North Face Jacket Question

[hl0m4n]

my aunt wants to buy me a jacket for the fall. so i went to x2 stores on x-mas eve and found nothing but an apex bionic jacket which i loved. i look on the site and they offer three variations which i like but since i couldn't see the other two in stores maybe you guys can help me out.

do all apex jackets have the stretchy feel like the bionic jacket?
and what is the difference from the bionic jacket and bionic thermal jacket?

the only difference i see is the thermal on the back for the bionic thermal. does that mean the inside of the jacket is the fury material and thicker?

all black links:
relativity:http://thenorthface.com/opencms/open...0K&language=en
bionic: http://thenorthface.com/opencms/open...5C&language=en
bionic thermal: http://thenorthface.com/opencms/open...0L&language=en

PS: happy xmas and new year

[its ray den]

i don't know if the apex means anything. maybe some links to the product would help.

with the thermal version you'll get a thicker fleece lining.

[TurboFan]

The bionic thermal is heavier.

I own the reg bionic jacket. It isn't good for much, as it doesn't breathe at all. I use it apre ski when I'm sitting around drinking beer. Other than that, it gets clammy fast. I generally don't like it.

Do you want a heavy coat? What do you want the coat / jacket for? Just knocking around, or do you ski/ride at all? If you just want something really warm for walking around, check out some of the synthetic down jackets from Mtn Hardwear, North Face, Marmot, Salomon, Marker, Burton or Spyder. They're not real bulky, but they are warm. Ounce for ounce down is warmer, but they are poofy.

If you want something more technical, check out some of the Mountain Hardwear on REI.com - they have a couple good systems of fleece / shell.

Also look for softshells, and if money is no object, check out some from Arc'teryx - this one is bad-ass
http://www.backcountry.com/store/ARC...cket-Mens.html
definately my among my first choices in general jackets.

This is another good jacket - http://www.backcountry.com/store/ARC...cket-Mens.html

[hl0m4n]

thanks man. i just want a coat that i can simply wear for the fall. just a quick non-heavy slip on. do you know if the bionic thermal is same inner and outer material as the regular?

im wondering if the bionic thermal has the furry back lining to keep warm.

does the thermal one breathe compared to the regular bionic? style wise i really want an apex for the fall. simple and clean.

[TurboFan]

Neither the Bionic or Bionic thermal breathe. They're designed as a base layer for high altitude cold climbing, where it's so dry that moisture will evap easier.

Check out the Arc'Tyrex stuff as a good fall jacket. The softshell material is sooooo nice, they breath better than GoreTex, and they make a great waterproof layer when the weather turns cold. The Arc'Tyrex is created as climbing gear for the more mild conditions - it is a fitted cut, it's a softshell (meaning it stretches with you as you move), and it's generally a great jacket. You'll have the jacket for a VERY long time. They're bombproof.

[hl0m4n]

Originally Posted by TurboFan

Neither the Bionic or Bionic thermal breathe. They're designed as a base layer for high altitude cold climbing, where it's so dry that moisture will evap easier.

Check out the Arc'Tyrex stuff as a good fall jacket. The softshell material is sooooo nice, they breath better than GoreTex, and they make a great waterproof layer when the weather turns cold. The Arc'Tyrex is created as climbing gear for the more mild conditions - it is a fitted cut, it's a softshell (meaning it stretches with you as you move), and it's generally a great jacket. You'll have the jacket for a VERY long time. They're bombproof.

do you know if the thermal is different inner lining? they are both waterproof and windproof though.

the arc is mad pricey for me

happy x-mas.

[TurboFan]

I think they're the same inner lining - the thermal is just heavier / thicker. My bionic has a soft fuzzy lining too.

Check any softshell. Arc't are the top of the game, but there are a lot of good makers out there. Columbia is very respectable gear. I like Marmot, Mtn Hardwear, Salomon, Burton, Marker, ....north face isn't bad, but it's pricey for what it is, .....look around. But consider a softshell. Anything that says "windproof" and not "breathable" is going to get clamy. GoreTex is a great thing to look for to get the best of both worlds.

Merry Christmas!

[ejazbmw]

never understood why kids buy those 500dolllar northface jackets....I know yours is just a simple thermal, but I know some friends that are 19 with a $500 jacket but no car lol

[TurboFan]

Originally Posted by ejazbmw

never understood why kids buy those 500dolllar northface jackets....I know yours is just a simple thermal, but I know some friends that are 19 with a $500 jacket but no car lol

Who me?

I buy all my own, and use them in places where my life depends on my gear. And I'm 32.

[aapriadi]

Originally Posted by ejazbmw

never understood why kids buy those 500dolllar northface jackets....I know yours is just a simple thermal, but I know some friends that are 19 with a $500 jacket but no car lol

well since they're car-less, i'm guessing they would walk most of the time
so $500 for a really warm jacket is worth it i guess....rather than have them walking and freezing to death at the same time

[ejazbmw]

Originally Posted by TurboFan

Who me?

I buy all my own, and use them in places where my life depends on my gear. And I'm 32.

my comment wasn't pointed towards you, I was just thinking of some of my friends...

Originally Posted by aapriadi

well since they're car-less, i'm guessing they would walk most of the time
so $500 for a really warm jacket is worth it i guess....rather than have them walking and freezing to death at the same time

lol yeah I guess....but if I were in there shoes I'd save my 500bucks towards a car or something