The North Face Apex Bionic Hoodie Review
Compare prices at 3 resellers Pros: Budget-friendly, warm, windproof
Cons: Heavy, bulky, stiff fabric
Manufacturer: The North Face
Our Verdict
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The North Face Apex Bionic Hoodie | |||||
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Awards | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ||
Price | $168.95 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | Check Price at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $229.95 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $70.92 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | Check Price at REI Compare at 3 sellers |
Overall Score ![]() |
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Star Rating | |||||
Pros | Budget-friendly, warm, windproof | Great mobility, highly breathable, well-fitted | Waterproof, comfortable, stretchy | Super breathable, durable, inexpensive | Incredibly light, very mobile |
Cons | Heavy, bulky, stiff fabric | Only one hood adjustment, average weight | Small hood, light on features | Poor wet weather protection | Limited weather protection, few features |
Bottom Line | Perfect for casual and urban outings where cold wind or light rain might be expected | This stretchy and mobile jacket is great for climbing and skiing thanks to its above-average breathability | This waterproof softshell jacket is one of the few hybrid models that we have found to be highly breathable | This budget-friendly softshell is one of our favorites for summertime rock climbing | This is one of the lightest softshells out there, perfect for cool windy days at the crag |
Rating Categories | The North Face Apex... | Marmot ROM 2.0 | Rab Kinetic 2.0 | Outdoor Research Fe... | Rab Borealis |
Weather Protection (30%) | |||||
Breathability (30%) | |||||
Mobility (25%) | |||||
Weight (10%) | |||||
Versatility (5%) | |||||
Specs | The North Face Apex... | Marmot ROM 2.0 | Rab Kinetic 2.0 | Outdoor Research Fe... | Rab Borealis |
Measured Weight (size medium) | 27.4 oz | 17.1 oz | 11.6 oz | 13.4 oz | 10.5 oz |
Material | 100% polyester | 92% nylon, 8% elastane | 100% recycled polyester | 86% nylon (46% recycled), 14% spandex | Lightweight Matrix single weave with 2-way stretch and DWR |
Type | Casual | Technical | Technical | Active | Technical |
Lined/Insulated? | Fleece backer | No | No | Yes, lining 91% nylon, 9% spandex | No |
Hood? | Yes, adjustable | Yes | Yes, under helmet with rear hood adjustment | Yes, climbing helmet compatible, adjustable, stowable | Yes, under helmet with lycra binding |
Number of Pockets (zippered unless otherwise noted) | 1 chest zippered, 2 hand zippered | 2 zippered hand, 1 zippered chest, 1 zippered | 2 zippered hand | 2 zippered hand, 1 zippered chest | 2 (external chest) |
Adjustable Cuffs? | No | Yes, Velcro | Yes, velcro | Elastic cuffs | Lycra cuffs |
Available Sizes | XS - XXL | S - XXL | S - XXL | S - XXXL | S - XXL |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Apex Bionic is attractive and warm, ideal for urban outings and casual undertakings. It's not a technical layer, but not everything has to be, and this long-standing jacket is popular for a reason.
Performance Comparison
Weather Protection
Weather protection is one of the metrics we feel that Apex Bionic shines. It is warm and does a great job of keeping you comfortable. The fabric used in this jacket is a proprietary wind-blocking shell with a tight exterior weave to keep the icy gusts from getting inside. It's treated with a DWR water-resistant coating so that even if you forget your umbrella, you can still make it to your destination without getting soaked to the bone. A large hood provides extra coverage and is adjustable to get a tight seal on the coldest of days. Two zippered handwarmer pockets let you get your hands out of the wind. We do wish the cuffs had an adjustment to seal tighter around the wrist.
Breathability
Breathability was not one of the strong suits of this jacket. It is the heaviest jacket in our review due to the thickness of the wind-blocking fabric and the fleece backing. 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 is not the softshell that you would choose to go on a strenuous hike, climb a mountain, or go ski touring. It is designed for much lower-key activity, so while it doesn't score particularly well in breathability, don't let that deter you if you are looking for a primarily in-town layer.
Mobility
As we mentioned above, the bulkiness of the fabric used on the Apex takes away from its breathability and also affects its mobility. Wearing this jacket feels fairly stiff and cumbersome, even when worn over a very light inner layer. This has to do with the lack of stretch on the outer layer and the boxy cut. It looks great, but when you go to make athletic moves, the jacket feels constricting.
Again, the caveat is that we are looking at this jacket through the lens of athletic mountain sports. For those who need a jacket for walks and light day hikes, this softshell has an adequate amount of mobility.
Weight
This is not a light jacket by any metric. The Bionic Hoodie tips the scales at 27.4 ounces — almost four times the weight of the lightest jacket in our review. But let's look at why it is so heavy and why that might not matter to you.
This coat has a thick inner fleece lining that really increases the weight. Add in the burly windproof fabric and a generously cut hood, and you end up with a pretty heavy jacket. 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.
Versatility
We have sung the praises of this jacket when it comes to offering great weather protection, comfort, and warmth. Unfortunately, those attributes make it a heavy and bulky outer layer that does not do well in athletic activities, limiting its versatility to casual outings.
Value
This softshell jacket provides a decent value, especially for its weather protection. For the right casual user, it's a solid purchase.
Conclusion
The North Face Apex Bionic Hoodie is stylish and a good option for those who require weather protection and comfort but don't plan on needing to use it for vigorous outdoor sports.
— Ryan Huetter
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