Perfect for casual and urban outings where cold wind or light rain might be expected
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Credit: The North Face
Price: $169 List | $168.95 at Backcountry
Compare prices at 3 resellers
Pros: Budget-friendly, warm, windproof
Cons: Heavy, bulky, stiff fabric
Manufacturer:
The North Face
Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Learn more
51
OVERALL
SCORE
RANKED
#12 of 12
-
Weather Protection – 30%
9.0 -
Breathability – 30%
3.0 -
Mobility – 25%
4.0 -
Weight – 10%
3.0 -
Versatility – 5%
4.0
Our Verdict
Both casual and athletically inspired, The North Face Apex Bionic Hoodie is a great jacket that is a perfect option for mostly urban outings. While it is heavier and bulkier than more technical layers, it is an excellent option for those seeking weather protection on cold and windy commutes, featuring a large hood and deep pockets. Because of its additional weather protection, the fabric feels stiffer and bulkier than we would hope for in a mountain-ready jacket, but for those looking for an inexpensive model that will provide an escape from the elements, this is a good choice.
Compare to Similar Products
This Product |
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Price | $168.95 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers |
$215 List $118.22 at Backcountry |
$96.71 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers |
$63.22 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers |
$164.95 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers |
Overall Score ![]() |
51 |
81 |
76 |
72 |
68 |
Star Rating |
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Pros | Budget-friendly, warm, windproof | Great mobility, highly breathable, well-fitted | Super breathable, durable, inexpensive | Incredibly light, very mobile | Softshell fit and feel, oversized storm hood, designed for freedom of motion |
Cons | Heavy, bulky, stiff fabric | Only one hood adjustment, average weight | Poor wet weather protection | Limited weather protection, few features | Expensive, relatively heavy, odor retention |
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 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 | An ultra-lightweight alternative to your normal softshell, this jacket is warmer and more comfortable than many without sacrificing breathability |
Rating Categories | The North Face Apex… | Marmot ROM 2.0 | Outdoor Research Fe… | Rab Borealis | Black Diamond Alpin… |
Weather Protection (30%) |
9.0 |
8.0 |
4.0 |
5.0 |
3.0 |
Breathability (30%) |
3.0 |
8.0 |
10.0 |
8.0 |
9.0 |
Mobility (25%) |
4.0 |
9.0 |
10.0 |
9.0 |
8.0 |
Weight (10%) |
3.0 |
7.0 |
7.0 |
8.0 |
9.0 |
Versatility (5%) |
4.0 |
7.0 |
4.0 |
5.0 |
6.0 |
Specs | The North Face Apex… | Marmot ROM 2.0 | Outdoor Research Fe… | Rab Borealis | Black Diamond Alpin… |
Measured Weight (size medium) | 27.4 oz | 17.1 oz | 13.4 oz | 10.5 oz | 7.4 oz |
Material | 100% polyester | 92% nylon, 8% elastane | 86% nylon (46% recycled), 14% spandex | Lightweight Matrix single weave with 2-way stretch and DWR | Schoeller stretch-woven: 93% nylon, 7% Elastane, Schoeller Eco-Repel Bio DWR |
Type | Casual | Technical | Active | Technical | Technical |
Lined/Insulated? | Fleece backer | No | Yes, lining 91% nylon, 9% spandex | No | No |
Hood? | Yes, adjustable | Yes | Yes, climbing helmet compatible, adjustable, stowable | Yes, under helmet with lycra binding | Yes, adjustable |
Number of Pockets (zippered unless otherwise noted) | 1 chest zippered, 2 hand zippered | 2 zippered hand, 1 zippered chest, 1 zippered | 2 zippered hand, 1 zippered chest | 2 (external chest) | 1 chest |
Adjustable Cuffs? | No | Yes, Velcro | Elastic cuffs | Lycra cuffs | Elastic cuffs |
Available Sizes | XS – XXL | S – XXL | S – XXXL | S – XXL | S-XL |
Show full specification detailsHide full specification details
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
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Cold days at the beach are another perfect place to take the Bionic Hoodie for a walk
Credit: Ryan Huetter
Weather Protection
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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.
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Water-resistance testing with the Bionic 2.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
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.
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Nice and soft fleece makes this a comfortable interior lining.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
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.
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Cuffs are not adjustable but provide decent coverage
Credit: Ryan Huetter
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.
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The hood adjustments are a bit wonky and difficult to use one handed, scrunching up tightly around the face.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
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.
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The North Face Bionic 2 is among the heaviest of our tested jackets.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
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.
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Relaxing on the patio during a chilly spring day? A great place for the Apex Bionic to shine.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
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
FAQs
What does apex mean for North Face?
Designed to provide a comfortable balance between breathability and weather resistance, The North Face Apex technology is used in the brand’s jackets and Etip gloves which allow the wearer to operate touchscreen devices while keeping their hands warm
Is The North Face Apex Bionic jacket warm?
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
Is The North Face Apex Bionic jacket waterproof?
The Men’s Apex Bionic Jacket is water-repellent, windproof, breathable, stretchable, and ready for adventure. For windy, cold-weather activities, this versatile shell is an easy choice.
What is an apex jacket?
The Apex Jacket is an all-weather, three-season jacket, featuring a water-resistant bonded outer shell with reflective trim and a warm fleece lining. Fully adjustable with touch fastener closures around the chest and belly, it’s quick and easy to take on and off.
The North Face Men’s Apex Flex FUTURELIGHT Jacket …
The North Face Men’s Apex Flex FUTURELIGHT Jacket 2022 THIS PRODUCT QUALIFIES FOR FREE SHIPPING! *Contiguous US, full bikes excluded Learn More Description Breathable-waterproof, seam-sealed FUTURELIGHT 3L shell with a soft, recycled, stretch-woven face and recycled, stretch-knit backer for warmth and comfortExposed, matte polyurethane (PU), VISLONcenter front zip with an internal stormflapHalf-exposed, matte PU hand pocket zipsHeather fabric available in select colorwaysSecure-zip, internal chest pocketHem cinch-cordAttached, fully adjustable hoodAdjustable hook-and-loop cuff tabsHeat transfer logo on left chest and back-right shoulderWindproof fabricSlim fit Specs _Primary Category: Winter/Apparel/Jackets Model Year: 2022 Gender: Men’s _sport: Skiing International Availability: Argentina;Australia;Chile;Ireland;Japan;New Zealand;UK;United States;Canada Condition: New Product _Inventory Type: Current Line _New Cutoff Date: 2022-01-02 Reviews
The North Face Apex Jackets and Accessories – Moosejaw
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The North Face Apex Elevation Jacket 2022 | Men's
The North Face Apex Elevation Jacket 2022 – Men’s Softshell Jacket The North Face Apex Elevation Jacket Windproof, water-repellent soft-shell hooded jacket for insulated, breathable warmth during active winter endeavors. Face Fabric Body – 20D x 20D 195 g/m² WindWall™—96% polyester, 4% elastane with non-PFC durable water-repellent (non-PFC DWR) finish Lining – 50D 56g/m² 100% recycled polyester with non-PFC DWR finish Insulation PrimaLoft® Black Insulation | 120g – 60% recycled polyester in body and collar, 80g in hood and sleeves Additional Features Attached, fully adjustable, insulated drop hood Exposed, reverse-coil center front zip Covered, secure-zip chest and hand pockets Adjustable hook-and-loop cuff tabs Hidden hem cinch-cord adjusts at center front zip Kiss-cut heat transfer logo on left chest and back-right shoulder Size Chart JACKET SIZING CHEST HIP SLEEVE LENGTH S 36-38″ 35-37″ 33.5″ M 39-41″ 38-40″ 34″ L 42-44″ 41-43″ 34.8″ XL 45-48″ 44-46″ 35.5″ 2XL 49-52″ 47-49″ 36.3″ 3XL 53-56″ 50-52″ 37″
2016 The North Face Apex Bionic Jacket Review by Peter Glenn
The North Face Apex Bionic Hoodie Review
The North Face Apex Bionic Hoodie Review Perfect for casual and urban outings where cold wind or light rain might be expected Credit: The North Face Price: $169 List | $168.95 at BackcountryCompare prices at 3 resellers Pros: Budget-friendly, warm, windproof Cons: Heavy, bulky, stiff fabric Manufacturer: The North Face Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Learn more 51 OVERALLSCORERANKED#12 of 12 Weather Protection – 30% 9.0 Breathability – 30% 3.0 Mobility – 25% 4.0 Weight – 10% 3.0 Versatility – 5% 4.0 Our Verdict Both casual and athletically inspired, The North Face Apex Bionic Hoodie is a great jacket that is a perfect option for mostly urban outings. While it is heavier and bulkier than more technical layers, it is an excellent option for those seeking weather protection on cold and windy commutes, featuring a large hood and deep pockets. Because of its additional weather protection, the fabric feels stiffer and bulkier than we would hope for in a mountain-ready jacket, but for those looking for an inexpensive model that will provide an escape from the elements, this is a good choice. Compare to Similar Products This ProductThe North Face Apex Bionic Hoodie Marmot ROM 2.0 Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoodie Rab Borealis Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody Awards Price $168.95 at BackcountryCompare at 3 sellers$215 List$118.22 at Backcountry$96.71 at BackcountryCompare at 3 sellers$63.22 at BackcountryCompare at 3 sellers$164.95 at BackcountryCompare at 3 sellers Overall Score 51 81 76 72 68 Star Rating 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 Pros Budget-friendly, warm, windproofGreat mobility, highly breathable, well-fittedSuper breathable, durable, inexpensiveIncredibly light, very mobileSoftshell fit and feel, oversized storm hood, designed for freedom of motion Cons Heavy, bulky, stiff fabricOnly one hood adjustment, average weightPoor wet weather protectionLimited weather protection, few featuresExpensive, relatively heavy, odor retention Bottom Line Perfect for casual and urban outings where cold wind or light rain might be expectedThis stretchy and mobile jacket is great for climbing and skiing thanks to its above-average breathabilityThis budget-friendly softshell is one of our favorites for summertime rock climbingThis is one of the lightest softshells out there, perfect for cool windy days at the cragAn ultra-lightweight alternative to your normal softshell, this jacket is warmer and more comfortable than many without sacrificing breathability Rating Categories The North Face Apex… Marmot ROM 2.0 Outdoor Research Fe… Rab Borealis Black Diamond Alpin… Weather Protection (30%) 9.0 8.0 4.0 5.0 3.0 Breathability (30%) 3.0 8.0 10.0 8.0 9.0 Mobility (25%) 4.0 9.0 10.0 9.0 8.0 Weight (10%) 3.0 7.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 Versatility (5%) 4.0 7.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 Specs The North Face Apex… Marmot ROM 2.0 Outdoor Research Fe… Rab Borealis Black Diamond Alpin… Measured Weight (size medium) 27.4 oz 17.1 oz 13.4 oz 10.5 oz 7.4 oz Material 100% polyester 92% nylon, 8% elastane 86% nylon (46% recycled), 14% spandex Lightweight Matrix single weave with 2-way stretch and DWR Schoeller stretch-woven: 93% nylon, 7% Elastane, Schoeller Eco-Repel Bio DWR Type Casual Technical Active Technical Technical Lined/Insulated? Fleece backer No Yes, lining 91% nylon, 9% spandex No No Hood? Yes, adjustable Yes Yes, climbing helmet compatible, adjustable, stowable Yes, under helmet with lycra binding Yes, adjustable Number of Pockets (zippered unless otherwise noted) 1 chest zippered, 2 hand zippered 2 zippered hand, 1 zippered chest, 1 zippered 2 zippered hand, 1 zippered chest 2 (external chest) 1 chest Adjustable Cuffs? No Yes, Velcro Elastic cuffs Lycra cuffs Elastic cuffs Available Sizes XS – XXL S – XXL S – XXXL S…
The North Face Women’s Apex Flex FUTURELIGHT …
The North Face Women’s Apex Flex FUTURELIGHT™ Jacket TNF Black Medium 2022 | eBayEstimated between Thu, Sep 8 and Mon, Sep 12 to 95113 Delivery time is estimated using our proprietary method which is based on the buyer’s proximity to the item location, the shipping service selected, the seller’s shipping history, and other factors. Delivery times may vary, especially during peak periods.