Bought this jacket as my mid layer to replace the standard Denali. So far I love it. I live in Chicago where the wind can get decently high and the temps low. Has proven to be a good jacket for regular day wear around town when the weather gets bad. On the mountain its performs just as good. During the day ascents I will take my shell off and just have my skin layer and the Valk. It is nice as an in-tent jacket as well when the temperature drops below 0. Keeps the wind from piercing to my base layer but allows my base to vent my sweat and extra heat. Depending on how I am bending or moving every now and then I will get a draft come up from the bottom of the jacket, even with the cords synched. Other than that it is a great jacket to use as your mid layer between your shell and base layer. The hood proves useful when you have a tail wind, but you don't want to wear your shell layer. Hood is also useful around town when it snows or rains.
All though the outside Apex material doesn't collect cat hair and girl hair like the Denali, the inside fleece still does. Just take a ling roller to it every now and then.

Customer Service

REI - Always been good to me, TNF - we will wait and see if I have any issues.

Similar Products Used:

NF Denali.