I really like this jacket...and am a big proponent of the apex fabric for "medium" cold "medium" wet days....no it's not water proof, but if you are out in the rain or snow and moving non-stop it's a lot more breathable than gore-tex or other fully water-proof fabrics, and I think this is a great jacket for ice-climbing, cross country skiing, climbing, running, and anything where you need a wind and water resistant piece that is ultra breathable. As an added bonus I think this jacket is "techy" looking with out making you look like you are in extra in Tron! Nice balance of form and function.

TNF Apex Bionic is not as expensive as some softshell jackets, and there's a reason for it: It lacks a lot of the fancy features that many jackets include. But for the price, I actually like the Apex Bionic a lot (and that means something, coming from someone who normally avoids TNF products). It's a no-nonsense jacket, simple and solid. As other posters have commented, it's a good jacket for "medium" conditions - medium wind, medium wetness. But it's warm enough to layer under, and waterproof enough to layer over, other things, which makes it pretty versatile. The jacket has a somewhat roomier fit than my more technical jackets, but it actually fits comfortably over a hooded sweatshirt or several mid-layers, unlike the others. It is also noticeably longer in the body - something I appreciate, since I have a longish torso and no desire to expose it to the elements. I would describe the fit as "casual," pretty firmly between technical and boxy.

Like other reviewers, I like that it doesn't look freaky-techy. It's functional and simple and looks as good on the street as it does on the trails because of that. And of course, the upshot to how mind-numbingly well this jacket sells is that you get a lot more color selection than with many softshells.

My only major complaint is the fact that TNF decided they needed to put a logo on both the front and back of the jacket... c'mon, seriously? Do the people walking behind me really need to get an eyefull of brand name?

This jacket isn't the warmest and it isn't the most weatherproof. It's also not the most technical of outerwear. And of course, if you're looking for a unique jacket that will make you stand out on the street or in the mountains, TNF is probably not what you want. But for everyday use in cool climates, its versatility makes it a winner in my book.

First of all, a disclaimer: I have the hooded version which BC doesn't sell or I would have bought it here. Having said that, the jacket I have is essentially the same except for the hood. Say what you will about TNF products, but the fit and finish of this jacket holds up to any of the more expensive brands out there. I have many pieces of outdoor wear in a variety of exotic high-tech fabrics....the "Apex climate block" of the Bionic is similar to the more expensive Polartec Powershield as far as wind resistance, water resistance and breathability. Where it beats Polartec is in looks....Apex Climate block does not wrinkle as badly as Powershield when stuffed in a suitcase or duffle bag. Feature-wise there is nothing remarkable about the Bionic...but sometimes simplicity is better, and it does the job of providing a durable weather resistant medium warmth softshell for outdoor pursuits. My first test was a football game where the temp was in the low 40's and a 5-10mph wind....with just a long sleeve t-shirt underneath I was fine. Next was a bow hunting trip with temps in the upper 30's-low 40's with a 10-15mph wind and again I was fine with an icebreaker baselayer underneath. When a product meets or exceeds expectations...5 stars is a must.

I live in New England, and I was looking for a jacket that was light enough to wear in the spring, and warm enough to use on cold days too. This jacket fits the bill. It is very wind resistant, and precipitation beads right off of it. I do a lot of hiking, and dog training, which makes me appreciate the durability of this jacket as well. I have three jackets total. One for the coldest of cold days, one extremely light jacket for summer, and this one that covers everything in-between.
This is a perfect all-around jacket.

I'm male, 5'10" tall, 150-155 lbs, athletic build. Bought a new 2009 model.

(I didn't buy it at Backcountry.com (I can't because I'm outside the US), but the reviews on this site helped me a lot.)

I haven't used it much because I just got it posted to me, but it seems fantastic for day-to-day wear. There are huge discrepancies on sizing that I want to help clear up, along with some factual information that I hope to address.

When worn, my jacket goes halfway down the fly/zipper of my jeans. The jacket is not too long, nor too short. Buy a medium if you're between 5'8" and 6' tall, and 145-170 lbs. If you're 6' tall, you may want a large, as the jacket would show your stomach if you raised your arms towards the sky.

Sleeves are slightly too long. When my arms are at my sides, the sleeve goes down to my knuckles. It doesn't bother me at all though, so I won't even use the velcro adjustments for regular wear.

The jacket fits well. It's not an athletic cut, so it doesn't fit really close. However, it's not supposed to be an athletic cut. The material is thin enough that you don't look bulky when you wear it, and it doesn't look like there's too much excess space under the jacket. If you wear any type of long sleeve t-shirt, jumper ("sweatshirt", hoodie), or knit (sweater) underneath, it'll fit well.

Inside the jacket, the back and other areas is lined with a thin fleece/microfleece material, while the chest area is covered with a soft synthetic fleece-like mesh/net. If you stick your hands into the 2 hand pockets, you can feel this mesh material. You can also see your hands if you look inside your jacket. This mesh material inside the jacket extends from the bottom of the jacket, right up to the shoulder, so the pockets can actually fit a lot of stuff (as long as it fits through the opening of the pocket). For example, you could fit a long flashlight inside the hand-pocket, a rolled-up document, etc. For the photographers, you could even fit a monopod (collapsed) if you wish! There's also a chest pocket which leads to a mesh material.

I think the purpose of the netted material is to increase circulation when you open them up. From reading reviews here and elsewhere, the jacket is great at blocking wind, but isn't very breathable. This is probably because there's some form of laminate layer covering the outer Apex material. You can get laminates that are more breathable than others (eg: Gore-tex), but generally speaking, laminates aren't as breathable as regular fleeces, or most softshells that don't have a laminate. Anyway, if you feel hot, you can cool down by unzipping all 3 pockets. That will let out the "condensation" built up inside the jacket. However, then you may get cold because the cold can now enter the jacket. That's the catch with this jacket. This jacket may be more wind resistant than Windstopper, but Windstopper exists because even for a laminate material, it's breathable. You can either get this jacket with more wind blockage with less breathability, or less wind blockage with more breathability. You decide.

Some jackets use Windstopper laminated to a better outer material, so it's still more breathable than this jacket. However, they're over $200.

If you know you're going to be really active, I think it's better to buy another jacket with a more athletic trim. These jackets should fit closer to the body if you need the breathability. This jacket fits close, but it's still "standard cut."

In terms of weight, this jacket is like a Polartec 200 fleece based on the feel of the jacket. If it's not windy, it'll keep you as warm as a Polartec 200 fleece. If it IS windy, it'll keep you far warmer.

Hope I was helpful.

The Apex Bionic is a very versatile jacket. It's relatively warm, blocks a lot of the wind, and has good water resistance. You can wear it on a warm day and not get too sweaty, but you can also wear it on top of a sweater on a brisk fall day and not be cold. It's hard to find fault with this jacket except for the slightly unusual cut; seems like the 2009 model fixed that, but it could just be in my head. Compared to the Windwall 1/2, this offers better water resistance but isn't quite as warm.

Used my Apex Bionic Jacket skiing at Snowmass, CO late March/early April '08. Don't let the dates fool you, it was cold and we received 30" that week. The softshell kept me warm and dry under my Spyder winter coat. Later in the week, as it warmed up, I wore the softshell alone up top while skiing and it worked great. Very wind resistant. One note, is that it shouldn't be used as a big time cold weather jacket alone. If the weather is cold (<35-40 degrees), wear it as a layer. Last but not least, I'm 6'5, 235 lbs and the XXL was perfect, including a nice long sleeve length!

This Apex is a good buy, great quality as expected of NorthFace apparel. Super light, essentially water and wind-proof. Great for xcountry and outdoor activities involving a ton of movement, especially during adverse conditions like snow & wind. The adjustable waist & wrists allow for a good weather seal, or loosen it up if you want it to breathe. Nice feature.

I personally use mine as a very comfortable and lightweight building-to-building jacket when it is nasty outside. While it protects very well from the elements, it's not bulky or overly-insulated, so you can wear it indoors without overheating by simply unzipping it. Not optimal for stationary outdoor activity under 32F; I wore it ice fishing and froze - but that's not its intended function. Great layering jacket though. Just FYI.

Awesome jacket! This is my first North Face piece and I couldn't be happier. This is a very stylish jacket for all-purpose wear and the function of cutting the wind, and keeping me ware and dry were outstanding. I can wear it over a t-shirt or layer it over a fleece or under a shell. I'll happily wear this jacket throughout all the cold season. I'm 6'1" and 190 lbs, the Large is a perfect fit and didn't short-arm me.

This is my around town jacket and I love it. Not as windproof as I had hoped, but not too bad. It get cold where I live (-18 two nights ago) and this jacket and a thick fleece kept me warm for short stints outside. I think TNF outer where runs a little large and this jacket is true to form.

Looks great, blocks the wind and water very well. I would have made it a little longer on the torso, but that is about the only critique I could give it. Also, you can hear when the material it rubs on itself and it is a bit stiffer than I expected, but that doesn't bother me a bit. It makes it a little awkward to ball it up and pack, but it also ensures that it looks smooth and sharp all the time. Highly recommended.

I received this jacket as a Christmas present from my wife. I had been eyeing it for a while and now that I've received it I'm not disappointed. I'm between a medium and a large (6 foot, 200 lbs., athletic build), but got a medium because I wanted a "performance" fit. Mine does have a drawstring waist which takes care of a lot of people's complaints. It is totally windproof and has held up fine in the light drizzles and snows I've encountered thus far. I've worn it down to about 15 degrees. My wife loves it because it "makes me look hot," but I love it because it is a go anywhere, do anything type jacket that keeps pace with my spontaneous lifestyle. Another home run from the North Face.

This is a great jacket to just throw on. Comfortable, wind proof, and somewhat water resistant. I own two of em , one for work and the other for whatever. They are very durable for being a soft shell. The fit might be snug if you like your clothes baggy. Dont expect an extremely warm jacket but its great to bomb around in.

This will be my 3rd winter wearing this jacket and is by far my favorite. Extremely comfortable and blocks the wind and cold. After I purchased this jacket, I no longer wear bulky parkas during the winter. I get a lot of compliments when wearing this jacket. Very durable, after 2 years it still looks new. I recommend wearing it with the collar up as it reduces cold even better by sheltering you neck.

I have been impressed with this jacket since i got it because it seems to have grown out of what TNF has been lacking- more stylish clothing= less quality gear. This is the best of both worlds- very stylish but very functional. The only con is that you are now just another TNF posterchild- every other person on the street is either wearing this jacket or the Denali fleece.

This a great coat for hikes slim fitting
Keeps in alot of heat for such a thin soft shell
No extra bulk!!!

From the minute I got this jacket, I loved it. I have a raincoat North Face jacket and the Denali jacket, but I like this one the best because not only is it lightweight and waterproof, but also keep you really warm. I was trying to decide whether to get the hooded Bionic jacket without the front chest pocket or the one without the hood with the pocket. The only bad thing is I wish it was hooded with the front pocket, but I'm still very satisfied and would recommend it to anyone. Just decide which is more important, the hood or the front pocket.

I've had the NFABJ for about a month now. I do a combination hike/jog of about 4 miles every day with our "girls" (dogs) and have used this in all conditions under 40 degrees. First - Fit: the sleeves have ample length and the sizes (large in my case) leave enough room for layering when needed. I'm about 6' 175 and have comfortably had 3 light layers under this in single digits. Second - Warmth: the jacket is great blocking wind and has a light fleece lining. Emphasis on light. For casual wear its probably great down to about 45. Below 40 or so you should start adding light layers beneath ( ie., more than a T-shirt). In that I use this jacket for a somewhat aerobic activity It is very warm for use above 40 degrees and from 30-45 I'm usually half-zipped with the pockets open for some added ventilation. Third - Rain: I've been out a few times in a steady rain for an hour in this jacket and been very happy with the water rolling off. No, it is not a hard shell and does not have a hood, but while I've generated a lot of perspiration within the jacket (which breaths), I've not noted any water coming through. Summary - nice soft shell that can be counted on for wind cover, an outer layer of warmth, and good water "resist." A good buy at list price, and a great buy on sale.

This jacket is wonderful! I basically only wear it for casual wear, from sporting events to a night out with the guys. It does a great job keeping me warm on cold windy nights and looks stylish doing it.

I thought the fabric was a little stiff. It kind of gets in its own way. It will keep you warm, but I prefer my TNF Zot.

I love this jacket!!! Keeps the water off, keeps me warm, looks great doing it.

The Jacket all your fleece wishes they were! Wind resistant and semi water proof.
Great jacket for active people. Toss a Gortex shell on top or a base layer or two under and you have a very versitle jacket.
Worth every penny.

I dont own this, but this is one cool looking jacket. The NOrth Face is also a very well respected brand.

To answer woogie question get a med
the jacket is a slimmer fit

I like my The North Face Bionic a lot. It is light, repels water, is comfy and works well in 40F-55F, depending on whether I have a layer underneath. The sleeves are a bit too long, but I figure that's for the climbers and jocks who need it. I love the look (in black), too. Great value this softshell. Excellent option to have in the closet.

I like this softshell pretty well, but I don't like it as much as I like my Patagonia Winter Guide. First, the Bionic has no hood--a big draw back. Secondly, although it feels bulky, it isn't nearly as warm as my Mountain Guide. However, for half the price, you get more than half the quality...hence, four stars. I am 6'0"/165 lbs and the Medium fits well with a thin baselayer underneath, or a thicker fleece but with added thickness you lose mobility and start to feel bulky. And really, if you are using this jacket as you should be--cold-weather exercising, like hiking, biking, and running--you're fine. For walking around campus only, like 95% of the people at the U of MN use it for, it's inadequate..try something thicker.

Amazing versatile jacket, works for so many different conditions. It's light enough it won't make you sweat in mild temps, but warm enough for fall and into winter with layering. Combine that with wind proof and HIGHLY water resistant, it has you covered for most anything. Seemed a bit stiff for a soft shell until after 1st washing. Velcro on the cuffs is great -- soft and doesn't snag stuff, including the soft interior of the pockets.

Regrettably, I'll be returning my medium-size Apex Bionic today. The jacket is absolutely perfect for me --- except, for some reason, the armpit area is way too tight and contstricting. I Don't think it would ever stretch out enough. I would not be able to wear a sweater or anything under it. I'm a chesty 5'7", 177 lbs, 16 neck and 32 arm. I don't know what the North Face designer was thinking. I'm afraid a size large would have arms way too long. I guess I'll have to try one on at a store first. It's too bad. I had gotten a discontinued model for almost half price. The customer service person thinks the newest models are cut the same as mine.
Oh well.....

I was debating between the Windwall 2 and this jacket, I own a Windwall 1 from a couple years back and it has been very good to me. But after trying them on a local sporting goods store I bought the Apex Bionic and I love it. The fleece lining is warm, I wore it snowboarding in Colorado with a baselayer and was dry and warm. I'm going to Utah in a couple days and will be climbing with it also. Its a great jacket, Best North Face jacket I've ever had.

This jacket is awesome it fits me perfectly the arms aren't to long either. I am 6'0" 135lbs (no i am not anerexic) and i ordered a medium and it fits perfectly. the waist is a little big but thats what the hem sinch cords are for. but over all a awsome jacket.

I really like the jacket and this is my first north face. I'm 5'8 and weight about 175, i got a medium and it fits great. I haven't tested it out on the motorcycle yet since it is still to cold and we are getting snow today. Its great at blocking the wind on the cold miserable mornings and it keeps me warm with a t-shirt underneath.

This jacket is so versatile it could be worn 9 1/2 months a year in the Northeast. It is fantastic for layering. Windproof & warm with some slight moisture retention. Having a hard shell handy will truly protect you from just about ANY weather. As an absolute shell combo fanatic I can tell you this is one of the best values you will find. I am thinking of buying a second one just so I do not wear this one out.

I love this jacket to death. If I could make it my skin, i would. It fits perfect, breathes, sheds water, insulates, and looks amazing! I've worn this in -20F weather on a run and stayed warm with only a long sleeve underneath. I would easily pay $220 for this jacket. BUY IT!!!

I travel every week and wear this on the planes with me. I wear it to work everyday. Great for business casual, depending on your office. I have worn it to Breckenridge, Vail, Beaver Creek and Keystone. It has kept me warm and dry in 14 inches of powder and in short sprints through the rain. I wear it on my motorcycle when I ride the interstates and it blocks the wind like a leather. Have to make sure you have a warm insulator layer underneath. I wore two long sleeve dry fit thermal layers and this jacket in 20 degree weather on the mountains and was warm all day.

Great jacket for Virginia winters. Also, Backcountry has been great to order from. Thanks !!!

Perfect jacket for the right activity. The stretch fabric is very durable and breathes well while keeping you warm. It has a very athletic fit (I'm 5'7", 150#; I got a small) so size up if you want to layer more heavily but if you are using this for strenuous activities (climbing, hiking) this jacket is perfect. My only complaint is that it is not super warm by itself so grab a puffy jacket for camp or belaying

My husband loves this jacket. He say's it is the perfect weight for cool and cold temps down to 20 still keeps him warm. He would definitely purchase another one. It is the best jacket he has ever owned. It is well worth the price. He loves that it keeps him warm but it is not bulky. He ordered a small and it fit him perfect. He is 5' 10" and 155 lbs. He tried a medium and it was too big.

I love my Apex Bionic, it's classy and very performing against wind, it's warm enough and very light! Wear it any time i can. Just go ahead eyes closed.

I ski about 20 days a year. I bought this jacket as a lightweight jacket for skiing. The 1st day I took it out, the weather called for light snow. I figured I could always go back to the room and change, if the weather got bad. The day turned into a blizzard and the jacket kept me completely warm and comfortable. I was shocked! I had thermals on and a sweater underneath. I've since worn it everyday I ski (from cold and windy to spring conditions). It's nice and slim and looks good. I get many compliments. I've since bought another one in a different color.

This jacket stands up to the North Face standard for quality and durability. I use the Bionic on cold fall hikes as well as cruzing around town in the winter. It performs well in both environments. And for the price this one can't be beat. Great soft shell!!

Love the coat it does the job in all weather. Fits good for the most part, it is a little long in the sleeves but besides that very true to size. Keeps the cold out and the warm in.

in israel we need it mostly for rain, and a lot of cold wind.
works great, blocks wind and still breathes.

Let me start off saying my wife and I both bought these, partly because of a great sale price, but we really like them a lot!
I like The North Face, but the last couple of years have gotten away from them because I was afraid they had gotten away from the core business of outdoors. We live in the midwest and you never know what the temp is going to be. We just went on a 3 day hiking camping trip in the ozarks, I had my icebreaker layers on and this jacket, temps from 20 to 40 degrees, felt comfortable the entire time. Glad I bought the jacket, look forward to many years of use. I also have the Mountain Hardwear Monkeyman jacket, great for a base layer under this jacket for really cold days.

Love the jacket, the black soaks up the sun on the forty degree days that I'm on the soccer fields or just kicking around. Just wish it were made in the USA

This is a great jacket. I'm 6'3'' and athletic, most xl jackets are for fat guys with short arms. This is cut great, trim but not too tight. Material is stretchy, not too thin or too thick. Blocks wind well keeps light rain off.

This is without a doubt my favorite Jacket. It's perfect for those windy days, light weight, easy to pack and has stylish looks. Good work The North Face!

NICE FIT, WIND PROOF AND GREAT WATER REPELLENT, I WENT TO CLIMB A MOUNTAIN WHEN IT WAS WINDY AND RAINING AND IT WAS DRY IN AND THE WIND WASN'T GOING THROUGH.

Let 'er rip. My husband loved the jacket so much! It looks very sleek on him. Thanks for the great service and great prices. A

A bit tight, but great for cooler to cold weather. And it being a jacket also means I can wear it open for warmer weather, as opposed to hoodies and pullovers.

Pros : Warm, extremely waterproof and durable, looks great, stretches nicely
Cons : very boxy, sizing errs on the side of small, doesn't breathe well

Overall, its a great jacket, totally worth the money if you're going to use it for anything from walking to class to day hiking. Its going to be in my wardrobe for quite a while

Great jacket overall. Warm enough for cooler days as a light jacket by itself. It's also useful for layering on the colder days.
My only complaint is with fitting: i'm 5'9", 175 lbs, water polo player/swimmer, and the sleeves are about 2 inches too long for me. Also, the velcro straps around the sleeves grab the inside of the pockets can which get pretty annoying.

this jacket is great... the only thing i regret is taking it camping with me cause now the smoke smell won't leave... but otherwise, perfect jacket, warm, good looking, good fit.

This jacket is amazing. Absolutely love it. Only thing to be cautious of is the sizing. Sleeves run long while the rest of the jacket runs small. Overall a great purchase!

This is a great jacket, it does well in rain (not heavy mind you, it is a soft shell) and cuts wind. I use this for style and looks for casual wear or the occasional day hike. I prefer my old school (15 years old and as good as new, just broken in) TNF Steep TECH for colder and wetter ventures.

I bought this jacket as a between seasons jacket in MI and it's great.!Keeps you reasonably warm but not hot as long as you don't wear it inside.---Only beef is the fit which I have trouble with all North Face jackets. I'm 5'11" about 190 not fat at all. Medium jacket fits the length of my torso and arms but is tight in the chest. Large has long arms and a long torso. Can't win either way.

Greta Jacket. Excellent weight and warmth. With a fleece layer you can handle about any around town weather you get and it definetly works on the trail and in the mountains.

I shopped price for a while on this jacket and Backcountry's listing was the best by quite a bit.

This jacket was $65 two days ago...in ALL colors. i added it to my cart. just wasn't sure of my size. now it's $109. apparently it was a sale price. oh well. sour grapes? yes! i'm on my way to REI to pay full retail. thanks!

This is my casual go to jacket for a night out. For heavy aerobic activities, I'm using Mountain Hardwear's Synchro Jacket. For the Apex, I bought last year's on a $77 close out price. Hey for that, you can't go wrong. It's not as warm as the Synchro but it does block the wind very well. It's comfortable and does exactly what I bought it for. Plus, it looks really cool (kinda Han Solo-ish from Empire Strikes Back--yuk yuk).

I've worn it sitting still for college football games, chillin' on the deck, etc. and have been comfortable in 30, 40 and 50 degree weather. Of course, you gotta remember to layer or you probably will get cold anything under 40...

I bought this for my dad as a gift and he absolutely loves it. He can't seem to take it off even when he comes inside the house. I wouldn't be surprised if he slept with it on.

I've tried the jacket on myself and it's soft on the inside and very durable and weather resistant on the outside. It's a great fit for my dad or myself (we're 5'10"-6'0" and about 200lbs) and we both wear Large. My dad wears it in the rain, in the morning chill, and even around our home for comfort.

It's gray so it also matches everything that my dad wears. All around, it's a great jacket.

this jacket is great! exactly what I wanted.

great jacket! exactly what was needed!

Technical, Functional, Versatile.

Looks as good as it performs.

Warmer than one would think.

everyone else has said it all.

worth the money

Apex bionic jacket is great for what BC advertises it for. Great for spring skiing, hiking, and casual use. Keeps you warmer then other fleece jackets because it has a windproof shell. Would benefit from vents, but oh well. Great all-around durable jacket.

Apex bionic jacket is great for what BC advertises it for. Great for spring skiing, hiking, and casual use. Keeps you warmer then other fleece jackets because it has a windproof shell. Would benefit from vents, but oh well. Great all-around durable jacket.

Nothing wrong with the jacket, nothing special about it either. The arms are longer, and the fit is looser than a super athletic cut. If you have broad shoulders this jacket is you. My room mate has 42'' shoulders and a 29'' waist. This jacket works great for him.

It is too light for any serious wind, and it has limits on warmth too. I cut mine with a ski edge carrying it in less than 4 days.

Fine for around town, not up to technical wear.

love it

Great jacket. Good fit. Blocks wind well. The pumice grey came with a bright red zipper. Still a great jacket.

Great Jacket. Holds up well against light rain and wind. It's made as a base layer or light cover for your base layer, don't expect it to be a "do it all jacket". Worth picking up for the price I got it for..
I'm 6ft 180lb medium fits perfect

Wear it anywhere! Great quality, but just a shell. So not much insulation on the inside remember. I bought the black, and the zipper ties aren't white, they're black so you know! Excellent jacket.

Ok, if I could have added a half-star I would have. I love this jacket: fit, durability, warmth, zippers and everything else. BUT ... I just wish it came standard w/ a hood. I believe they make the hooded version, so if you are like me run w/ the hoody.