North Face Apex Bionic Review

Likes
The North Face Apex Bionic is a very good looking, versatile, and affordable jacket. A combination of attractive styling and basic performance makes it equally good for strolling downtown as shredding the groomers.

The Apex Bionic uses North Faces Apex Climate Block, a windproof and moderately water resistant material with a brushed fleece backing. Two hand pockets sit at waist level while a chest pocket is perched at the left breast. These pockets are useful and not obnoxiously flashy; they contribute to the jackets good looks.

The Apex Bionics style is conservative when compared to higher performance softshells; it's one of the few that can be worn in an urban environment. We commuted to and from San Franciscos often cold and windy Financial District in this jacket. Its good for cities because people dont think youre from another planet (which they do when youre wearing a bright orange and blue performance jacket). The Apex Bionic is available in nearly 20 different color options; we chose the spectacularly versatile brown that looks good on anyone.

The Apex Bionic performs well in the backcountry, too. Its sufficiently warm and stormproof for spring skiing, windy hikes, and cold weather day use activity. However, the jacket is far less performance oriented than its name suggests. Its low pockets are covered by a backpacks hip belt and the fabric is not as breathable or as waterproof as others. On the whole, the jacket is well priced, good looking, and somewhat versatile.

Dislikes
We have one small complaint: The hook and loop wrist closures are unnecessarily flashy. North Face uses a die-cut Velcro with two small slits. This saves a negligible amount of weight (its a casual jacket anyway), and gives the cuffs an odd and almost violent look that contrasts with the rest of the jacket. The bottom part of the closure system (the hook part) is also unnecessarily long. Closing the cuffs as much as possible leaves a miniscule one-inch opening thats far too small for any persons wrist. We suggest that the cuffs be redesigned to have a solid top closure and smaller bottom part. This would eliminate the jackets weakest point.

At 25 ounces the Apex Bionic is on the heavier side. Since we dont recommend this jacket for multi-day trips, the extra few ounces shouldnt be a problem.

On the whole, the Apex Bionic is a great casual jacket that balances looks and performance with ease. We highly recommend it.

Best Application
Around town, day hikes, spring skiing.

Value
Excellent value.

Other versions
The Apex Bionic is also available in a womens cut. This has a more curvaceous shape, vertical seam lines, and a less visible chest pocket.