North Face Stretch Venture rain jacket ?
 

Anybody using the North face Venture Stretch Rain Jacket for commuting ?

I would welcome any feedback on this jacket. Except for not having a long back (i.e. not a rain jacket that is biking specific), it seems to be a good one, have reflexive bands...

Thanks

Wheely

I'd say it is a no-go, as it lacks pit zips. You'll get hot and sweat in any waterproof/breatheable jacket, and pit zips go a long way toward removing the internal heat.

If you're planning on being wet, are you running fenders on your bike? If you have fenders, nothing gets on your back, so a jacket with a long back is unnecessary.

I think these are better, and the Marmot should be widely available up yonder:

http://www.rei.com/product/47856590.htm?vcat=REI_HP_LD

http://www.rei.com/product/47855770.htm?vcat=REI_HP_LD

Ok Thanks. Yes, I have Fenders on my bike so I guess the long back is not necessary...

Now...Actually. I thought the Venture did have pit zips...
The Precip I think is definitely another good choice although it lacks reflexive stripes...What about the Marmot Oracle ? Is is worth it comparatively to the Precip ?

Thanks

Wheely

Mec has some, although they discontinued their best design.

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1126971264298

If you want to go even pricier, with lots of ventilation and stripes.

http://www.taigaworks.ca/cycle/index.html#cyclewear

Cheapest and Cycling specific I can find around town is Louis Garnough spotlight jackets. I just cant find one around town in something that doesnt make me blend into the trees.

I have the non-stretch TNF Venture, and it's a great jacket. I've owned it for about a year, and it has stood up to the beating of regular use and camping, hiking, and cycling. It has pit zips and the hand pockets are mesh, so if you have them both open you can get some good airflow moving through the jacket. It's a pretty light jacket and I've never really gotten extremely sweaty in it while riding in the rain, except for the midatlantic summer days when it's hot and humid and raining all at once.