The North Face ST Apogee Jacket - Men's

I bought this jacket to replace a very similar TNF Scot Schmidt Steep Tech jacket that I've owned for probably 16+ years. These jackets are incredibly durable. I am 6'1" and 200 lbs. and an XL gives me plenty of room for a fleece underlayer. The only issue I see with this jacket is the collar (it is 5" tall and covers my mouth unless I pull the jacket down). My old jacket's collar is only about 3" high. I may see if my tailor can shorten the collar in the front but that would require shortening 3 zippers...I'm not sure how easy that would be. FYI: The belt does come off. I just thought of something, maybe if I used the belt I could keep the collar down off my mouth I will have to investigate this (although I don't like the look of the belt).

I just wore the Apogee Men's Small (5'6" 140 lbs) in Snow Valley, Southern Cal for a day of skiing as snow was falling all day long. The fit was very good. The collar was a bit tall (probably intentional) and took some getting used to with all the zippers. The pockets were very useful and the removable pouch was indispensable with my ski/snowboarding family putting various things like goggles and gloves on and off depending on the weather. The ventilation zips front and back were open all day. MY midweight fleece underlayer and baselayer of 100% cotton ( I know, I know, don't use cotton) were perfect for the occasion. The belt did not add much to the experience but i suppose it could be useful if a few pouches were hooked up to it to carry other gear. But why would one need more storage space? All in all a terrific purchase in my humble opinion. i wish the inner lining wasn't so clingy though. It made it a little difficult to get into the jacket. For this reason I wish the liner was nylon. In horrible weather, once the jacket was on, there were no worries. The rollaway hood was decent, although uninsulated. A balaclava made of fleece under the hood will help when speeding down the mountain. By the way, the $240 price down from $398 made this a no-brainer of a purchase.

For what is it, its a good jacket. It's warm you wont freeze it in, i wear short sleeve tee's year round so thats something i want. My problem is the collar, its way for high and unless you zip it up it will look stupid. The off center zips make it even worse. I know it was suppoed to be like that and its fine if you like it but i dont. Buy it if your not in school because unless you have a locker you'll be with this all day. After every class you have to zip it up because like it said it looks stupid of you dont. Then take it off again. This is a pain in the ass. I actually like the buckle because its a wide jacket. The only problem is the collar. The steep tech agency and dolo are similar style wise so look into those. If your not in school then i guess this wouldnt be a bad choice because you wont have to worry about taking it off and putting it back on 10 times a day. Its hot and would be hotter if they made this same thing without the collar

Scott Schmidt Designs winners for the adrenaline junkies of the world for which I am one.
These jackets as I've owned one every year are still being used. They are rugged as they look good also. They are not parkas. So those that need warmth well get a liner otherwise
they are sealed and close to water proof but great with minor layering. I love them as I'm a oldtime vetran skiier. Shell jackets don't get any better.

Guys, the jacket's very warm and windproof and you could tow a car with it but, if you get caught in really wet snow for a couple of hours, the jacket will be soaked...along with you.

I have owned several The North Face jackets before this one. This one is somewhat unique in The North Face group and it took a little getting used to.

First of all, I have to say this jacket has a ton of pockets which is very helpful to me. The zipper takes a little time to get used to since it does not zip down the center of the jacket. The neck also took a little time to get used to. It is much higher than other jackets I have used. Once I got used to the neck though I loved it. I tested it during a very cold week in Colorado and the jacket is warm and great. On warmer days, there are 4 vents that can be opened to provide soon cool air.

All in all, I love this jacket.

this jacket is great. very durable, and though it is not the warmest jacket, it is water and windproof. if you go out wearing this and you're warm, you can expect to stay that way. however, if you were cold to begin with it might take some time to get warm, if that happens at all. this is a tight-fit jacket, for the most part, and if you're wearing anything else with a high collar or a hood, dont expect to be able to zip the zipper all the way to the top of the jacket

Guys, the jacket's very warm and windproof and you could tow a car with it but, if you get caught in really wet snow for a couple of hours, the jacket will be soaked...along with you.

The NF Apogee Line is really for the adrenaline burner type of persons, as its not a parka first of all. SO Its not as warm as a parka. Some of us adrenaline junkies do not want down filling or fill of anykind. Those that knock down this line need to keep this in mind.
Not every one needs a parka!

Second I love it because I don't like liners just shells and this one is reasonably rugged with lots of pockets. iPods and any other radio gadget required for the back country
can fit within limits. I've had 2 others before this starting with the first Steep Tech line
put out by North face - I think I need another one!!! I can see my old ones I still have them anyway, they look brand new execept for some minor wear. I used them about 100+ days a winter pre year. The nylon holds up as wellas any of the other lines. Few bother to look cool also.

I love this jacket. It is definitely the best, most featureful ski jacket I have owned so far. It has more pockets than anyone could ask for. It is warm and very well vented, and the style is unique in comparison to the vast majority of mountain lights and mountain guides. This is definitely a worthwhile jacket. I love the overall look and fit of the jacket as well. Definitely top notch.

I have one of my own and i think it's one of the best and warmest jackets ever made in the world. I ordered mine from this web site and it cost me about
$360.00 for everything included the shipping and handle the price is the first name of the jacket steep but I had to get one because I hate to be cold and all my friends have one so could be left out,and where I live at you better dress warm or else, so go get one the day read this, u wont regret this deal.

This is the my second apogee jacket, the best jacket around.

I searched for an all over the edge look and capacity in a jacket for a while and this bad boy completes the quest...Excellent access, weather prot., and especially appearance...it will turn every head while yours is the least concerned about anything but the provided comfort...North Face meets 007, with a splash of life insurance..
almost as great as BackcountryStore.com for helping me find it...thankyou

This Steep Tech is a great ski jacket. Functions well and looks great. However, this jacket doesn't get a 5 out 5 because it's of a slightly lesser quality than the 1996/1997 Steep Tech. BUT STILL HOLDS UP.

Actually got hot in 10 deg. weather with this dude. It is the real deal and pure quality. If you want to be warm and safe no matter where you are, here is the piece. I take back all my rants about the techie junk. Tis is real tech that is the real deal!

When I heard that the Apogee was coming back, I had to get it. I have the original and it is the best jacket I have ever worn for snowboarding. The new jacket does not have the same feel of the original. It feels like TNF didn't take the time to make it as great as the original. Overall, I am satisfied and I would recommend anyone to buy this jacket not just for snowboarding, but for everyday use. At the price BackcountryStore.com is selling at, you can't go wrong!!!

This is absoloutely the best jacket that I have ever owned. It's tough enough to handle the New York City winter and any other kind of weather that comes your way. Its style is also unbeatable. The accessory pouch is so useful you'll wonder why other companies didn't incorporate it into they're designs yet. This is obviously the best jacket for any winter or rainy season.

This jacket is certainly the best skiing/snowboarding jacket. As for everyday use, I would not suggest you wear this at 10 degree outside. McMurdo Parka seem to be better choice when it comes to coldest of the winter. Nevertheless, excellent design, life time warranty can't go wrong.

Great jacket, warm, good looking. Really made my son look like a serious skier (he is) and now he looks it.

Was not sure about the off-center zip up for the front of the jacket, but after 2 days, absolutely love it. Would like the option of removing the waist buckle instead of just snaping it behind the back. Overall, very happy with the purchase, worth the price, will last for a decade easy.

Used the jacket the first week of December in Utah. I found the jacket to be very comfortable, warm while skiing and pockets placed in convenient places. TNF always stand behind their products and have excellent customer service. This is my 14th North Face jacket and I still have all of them. Solid jacket for all outdoor activities. My money was well spent!

Great. Well thought out. An exceptional jacket.

This jacket is probably the best one I have ever worn. I don't feel the wind or the snow even when it's 20 degrees outside. It's definitely worth its price. I recommend it to everyone who loves the outdoors. Northface is great.

Simply put this is _the_warmest_jacket_ you'll find without looking like a ridiculous marshmallow. I bought this last christmas from this website in black/black. Nowadays I believe it's a rare color to find because it was such a hot sell last year. Definitely one of the most sound investments to make for the winter.

The jacket is great. Beware...the sizes run larger than they are. I ordered and Xlg and he could have used a Lg. Overall very good.

This jacket is one of the great ones. I can vouch that no wind will ever get through. The only flaw I can find in this jacket is that there are no pockets for your hands.

This jacket is horrible. It compares nothing to the original apogee from 95-97. Don't buy this jacket if you are a hardcore skier. Hyvent is the cheapest fabric ever made. Any steep tech after 98 is pure crap.

So far, the jacket performs well. Its almost the same thing as the Extreme jackets. Pretty warm, lot of pockets. Only thing I don’t like about it is the lack of pocket for your hands like the other North Face jackets.

this is like the perfect jacket warm n stylish only drawback is no hand pockets, well there is buts its a lil small so yea the only draw back

This is a great jacket for the extreme. It is made of a Carhartt-like material that is windproof. The side pockets could be larger to stow gloves/hands etc. The coat may be a bit over the top for casual wear due to the outer belt. The steep work jacket seems like a better option for casual wear, although I do not own one. The jacket is hard to find in anything but XLs. I got a great deal on a new XL. I'm 5’10”, 195lb and it is a bit big around the waist and in the shoulders/arms.

I bought it with out even trying it on and It fit perfectly. I'm 6' 3" 190lbs and the large size fit like a glove with some room for layers.(Not that you need them) This jacket stands up to Canadian winters and all types of skiing and snowboarding trips. If you live in Canada like me, you need to travel to the nearest Fedex Kinkos across the border and get it. But believe me when I say it was worth the 3 hour drive to Syracuse NY to pick it up! Its very warm and well made, not to mention stylin too!

Incredible jacket. Heavy duty construction feels bomb-proof. High neck zipped up option almost completely insulates against powder snow and high wind. Multiple easy access pockets. Very secure feel with waist strap. I predominately ski dry snow regions in CO. However, I took a trip to Whistler last season, though waterproof, the jacket had a damp feel in this environment at the end of the day - More traditional Gore-Tex shell would like benefit here - this is the only 'fault' identified. When I strap on the Apogee, I feel ready to take on any terrain - go for it!

Firstly, the order and UPS delivery to Sweden was very smooth and quick, thanks! Love this jacket, fits very good for the cold Swedish winters. Looks good to use as a casual jacket in town. And very useful in the nature and hiking. It is easy to put on even if the zipper is on the side, however, I think it more the jacket you are supposed to wear for a longer time. Small but plenty of pockets, tight and comfortable high neck. Love the zipper at the end of the arms which makes it easy to put on and off gloves. The waist belt could have been detachable though. There are 3 "holes" at the front of the jacket I did not know about, for the use of something I don't know yet but are covered by the waist belt. Lastly, it feels like a jacket with enough quality to last for a decade with adventures!

I called and spoke with a very knowledgeable sales rep about this coat before I bought it. He spent time with me (20+ mins) talking over every little thing. If you have specific questions, this is the way to go. I couldn't be happier with my purchase. Perfect fit, very warm, and very tough. I've since climbed, skied, and snowshoed a fourteener in it. This is definitely my go-to coat. Thanks, guys!

So many bells and whistles and pockets, killer piece of gear. Probably the only ski jacket you will ever have to own. Its that tough.

The craftsmenship of the jacket was very nice like many of North Faces products, but when zipped up all the way this jacket came all the way up my face. The collar was way too high. When unzipped the collar was in the way too much as well.

I exchanged my red- steeptech for a white one and this site asked no questions .. I received my new steeptech in 2 days .. I've had my steeptech for .. 2yrs now and it is by far the best jacket I ever had ..

The jacket is clearly well made and has many useful features for the technical user. The jacket does not fully zip up the center and hanging around the camp site unzipped is slightly uncomfortable as it hangs / pulls lopsided on your body. I found the hood encroached upon my field of vision.

As for the Steep Tech The North Face gear, I love it. It's very warm and is exactly what I wanted. Thanks.

I love my Steep Tech. I bought a white one in Feb 08. I never got a chance to wear it. I called Backcountry and asked if I could exchange it for a black one and they said no problem. How great is that? Backcountry is the best. This was worth my girl getting pissed at me for spending so much on this coat. Looking forward to wearing it on the slopes. P.S(Everyone, this is a technical shell jacket that you would wear a liner underneath. That is its purpose. If you need a stand alone jacket for warmth get a snorkel!)

I have had this jacket for two seasons now and it really does stand up, no rips like the prettier jackets. This jacket really has stood up to everything I have thrown at it and isn't showing any signs of wearing out. I was so impressed with this jacket I got my wife a steep tech jacket (she tends to destroy things easily, but she hasn't destroyed this one)

I love my jacket. Warm, wind proof, incredibly durable and rugged.
But with the availability of other layering systems which weigh much less, I would only recommend this jacket for extremely rugged adventures where durability of clothing is an issue because of ice, rocks, or brush tearing stuff up.
Make no mistake about it, I can ski all day in extremely cold and windy conditions with this jacket. And I love it. But if I am only skiing and am at all concerned about freedom of movement and weight in an environment where I do not anticipate tearing something up, I will choose my arc'teryx shell and layer underneath as needed. Much less weight and freedom of movement.
An unbelievably great jacket which I would use in fewer settings than I had anticipated. But I am very happy to have it.

This jacket has no flaws. One of my best jackets to wear in the winter. Wish the zipper in the middle went all the way down the jacket.

I bought a steep tech in 1995 and thought they could not make a better jacket. well they definitely proved me wrong. This jacket is not cheap, but man this thing is awesome!! tons of zippers makes this jacket adjustable to any possible need. I wear two thin layers below this coat and have yet to get cold. If you ski hard you'll have to pop the pit zips to cool down!! Even with hard use, this coat will last at least 10 years. And if you just happen to have a blowout, send it to north face and they will repair it for free! After 10 plus years of hard skiing i blew out the zipper on my steep tech, north face fixed it, sent it back and 1 just gave it to my brother. Bottom line, if you can come up with the coin, you won't be disappointed!!!

This jacket is great, looking! Visually it looks amazing and the design is very eye catching; really fashionable. Lots of pockets for the random accessories you'll need during trip and pretty water/wind resistant. I walked for 2hrs straight during a torrential downpour and the jacket stood up well and dried quickly after. It keeps you warm on most winter day yet on the really very cold ones; I had to wear a second layer (TNF Fleece) to feel comfortably warm, which I think is a problem, due to the cost of the jacket! On looks it’s a must-have but on actual warmth and comfort I stick with my TNF McMurdo Parka.

Got the jacket and was blown away by the quality of it, the pockets, overall appearance, etc. UNTIL I went to put it on. I ordered an XL (another reviewer said they ran large). I'm 5'5" and 180 and I had a heck of time with this. The offset zipper does make it awkward to get on. I tried it as a pull over and it worked but it was difficult. The sleeves and neck protection were plenty large but the cut of the body seemed narrow. Maybe suited for someone of a thinner build. I sent it back. I wish it had fit because it seemed to be a great jacket.

I first learned about this jacket due to one of my friends. Here in Korea it gets very cold very quick during the long winter, and I all I had was this cheap $40 jacket that I had bought from the PX on base that really did nothing to keep me warm. As the winter wore on I got one and despite the price I don't regret it- it's definitely the warmest jacket I've ever owned, and very tough, and eye-catching to boot. I've gotten a lot of compliments on it. I plan to use it to climb Mt. Fuji later this spring. Definitely worth your money.

Overall the Apogee jacket was an incredible garment. It seemed well constructed and I'm sure that in extreme conditions it would live up to it's name. However, it is a bit stiff and the size was geared towards a thin, short torso build. I'm 6'2" 225 (all muscle of course...) and it was constricting and too short in length. the integrated pack seemed a bit funky, but was easily detached.

This jacket is horrible. Doesn't keep you warm. All those pockets and no where to put my freezing hands in. This jacket is garbage. I should've just bought a better looking, warmer, and cheaper SPYDER.