Review: The North Face Hyper Air GTX Hoodie A super high-performance rain jacket that will repel the rain from anywhere, something serious runners would want to wear.
written by Outdoor Gearzine Editorial Department
There's no one who doesn't know about GORE-TEX anymore. When it comes to GORE-TEX rainwear, the sense of security is irreplaceable. However, even in GORE-TEX, there are a variety of products available depending on the application, such as PRO, ACTIVE, and PACLIHT. This is because the environment is so different between hiking mountains in the extremely cold winter and in the summer rainy weather, so even GORE-TEX is designed to be suitable for a variety of activities.
This time we reviewed a rain jacket made from the latest material from GORE-TEX. As the name suggests, SHAKEDRY is a material that can dry out in an instant if you get hit by the rain. We're sending you a review of The North Face's Hyper Air GTX Hoodie, which was created by using the advantages and disadvantages of the latest materials, and is made using the best possible use of the Hyper Air GTX Hoodie.
table of contents
The general features of the Hyper Air GTX Hoodie
The North Face Hyper Air GTX Hoody , which uses GORE-TEX material SHAKEDRY, which removes the outer material and exposes the membrane, is a rather pointy rain jacket designed specifically for trail running, developed at Goldwyn Tech Lab. As it was developed for running, it is scattered with various ideas to reduce stress while running, such as wearing it while carrying a trailer backpack on your back, allowing you to take out your backpack's luggage without having to take it off, and placing shape memory wires on the brim of the hood.
Recommended points
- Amazing breathability and lasting water repellency
- Comfort when worn for long periods of time
Interesting points
- There is room around the back
- Functionality is minimal
Main Specifications and ratings
| item | Specifications and ratings |
|---|---|
| Official weight | 215g (L size) |
| Actual measured weight | 191g (Actual measurement of size M) |
| material | GORE-TEX Active with SHAKEDRY™ Product Technology (front: ePTFE, back: 100% nylon) |
| No | |
| Comfort | ★★★★★ |
| Breathability | ★★★★★ |
| Functionality | ★★★☆☆ |
| Mobility | ★★★★☆ |
| weight | ★★★☆☆ |
| comprehensive evaluation | ★★★★☆ |
Item appearance
Hyper Air GTX Hoodie Front
Hyper Air GTX Hoodie Back
Detailed review
The material is GORE-TEX Active with SHAKEDRY™ Product Technology. While regular GORE-TEX materials contain membranes (waterproof and breathable material) between the outer and inner fabrics, this SHAKEDRY removes the outer fabric and exposes the membrane. By eliminating the outer material, it can be made lighter, and in addition, the outer material does not absorb water in rainy weather, so it does not increase the weight due to water retention, and maintains water repellency and breathability for a long time.
The Hyper Air GTX hoodie is made with SHAKEDRY, but since it is only for trail running, it is scattered with the functions necessary for running.
First of all, the fitting is loose and the overall fit is loose, so you won't be pulled when running. The back is a little longer, covering about half of the buttocks. The length is probably designed to be designed to get a little closer when carrying your backpack.
The fit is not tight, but rather a little loose fit
The fabric is quite soft and comfortable to wear. It doesn't have the crispness that is common with GORE-TEX.
Close-up of the fabric on the SHAKEDRY surface
The water repellency is impressive. I continued to pour water on it with a hose for a long time, but it continued to fall into polka dots. The name SHAKEDRY comes from the fact that even if you continue to apply water, all the moisture on the surface will fly away and dry quickly if you shake it once. It comes from that point.
Water repellent properties last even after pouring water on the hose for more than 10 minutes
The back is uneven and feels smooth to the touch. Even if you sweat, it won't get sticky.
SHAKEDRY Close-up of fabric on the back
The lining is reinforced with durable seam tape for increased waterproofness. The zipper area of the ventilation in particular is quite reinforced.
The back is reinforced with seam tape quite well.
The back uses a special cutting pattern to allow room in the backpack.
Three-dimensional cutting that is intended to be worn over a backpack
It is sufficient for a trail running
There are no pockets. I personally don't feel the need for pockets in rain jackets for train runners, so this is no problem, but it may not be enough for people who usually use jacket pockets. However, if you lower the zippers on both chests, you can access the backpack directly, and there is no need for clothing pockets.
You can access your backpack directly without having to take off
This zipper part combines access to the backpack and ventilation. When the rain is in, if you open it all, it will get you in as much rain, but when climbing to increase the intensity of exercise, it is useful because it is not often exposed to rain from the front of your body.
Ventilation and access hole for both chests
The hood is generally well-built. The brim has a hat-like brim, so it stands up firmly without having to wear a hat underneath, and prevents the rain from hitting your face even when there is a strong rainfall.
The hood brim is quite solid
There is a drawstring on the back of the head to adjust the fit. It can be tightened horizontally along with your temples, so it is unlikely to be blown away even in strong winds.
The hood can be adjusted with a drawcord
The jaw area tends to be rubbed and weak, so it is thoroughly doubled and reinforced.
The jaw part is doubled and reinforced
The official weight was 215g (L size), and when I actually measured it to 191g (M size). Even considering the size difference, it will be within the error range. While most of the jackets using SHAKEDRY from other companies are in their early 100g, they weigh just under 200g, and are a little heavy. However, due to its solid construction, high-defensive hood, and waterproof zipper, this is a trade-off for functionality. You can store it compactly by placing it in the included stuff sack.
Can be stored in a stuff sack
There are a few things that bother me. Since it is intended to be worn over a backpack, the back area is made slightly larger. When I run without a backpack, I'm a bit concerned about the fluttering of the fabric on my back. However, there's no problem if you carry a backpack. The cuffs are quite tight, so it can be a hassle when you put them on and take them off. It appears that frequent attachment and removal is not taken into consideration. Both the main zipper and the ventilation are waterproof zippers, and the opening and closing are slightly firm.
Impressions from actually using it
It has a very high performance as a rain jacket. I never thought I'd come this far. Even if you are constantly exposed to the rain for a long time, the water will remain repelled. Even if you continue to pour water on it with a hose, it is water-repellent so it feels great to look at. If it is not SHAKEDRY, the outer material will retain moisture, so this will not occur. No matter how much rain you can prevent, the moisture that the outer material keeps your body cool, so SHAKEDRY is extremely valuable for trail running where the temperature changes rapidly with altitude up and down.
The breathability is amazing. As I start running and my exercise increases, of course I sweat and get sweaty, but after taking a breath I feel smooth before I know it. There are two large ventilation holes, but it doesn't seem to be much use. In situations where the temperature is high and the climb continues, the humidity still remains, but if you leave the ventilation open, you can maintain a higher comfort. This is probably because the outer material retains moisture and does not cover the membrane, which keeps the moisture permeability at all times.
The hood is slightly looser, just like the overall fitting, making it easy to put on and take off. However, if you tighten the drawcord on the back of your head, it will tighten horizontally along with your temples, so you won't be flapping in the wind. The brim is also quite sturdy, making it seem like it's wearing a cap that fits well.
The backpack seems to be expected to be about 10L, and when you put it on with a 15L on your back, it gives it a slightly tight fit, like the back is pulled, and it feels a little cramped. On the other hand, when I ran without a backpack and not wearing a hood, the fabric on the back has room for space, and the fabric on the front moves up, giving me a slight soft feel.
When wearing a 10L backpack
When wearing a 15L backpack
What's scary is the lack of durability due to the exposed membrane. Since he wears the jacket over a backpack, he is probably weak to friction. Not only is it lightweight and has very high performance as rainwear, it's a good idea to use it for fast hiking, but it's probably best to avoid carrying a heavy backpack on top.
Similarly, you need to be careful about scratching. You can ride on beautiful trails without worry, but it is best to be very careful on narrow trails, with plants and trees on both sides, lots of twigs, or rocky areas.
Summary: Recommended for people like this
While there are lightweight rain jackets made with SHAKEDRY that are worth 100g, such as the Arc'teryx Novan SL and the Gore Running Wear R7, this Hyper Air GTX hoodie costs just under 200g. If it were specialized for lightness, it would have been possible to bring it to the same weight. However, rather than deliberately reducing the weight, the finish focuses on ease of use and comfort when running trails.
I want a really good rain jacket for trail running! I recommend this without any questions for those who are wondering. It has a high performance that can be used as a rain jacket with a simple function that allows you to concentrate without any stress while driving, and you won't regret choosing it without thinking about it (I guess I'm hesitant to find the price...). This will be a great companion for serious runners who are serious about trail running.
Of course, even runners who run while enjoying the scenery can maintain water repellency, making your body less likely to get cold, and by putting it over your backpack, you don't have to worry about the contents of your backpack in the rain, so it's likely to be a very reliable option.
However, this is just a rain jacket for trail running only. Use during fast hiking or mountain climbing can significantly reduce durability. Why not take this opportunity to look at your trail running style and not just the Hyper Air GTX hoodie, but what kind of tools are suitable for you?
