And for those looking to shave weight, OR also offers the Ferrosi in an eye-catching Anorak design ($99).See the Men's Outdoor Research FerrosiSee the Women's Outdoor Research Ferrosi. This the Bionic 2 really an improvement? 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. THE NORTH FACE Mens Apex Canyonwall Softshell Jacket. Please try again. Below we break down our favorite softshells for the 2023 season, ranging from casual jackets for daily use to performance pieces for backcountry skiing and ice climbing. It looks like WhatsApp is not installed on your phone. Weve been blown away by the performance chops of lightweight softshells like the Black Diamond Alpine Start above, and Rab offers up another quality option in their Borealis. Machine wash. Their jackets utilize modern fabric technologies that maximize benefits and minimize costs. Within the casual category, the Kuhl Klash goes head to head with The North Faces Apex Bionic above, with a similarly clean yet functional aesthetic. While there arent exact parameters stating what is or isnt a softshell jacket, one defining feature is the stretchiness of the shell fabric. 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. THE NORTH FACE Men's Apex Bionic Jacket. Privacy | Cookies | Terms. A durable water-repellent (DWR) finish on the front helps manage moisture. He is 6'3" and thin. 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. A: The North Face Apex Canyonwall Eco Jacket $74.97 MSRP: $99.00 (138) The North Face - Apex Bionic 2 Jacket. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness. Imported. 8.2 oz.). NorthFace is no longer the harbinger of quality. I cant even imagine how someone would have one negative word to say about this short of they just screwed up and ordered the wrong size. Cuffs are not adjustable but provide decent coverage. There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. 4.8 out of 5 stars The North Face Apex Bionic 2 Vest $108.95 (499) The North Face - Apex Bionic 2 Jacket. Fit and Design: Standard fit jacket. Please try again. Rab rounds out the streamlined (11.8 oz.) Despite the performance attributes, many people wear softshells for daily use, so we love it when we find a jacket that offers a nice mix of both. Why North Face Chromium is Better? The Outdoor Research Ferrosi is a far cry from the bulky, boxy design that epitomizes softshell jackets of old. 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. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. I wear. The North Face Apex Bionic Jacket - Men's 4.7 2357 Reviews Item #186169 Top Rated Tnf Black $150.00 Color: Tnf Black Select a size Size chart Quantity Ship to address FREE ($50 minimum) Shipping restrictions apply Pick up in store or curbsideFREE Find this item in store Members get an estimated $15.00 back on this item. For everything from wet-weather commuting to short hikes, its one of our favorite casual softshells of 2023.See the Men's The North Face Apex BionicSee the Women's The North Face Apex Bionic. This means that it will be warmer when in cold windy conditions. With features such as hand pockets that sit at a normal heightthis is a welcome change for those annoyed by high, harness-friendly pocketsa regular fit, and clean styling (even better in the most recent update), the ROM is a well-rounded and versatile softshell from a respected brand. I wanted an Apex fabricjacket that slits in between my Canyonwall and Chromium in terms of weight and warmth. Because of this, we did not find the Bionic to do very well at allowing perspiration to pass through, although we can forgive that based on the intended application of this jacket. This WindWall technology uses a type of fabric-bonding process that allows for more air to get through. 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. It's very stretchy per se, so if you being a snug xl it will shortly be a comfortable fitt, Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.Learn more how customers reviews work on Amazon. This jacket inches closer to a hardshell than your standard softshell, combining a waterproof membrane with a stretchy knit face fabric. It has been very comfortable in the 30-50 degree range and there is limited wind penetration of the jacket. Great fit for him. The soft-touch fleece liners on many of these jackets make them quite comfortable even when worn over a short-sleeved shirt. Theyre are also popular with weight-conscious bikers, runners, backcountry skiers, and thru-hikers. That said, we see a trend towards wind layers becoming more and more stretchy and breathablein other words, taking on the properties of a softshell. Boxy fit for someone with 40" chest and 30" waist, Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2022. Your question might be answered by sellers, manufacturers, or customers who bought this product. Ready to battle gusty winds and chilly temperatures, The North Face Men's Apex Bionic 2 Hooded Softshell Jacket delivers windproof warmth and water-resistant protection in the face of unpredictable weather. In general, those that choose a performance softshell will opt for the hooded version for better protection from the elements. Covered, secure-zip chest pocket and hand pockets. Foxelli Men's Heated Vest - Lightweight USB Rechargeable Heated Vest for Men with Battery Included, 33,000ft Men's Windproof Lightweight Golf Vest Outerwear with Pockets, Softshell Sleeveless Jacket for Running Hiking Sports, kemimoto Heated Vest for Men and Women, Lightweight Heated Vest with Battery Pack, Men's Heated Hunting Vest, Electric Vest, Little Donkey Andy Men's Lightweight Softshell Vest, Windproof Sleeveless Jacket for Travel Hiking Running Golf, Outdoor Ventures Men's Full-Zip Polar Fleece Vest Outerwear Lightweight Warm Casual Sleeveless Jacket for Fall & Winter. pack down to the size of a piece of fruit and are excellent for weight-conscious activities (trail running and climbing, for example) when you need a jacket to protect against the elements while still dumping heat. Weve included a few windbreakers in this years articleincluding the Black Diamond Alpine Start and Rab Borealisbut expect to see more and more of these hybrids pop up on our list as we continue testing them. The Apex Flex GORE-TEX 2.0 combines a GORE-TEX waterproof-breathable membrane with a soft-woven face fabric and light stretch-knit backer for weatherproof performance that fits great and doesn't overheat. Dynafit is a household name in Europe, but despite the growing popularity of skimo racing, their products are still hard to come by in the U.S. Theyre also slightly polarizing compared to the relatively drab softshell norm, with bright colorways and fairly snug fits that wont necessarily look the part at your local brewery. But keep in mind thatunlike many Gore-Tex productsInfinium is not fully waterproof, and on the ROM its only patterned over areas most prone to moisture (the hood, arms, and shoulders). For more background, see our softshell jacket comparison table and buying advice below the picks. They far outperform waterproof hardshells in high-exertion activities like climbing or backcountry skiing. (137) Color: TNF Dark Grey Heather. How well a softshell breathes does vary and is usually associated with a few common features. 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. Brushed polyester lining offers comfort while wicking moisture. I wear a size 42 jacket & all of my vests are size L. I would say that you might need size. Relaxing on the patio during a chilly spring day? About | Affiliate Disclosure | Contact | Blog | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use, The North Face Apex Bionic Jacket Men's BLK XL Softshell Black, THE NORTH FACE Mens Apex Bionic 2 Jacket, TNF Black/TNF Black, X-Small, 100% windproof fabric. Hem cinch-cord. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. In our opinion, a good windbreaker is the most versatile outdoor jacket money can buy. The Apex Canyonwall is built with WindWall protection, which makes it highly wind resistant. For an even deeper dive into this topic, weve written a dedicated article answering the question: What is a Softshell Jacket? Dont expect any insulation from the Alpine Starts thin fabric though, and the stretch knit at the cuffs and hem will also limit how much you layer underneath. Softshells are a relatively young product, and early versions were simply fleece jackets with a tougher, more weather resistant face fabric. Think of it as being more like a heavy shirt than a jacket. I used the sizing chart associated with the product that did not work for me so I cant fault the company. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. Would benefit from a chest pocket for sunglasses, etc. Please use a different way to share. Some people might like this if they are going to be doing a lot of activity that will make them sweat. That said, range of motion nevertheless is fantastic, and the LTs long sleeves and helmet-compatible hood are great for activities like climbing, biking, and skiing (although we did find the wrist openings to be on the small side, which can create a bit of a challenge when paired with undercuff gloves). Visit the THE NORTH FACE Store The North Face Men's Apex Bionic 2 Jacket 2,193 ratings Price: $267.39 - $328.87 Secure transaction Returns Policy Colour Name: Summit Navy See all 19 options Size Name: Select Size Name X-Small Small Medium Large X-Large XX-Large 3X-Large 1X 2X 3X Size chart An Apex Pneumatic is made of lighter, stretchier material. $149.00. A fairly wide range of products fall under this jacket type, but all softshells are made with a woven nylon or polyester that gives them their signature stretchy feel. But for sub-freezing aerobic activity or slow uphill travel, its a fully serviceable choice.See the Men's HH Odin Pro Shield Hybrid See the Women's HH Odin Pro Shield Hybrid. Specific water repelling styles include the Bionic 2, Bionic trench, Nimble, Risor, Canyonwall, and Canyonwall vest. The most breathable softshells are thinner designs without a tightly woven and super tough (and less air-permeable) outer layer. A great place for the Apex Bionic to shine. 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. As we mentioned above, the bulkiness of the fabric used on the Apex takes away from its breathability and also affects its mobility. 3 oz.What we like: High-performance jacket, lots of pockets, classy looks.What we dont: Cuffs bunch up when cinched down. Over 50 Years of Exploration and Innovation. The North Face Apex Canyonwall Eco Jacket. 8 offers from 70.00. There are important considerations when making a purchase: What is your skill level? Those looking for something a little different will especially like the drop-tail hem, which adds a nice dose of urban appeal. This standard-fitting men's jacket . The material they use is on the newest version is a cheap imitation of what used to be. The North Face Men's Apex Canyonwall Vest is a sleeveless insulation piece that offers year-round versatility on the trail or around town. Doing a lot of activity that will make them sweat version is a far cry from elements. Limited wind penetration of the fabric used on the Apex takes away its... 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