If youll be taking the jackets into high elevations or need the added warmth of a winter-weight insulated jacket, you may need a more generous fit (or size up). The Rab is a full 3 ounces heavier than BDs Alpine Start mentioned above, which translates to a boost in both durability and weather protection. The Apex Canyonwall is built with WindWall protection, which makes it highly wind resistant, while the non-PFC durable water-repellent (DWR) finish ensures it sheds light moisture with ease. Some, like the Patagonia Houdini, do not stretch and are significantly lacking in breathability. Its easy to wear over anything from a t-shirt to a lightweight down jacket, depending on conditions. 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. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. He won't wear clothing with glaring logos. SPONSORED. Both types have their prioritieshardshells excel in extreme Softshell jackets had their heyday almost a decade ago, but the push for lighter and more packable options rendered them nearly obsolete for true performance-oriented activities. 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. There are now are a number of lighter options that dip under 1 pound, including the Outdoor Research Ferrosi and 10.5-ounce Rab Borealis. The North Face has long been a popular go-to brand for warm and comfortable jackets. We do wish the cuffs had an adjustment to seal tighter around the wrist. How well a softshell breathes does vary and is usually associated with a few common features. The REI Trailmade is an undeniably fun piece, and our biggest knock is that you can get Outdoor Researchs more premium Ferrosi Anorak for the same price. The Gravity doesnt claim to be a technical, performance-oriented softshell, but that doesnt seem to hold it back: its a top seller for Marmot year after year. The Ferrosis fabric is a fan favorite and has been refined over the years, and the OR is overall sleeker and crosses over much better for performance use. Men's Apex Bionic Jacket. And with clean looks that are completely passable around town, its a great all-rounder. Add Summit Series Superior Wind Jacket - Men's to Compare Colors The North Face Cyclone Jacket 3 - Men's. $80.00 (1) 1 reviews with an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars. Many people are wondering what the actual differences are between the Bionic and its successor, the Bionic 2. $79.99 $9.99 shipping North Face Men's Apex Bionic Vest Black Jacket - Size M - NWT Standard Fit $92.99 $5.00 shipping The North Face TNF Apex Mens Black Vest XL $39.00 $16.10 shipping or Best Offer North Face Apex Canyonwall Full-Zip Vest XL Dark Gray WindWall $79.99 (137) Color: TNF Dark Grey Heather. Much like rain jackets, the softshell market is large (and growing), but it can be broken into two general categories: casual and performance. And in practice it delivers: throughout an all-day drizzle on a recent trek in Patagonia, the Alpine Starts shell beaded water and kept us dry while our hiking partners were all forced to don their (less breathable) rain jackets. Unable to add item to List. Unlike their lift-assisted alpine cousins, backcountry skis have two jobs: getting you uphill efficiently while retaining enough power to make the downhill worth the effort (and fun). Softshells offer great water resistance and breathability for fall and winter outdoor activities, but their hardwearing nature holds up well to everyday use too. Given that the Apex Bionic is offered in a wide range of colorways, it almost certainly pairs well with your favorite jeans or flannel. The Outdoor Research Ferrosi is a far cry from the bulky, boxy design that epitomizes softshell jackets of old. All in all, its a really versatile piece: you can wear this jacket over a T-shirt in mild weather and over a puffy in the winter. It's not a technical layer, but not everything has to be, and this long-standing jacket is popular for a reason. The Apex Bionic is attractive and warm, ideal for urban outings and casual undertakings. This results in a best-of-both-worlds hybrid layer thats light and packable, breathable and pliable, and still impressively weather resistant. Let us know! Bought this for my son and he loved it. Specific water repelling styles include the Bionic 2, Bionic trench, Nimble, Risor, Canyonwall, and Canyonwall vest. But if youre looking for a backcountry-specific option that also looks great for daily use, the Dawn Patrol is a prime candidate. 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. Plus, the Ferrosi is decently tough and abrasion-resistant, will block out a good amount of the elements, and has excellent stretch and breathability. A great place for the Apex Bionic to shine. Does the size run true, or should i go up one size? While the Apex Risor comes in a different style of NF0A3Y35. You can wear it inside without being too hot and outside it provides the perfect amount of warmth for a Texas winter. The North Face's Apex Bionic is a nice casual alternative to many of the more technical jackets here, with a clean appearance that includes just three external pockets (2 handwarmer and 1 chest) and a collar in lieu of a hood. Additionally, the hand pockets are not set high enough to be compatible with a harness or hipbelt, but that does make them more convenient for day-to-day use. Two notable exceptions are the Arcteryx Gamma MX and Rab Kinetic 2.0, which offer excellent weather protection for serious outdoor pursuits. Category: Performance/casualWeight: 1 lb. The North Face Apex Bionic 2 Jacket: The North Face Apex Bionic 2 Jacket: Material: 351 g/m2 Windwall - 96% polyester, 4% elastane soft shell with DWR finish: 100% polyester shell, 100% polyester mesh lining: Weight (Size Med) 23.9 oz: N/A: Hem Drawcord (yes/no) Yes: Yes: Best For: Casual wear, hiking, running: Hiking: Fleece: The North Face . The fit is pretty generic, but you can squeeze a midlayer underneath or wear it over a dress shirt to and from the office. In fact, when it comes to a lightweight, breathable, and protective layer for high-output activities, the Dawn Patrol is competitive with class-leading softshells like the Gamma LT Hoody above and Ferrosi Hoody below. On board the ship I encountered misty days on deck and the vest worked well to repel the light moisture. Learn More. And as with fit, their stretchy nature is a boon for daylong enjoyment. Weather protection is one of the metrics we feel that Apex Bionic shines. Relative to other performance outerwear, cost doesnt increase substantially between the casual and performance options, in part because the technology is largely the same across the board. 1.1 oz. The good news is Hardshell vs. Softshell Jackets: How to Choose, See the Women's Black Diamond Alpine Start, See the Women's The North Face Apex Bionic, See the Men's Patagonia R1 TechFace Hoody, See the Women's Patagonia R1 TechFace Jacket, Helly Hansen Odin Pro Shield Hybrid ($220), See the Women's HH Odin Pro Shield Hybrid, See the Men's Dynafit Free Infinium Hybrid, See the Women's Dynafit Free Infinium Hybrid, REI Co-op Trailmade Softshell Anorak ($100), Back to Our Softshell Jacket Comparison Table. There just isnt enough there to justify an extra $100 in our eyes. 6.2 oz.What we like: A cozy softshell hybrid with functional ski-specific features.What we dont: Too warm for most days. The North Face Mens 2XL Gray Apex Soft Shell Full Zip Jacket. Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2019. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. We do prefer the more adjustable StormHood on the Gamma, and Black Diamonds workmanship cannot yet match the quality construction of Arcteryx. Category: PerformanceWeight: 1 lb. 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. This can be a good thing or bad thing depending on your use, but the lining is quite comfortable and great on cold day. Returned it for a XXL that fit much better; larger size showed up two days later. Overall I have nothing bad to say about this jacket. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness. The North Face logo on left chest and back-right shoulder. For commuting, running errands, and hanging at the local brewery, softshells offer a comfortable and stylish combination of weather protection and warmth, and are generally more affordable and durable than other options (such as synthetic insulated jackets). - Travel Advice From The Pros, The North Face Apex Bionic vs Chromium Jacket Review. Exposed, reverse-coil center front, chest pocket and hand pocket zips. Si es un chaleco The North Face genuino o eso parece, Pero han decidido disminuir la calidad para ahorrar dinero. This stretchiness is particularly helpful for demanding activities like climbing or fast paced aerobic activities such as hiking or cross-country skiing. Q: And with a recent update, this time-tested classic got a little bit better, with an altered fabric that's warmer for the weight, retooled cuff and hood adjustments, and taped seams. Finally, if youre using a helmet, make sure the softshell has a helmet-compatible hood. And theyre small but mightymade with breathable and water/wind-resistant nylon, they provide valuable warmth and weather protection. 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. When Ive worn it on early morning walks the breeze has not penetrated the jacket. 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. Even through a Seattle winter, well still reach for our softshell jacket so long as there isnt heavy precipitation in the forecast. This versatile option has a hood to protect your head and full zip front for ease on and off. The North Face ha bajado la calidad en su productos y la prueba est en este chaleco. The soft-touch fleece liners on many of these jackets make them quite comfortable even when worn over a short-sleeved shirt. Comfort is another area of strength for softshells, particularly next-to-skin feel. 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. However, as weve come to expect with do-all jackets, the Rab makes compromises in both departmentswith a streamlined build it's overall less protectivethan most hardshells, and the thin fabric doesn't offer the same level of windproofing orinsulation as most of the softshell competition. 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