The North Face Apex Bionic Jacket - Men's - 2007 BCS

I have the one for women and my boyfriend has this one. We both just love it. It is warm, wind proof, extremely water-resistant and durable, it looks super stylish and stretches nicely.

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.

I've chewed this thing up climbing on granite and it's proven itself to me time and time again. Does a very decent job blocking wind, sheds hours of moisture very well, but the thing I'm taken aback by is the toughness. I grind this thing against sharp rocks that rip my paws to shreds, bushwack through brambles, and play backyard tackle football with it on. Breathes well and stands the test of time. For the value, this might be the best cheap jacket on the market.

Thank you, North Face...thank you.

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.

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.

I've had mine since they practically came out, before pretty much everyone had one. Great jacket and excellent quality. It still looks as good as the day I got it. I've gotten some new pieces lately and this jacket was getting a little small for me so I gave it to my brother. Always kept me warm although its not as warm as a fleece for a midlayer.

I received this jacket for Christmas and fell in love with it! It is completely windproof and keeps out most water! It is also very durable and easy to clean. I ran through laural thickets in this jacket and it is still good as new! It is good as a inner shell for cold weather or and outer shell for mild weather! I absolutely love this comfortable piece of gear!!!

I'm in scouts, and on every campout, I bring this jacket. It keeps me warm, big enough to fit a fleece under and looks good. I also wear this skiing. I am amazed at how much it stretches. Me and this jacket have been through a lot. Oh, and the fact that it looks great means I can wear it around town too!

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.

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 jacket is exactly as advertised: 3-season all-round use. I wear it biking to work on chilly days, windy days, and days where there is some drizzle. I stay warm and dry, while able to shed any excess heat. Its a bit heavy (hey, its softshell), but is great for climbing on super chilly mornings or for bringing on backpacking trips where you only want to bring one jacket. The water resistance wears out after a few washes, but can be rejuvenated. Well worth the price, and a steal in the discontinued colors.

You can't beat the price, got this one for a friend who's not as much of a gear junkie as myself. A windproof highly water resistant shell with brushed fleece lining on inside for half the price of comparable Gore Windstopper / Polartec Power Shield soft shells. This seems to be just as trendy as the Denali these days, making it a great gift for those in college!

Don't forget to check out the Apex Bionic Thermal version. It has high loft soft shag fleece on the inside to get you past the actual winter season without having to layer a hoody/sweatshirt under this one.

Also if you want a truly "soft and malleable" softshell, invest in a jacket made from Gore or Polartec. Backcountry.com search bar is really sophisticated, you can search jackets by material! Search for "gore windstopper" or "polartec power shield" for some of the best softshells out there.. Arcteryx and Patagonia are more pricey but usually worth it...

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.

This is a great jacket, good looking and works well. It's size and fit allows you mobility while still having some protection from the elements. I wear this in light rain, temps between 45-60 degrees, and I like to use it as a layering piece too underneath a waterproof shell, if I'm snowboarding, or hiking in cold weather. It even stands nicely on its own style wise in the early spring for a night out at the bar. Style and function ftw

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.

Worn on its own, this jacket can probably keep you comfortable between 30 and 55 degrees F, or even as high as 60 if you aren't moving much. As an outer layer it could probably take you down to 10 or 15, but for extreme cold temperatures I would probably use it as a midlayer because of its lack of a hood.

I have had my Apex Jacket for several months and have worn it in various weather conditions. Its great to throw on after leaving a day of snowboarding. I used it when I was out in the rain for a day and kept me super dry and warm. I have found this jacket to be extremely waterproof. I am 5'8" 190lbs with an athletic build and the large fits me perfect everywhere except in the shoulders, where it is a little tight. But the XL was too big everywhere except the shoulders, and had super long sleeves that would be cool for a gorilla. Overall, great jacket. I was super pleased with this being my first TNF product.

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!

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.

Warm comfortable, looks cool and it is a great softshell.. not waterproof but close to it and keeps the wind at bay. Great find for weekenders and everyday use. The sleeves are a little long and the velcro on the sleeve cuffs needs to be a little softer. Other than that GREAT JACKET.

This jacket is like the other reviewers have stated. Good for cool days, or even cold days, if you are on the move. I did find that at 5'11/180 lbs that a Large is a little big on me in the torso and neck, but as I have long arms, I think the Medium would have left me wanting longer sleeves. The extra room does allow for putting on a few layers underneath if you want to stay warm in cold weather without wearing a huge coat. However, a drawcord on the neck would be nice for keeping heat in.

It does do a great job of shedding light rain or snow and keeps the wind out very well.

I purchased this jacket for my brother for a christmas gift and said he loves it. He said it fits wells, its comfortable, nice material and a great jacket to wear out casually. It fits pretty true to size, he ordered a large which I told him would be a little big, he said its a little big but he likes it. Definitely recommend it for casual wear.

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.

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.

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!!!

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

I purchased the Apex Bionic for my son, he just loves it. I wore it one day during some sub zero weather under a hooded sweatshirt and could not believe the ability to cut the wind and cold. Needless to say, I am not up on the new technology of cold weather gear, but I intend to learn a lot by checking out the gear on this site. Thanks for helping me find the right stuff and I look forward to more purchases in the future.

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.

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.

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

I bought this to go hiking in Mount Rainier Natl Park (WA) last September, and it fit my needs perfectly. It was warm enough while still being breathable, was able to block the wind in the more exposed spots and it easily shed the light rain that I got the first day.

About the fit: I'm 5'6", 145 lbs, got a size small. It fit well over my base layer, but I think if I was to wear it on its own it would be too loose. Also, I thought the fit was a bit funny in some aspects. The arms were quite long in proportion to everything else. But that was really minor.

Overall, two thumbs up.

collar does not "lay down when unzipped thus sticking you in the chin (the collar corner) bugs me-loose fit

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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

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 thought I'd like the jacket when I ordered it but when I received it I found it to be too big. Decided to keep it and wore it a couple of times only to find that the wind seemed to cut right through it. I don't wear it anymore and would suggest it to be a good jacket for temps above 60. For anything less than that there are many other options.
Also, in my opinion, sizes seem to run large.

He loved the jacket I gave him last year so much he wanted another one-loves them both! I purchased the blue last year in size large. He is 5'11" at about 175 pounds and found the large a little snug under the arms so this year I bought XL in charcoal/black and he is so happy with it. He definitely still wears the large--it just seems to "fit". The XL is roomier and he can layer easier when the weather is colder. He wears this jacket on cool summer nights and cold winter days. Oh yeah, I have one too and love it!

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.

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.

The jacket fits great, is warm, and looks cool. The velcro straps on the sleeves can pull your shirt sleeves up when you are putting the jacket on, but they do keep the wind out.

Glad I bought it - $55 was a steal for a quality jacket like this.

Wonderful jacket. Excelent for all weather and activities.

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.

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

we loved the coat. I looks great, perfect spring and fall weight and very stylish. The people at backcountry are very helpful, never pushy and love their jobs . The coat is true to size if not a little roomier.

This is a great jacket. It fits very well and the inside is soft. This jacket is also good to wear when it is windy outside or when it rains. I am very satisfied with the Apex and I would highly recommend this jacket.

Thank goodness for the ability to return orders here! I got this and the North Face Denali fleece on sale together to compare the two. Identical sizes (S black), but the Denali is being returned. The cut of the Denali is MUCH more square, so when I put it on it appeared as if I were wearing shoulder pads. Big shoulder pads. The Apex OTOH, is cut less roomy, so on my 5'3" 134 lb frame gives much more of a fitted look, which is what I was looking for. The arms of the Apex are cut much higher on the torso, which also adds to the "fitted" look, but keep in mind if wearing a sweater/baggy shirt that this will most likely bunch up and gather in the armpits. I will most likely wear this jacket with a polo shirt or tshirt max, but will go with something else if wearing a sweater/sweatshirt/etc. Hope this helps!

This jacket is great. Fits very well. I'm 6'0" 210 and i got an XL. Perfect. Great all around jacket which can be wore for multiple seasons.

I ordered one Black and one New Taupe Green. The Black one fits fine but the color is not true black, it has a greenish/greyish hue to it.

The New Taupe Green is another story. The cut under the arms is very tight and binds when raising my arms. The length of the arms is at least 3 inches longer that the Black one. I did notice that the Black one was made in China and the New Taupe Green was made in Nicaragua.

This jacket is great. Im 5'10" around 200 lbs so i ordered the XLarge and it fits great. sleeves a little long but thats what the velcrow is for on the sleeves. really comfortable. well worth the money. only took five days to arrive at my house and that was with the basic shipping 7-14 business days

everyone else has said it all.

worth the money

This is an excellent middle layer to wear in a Pacific Northwest weather as an everyday jacket. It's warm (but not like a Denali), water repellant and some wind resistance, but this is not a Gore-Tex, you are expected to have another outer layer as well.

I've had it for over a year and it's still in great shape. On chilli days I take it over a base layer and under a gore-tex outer shell and I can sustain freezing temperatures on my bike.

WARNING - you will look like a wicked poser in this jacket. EVERYONE wears these around town.

Picked this up on sale last summer, would not pay retail for it. It's a no-frills, basic softshell with good quality craftsmanship. It breaths better than a 3L Gore, it breaths MUCH LESS than a light weight Gore. It insulates a little. It sheds a little water. It sheds dirt and stains. It resists snags. It is not highly technical and the fit is for average joes. Heavy, boxy, lots of extra fabric on me.

The adjustable wrists and waist cinch are a nice bonus. Neck and collar have a funny, tight fit and too stiff to be practical.

Works well enough for backcountry adventures, but only because it was on sale.

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 got this for skiing on days that are not absolutely freezing. Pockets are fairly small and there are only three of them. Cuff very small and hard to get over decent ski gloves. I am 6' 185 lbs and the cut through the shoulders and down to the elbows is pretty constricting. Not much room for layering fleece, etc.

I love this jacket. I have never been able to wear thick jackets, I get way too hot. The jacket is thin, but plenty warm enough. The cut is very generous in the shoulders so you be on the move. I have worn it as a stand alone with short sleeves, long sleeves, and it pairs great with a thin fleece. It really does stop the wind too. I have only had it in a light rain for a little while, but the rain just beaded right off.

This is a great jacket for everyday but especially when being out and active. Nice and warm, but not bulky and does a good job stopping the wind. You can't go wrong with this one.

Well, I've had a northface jacket before and it was wool and I loved it. When that one got stolen and winter came around again I needed another one. I decided for the more expensive one to try it out and it had previous great reviews so here's mine. I love this jacket. At first the material seemed strange but then after wearing it out and easily brushing cat hair from it I changed my mind. I also got a lot of good comments on it from girls both on material and color and I got it in blue. The apex is great for the humid climate in Florida, and as I said before, cat hair won't stick to it at all. Anyways, I could go on and on but this is definitely a great jacket.

Runs pretty close to size but I will tell you one thing if you want to wear anything heavy underneath I would go up a size. great jacket for spring or fall and works best with a tee shirt underneath, arm length runs a tad long but the closures at the end of the sleeve are adjustable and function very well. It's made to fit fairly tight overall but that's what I really like and the length is not to long, not to short. I gave it a five star because this jacket is really classy yet does a great job blocking the wind and taking the chill off. Last but not least, this is NOT a winter jacket made for really cold weather but it does the trick for 35 degrees and up.

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!!

So I'm currently on a 2 week backpacking trip through France - in the winter. Average temperatures are 15 to 30 F... and this jacket has been a lifesaver. Its not perfect for below freezing weather- but combined with a casual sweater, and an overcoat (such as a nice PeaCoat) it keeps me warm while blocking the wind and snow/rain/slush. Its great because its nice and slim, allowing you to remain somewhat fashionable across France while staying thin and light, making it easier to backpack across the country. Unlike my American Express- I would never leave home without this jacket (on a cold breezy day).

Perfect for Fall through Spring. The cut is athletic contrary to other reviews. Doesn't have too many pockets to lose things in.

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

I bought the Apex as a gift for my husband. The kids were very jealous as he opened his present. He had never heard much about North Face, but has become a HUGE fan. He absolutely loves his new jacket!

I have never been hot in this jacket. It keeps me dry from the rain as well. I love it besides the velcro sleeves.

There's nothing but positives. You get what you pay for .Well made comfortable,stylish, functional. It has easy access pockets and perfect length to keep you covered. I would suggest going up a size if you like some room and might want to wear sweater.

I spend a great deal of my time outside in the Pacific Northwest, ranging from Southern Oregon up to the Canadian border, over to Western Montana. I call these jackets my 85% solution - because they solve 85% of my jacket needs, 85% of the time. Add a Denali Fleece vest and a Marmot Precip and I am up to 98% of the time. I have found this recipe to fit almost all my needs almost all the time... Having said that the Apex Bionic Jacket is the foundation. (BTW - the other 2% is extreme cold that requires specialized gear.)