Actually, the Apex uses lower quality materials, lesser quality manufacturing, and honestly can't hold up like my Backcountry Softshell does.For some comparison, this is what Arcteryx throws into the mix:http://www.backcountry.com/store/ARC0377/Arcteryx-Gamma-MX-Jacket-Mens.htmlWestcome actually works closely with Backcountry in a number of ways, and this is what they have:http://www.backcountry.com/store/WTC0016/Westcomb-Mojave-LT-Softshell-Jacket-Mens.htmlAnd if you don't mind sticking out on the slopes, you can pick up a killer deal on a Shift of your own:http://www.backcountry.com/store/BCC0151/Backcountry-Shift-Softshell-Jacket-Limited-Edition-Mens.htmlThis jacket seriously is worth well more than what I actually paid for it, but you'll just have to try it yourself. Additionally, the Polartec Powershield of the Shift is going to be more abrasion and weather resistant due to the weave of the fabric. Also, these jackets, while thinner than Apex Bionic jacekts, are going to be just as warm and more comfortable due to the superior stretch properties of the fabric.