The North Face Apex Bionic 2 Softshell Jacket – Men’s

We’ve read the reviews across the web for the The North Face Apex Bionic 2 Softshell Jacket – Men’s and summarize the results below:

Universal Ranking

PeakScore: 80 (out of 100)
User Rating: 4.5 stars 
Expert Rating: 2.8 stars

Number of Ratings Reviewed: 2291

Pros & Cons

Reasons to buy:

User Reviews

  • Flexible and mobile.
  • Stylish and available in multiple colors.
  • Washes well.
  • Good for layering over a base layer, or underneath a heavier jacket.
  • Resistant to wear-and-tear.
  • Chest pocket for storage.
  • Bottom hem reaches the top of pant pockets for length.
  • Exterior has a soft and silky feel.
  • Optimal piece for 40-50 degree weather.

Expert Reviews

  • Wind and water-resistant.
  • One chest pocket and two hand-warmer pockets.
  • Hem adjustment inside hand-warmer pockets.
  • Available in 7 colors for a wide variety.
  • Back of the jacket and insides of the sleeves are lined with a soft fleece for comfort.
  • WindWall, the jacket’s exterior fabric, has low level of air permeability.

Reasons NOT to buy:

User Reviews

  • Sleeves are too long for some body types.
  • Not a stand-alone jacket for winter use.

Expert Reviews

  • Boxy fit.
  • Not very mobile.
  • Wrist closures are not adjustable.
  • Can feel wind through the non-water resistant front zipper.
  • Not breathable for aerobic activities.
  • Cut of the jacket causes the hem to rise.
  • Heavier than other similar jackets due to thicker soft-shell fabric and fleece liner.
  • The jacket fabric is stiff and doesn’t hang well.
  • The two side pockets are not hip-belt compatible.

Summary:

The North Face Apex Bionic 2 Softshell Jacket for men is a decent choice for those needing a moderately-protective jacket, without worrying about style or intense activity. The weather-resistance, pockets, comfort, available colors, and layering ability make this a good choice for casual use, with the non-adjustable wrist closures and lack of breathability making it not the top choice for prolonged outdoor use.

Multimedia:

Note: User and expert rankings were reviewed across the web, including here: 1, 2.