Updated 05/18/2025

The Outdoor Vitals Ventus Active Hoodie is an ultralight insulated mid-layer that provides a lot of warmth for the weight.

Made with synthetic 3DeFX insulation, the Ventus is bodymapped for warmth and breathability. When you are more active, the insulation uncoils to expand and allow more airflow, and contracts when you are less active for more loft and warmth.

Specs

• Shell: 20D Ripstop Nylon DWR treated
• Lining: 20D Ripstop Nylon
• Insulation: 3DeFX synthetic insulation
• Warranty: Outdoor Vitals Performance Promise
• Weight: 6.5 ounces (size small)

View at Outdoor Vitals - Women's  View at Outdoor Vitals - Men's

About Outdoor Vitals

Outdoor Vitals is a small cottage-industry company based in Utah. Instead of selling their merchandise in traditional retail outlets, they use direct-to-consumer sales to make their gear more affordable.

What I like about the Ventus

Most mid-layers built for warmth are bulky, but the Ventus is extremely lightweight and yet keeps me warmer than wearing a fleece or wool mid-layer so I can stay active without feeling restricted. The ripstop nylon fabric is stretchy with a soft feel. Coated with a DWR coating to resist moisture, the fabric also blocks wind well. And I like how the hood moves with me when I turn my head instead of blocking my vision on one side like other hoods can do.

Features

Fit: The cut is athletic and is meant to fit close to the body with only a lightweight base layer or shirt underneath. This helps the body mapped technology work to keep you warm and dry based on activity level. I’m 5’1″ and wear a women’s size small.

Ventilation: Based on the name “Ventus”, a key feature of this hoodie is ventilation to prevent overheating and sweating. To keep heat from building up, the underarms have perforated holes without insulation to allow airflow. For additional venting when I start to feel warm, I unzip the front to allow cool air to enter.

Durability: The overall quality on the build is very good. I’ve seen no loose threads or other construction issues, and the fabric is high quality. I’ve worn this almost non-stop for two months and have seen no durability issues.

Washability: I’ve washed my hoodie several times in the washing machine using cold water and regular laundry detergent. As with all of my outdoor apparel, I hang it to dry instead of using the dryer.

Layering: I wear this hoodie with a lightweight merino wool base layer underneath and a lightweight jacket over it when it’s cold. The synthetic LoftTek jacket, also made by Outdoor Vitals, layers well with the hoodie (see my review of the LoftTek jacket). When I start to feel too warm, I unzip the underarm vents on the LoftTeck jacket and the perforated underarms on the Ventus help keep air flowing.

Additional features: Thumbholes on the sleeves allow you to keep the fabric from bunching to make layering easy, and a hidden interior pocket lets you stuff the hoodie inside it for ease in packing.

Disclosure: this item was donated for the purpose of a review.

Gear Reviews: My goal is to share clear, unbiased information about outdoor gear. I am not sponsored by any gear companies and I don’t accept paid posts or links. I regularly receive products from brands for review, with no expectation of a positive review and no compensation for my opinions. As an independent gear reviewer, I only review items I’ve personally used on multiple trips and that I believe are high-quality and worth recommending.

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