I was lucky to have SpiceRacks to try before buying my own, and a squeeze of the sleeves was enough to convince me that it had thicker insulation covering the extremities. Stay up to date on great deals and innovative products from small and cottage outdoor brands. View all posts by Owen. My relationship with this jacket is bittersweet. WEIGHT- Sure, my down jacket weighs less, but not by much. Delivery Worldwide I would rate the Torrid APEX much higher in warmth and uniqueness for the custom color pairing, but much lower in fit when compared to the big name brand synthetic puffy offerings like the Atom LT, North Face Thermoball, and Patagonia Nano Puff. (I vote hood. No zippered pockets: The kangaroo pocket is great for keeping your hands warm but not very useful for storing things because it lacks zippers. Linked items are affiliate links from which I may or may not receive a small commission. The outer shell can range from paper-thin 7D nylon to burlier 20D and always gets a durable water repellent (DWR) treatment to shed moisture. Based on my experience in inclement conditions during the other three seasons (fall, winter, and spring) in Wyoming and Colorado, I have no reason to believe that the Torrid Apex Pullover wouldnt make a fine summer insulating layer anywhere in the Continental U.S. My experience with the Torrid Apex Pullover includes more than 60 user days in the following contexts: I have extensive experience with the Torrid Apex Pullover: For additional context, here are three examples of how I integrated the Torrid Apex Pullover into my clothing and sleep systems in more extreme conditions: A Premium or Unlimited Membership* is required to view the rest of this article. And ultra durable, try out the 20D fabric. Ships in 1-2 business days | Based in Winona, MN | Est. How does this compare to a Patagonia Nano Puff in terms of warmth? DWR finish. I could have picked the ultralight 7D fabric throughout the pullover to match the weight of my down jacket, but I wanted a unique color and slightly more durable fabric. So its basic, but functional. Pullover design maximizes warmth: Zippers = cold spots, so the half-zip design boosts the warmth of this layer. I love the color of this jacket. Different colors correspond to different fabric weights, so pay attention. When it comes to my insulating layers, I really try to baby them because they are expensive and vital to my comfort/survival. Enlightened Equipment Torrid Pullover in a womens medium, 10d inner and outer fabric. Synthetic fills ae continually getting better in CLO value per ounce and (with Climashield in particular) resistance to loss of loft after repeated trips through stuff sacks. The Power of Trail Magic, and How to Become a Trail Angel! Our premium articles include in depth journalism and insights from the Backpacking Light editorial team. Built with no sewn-through seams to eliminate cold spots. However I found that in EE website the new torrid pullover model is a little bit heavier than the Full-zip instead. Inspected in Winona, Minnesota. There are a few small things I would change, but I really believe that this is the best insulated jacket on the market for thru-hikers, or anyone, to whom weight and warmth matter above everything else. To learn more, please visit the About This Site page. The fit and finish of the Torrid APEX are not in the same league as other jackets like the Atom LT. Generally speaking, it is not form fitting at all. It adds $20 and less than an ounce to the overall weight of the jacket, fits snugly without drooping in my eyes, and feels like a head hug). Thats more than the 6.8 ounces reported on EEs site, but still within a realistic margin of error. Ill add that EE is a good company that I am glad to support. The CDT threw a lot of different conditions our way, providing plenty of opportunity to put all of our gear to the test. His hunger drove him the length of the PCT in 2015, the CDT in 2019, and scatters him to wild places worldwide. With the Vargo Hexagon Wood Stove, I Ditched Cold Soaking! When the temperatures started to drop, I found myself using the pocket to quickly warm my hands. EE has a good website that makes it easy to see different color combinations and weight differences. It never really rained during my testing, but I took a shower wearing the Pullover and then walked around outside to test loft retention while wet. Either way, its among the lightest puffies available. (LogOut/ PACKABILITY- My old down jacket packs down to nothing, which saves space if youre trying to minimize your pack. Interesting and well documented article. The inner liner tends to migrate to the outside when you pull your hands through. Be more. clothing systems The problem with the inner material poking out the sleeves is a very common complaint. Unrestricted access to all forums, plus the ability to post and start new threads. Backpacking Light helps hikers and other backcountry enthusiasts overcome their barriers to living a life outside in Wild Places. It keeps me so much warmer in frigid temps than a jacket with no hood. To achieve the super low weight, compromises must be made, and the durability of the nylon fabric appeared to be a big one. Available in Black 10D or Navy 10D outside fabric, and Charcoal 10D inside fabric. Typically I choose a neutral or earth tone, but I love that EE offers vibrant, unique colors for outdoor adventures. In practice, how much did you compress your Torrid pullover (e.g. For comparison, the Atom LT is constructed with 20 denier nylon. Please excuse my grainy early-morning photography. If you loved the Torrid APEX but want more warmth for virtually the same weight, go with the Pullover. 7 Quirky, Cottage-Made Ultralight Backpacking Accessories! Still, a loose-fitting layer isnt necessarily a bad thing. This felt like an out of character splurge for me, but it proved to be absolutely the right decision. I also used the pocket to store miscellaneous items while setting up camp, such as my phone, beanie, snacks and more. size of stuffsack)? FREE Domestic Shipping Over $20 | Summer Ultralight Box is LIVE! It did not always perform alone though. Zippers are notorious cold spots on any insulated garment, so the Torrid Pullovers half-zip design makes it warmer than the jacket. The cottage gear worlds most beloved puffy jacket just got an update. Can't be usedin conjunction withother discount codes. Estes Park, Colorado, and my backyard trails are in the Rockies of Southeast Wyoming and Northern Colorado. If you need any customization- fabric, insulation weight, sleeve or back length, extra pockets, etc- Jans (Nunatak) Apex jacket wont disappoint either. Custom color options were the cherry on top. You also have your choice of a hooded or hoodless collared version of the pullover. Vegan bonus points for offering synthetic options for just about everything. Above all, Owen(he/him) loves burritos. I sent EE an email question about the Torrid jacket fit nearly 2 weeks ago. I mostly spend my spare time scheming new adventures and inadvertently setting my hair on fire while cooking. Still, this layer will be a backcountry staple for me going forward. In my case it was a question about forearm tightness of a small torrid that I plan to replace with a medium. Both layers have elasticized cuffs and a drawcord hood and hemline. I was careful not to wear it while pushing through overgrown brush, but a few small tears at the tops of the hand pockets and a nasty funk are the only enduring signs of the adventure. Fit:Its baggy and wont keep your ass warm if youre curvy. In our review samples of both (mens size M with 7d fabrics), our actual measured weights were: This is on a NIST-certified and professionally-calibrated scientific scale accurate to 0.01 oz. the Nano is a bit heavier. I liked almost all aspects of it (fit, warmth, low weight, cost) but I found the 7d fabric made it pretty vulnerable to even relatively light breezes. Lows less than freezing were the norm during the latter half of the hike, often significantly less. It was a reliable companion for the duration, 2,721 miles in 150 days. Then write EE a message saying, Hey, Im a woman. Of course, I love this jacket. Great review, Owen. You can see this in most Torrid reviews. That said, Im curious to know why you consider that a deal-breaker? This gives you more mobility through the arms. * A Basic Membership is required to view Member Q&A events, climashield apex How does this newcomer stack up to the original Torrid APEX, and more importantly, is it worth your dollars? Read our review of the original Enlightened Equipment Torrid APEX jacket. And did you feel that that amount of compression was sustainable, from a loft-degradation perspective? This jacket fits best on a narrow hipped and short torso body. EE describes the 20d as essentially windproof, so perhaps a 20d outer and 7d inner would be a good balance for a static piece? (-) But: the Neck is really tight, so layering is hard, even a buff is tight and the shoulders Do compress the Insulation. I wore it on multiple icebound hikes in Allegheny National Forest and Philadelphias Wissahickon Park trail system from January through April. Despite measuring almost half the weight of my Arcteryx Atom LT Hoody (12.8oz), the Torrid APEX is noticeably warmer. Become a member today! There was also some funkiness with the cuffs. The fact that the insulating material and the fabric are not sewn together except at the edges is a problem. Under improvements, Ryan wanted options to drop the hood and the marsupial pocket. In my testing, I wore it mostly on breaks, around camp, and to ward off the early morning chill while walkingit also got occasional use during heavier activity and light snow and rain. Anything that BPL could do to cast a little light on the issue would be very much appreciated, I think. The coldest temperature was -2F near Grants, NM. The main reason I wanted to try this pullover was because I knew the Washington section of the PCT could get cold and wet in September, and synthetic jackets (unlike my old down jacket) stay warm when wet. Customizable: Like the full-zip jacket, you can decide whether you want a hood and pick the color and weight of your inner and outer fabric. Look inside the kangaroo pocket for the hem adjustment. No baffles: Climashield APEX wont sag or clump, so theres no need for baffles or sewn-through channels. Disclaimer- I was gifted a sample of this product in exchange for an honest review. Lightweight: My womens 10D/10D medium weighs 7 1/2 ounces. There is even more funkiness regarding fit with the womens version of this jacket. All $20+ orders fly free. Synthetic insulation: Down is wonderful, but its also expensive and vulnerable to moisture. Made in the USA: Manufactured in Winona, Minnesota. With an adjustable waistband, adjustable hood, elastic cuffs, and a 1/2 front zipper for ventilation, the Torrid Pullover is slightly oversized to accommodate layers. Perhaps some minor strategic stitching of insulation to the interior fabric, but not the exterior fabric. And the custom colors help it to feel like me. The loose fit and slippery fabric admittedly make the process relatively smooth. EE was very quick in responding to my question, in case anybody wants to verify this with EE. Two zippered hand pockets, full-length zipper, non-adjustable elastic around the waist and wrist cuffs. The weights range from around 5-11 oz depending on size and hood addition. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. On the coldest days, I layered it with my hiking shirt, hooded fleece, and sometimes my rain jacket. Also, the kangaroo pocket functions as a secondary insulation layer over your belly. as my primary at-rest/in-camp insulating layer for multi-day backcountry trips in temperatures down to 15 F (-9 C). Although Im not going to claim that I would have died wearing the Arcteryx, I will say that the CDT forced me to treasure every shred of warmth that I could swaddle close. (It does look like the Pullover is way roomier in the torso area). Very little room for any pear shaped or hourglass shaped gals. Subtract $20 for a hoodless version; add $10 apiece for 7D liner or shell fabric. Lets dive in and find out. Synthetic Climashield APEX insulation: Climashield APEX is a top performer in the world of synthetic insulation. This would mean similarly sized garments stuffed into one size of stuff sack for an 8 hour period and then shaken out and laid unstuffed for say, another 8 hours for X number of times. I did not bring a single other piece of clothing that has pockets on this thru hike. A hood is optional, though I highly recommend it. Oh hey there! Relevant to the jacket specifically, I asked it to keep me warm during damp and dreary days in Montana, long traverses at altitude blasted by polar wind in Colorado, and unexpected snowy cold snaps in New Mexico. Drawcord hood and hem: Also elastic cuffs. Im not a full member so I cant read the whole review. Unrestricted access to all 2,300+ articles, gear reviews, skills, stories, and more. Anyone know if the Pullover solves these problems OR if a Size up on the Full zip Apex solves the above? This isnt the same as waterproofing, but it will provide adequate protection from light rain and mist. What I want to see here at BPL is a scientific test of synthetic insulations like Climashield, NanoPuff, Primaloft, etc. With weights starting at 6.76 oz (192g), the Torrid Pullover packs an incredible warmth to weight ratio. Just watch out for that custom gear lead time. To redeem, add all items to your cart and use code "EEbundle" at checkout. Were in the dark about how the different types compare to each other, and how the category as a whole compares to down. I was only looking at this for static warmth (I run really warm when moving), so that disqualified it for me and I sold it. Cheers. Here Im sharing my experiences and hoping to inspire others to follow their dreams. Here, take my money! _______________________________________________Specs: ***Buy aRevelationorEnigma Quiltand get aTorrid Jacket20% off. Raglan sleeves: Raglan sleeves extend all the way to the collar as one continuous unit, rather than starting at the shoulder. This is remarkable considering a) how warm it is, and b) the fact that its synthetic. The Torrid APEX uses synthetic insulation, which allows it to handle a bit more abuse than a similar down jacket, and I appreciate it for being animal-free. Upon receiving my Torrid APEX in the mail it was apparent that I would need to take my coddling to the next level if I wanted to have a functioning jacket by the end of the CDT. Theres plenty of marketing hype and bro science, but very little objective information. These jackets are among the best puffies on the market. I'm Katelin Reeser, a thru hiker, photographer, metalsmith and lover of travel and the outdoors. My pullover weighs 7.5 ounces. I was excited about the pullover for few ounces saving! I love burritos too! Fabric colors might appear slightly different from images shown. And you can always cinch the drawcord waist to block any drafts. Garage Grown GearPOS and Ecommerce by Shopify. The Torrid Pullover is similar to the full-zip Torrid APEX jacket in most ways. See policy HERE. Appalachian Trail 2018 Wonderland Trail (+ a dozen or so other NPS trails) 2019 Colorado Trail 2020 Colorado Trail 2021. And guess what? 2009. The length also needs attention. The womens medium fits me well in the shoulders and chest, but its saggy around the middle and too short/tight to effectively cover the hips. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); as Owen noted in his review of the Torrid APEX jacket, [Book Review] Adventure Ready by Katie Gerber and Heather Anderson, 6 Reasons Why You Should Hike the Tour Du Mont Blanc, Excerpt from Her Hike: A Memoir by Jessica Chenard, Trail Marshall on Thru-Hiking Culture and Hiking the Mountains to Sea Trail in Winter, AT Hiker Found Dead in Tent Near Damascus, VA, Backpacker Radio #158 | Kathryn Miles on Attempting to Solve the Shenandoah Murders, Desolation Wilderness Now Requires Bear-Resistant Food Storage, Arlette "Apple Pie" Laan on Becoming the First Woman to Hike All 11 National Scenic Trails. Home Forums Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex Pullover Review, Companion forum thread to: Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex Pullover Review, but https://enlightenedequipment.com/mens-torrid-apex-jacket-custom/ does work. Ponds Edge: Lightweight Backpacking Bags, Made in a WI Farmhouse! The CLIMASHIELD APEX synthetic insulation keeps you warm even when wet, and the marsupial pouch is great for colds hands, maintaining battery life for electronics, or stashing your snacks! Built using 2oz/yd CLIMASHIELD APEX synthetic insulation, the Torrid maintains warmth and breathability even when damp. If youre looking for ultralight, go for the 7D. I also wore it around the house, working outside, and on snowy walks around the neighborhood. I have the full zip jacket (10 d) that sees a lot of use all seasons, it definitely punches above its weight for warmth. This price inlcudes all taxes. Cord adjustments on the hood and waist of the jacket trap in heat. synthetic insulation. Post new content to the community including gear swaps, reviews, trip reports and more! Founder and publisher of backpackinglight.com since November 2000. I had the full-zip version with 7d inner & outer. Shop the Enlightened Equipment Torrid Pullover. Sad moments. Designed to keep you warm while keeping your pack light, the jacket starts at just 7.75 ounces (220g). Two factors convinced me to take the plunge: the ridiculously low weight (7.25oz), and the warmth. The jacket is lightweight but durable. Both layers have a similarly baggy fit. So summing up, this jacket is a (tremendously) functional layer, not one to wear to a hipster brewery with a Patagonia crowd. My main problem with the EE Apex pullover is that it IS a pullover. CLIMASHIELD APEX weights may vary +/- 10% due to production variances. These features are crucial to maintaining warmth, particularly in a layer as baggy as this one where cold drafts would otherwise run rampant. They are the reason he wakes, the reason he hikes. (LogOut/ The Enlightened Equipment Torrid Pullover retains all the glorious synthetic floof of its forebear while swapping the pesky full-length zipper for a half-length zip plus kangaroo pocket. This review will not focus on the comprehensive details of design, materials, and construction, as that information was presented in our review of the Torrid Apex Jacket. Marsupial front pouch (insulated on both sides). For people who run perpetually cold, the added warmth of the Torrid Pullover is a game-changer. The pullover was so lofty when I opened the package. Sign up to receive updates on new blog posts and travel inspiration. They need to find a way to better connect the insulation with the fabric without creating new heat loss holes. Id recommend getting this new version, but it isnt in production for custom orders yet. The peace of mind I get being warm in wet conditions wins over packability. It leaves room for additional layers underneath and makes it easy to pull on and off. (+) I have the Torrid zip M, great fit, long arms, great ventilation with the full zip(Im a stick @ 6-2 / 160 lbs). For those who wont let weather get in the way, the Torrid Jacket is the perfect 3-season layer. Continuous filament insulation is also very durable, enjoying longer-lasting loft and compressibility than other classes of synthetic fill. After all, what good is a synthetic insulation that looses 50% loft after maybe 10 stuffings? It did great. I dont have any experience using the Torrid Apex Pullover in summer conditions in the U.S. Mountain West, where I live and do most of my hiking. The addition of the kangaroo pocket makes the Pullover look and feel bulkier around the middle. Its materials and construction are similar to the full-zip Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex Jacket. An engineer sometimes and hiker trash always, he lives to experience, understand, and help the Earth. I wore the jacket overnight in my quilt and it was dry by morning. Make em longer and give em a little flare please. EE is great.. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. This Limited Review is based on my experience with it over the course of more than 60 user days while hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, and backpacking in Southeast Wyoming and Northern Colorado. The pouch is insulated on both sides, making the Torrid Pullover a slightly warmer option than the Torrid Jacket. Since there are no baffles, there is no chance for the wind to move through the seams like many down jackets with baffles. Change). Ive found that synthetic does not pack down as small, but since its a smaller piece of gear, it really doesnt take up that much more space. The jacket is basic and includes just the bare essentials feature-wise to keep weight down. Use the links below to share this content: Viewing 17 posts - 1 through 17 (of 17 total), Live Webinar - Introduction to Map & Compass - July 2 @ 9 AM US MDT, Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex Pullover Review" target="_blank">, Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex Pullover, Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex Pullover Review, https://enlightenedequipment.com/mens-torrid-apex-jacket-custom/, Weight: 7.72 oz (219 g) the actual measured weight of my pre-production sample (Mens Size M), Fabric: Ultralight ripstop nylon fabric with DWR (options for 7D, 10D, or 20D fabrics in various colors), Marsupial (kangaroo) front pocket (insulated on both sides), Raglan style sleeves to increase comfort and range of motion, Adjustable shock cord for waist hem (tucked inside front pouch), as a worn and at-rest insulating layer for done-in-a-day winter activities (snowshoeing, skiing, and hiking) in temperatures down to minus 5 F (-15 C); and. That eliminates a lot of seams (aka cold spots, aka weak points where the garment could eventually begin to fail). It retained warmth and loft when wet and the fibers felt similar to down in terms of softness and compressibility. Fractel Hats: Shady Headwear for Sunny People. For the very minimal weight savings, Id take a pass on the pullover- full zip is easily worth the 0.25 oz (and then some) to me. I bought my Torrid APEX new for my SOBO attempt of the CDT. You must be logged in to reply to this topic. This was their response: Right now the Stock Torrids are a new design which has a cinchable waist, better pockets, and more room in the chest/shoulders/arms. In the field of mid-weight insulation, the Torrid APEX is a strong contender in both categories. Ill let Spices words speak for themselves after being told that curvy is not a good adjective to use when describing women: Spice here. I can still remember trying to put my hands into my non-existent rain jacket pockets, but my hands just slid into the air. I also chose to include a hood on my pullover, and for that I am happy even though it does add weight. The bottom half of the pullover is covered with an insulated kangaroo pocket, essentially adding a second blanket of insulation over your belly area. I wore my jacket for lounging, hiking, sleeping, and just about anything else at some point. I could not believe how fluffy it was (and still is) for being a synthetic layer. Since my question pertained to the jacket rather than the pull-over, I am not sure if the pull-over uses this new design. Raglan style sleeves to increase comfort and range of motion. Do you have any thoughts on the other fabric options? Options to flare at the hips needs some attention. *Based on a hooded jacket with 10D inner and outer fabric. I want to be warm and I want my hips shown some love. Ive never worn an insulated jacket harder by a long shot, even on the PCT, and the Torrid APEX handled it all, leaving me impressed and grateful. And with a crapload of fabric colors to choose from (inside and out), the Torrid APEX is begging to help your personality show, for better or worse. Deliberate Life Designs Ultra-light Alchemy (May Preorder), Enlightened Equipment Revelation (Pre-Order), Enlightened Equipment Womens Torrid Pullover (Pre-Order), Enlightened Equipment -Torrid Booties (Pre-Order), Enlightened Equipment Womens Torrid Jacket (Pre-Order), Enlightened Equipment Revelation APEX (Pre-Order), Enlightened Equipment Mens Torrid Jacket (Pre-Order), Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20F (In Stock). Get Backpacking Light news, updates, gear info, skills, and commentary delivered into your inbox 1-2x/week. The Torrid Jacket is slightly oversized to accommodate layers. 2oz/yd CLIMASHIELD APEX insulation performs better than down in wet and humid conditions, dries quickly, packs small, and is easy to clean. If zippered pockets and/or the ease of use and superior temperature control of a full-length zipper are higher on your priority list, stick with the jacket. enlightened equipment I like packrafting, tenkara fly fishing, alpine climbing, and have a particular passion for traveling long distances off-trail without resupply. on Gear Review:Enlightened Equipment Torrid APEX Jacket, Gear Review:Enlightened Equipment Torrid APEX Jacket, Sorry For The Cliffhanger, Thanks For The Support. Climashield APEX insulation performs better than down in wet and humid conditions, dries quickly, packs small, and is easy to clean, Hood includes an adjustable shock cord pull string to lock in extra heat, Raglan style sleeves to increase comfort and range of motion, Ultralight nylon fabric has a DWR finish and has been customized for comfort, 2oz/yd CLIMASHIELD APEX synthetic insulation. Hey Andrew, I totally agree with you that EE should have worked out a solution anchor down the fabric pannels used in their synthetic quilts and jackets by now. For those who are interested: they put up the link for the Pullover yesterday, and indeed the weight is actually about 10%more than the full zip in a comparable size (8.11oz for 7D inner/outer hooded pullover size M vs 7.40oz for 7D inner/outer hooded full zip size M). New Live Webinar - Introduction to Map & Compass - July 2 @ 9 AM US MDT. help@garagegrowngear.comOur business hours are 9 am to 5 pmCentral Time Monday to Friday. still wondering if its more or less warm than my Nano Puff. Sorry Martians, we're currently unable to ship off planet. I found myself wishing it were bigger to fit around my warm hat or other hood layers. as an insulating layer to complement my sleep system at night. And when it comes to weight, its kind of embarrassing how much lighter it is than the others. Since EE custom makes each garment with your preferred color combinations, the weight will vary based on the fabric you choose. 2,000 mile review on the HMG 2400 Southwest, The gear I took on the Pacific Crest Trail summer of 2021. It could be because it has a hood that traps in more heat, or because the pullover doesnt unzip all the way (allowing for lost heat through the zipper), but I didnt know that synthetic jackets could be this warm. The Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex Pullover (7.7 oz / 219 g, MSRP $175.00) is a synthetic-fill, high loft insulating garment. If EE ever offers zippered pockets as an alternative to the kangaroo pouch, this pullover will be nearly perfect in my books.
- Small Benches For Dining Table
- Panelite Bonded Series
- Carp Spirit Black Boat One Boat
- Waverly Sectional Furniture Row
- Faux Suede Ankle Boots
- Best Home Theater Projector 2022
- Triangle Coffee Table
- 1965 Fender Stratocaster Lake Placid Blue
- Himalaya Day Cream For Oily Skin