Review: The North Face Hyperair GTX Hoody: A must-have for serious runners. This ultra-high-performance rain jacket repels rain
Written by Outdoor Gearzine Editorial Department
There is probably no one who hasn't heard of GORE-TEX. When it comes to GORE-TEX rainwear, the sense of security it provides is irreplaceable. However, even GORE-TEX comes in a variety of products for different purposes, such as PRO, ACTIVE, and PACLIHT. This is because the environments of freezing winter mountain climbing and summer rainy weather are so different that even GORE-TEX is designed to be suitable for a variety of activities
The rain jacket we reviewed this time is made with GORE-TEX's latest material, SHAKEDRY. As the name suggests, SHAKEDRY is a material that dries instantly with a shake, even if you're caught in the rain. We'll be giving you a thorough review of The North Face's Hyperair GTX Hoodie, which makes full use of the advantages and disadvantages of this latest material
table of contents
Hyperair GTX Hoody:
The North Face Hyperair GTX Hoodie It features a GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY outer membrane, with the outer shell removed to expose the membrane . As you'd expect from a jacket designed for running, it's packed with features to minimize stress while running, such as the ability to put it on while carrying a trail running backpack, the ability to access your gear without having to take it off, and memory wire in the hood brim.
Recommended points
- Incredible breathability and long-lasting water repellency
- Comfortable for extended wear
Points of concern
- There is room around the back
- Minimal functionality
Main specifications and evaluation
| item | Specifications and reviews |
|---|---|
| official weight | 215g (Large size) |
| Actual weight | 191g (measured size M) |
| material | GORE-TEX Active with SHAKEDRY™ Product Technology (Exterior: ePTFE, Interior: 100% Nylon) |
| No | |
| Comfort | ★★★★★ |
| Breathability | ★★★★★ |
| Functionality | ★★★☆☆ |
| mobility | ★★★★☆ |
| weight | ★★★☆☆ |
| comprehensive evaluation | ★★★★☆ |
Item Appearance
Hyperair GTX Hoody front
Hyperair GTX Hoody back
Detailed Review
The material uses GORE-TEX Active with SHAKEDRY™ Product Technology. While regular GORE-TEX materials have a membrane (waterproof and breathable material) sandwiched between the outer and inner layers, SHAKEDRY eliminates the outer layer, leaving the membrane exposed. Eliminating the outer layer allows for a lightweight finish, and because the outer layer does not absorb water in rainy weather, there is no weight gain due to water retention, and the water-repellent and breathable properties are maintained for long periods of time
The Hyperair GTX Hoodie, made by SHAKEDRY, is designed specifically for trail running and is packed with features necessary for running
First of all, the fit is loose and roomy overall, so it doesn't feel like it's being pulled in when you run. The length of the back is a little long, covering about half of your buttocks. This length is probably designed to accommodate the fact that it will ride up a little when you wear a backpack
The fit is not tight, but a slightly loose fit
The fabric is very soft and comfortable to wear, without the crisp feel that is common with GORE-TEX
Close-up of SHAKEDRY surface fabric
The water repellency is impressive. I sprayed water on it for a long time with a hose, but the water just kept falling off in droplets. The name SHAKEDRY comes from the fact that even if you keep spraying water on it, all the water on the surface flies off with a single shake, and it dries quickly
Water-repellent properties last even after spraying water from a hose for over 10 minutes
The back is textured and feels smooth against the skin, so it won't get sticky even if you sweat
Close-up of the SHAKEDRY back fabric
The lining is reinforced with heavy-duty seam tape to improve waterproofing, especially around the ventilation zippers
The backside is reinforced with seam tape
The back uses a special cutting pattern to provide ample space for the backpack
Three-dimensional cut designed to be worn over a backpack
Sufficient functionality for trail running
There are no pockets. I personally don't see the need for pockets on a trail running rain jacket, so this isn't a problem, but for those who normally use jacket pockets, it may be lacking. However, by unzipping both chest compartments, you can access the backpack directly, eliminating the need for pockets on your gear
Direct access to the backpack without having to take it off
This zipper serves both as access to the backpack and ventilation. If you open it all the way when it rains, the rain will come right in, but it's useful when climbing and the intensity of your exercise increases, as it keeps the rain from hitting your front
Ventilation holes on both sides of the chest and access holes to the backpack
The hood is well-built overall. The brim is like a hat brim, so it stands upright even without a hat underneath, and it keeps the rain off your face even in heavy downpours
The brim of the hood is quite sturdy
There is a drawcord at the back of the head to adjust the fit. It tightens horizontally around the temples, so it won't blow away even in strong winds
Hood is adjustable with a drawcord
The chin area is prone to rubbing and weakening, so it has been reinforced with a double layer
The chin area is double reinforced
The official weight is 215g (size L), but when I actually weighed it, it was 191g (size M). Even taking into account size differences, this is probably within the margin of error. While other companies' SHAKEDRY jackets tend to weigh in the low 100g range, this jacket is a little heavy at just under 200g. However, it's designed with ease of use in mind, with a sturdy construction, a highly protective hood, and waterproof zippers, so this is a trade-off with functionality. It can be stored compactly in the included stuff sack
Packs into a stuff sack
There are a few points of concern. As it is intended to be worn over a backpack, the back is made a little large. When running without a backpack, the fabric flapping around the back is a bit of a concern. However, if you wear a backpack, it's not a problem. The cuffs are quite tight, which makes it cumbersome to put on and take off. It doesn't seem to have been designed with frequent putting on and taking off in mind. The zippers for both the main and ventilation ports are waterproof, and are a little stiff to open and close
Actual impressions after using it
Its performance as a rain jacket is extremely high. I never expected it to be this good. It keeps repelling water even when constantly being hit by rain for a long time. Even when spraying water from a hose, it remains water-repellent, which is a pleasant sight to watch. Without SHAKEDRY, the outer fabric would retain water, which would not happen. No matter how well it keeps out the rain, the moisture retained by the outer fabric will still cool your body, so SHAKEDRY is extremely valuable for trail running, where elevation changes and temperatures fluctuate drastically
The breathability is simply amazing. As you start running and your exercise increases, you will naturally start to sweat and become steamy, but if you take a breather, you will find yourself feeling dry before you know it. There are two large ventilation holes, but I don't think I'll use them much. In situations where the temperature is high and you're climbing continuously, you still feel a bit damp, but if you open the ventilation at those times, you can maintain a higher level of comfort. This is probably because the outer layer retains water and doesn't cover the membrane, so breathability is maintained at all times
The hood, like the overall fit, is slightly loose, making it easy to put on and take off. However, if you tighten the drawcord at the back of your head, it will fit horizontally around your temples and won't flap in the wind. The brim is also quite firm, so it feels like you're wearing a well-fitting cap
The backpack is designed to fit around 10L, so when wearing it over a 15L backpack, it feels a bit tight and restrictive, pulling on the back. On the other hand, when running without the backpack, especially without the hood, there is more room in the back and the fabric in the front rides up, which can be a bit annoying
When wearing a 10L backpack
When wearing a 15L backpack
What's scary is the low durability due to the exposed membrane. The fact that it's worn over a backpack likely makes it vulnerable to friction. It's lightweight and performs very well as rainwear, so it's tempting to use it on fast hikes, but it's probably best to avoid carrying a heavy backpack on top of it.
Similarly, you need to be careful about scratches. You can ride it without worry on clean trails, but you'll need to be very careful on narrow paths with thick vegetation on both sides, lots of thorns, or rocky areas.
Summary: Recommended for these people
While there are lightweight rain jackets using SHAKEDRY, such as Arc'teryx's Norvan SL and Gore Running Wear's R7, which weigh around 100g, the Hyperair GTX Hoody weighs just under 200g. If they had focused on lightness, they could have achieved a similar weight. However, rather than focusing on lightweight design, they focused on ease of use and comfort for trail running
If you're looking for a really good rain jacket for trail running, I would recommend this without question. With its "ultra" high performance as a rain jacket and simple functions that allow you to concentrate on your run without stress, you won't regret choosing it without thinking (maybe the price is a bit of a hesitation...). For serious runners who are serious about trail running, this is the perfect companion
Of course, even for runners who like to enjoy the scenery while running, the water-repellent properties will help prevent the body from getting cold, and by wearing it over your backpack, you won't have to worry about the contents of your backpack when it rains, so it seems like it will be a very reassuring choice as it will eliminate unnecessary worries
However, this is a rain jacket designed specifically for trail running. Using it for fast hiking or mountain climbing can significantly reduce its durability. This is an opportunity to reassess your trail running style and consider what gear is best suited to you, not just the Hyperair GTX Hoody
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