The torso length was looking enough for him. Item No. $5400 MSRP $80.00 32 % OFF! Performance softshells are intended for activities like climbing, mountaineering, and ski touring, and leverage the two primary benefits of a softshell: breathability and mobility. The North Face Apex Canyonwall Eco Jacket. A clean look with a soft exterior in a standard fit that pairs with casual wear. $9.99 shipping. Throughout a season of A common debate amongst backcountry-goers is whether to wear a hardshell or softshell jacket as an outer layer. I hope they dont tinker too much with the design and keep this jacket the way it is. 5'10" 138 pounds and a medium is a bit roomy but the quality and value for the black one is great. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. Tack on a helmet-compatible hood, underarm vents, two large front pockets (easy to access with a pack on) and internal dump pockets, and a mesh powder skirt, and you get a fully backcountry-ready design with very few compromises. Machine wash. The softshell fabric features the acclaimed TNF Apex ClimateBlock fabric, wind permeability rated. Several years ago NorthFace quit making this vest, and only offered the puffy down stuffed vests. Lack of a hood lets this jacket layer well when temperatures change. But the Chromium thermal light warmth nature has made it only fittable for a medium range of weather conditions. They far outperform waterproof hardshells in high-exertion activities like climbing or backcountry skiing. And as weve come to expect from Patagonia, the R1 TechFace is good-looking, too, proving its chops as a highly versatile piece that you can wear both on the trail and around town. It looks like WhatsApp is not installed on your phone. Fit and Design: Standard fit jacket. Please try again later. This durable softshell design makes it easy to add a layer . Its priced right and matches up well with the Apex and Gravity in durability and warmth, with a sturdy shell and fleece-lined interior. Patagonia has one of the most extensive fleece collections on the market, and their performance-focused Regulator (R) series is designed with active use in mind. This is a video of a video I did about 7 years ago, but still relevant as the Apex Bionic is st. True to its climbing intentions, it features two harness-compatible chest pockets (one of which doubles as a stuff sack) and a sleek hood that fits under a helmet, keeping it in place in a squall. It was a gift for my son. An Apex Bionic is great for winter and very cold season or weather. (137) Color: TNF Dark Grey Heather. There was a problem completing your request. The North Face logo on left chest and back-right shoulder. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. Why North Face Chromium is Better? You can wear it inside without being too hot and outside it provides the perfect amount of warmth for a Texas winter. vs. the Gamma LTs 30 in.). Breathability was not one of the strong suits of this jacket. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. Returned it for a XXL that fit much better; larger size showed up two days later. The attached hood helps to ensure that the head is always protected . Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2021. For those who need a jacket for walks and light day hikes, this softshell has an adequate amount of mobility. 1996-2023, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates, THE NORTH FACE Men's Apex Canyonwall Eco Vest, Material: [front body] WindWall (150D polyester), DWR coating, [back body, side panels] 150D polyester fleece, Windproof Rating: [front] 10CFM, [back] 100CFM+. Your priorities should push you in one direction or the other and, realistically, those that spend a lot of time in the outdoors have at least one of each type. A good number of softshells are sold in both hooded and non-hooded styles, including our top-rated Arc'teryx Gamma LT. So when they recently added this thin vest I excitedly ordered one that fit me better as my size had increased over the last ten years. But for runners, backcountry skiers, and climbers wanting a weather resistant, breathable softshell that packs down small (into its chest pocket) and weighs nothing, the Alpine Start is our favorite ultralight offeringRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Black Diamond Alpine Start See the Women's Black Diamond Alpine Start. If youll be using the softshell as a midlayer or around town, the standard jacket may be your better option. If youre looking for a more streamlined option for dry or mild days, its also worth checking out Dynafits TLT Dynastretch ($200), which forgoes the Frees Infinium shell for a boost in breathability (at the sacrifice of protection).See the Men's Dynafit Free Infinium Hybrid See the Women's Dynafit Free Infinium Hybrid. 7 oz.What we like: Works great for daily wear.What we dont: Generic fit; not a performance piece. This the Bionic 2 really an improvement? ), which translates to a considerable increase in warmth and coverage, along with added bulk. To see our price, add these items to your cart. The North Face Bionic 2 is among the heaviest of our tested jackets. The material they use is on the newest version is a cheap imitation of what used to be. When Ive worn it on early morning walks the breeze has not penetrated the jacket. No sponsored content. These small but mighty outerlayers pack a punch Hardshell jackets are designed for the alpine: theyre highly windproof, waterproof, breathable, and durable. In general, softshell jackets are one of the heavier and least packable outer layer options, losing out to both hardshells and rain jackets in this regard. Q: This softshell jacket provides a decent value, especially for its weather protection. Plus, the Ferrosi is decently tough and abrasion-resistant, will block out a good amount of the elements, and has excellent stretch and breathability. This means that it is not 100% windproof, and thus will allow some of the cold wind to get through. Their jackets made with GORE-TEX, such as the Apex Flex, are 100% waterproof. But it fits him perfectly (and flatteringly) and is just the right weight for a brisk walk on a cool day. Theyre are also popular with weight-conscious bikers, runners, backcountry skiers, and thru-hikers. Noting that Made, A: The North Face has long been a popular go-to brand for warm and comfortable jackets. Category: PerformanceWeight: 11.8 oz.What we like: A minimalist yet waterproof softshell.What we dont: Trim fitting; waterproof membrane impacts breathability. The wind blocking feature of the jacket actually works or me. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. Whereas burly jackets like the Arcteryx Gamma MX below can only be worn when temperatures drop, the Alpine Start is a year-round layer. 170.00. A: Much like rain jackets, the softshell market is large (and growing), but it can be broken into two general categories: casual and performance. Even through a Seattle winter, well still reach for our softshell jacket so long as there isnt heavy precipitation in the forecast. A great place for the Apex Bionic to shine. The North Face Men's Apex Bionic Jacket keeps you protected from harsh, cold conditions. But styling could be the deciding factor for some, and for a casual frontcountry jacket that will keep you protected in shifting weather, theres certainly a lot to like about the new Trailmade.See the Men's REI Trailmade Softshell See the Women's REI Trailmade Softshell. The North Face Apex Bionic Jacket - Women's TNF Black Small THE NORTH FACE Men's Apex Chromium Thermal Jacket, Urban Navy/Urban Navy, Medium Price Price not available Price not available Fit Standard fit Relaxed fit Material Recycled Polyester, 14% Elastane with Non-PFC DWR Finish 98% Polyester, 2% Elastane Woven Face with DWR Finish Our ideal softshell has an athletic cut to fully enjoy the stretchy and very mobile characteristics of this jacket type. The weave of the stretchy fabric and fleece linings add both bulk and weight, so it follows that the worst offenders are the warmest and most feature-rich softshells (the heavyweight on this list is the Marmot Gravity at 1 lb. In contrast to a rigid and sometimes confining hardshell or rain jacket, a softshell jacket flexes and moves with you. Returned it for a XXL that fit much better; larger size showed up two days later. The North Face Men's Apex Bionic Jacket $103.99 - $149.00 $149.00 * ADD TO CART The North Face Men's Canyonlands Full Zip Jacket $89.00 ADD TO CART 3 + The North Face Men's Canyonlands Zip Pullover Fleece $54.99 - $79.00 $79.00 * ADD TO CART The North Face Men's Gordon Lyons 1/4 Zip Pullover Fleece $61.99 - $79.97 $89.00 * ADD TO CART Perfect for casual and urban outings where cold wind or light rain might be expected, Cold days at the beach are another perfect place to take the Bionic Hoodie for a walk. Here, that weight means extra weather protection, and if you don't plan on carrying it with you in a backpack, then the weight and bulk penalty probably won't make a difference. Most cloths are too short for his long torso and arms. Despite being softshell, The North Face Apex line is completely water-resistant. Category: Performance/casualWeight: 1 lb. Ideal in fall and capable of mild winter weather, the WindWall fabric provides 100% windproof protection, so you can continue on through the hike as well as around the city. Relaxing on the patio during a chilly spring day? Enter the ROM Hoody from Marmot, which has weather-resistant paneling that is great for keeping the elements at bay but is equally friendly around town. In other words, despite the added tech, all-around protection is only moderately better compared to shells like the Gamma LT and Dawn Patrol above. DISAPPOINTED! We do prefer the straightforward pocket arrangement of the Apexthe zippered sleeve pocket on the Gravity looks a little out of place around townbut the Marmot does have adjustable cuffs, which can be nice to cinch out the cold. The North Face Apex Bionic Jacket vote up. Full-zip design enables us to customize our personal climate. Quality garment. SPONSORED. Men's The North Face TNF Apex Soft Shell Full Zip Vest Size XL Orange Nice! I expected a bit more weight or warmth. With bright, two-tone styling and a front kangaroo pocket, the Trailmade isnt shy about its fashion-forward intentions. 19 offers from 139.00. On the topic of price, we often see the Ascender on a significant discount (sometimes half off or more), which makes it an even better value.See the Men's Columbia Ascender See the Women's Columbia Kruser Ridge II. Other Good product but ran a bit small for me. With a nearly identical price and feature set as The North Face Apex Bionic, there isnt a lot separating the two softshell jackets. It may not have that extra security blanket that comes with all the proofing of a hardshell, but its breathable and very comfortable nature make it a lot more enjoyable to wear the entire day. On the other hand, too much airflow compromises weather resistance and warmth. For an extra dose of protection, check out the Dawn Patrol Hybrid ($350), which uses a mix of softshell and waterproof hardshell fabrics.See the Men's BD Dawn Patrol See the Women's BD Dawn Patrol. U.K.-based Rab specializes in technical outerwear for alpine endeavors, and their Kinetic 2.0 is a high-performance softshell built for backcountry skiing, climbing, and other high-output activities in cold weather. I ordered this during the summer and was excited for some recent cold weather for me to wear this jacket. Several softshells here fit the bill for casual use, but none come close to matching the flair of REIs new Trailmade Anorak. I used the sizing chart associated with the product that did not work for me so I cant fault the company. Liked the Apex Bionic Jackets? www.OffTheGridGearHub.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Over 50 Years of Exploration and Innovation. These nitpicks aside, the Ferrosi undeniably is a superb value, extremely versatile for a range of activities, and a great crossover pick for both casual and performance use. You can wear it inside without being too hot and outside it provides the perfect amount of warmth for a Texas winter. Both boys and girls have the option of different colors when it comes to rain jackets from this clothing manufacturer. : 11.8 oz.What we like: Works great for daily wear.What we dont: Generic fit ; not performance! Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison weather resistance and,... 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