The north face apex bionic softshell jacket

For real humans reading this, we're sorry for the disruption to your visit and hope you understand that this is just part of our stringent security protocols to keep our site and our customers safe from bad actors (we're looking at you Keanu).

For real robots reading this, we're sorry that we had to block you. Please do not get overly upset and take over the world.

The Moosejaw IT Nerds

If you'd like to provide feedback on this page, please contact Moosejaw Customer Service. Please include the as a reference so that we may aid you more easily. Thanks.

Perfect for casual and urban outings where cold wind or light rain might be expected

The north face apex bionic softshell jacket

Credit: The North Face

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

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

 

The north face apex bionic softshell jacket

This Product
The North Face Apex Bionic Hoodie

The north face apex bionic softshell jacket

Marmot ROM 2.0

The north face apex bionic softshell jacket

Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoodie

The north face apex bionic softshell jacket

Rab Borealis

The north face apex bionic softshell jacket

Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody

Awards 
The north face apex bionic softshell jacket
 
The north face apex bionic softshell jacket
 
   
Price$168.95 at Backcountry
Compare at 3 sellers
$215 List
$171.96 at Backcountry
$128.95 at Backcountry
Compare at 3 sellers
$115 List
$75.00 at Amazon
Check Price at REI
Compare at 3 sellers
Overall Score 
The north face apex bionic softshell jacket

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
ProsBudget-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
ConsHeavy, bulky, stiff fabric Only one hood adjustment, average weight Poor wet weather protection Limited weather protection, few features Expensive, relatively heavy, odor retention
Bottom LinePerfect 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 CategoriesThe 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

SpecsThe 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
Material100% 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
TypeCasual 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 SizesXS - 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


The north face apex bionic softshell jacket

Cold days at the beach are another perfect place to take the Bionic Hoodie for a walk

Credit: Ryan Huetter


Weather Protection

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.

The north face apex bionic softshell jacket

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.

The north face apex bionic softshell jacket

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.

The north face apex bionic softshell jacket

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.

The north face apex bionic softshell jacket

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.

The north face apex bionic softshell jacket

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.

The north face apex bionic softshell jacket

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

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?

Description. 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 does Apex Bionic mean?

An Apex Bionic is made of a special type of material called the Apex ClimateBlock, which is a heavier soft-shell type of fabric. Another important piece of information is that the soft-shell material that is used actually has a special rating, in other words, it is rated 0 CFM which allows for better air permeability.

What does apex mean for North Face?

What is it? The North Face Apex technology combines a tightly woven, abrasion-phobic shell for protection with a soft-brushed inner lining for performance and comfort. The North Face Apex products are treated with a Durable Water Resistant finish which will keep you dry during light showers.