A no frills rain shell that keeps you dry without emptying your wallet.
Product Image: The North Face
7.0
KADS SCORE
Quick Take
The Resolve 2 is The North Face’s entry level rain shell, and it nails the brief: waterproof, windproof, and affordable. At around $89 it is the jacket you throw in a pack and forget about until the sky opens. Premium shells breathe better, but for day hikes and commutes this is plenty.
What We Like
- Fully seam sealed DryVent shell blocks wind and rain
- Hood stows into the collar when the sun comes out
- Storm flap with Velcro closure seals out driving rain
- Packs small and layers easily over a fleece
What We Don’t Like
- DryVent 2L is less breathable than premium 3L shells
- Boxy fit will not win style points
- Lacks pit zips and other premium features
- DWR coating needs periodic retreating to keep beading
Product Details
Full Review
Quality
The Resolve 2 is a two layer waterproof shell built from DryVent nylon ripstop with a DWR finish, fully seam sealed to keep water out of the stitching. The mesh lining adds a touch of comfort, while the attached hood cinches tight and stows away into the collar. Covered zip hand pockets, elastic cuffs, and a hem cinch cord round out a jacket designed for hard use in bad weather rather than fashion week.
Value
At $89 the Resolve 2 costs a fraction of Gore Tex shells that can run triple the price. For casual hikers and commuters the performance gap rarely matters. Frequent sales push it even lower, making it one of the best value rain shells from a major outdoor brand.
Who Should Buy It
Day hikers, festival goers, and commuters who need reliable rain protection on a budget.
Who Should Skip It
Backpackers and alpinists pushing hard in bad weather should invest in a more breathable 3 layer shell.
FINAL VERDICT
The Resolve 2 is the sensible rain jacket: genuinely waterproof, tough enough for the trail, and priced for real life. It will not impress gear snobs, but it will keep you dry.
7.0 / 10
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