The North Face Antora Rain Parka - Virtual Blue

The Antora Rain Parka is primarily a waterproof and windproof shell, not an insulated jacket. For very cold weather, you will need to wear appropriate insulating layers underneath to stay warm.

DryVent is The North Face's proprietary waterproof, breathable technology. It features a polyurethane coating that makes the fabric completely waterproof, windproof, and breathable, allowing moisture vapor from inside to escape while preventing rain from entering.

Yes, you can machine wash it. Use cold water on a gentle cycle with a mild liquid detergent. Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, and powder detergents, as they can damage the fabric's waterproof and DWR properties.

After washing and drying on low heat, you can often reactivate the Durable Water-Repellent (DWR) finish by tumble drying the parka on low heat for an additional 20 minutes. If water still doesn't bead up, consider using a spray-on or wash-in DWR treatment specifically designed for technical outerwear.

The hand pockets are designed with secure zippers to protect contents from the elements. While the fabric itself is waterproof, water could potentially enter through the zipper if it's not fully closed or if submerged, so they are water-resistant rather than fully submersible waterproof.

A non-PFC DWR (Durable Water-Repellent) finish means that the water-repellent coating applied to the fabric is free from per- and polyfluorinated chemicals. This is an environmentally friendlier alternative that still provides effective water repellency.

Yes, DryVent 2L fabrics typically feature a durable outer face fabric and a polyurethane coating or membrane on the inside, which is then usually protected by an inner lining (often mesh or a printed layer) for comfort and to protect the membrane.

The Durable Water-Repellent (DWR) finish may need reactivation or reapplication. Wash the parka according to care instructions, then tumble dry on low heat for 20 minutes to reactivate the DWR. If this doesn't work, consider applying a new DWR treatment product.

This could be due to internal condensation if the parka isn't breathing effectively or if you're wearing non-breathable layers underneath. Ensure you are wearing breathable layers (e.g., synthetic or merino wool) and adjust ventilation if possible. A dirty parka can also hinder breathability, so try washing it.

Clean any dirt or debris from the zipper teeth using a small brush. If it's still stiff, apply a zipper lubricant (like zipper wax or a silicone-based spray) to the teeth and slider.