If you’ve spent any time on a hiking trail or a breezy morning commute over the last decade, you’ve definitely seen it. That distinct, slightly matte fabric with the curved seams. Honestly, The North Face Apex Bionic softshell jacket is one of those rare pieces of gear that managed to jump the gap from specialized mountain equipment to a suburban uniform without losing its technical soul. It’s a workhorse.
But here is the thing. A lot of people buy it because it looks "outdoorsy" and fits well, yet they don't actually know what it's designed to do.
The North Face Apex Bionic softshell jacket isn't a raincoat. It’s also not a heavy winter parka. If you try to wear it in a torrential downpour in Seattle, you’re going to have a bad time. You’ll be soaked within twenty minutes. However, if you are standing on a ridge in the Rockies with 40 mph gusts trying to strip the heat off your body, this jacket is basically a superpower. It lives in that crucial middle ground of "active weather" protection.
The WindWall Secret and Why It Actually Works
Most "windproof" jackets feel like you’re wearing a trash bag. They don't breathe. You start walking, you sweat, and suddenly you’re clammy and cold. The Apex Bionic is different because of WindWall technology.
The North Face engineers WindWall to be a fleece-backed laminate. Basically, they sandwich a wind-blocking membrane between a tough, stretch-woven outer shell and a soft interior. It's rated at 0 CFM. In gear-speak, CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. A rating of 0 means exactly zero wind gets through the fabric. None. It’s a total brick wall for the breeze.
What’s impressive is how the jacket handles the heat you're generating. Because it’s a softshell and not a hard hardshell (like a Gore-Tex rain jacket), it has a mechanical stretch that allows air to move just enough so you don't overheat while moving. It’s a fine balance.
Fit, Feel, and the "Dad Jacket" Reputation
Let’s be real for a second. The Apex Bionic has a reputation for being the "Dad Jacket." It’s everywhere. But there is a functional reason for that ubiquitous fit.
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Unlike the hyper-slim "athletic" cuts you see from brands like Arc'teryx or Mammut, The North Face gives this jacket a bit more room in the torso. It’s a "Standard Fit." This means you can actually fit a flannel shirt or a light sweater underneath it without feeling like a stuffed sausage.
- The hem usually hits right at the hip.
- The cuffs have internal stretch gussets—no annoying Velcro tabs to snag on your bag straps.
- The collar stands up tall, which is vital because, as we established, this thing is built for wind. If the collar flopped over, your neck would freeze.
The weight is the one thing that catches people off guard. This isn't a lightweight windbreaker you can stuff into a pocket. It’s heavy. It’s substantial. You feel protected when you zip it up, but it takes up a decent amount of room in a backpack. If you're a gram-counting ultralight backpacker, this probably isn't your first choice. For everyone else? The durability is worth the extra ounces.
Water Resistance vs. Waterproofing: Don't Get Fooled
This is where the most misconceptions happen. The North Face Apex Bionic softshell jacket is treated with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish.
DWR is a chemical coating that makes water bead up and roll off the surface. It works great in a light drizzle or dry snow. But DWR is not a waterproof membrane. Eventually, in steady rain, the "face fabric" will saturate. This is called "wetting out." Once the fabric is wet, the breathability drops to zero and you’ll start feeling cold.
If you're planning an expedition where you'll be exposed to rain for hours, you need to layer a hardshell over this or swap it out entirely. But for 80% of outdoor activities—spring skiing, fall hiking, breezy dog walks—the DWR on the Apex Bionic is more than enough.
Maintenance Matters
One thing experts like the team at REI or Outdoor Gear Lab always point out is that DWR wears off. If you notice water is soaking into your Apex Bionic instead of beading up, you haven't "broken" the jacket. You just need to wash it with a technical cleaner like Nikwax Tech Wash and maybe tumble dry it on low heat to reactivate the coating.
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Where It Shines (and Where It Fails)
It’s easy to say a jacket is "good for everything," but that’s never true. Gear is about trade-offs.
The Wins:
High-output activities in cold, dry climates. If you are cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, this is the peak of performance. It blocks the biting wind but lets your sweat escape. It’s also incredibly abrasion-resistant. You can scramble over rocks or push through thick brush without worrying about tearing the fabric. Try doing that in a thin down "puffy" jacket and you'll have feathers flying everywhere.
The Fails:
Humid, rainy environments. It's too heavy for a summer rain jacket and not waterproof enough for a winter storm. Also, if you’re doing high-intensity running, it might be too warm. The fleece lining holds onto more heat than you might expect.
Real-World Durability: The 10-Year Jacket
We live in an era of fast fashion where clothes fall apart after a season. The Apex Bionic is an outlier. I’ve talked to hikers who have owned the same Apex Bionic for nearly a decade. The zippers—usually YKK—are beefy and rarely snag. The seams are reinforced.
The fabric itself doesn't pill like traditional fleece. It stays looking relatively sharp even after years of being tossed in the back of a car or stuffed into gym lockers. That’s probably why it’s so popular for corporate embroidery; companies know these jackets are going to be around for a long time.
Choosing the Right Version
Currently, The North Face offers a few variations. You’ve got the standard Apex Bionic, and often a hooded version (the Apex Bionic Hoodie).
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If you live somewhere like Chicago or Boston, get the hoodie. Wind hits different when it’s whistling past your ears. The hood on these is also windproof, which makes a massive difference in perceived temperature. If you’re mostly using it for layering under a larger coat or for golf/hiking in milder climates, the non-hooded version is cleaner and less bulky around the neck.
There’s also the Apex Risor and other "Apex" family members. Generally, the Bionic is the "most" jacket in that lineup—the thickest and the most windproof.
How to Style It Without Looking Like You're Heading to a Board Meeting
Since this jacket is so common in business-casual settings, it’s easy to fall into the "tech-bro" aesthetic. If you want to avoid that, lean into the utilitarian roots.
Pair it with technical trousers (think 686 or Prana) and some rugged leather boots. The matte finish of the jacket works well with natural textures. Because it has a structured silhouette, it actually looks quite "put together" compared to a floppy hoodie or a shiny puffer jacket.
Actionable Steps for Potential Buyers
Before you drop the money on The North Face Apex Bionic softshell jacket, do a quick audit of your closet and your climate.
- Check your CFM needs. If you live in a place that isn't particularly windy, you might find this jacket too stiff and heavy. Look for a "wind-resistant" jacket instead of "windproof"—it will be softer and more breathable.
- Size down if you want a modern fit. If you prefer a closer-to-body feel and don't plan on layering heavily underneath, consider trying one size smaller than your usual T-shirt size.
- Test the DWR. If you buy one, immediately flick some water on it. It should bead like a freshly waxed car. If it doesn't, return it; the factory coating might be old.
- Plan your layers. Remember that this jacket provides "stationary" warmth roughly equivalent to a heavy sweatshirt. If it’s below freezing, you will need a base layer (merino wool is best) underneath to stay comfortable.
The North Face Apex Bionic isn't trying to be the lightest or the flashiest. It’s a tank. It’s built to stop the wind from ruining your day, and it does that better than almost anything else on the market. If you buy it for the right reasons—blocking wind and resisting scuffs—it will likely be the most reliable piece of clothing you own for the next five to ten years.