to cost for what a majority of people need. I think they’re making a bigger effort to use recycled materials in it too which is always a plus.
I purchased my entire frogg togg rain suit- (jacket and pants) for $20. Toggs are emergency rain protection at best. My hood developed some small leaks almost immediately from rolling it up maybe? That being said I would buy again because for the price there still a great value! Anyone who gets outdoors a lot knows for some situations sometimes you need a “beater”.
I have only recently learnt that by reviving the waterproofing of the face fabric if it has already begun to wet through, the overall performance of the jacket can be greatly improved. Because both the breathability and waterproofness depends on a difference in surface tension, this can make a big difference. Often, if the outer fabric has a Durable Water Repellency treatment, all that is necessary is to wash it, then either dry on the appropriate setting in a tumble dryer or using a heater airer. Sometimes, it might be necessary to reproof the DWR too though. Nikwax and Grangers are a couple of brands for washing/reproofing.
Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely try that on mine!
Curious to know more about the washing/drying technique. I saw a video with an interview from someone at Gore Tex, and they put it thru the washing machine as the Gore Tex representative said. But they said you could just use any liquid detergent, yet they clearly used a Nikwax product for it so I'm a little skeptical since that isn't "any" liquid detergent.
Outstanding review. It's the small details I appreciate that you mention. Thank you. Subscribed.
I’m an extensive ultra light hiker and I’ve found Frogg Toggs UL2 is the best option in heavy extended all day type rain…and I’ve tried all the brands…NoFa, OR, Arc, HH et all….. Once the fabric “wets out” on expensive jackets you’re getting wet inside and you get this uncomfortable cold transference feeling. The cloth like inside of the Frogg Toggs, feels more comfortable than the plastic like feeling of 2ply or 3ply jackets. They are fragile so take some duct tape to patch
I've owned a GoLite Double pertex on the PCT in 2012, a Marmot Precip and also an OR Helium 2 I just retired. Spent anywhere from 120-200 apiece on those jackets. They all wet out pretty quickly in continual rain, especially after a season or two of use. For the money you spend, rain jackets just wear out too fast to buy a $300 ZPacks Vertice or something similar.
Frog Toggs UL size small is the lightest jacket I have ever had, it doesn't wet out like the rest of rain jackets I have owned, and it keeps you dry. I also find I have more room to layer underneath and the hood is perfect, especially wearing a ball cap. As long as you layer properly and ventilate, you shouldn't sweat it out. Downfalls are durability, no pit zips, and its super baggy sleeves. But if you tear a hole in it? Whoopty doo, it's a 20 dollar jacket man. Chuck it in the trash and buy a new one. People have gotten1000s of miles out of these jackets, they cost next to nothing and outperform most brands.
Don't let yourself fall victim to insanely inflated prices, especially for a piece of gear that sits in your pack 99% of the time, at least during summer thru hiking. I cringe thinking of all the money I could have saved on rain jackets.
I love how the north face and Columbia make their gear look and just overall aesthetic but it’s so expensive.
I posted this above, but the key with me was checking our those options in the store, then looking for the cheapest color of that model on Amazon.
A $95 NF jacket on the rack was only $55 on Amazon. Apparently blue wasn't a popular color that month. 😊
We have found that it worth it to buy quality. Gear on the mountain side needs to work well. Thanks for the information!
Frogg Tip: You can duct tape the Frogg. I have a really old emergency FT poncho in my truck and it still works with tape patches.
The Emergency FT model only runs $10. I keep one with me as a wind layer if it's just a breeze, or as a quick rain layer.
But it's not for hiking. Once you hit summit wind speeds, it could very well delaminate while you're wearing it. 😂
I have had cheap rain jackets and now an expensive one. I believe in quality BUT more importantly I believe in buying products that are ethically produced and sourced. The secret to
purchasing a $100 jacket for cheaper is to buy it on sale. REI, Patagonia, PrAna have wonderful sales all the time. I got a $139 North Face Alta Vista for $35 from REI with my leftover dividends. The jacket was on sale for $54.
I bought a TNF Stolemberg and i love it. Very durable and perfekt fit.
You can bring both sleeves to middle (about 8 inches wide) ,and roll from bottom up and use hood to stuff jacket in.
a Patagonia Torrentshell is 3-layers and incredible quality. Better than that though, lifetime warranty. Ive used it.. traded in a five year old rain jacket for a brand new one in different size. Most brands won't do that for $179
Looks like you found my next jacket!
From my experience even very cheap jackets/raincoats are fully waterproof (something like 10000mm water column but they are not breathable at all. And all price increases start with breathable membranes like Goretex etc and more breathability is required - the more it costs for given level level of jacket quality. Actually I am very much surprised that such cheap jacket is breathable!
It's breathable because it is loose fitting. Air flows in from the bottom and face area.
The fabric itself isn't really much more breathable than a garbage bag when wet. Guess what's clogging all those microscopic air holes at that point?
If you are regularly replacing the cheaper jacket then it is not really cheaper over time. Plus for the sake of the environment, which we all like to hike in, please buy the one jacket and keep it for a long, long, long, time
sure, but if you're someone who uses a rain jacket 2-3 times a year or only on trips, the froggtogg is perfect
my froggtog same one water just goes right thru. idk whats going on
Used the frogg toggs for over 300 miles now. I know people that have over 1000 miles on theirs and it still works!
Personally looks is like one of the least important factors for me. But factors like weight, breathabilility, longelivety are very important factors for me.
I had much more expensive rainjackets fail on me over time. (I mean 100$ is still mid range). A good more expensive jacket is the antigravity gear ul jacket....however its a lot less breathable so i get wet from sweat instead of rain.
the only big downside here is that its not tear resistant. But then you can buy a new one.
Now is that really ecologically worse? I dont know because i dont know how much energy and ressources are needed to make a frogg toggs or a expensive jacket. It could very well be that making 3+ frogg togs is still better than one more expensive jacket.
Which model of frogg toggs were you using? There's many models and I'm looking to get something for hiking in Olympic np.
I like how you do very proffetional videos and it feels that you do it for fun, you really deserve more subscribers !
Great review. The frogg toggs looks perfect to me.
I'm looking for something hikes, both on foot and on a bike. I will use it during the spring/summer and just as an "emergency jacket". I will probably not go out for an overnight camp if it rains but i want a rainjacket in my pack, in case i get caught in some rain. Best case, I don't have to use it at all.
I really dont care about looks when im alone deep in the woods or on a trail. :)
For my usecase, jacket + pants for 20$ that are lighter and more compact or 100-150$ for just a jacket (the models i have been looking at so far)... Seem like a no-brainer.
I use my frogg toggs as an anti slipp mat under my sleeping pad due to it’s rubbery material
Nice video! Thanks for sharing
Just bought frogg toggs online for a bikepacking trip in VT, delivered yesterday… girlfriend bought north face venture 2 for me on the way home today not knowing that I already got a rain jacket. Your video has been very helpful in making a decision on what to use. Ty.
Haha you clicked the right video then mate. 😀
people allways say the frog toggs looks bag but i think it looks good haha
Great review
You should try the Patagonia torrent shell jacket I keep hearing good things about it
Great review. Just subbed you man. Many thanks.
Keep in mind frogg toggs is a company from the SE United States where it rains a lot but is much warmer weather so the breathability and poor wind protection makes a lot of sense.
When I'm out hiking, I could care less if my jacket looks ugly or not, but good review anyway
which one should be preffered to protect from rain in the city? resolve or venture or quest
Scotch tape tiny roll kept my frogg toggs 2200 miles on AT
But what about hiking for two hours, or more?
There are ISO standards that manufactures refuse to include which include abrasion tests etc. Even the waterproof/breathability test is manipulated by using the test that shows the best results that they want. No jacket is going to keep you dry and sweat free under heavy exercise especially without pit zips. Ever wondered why the worlds militaries use ponchos in the jungle, hot and very humid environments.
Nice content. What pants were you wearing in the rain test?
They look like fjallraven to me
How tall are you? I'm 5'11" and thinking about getting a large Frogg Toggs.
Great video! What about Columbia? I found a Columbia Gleenaker lake for $40 USD. Do you think it can compete with the north face Resolve 2 (75USD)? Thanks!
I shopped Columbia and TNF before a summit of Mount Hood. They're fairly comparable. It's just that TNF doesn't have much at that intro Columbia price point.
It comes down to options. I wanted pit zips for ventilation, and a hood that could be adjusted if wearing a helmet.
Some budget Columbia's do have that hood adjustment, but none had pit zips.
BUT ... I found a TNF model in the store for $95, then found the cheapest color of that model and size on Anazon for $55.
If you're not too picky, you can save quite a bit doing that.
@@cobbler88 many thanks 👍
@@luisalbertoguizar Any time!
if you carry duct tape or repair tape in your pack anyway, the frogg toggs is easy to repair in the field.
Nice comparison. What hiking pants are those?
I think they’re fjallraven
Had a army surplus gore tex jacket for 10 years and still going strong paid 10 pound for it 😂
The inside of the NF is some kind of mesh?
Nope, it isn't. The resolve 2 comes with lined mesh, but not venture 2.
Hello bro your size in North face jacket? Is large?
Mine's in medium. 😉
My toggs have a string to since the waist
What pants are those?
Pretty sure they’re fjallraven
North face is made for europians or american hikers, and the other one for average american size man, mostly
I'm plenty good sized and TNF fits fine as sizes go up. Remember that this man wears a medium - a size unheard of in the middle 85% of the US. 😅
But I can say that an XL fits me (XL and 2XL are my usual shirt sizes) just fine, with room for layering.
Stats: 5'9", 245#, 51" chest.
Get real rain gear if you want to look good for a couple of hrs you have the rich stuff