Interesting and well documented article. Read next Enlightened Equipment Enigma Quilt Review. 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. Read our review of the original Enlightened Equipment Torrid APEX jacket. No baffles: Climashield APEX wont sag or clump, so theres no need for baffles or sewn-through channels. Do you have any thoughts on the other fabric options? I like a hood and a marsupial pocket.why wouldnt I want a hood for an 1/8 of an ounce? For those who wont let weather get in the way, the Torrid Jacket is the perfect 3-season layer. Get unlimited access to all our online education (*Unlimited membership required). I bought my Torrid APEX new for my SOBO attempt of the CDT. 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). Since there are no baffles, there is no chance for the wind to move through the seams like many down jackets with baffles. It uses the same insulation and the same range of customizable nylon fabrics in a variety of weights and colors. The hood on the Torrid APEX has room for improvement. You can see this in most Torrid reviews. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. The pants saved Spices life a few times and she has used EE quilts for years, including on the PCT and CDT. _______________________________________________Specs: ***Buy aRevelationorEnigma Quiltand get aTorrid Jacket20% off. Were in the dark about how the different types compare to each other, and how the category as a whole compares to down. Because you should LOVE the gear you buy. It did not always perform alone though. You wont find a synthetic puffy thats as lightweight and as warm as Enlightened Equipments Torrid collection. WEIGHT- Sure, my down jacket weighs less, but not by much. 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. However I found that in EE website the new torrid pullover model is a little bit heavier than the Full-zip instead. 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. The womens fit just needs a little more tweaking by EE before its the reigning winner for a comfy, vegan thru-hiking jacket. It easy to get your foot caught in the fabric when it separates from the insulation as they are only attached together around the edges of the quilts. The addition of the kangaroo pocket makes the Pullover look and feel bulkier around the middle. Enlightened Equipment - Revelation 20F (In Stock), Cloud Gear Bags - Small Roll Top ( Hygiene), Enlightened Equipment - Revelation APEX (Pre-Order), Atelier Longue Distance - Hybride 20 EPL Ultra 200. While it is feathery light and feels almost like a heating blanket of warmth and joy and puppies when putting it on, the womens version leaves no room for bodies outside of a tiny normal window. The bottom half of the pullover is covered with an insulated kangaroo pocket, essentially adding a second blanket of insulation over your belly area. Backpacking Light helps hikers and other backcountry enthusiasts overcome their barriers to living a life outside in Wild Places. As far as I am concerned, insulated jackets are defined by their ability to balance two important values: weight and warmth. Weight will vary depending on size, fabric, and hood choice. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. 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. I love burritos too! Still, a loose-fitting layer isnt necessarily a bad thing. These jackets are among the best puffies on the market. Loft retention is, for synthetic insulations, the gold standard. 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. 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. 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. 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. Plus get 10% off your first purchase! I could not believe how fluffy it was (and still is) for being a synthetic layer. Estes Park, Colorado, and my backyard trails are in the Rockies of Southeast Wyoming and Northern Colorado. The jacket saw temperatures as high as 50 degrees Fahrenheit and as low as three degrees, as well as high winds, snow, freezing rain (joy), and hail. It doesnt get full marks due to the lack of functional pocket space. To achieve the super low weight, compromises must be made, and the durability of the nylon fabric appeared to be a big one. The Torrid Pullover is my first synthetic puffy, and I loved the added confidence it gave me. In contrast, the Torrid APEX jacket has two zippered hand pockets on either side of the zipper. in high winds (while trekking, at rest, and in camp); as an outer layer in heavy snowfall (while trekking, at rest, and in camp); and. Photo: Owen Eigenbrot. size of stuffsack)? The Pullover weighs within a few grams of the jacket, so if youre stuck between the two, weight wont be your deciding factor. Knock Your Socks Off Service The largest was caused by catching a pocket on a cattle fence in New Mexico. 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. Get Backpacking Light news, updates, gear info, skills, and commentary delivered into your inbox 1-2x/week. While Owens mens jacket was long enough to cover my butt (we are comparably sized when it comes to jackets) and stayed put there, I was never lucky enough to keep my womens jacket from constantly riding up to sit at my narrowest point, my waist. I love the color of this jacket. The problem with the inner material poking out the sleeves is a very common complaint. This gives you more mobility through the arms. 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! And guess what? I wore it on multiple icebound hikes in Allegheny National Forest and Philadelphias Wissahickon Park trail system from January through April. Disclaimer- I was gifted a sample of this product in exchange for an honest review. 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. Either way, its among the lightest puffies available. Thru-Hiker Lingo 101: From PUDs to LASH, Your Guide to Hiker Trash. Theres plenty of marketing hype and bro science, but very little objective information. The CDT threw a lot of different conditions our way, providing plenty of opportunity to put all of our gear to the test. (-) But: the Neck is really tight, so layering is hard, even a buff is tight and the shoulders Do compress the Insulation. Environmental Conditions: Temps 0 to 10 F (-18 to -12 C), Winds 10 to 30 mph (16 to 48 kph), Torso Clothing Worn While Trekking: 150-weight merino hoody, lightly-insulated softshell jacket, Torrid Apex Pullover, Environmental Conditions: Temps 15 to 25 F, (-9 to -4 C) Winds 5 to 15 mph (8 to 24 kph), Torso Clothing Worn: 150-weight merino hoody, lightly-insulated softshell jacket, Torrid Apex Pullover, Sleep System: 20 F (-7 C) down sleeping bag, 50 F (10 C) synthetic overbag, waterproof-breathable bivy sack, Environmental Conditions: Temps 15 to 25 F (-9 to -4 C), Winds 20 to 25 mph (32 to 40 kph), Torso Clothing Worn: 150-weight merino hoody, lightly-insulated softshell jacket, Torrid Apex Pullover, waterproof-breathable shell jacket, This topic has 16 replies, 14 voices, and was last updated. PACKABILITY- My old down jacket packs down to nothing, which saves space if youre trying to minimize your pack. Total claimed weights vary with size and fabric options. The Torrid Jacket is slightly oversized to accommodate layers. 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. I have the full zip jacket (10 d) that sees a lot of use all seasons, it definitely punches above its weight for warmth. Zippers are notorious cold spots on any insulated garment, so the Torrid Pullovers half-zip design makes it warmer than the jacket. This jacket fits best on a narrow hipped and short torso body. Kinda frustrating that they havent. Frame vs Frameless Packs: 5 Questions to Ask Yourself! The pouch is insulated on both sides, making the Torrid Pullover a slightly warmer option than the Torrid Jacket. They are doing what they love and the quality of the product shows. You must be logged in to reply to this topic. Also, the kangaroo pocket functions as a secondary insulation layer over your belly. In the meantime, I would still recommend supporting a cottage company and enjoying the long and lofty mens jackets until EE works on a new and improved womens version. This EE Pullover was replacing my well worn Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer. For people who run perpetually cold, the added warmth of the Torrid Pullover is a game-changer. 2009. They are the reason he wakes, the reason he hikes. 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 garment I tested was a womens medium (10-denier inner and outer fabric). When it comes to my insulating layers, I really try to baby them because they are expensive and vital to my comfort/survival. Yes, yes, and yes. Designed to keep you warm while keeping your pack light, the jacket starts at just 7.75 ounces (220g). Still, this layer will be a backcountry staple for me going forward. I dont mind cinching the hem above my hips anyway since it improves mobility. When the temperatures started to drop, I found myself using the pocket to quickly warm my hands. Fabric colors might appear slightly different from images shown. Were hoping to have that available in the next month or so.. 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. Both layers have elasticized cuffs and a drawcord hood and hemline. I'm Ibex, the lead writer and content editor of this site. Ultralight nylon fabric. To learn more, please visit the About This Site page. Also, pullovers are inherently less convenient than full-zip jackets. 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. And you can always cinch the drawcord waist to block any drafts. Thanks for the review! We made it to Canada, staying warm in the EE Torrid Pullover. I did not bring a single other piece of clothing that has pockets on this thru hike. Both layers have a similarly baggy fit. Soon you can order the EE Torrid Pullover without a hood, and save about 0.8 ounce (23 grams). 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). It was a reliable companion for the duration, 2,721 miles in 150 days. The jacket is lightweight but durable. You also have your choice of a hooded or hoodless collared version of the pullover. Heres what their rep had to say: The reason why the new Torrid Pullover has nearly an ounce heavier is because the pocket is insulated and the pocket is about half of the front of jacket. And when it comes to weight, its kind of embarrassing how much lighter it is than the others. I also used the pocket to store miscellaneous items while setting up camp, such as my phone, beanie, snacks and more. FREE Returns and Exchanges 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. Since EE custom makes each garment with your preferred color combinations, the weight will vary based on the fabric you choose. insulated clothing Ponds Edge: Lightweight Backpacking Bags, Made in a WI Farmhouse! Despite measuring almost half the weight of my Arcteryx Atom LT Hoody (12.8oz), the Torrid APEX is noticeably warmer. The Power of Trail Magic, and How to Become a Trail Angel! Above all, Owen(he/him) loves burritos. Of course, I love this jacket. 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. You're currently viewing a free preview of a member exclusive premium article. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Post new content to the community including gear swaps, reviews, trip reports and more! Sign up to receive updates on new blog posts and travel inspiration. EE describes the 20d as essentially windproof, so perhaps a 20d outer and 7d inner would be a good balance for a static piece? With the Vargo Hexagon Wood Stove, I Ditched Cold Soaking! Options to flare at the hips needs some attention. In my case it was a question about forearm tightness of a small torrid that I plan to replace with a medium. Then write EE a message saying, Hey, Im a woman. Its materials and construction are similar to the full-zip Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex Jacket. EE offers three different fabric weights, 7D, 10D, 20D (my guess is that D stands for denier), in order of increasing weight and strength. I appreciated the low weight of the jacket when it was in my backpack, and I was a huge fan of the warmth when the temperature was well below freezing. Just watch out for that custom gear lead time. Enlightened Equipment is a small business creating custom handmade products in Winona, Minnesota. I want to be warm and I want my hips shown some love. Since my question pertained to the jacket rather than the pull-over, I am not sure if the pull-over uses this new design. Please excuse my grainy early-morning photography. His hunger drove him the length of the PCT in 2015, the CDT in 2019, and scatters him to wild places worldwide. Make em longer and give em a little flare please. EE is great.. Vegan bonus points for offering synthetic options for just about everything. The pouchs high sides ensure that items stored within stay put. Sad moments. Garage Grown GearPOS and Ecommerce by Shopify. The peace of mind I get being warm in wet conditions wins over packability. Built using 2oz/yd CLIMASHIELD APEX synthetic insulation, the Torrid maintains warmth and breathability even when damp. These Torrid jackets seem cool, but the cons outweigh the pros for me. Side note: you can smush it into its hood and cinch the shock cord to make it packable. This is good for layering underneath, but the design is basic. 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. Fractel Hats: Shady Headwear for Sunny People. 2,000 mile review on the HMG 2400 Southwest, The gear I took on the Pacific Crest Trail summer of 2021. * A Basic Membership is required to view Member Q&A events, climashield apex Read next The Best Synthetic Jackets for Backpacking. Zippered hand pockets would be more functional. Made in the USA: Manufactured in Winona, Minnesota. My relationship with this jacket is bittersweet. Anyways, nice review. Cord adjustments on the hood and waist of the jacket trap in heat. They need to find a way to better connect the insulation with the fabric without creating new heat loss holes. Under improvements, Ryan wanted options to drop the hood and the marsupial pocket. If EE ever offers zippered pockets as an alternative to the kangaroo pouch, this pullover will be nearly perfect in my books. 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. Kangaroo Pocket: A large, insulated kangaroo pocket covers most of the belly area below the half-length zipper. Inspected in Winona, Minnesota. If you loved the Torrid APEX but want more warmth for virtually the same weight, go with the Pullover. Two zippered hand pockets, full-length zipper, non-adjustable elastic around the waist and wrist cuffs. Perhaps some minor strategic stitching of insulation to the interior fabric, but not the exterior fabric. Adjustable shock cord waist, tucked inside front pouch. I also chose to include a hood on my pullover, and for that I am happy even though it does add weight. This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. Ships in 1-2 business days | Based in Winona, MN | Est. Enlightened Equipment Torrid Pullover Review, 10 Eco-Conscious Holiday Gifts for Outdoor Enthusiasts in 2021, Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Southwest Review, 10 Eco-Conscious Holiday Gifts for Outdoor Enthusiasts in 2021. The length also needs attention. To redeem, add all items to your cart and use code "EEbundle" at checkout. 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. That eliminates a lot of seams (aka cold spots, aka weak points where the garment could eventually begin to fail). Im not a full member so I cant read the whole review. And the custom colors help it to feel like me. The fact that so many years have gone by without a solution to this seems lazy. I had the full-zip version with 7d inner & outer. Draft-cutting design features (drawcord waist and hood, elasticized cuffs) carry over from the original jacket to lock in warmth. That said, Im curious to know why you consider that a deal-breaker? 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. (It does look like the Pullover is way roomier in the torso area). In practice, how much did you compress your Torrid pullover (e.g. 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. enlightened equipment The jacket is basic and includes just the bare essentials feature-wise to keep weight down. Unrestricted access to all forums, plus the ability to post and start new threads. Also, as Owen noted in his review of the Torrid APEX jacket, the lack of baffles means the sleeves do this weird, annoying thing where the liner fabric follows your hand through the cuff. 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. I wore the jacket overnight in my quilt and it was dry by morning. Shop the Enlightened Equipment Torrid Pullover. Pack less. as an insulating layer to complement my sleep system at night. Stay up to date on great deals and innovative products from small and cottage outdoor brands. It leaves room for additional layers underneath and makes it easy to pull on and off. Note that youre customizing not only the color, but also the weight (7d, 10d, or 20d), of each. See policy HERE. Subscribeto our newsletter and get 10% off your first purchase! My main problem with the EE Apex pullover is that it IS a pullover. Moderately durable but still light, go for the 10D. Very little room for any pear shaped or hourglass shaped gals. New Live Webinar - Introduction to Map & Compass - July 2 @ 9 AM US MDT. A hood is optional, though I highly recommend it. Thats more than the 6.8 ounces reported on EEs site, but still within a realistic margin of error. The Torrid APEX is the only product of theirs that I have used, but I would recommend them for custom quilts and insulated pants as well. Be more. It did great. Hi Ryan! The inner liner tends to migrate to the outside when you pull your hands through. Anyone know if the Pullover solves these problems OR if a Size up on the Full zip Apex solves the above? A pleasant surprise was how well the pullover cut down on windchill. 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. (I vote hood. This price inlcudes all taxes. (LogOut/ Yes Eric is right consumers like us are very much in the dark when it comes to. On the coldest days, I layered it with my hiking shirt, hooded fleece, and sometimes my rain jacket. This hood is definitely not helmet compatible. Instead, this review will focus on the usability of the pullover design. The coldest temperature was -2F near Grants, NM. Customizable, DWR-treated nylon: You can choose the color and fabric weight of the nylon shell and liner. Interesting on their claimed weights and why. 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. The Torrid Pullover is similar to the full-zip Torrid APEX jacket in most ways. Stay up to date on cottage ultralight gear! 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 chose the Yellow 10D fabric, which was surprisingly much more pleasing to the eye than I thought it would be. help@garagegrowngear.comOur business hours are 9 am to 5 pmCentral Time Monday to Friday. These features are crucial to maintaining warmth, particularly in a layer as baggy as this one where cold drafts would otherwise run rampant. 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. This feature requires an active Backpacking Light Membership. It keeps me so much warmer in frigid temps than a jacket with no hood. Become a member today! 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. Especially spicy ones. (It passed-still puffy and surprisingly warm, even when drenched). (+) I have the Torrid zip M, great fit, long arms, great ventilation with the full zip(Im a stick @ 6-2 / 160 lbs). For comparison, the Atom LT is constructed with 20 denier nylon. Raglan sleeves: Raglan sleeves extend all the way to the collar as one continuous unit, rather than starting at the shoulder. 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. There was also some funkiness with the cuffs. I'm Katelin Reeser, a thru hiker, photographer, metalsmith and lover of travel and the outdoors. My home is (currently!) The cottage gear worlds most beloved puffy jacket just got an update. How does this newcomer stack up to the original Torrid APEX, and more importantly, is it worth your dollars? Its a continuous filament insulation thats known for superior loft, thermal efficiency, and compressibility. The wide openings, pouchy fit, and slippery nylon liner ensure that whatever you put in there will fall out posthaste. 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). synthetic insulation. 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. CLIMASHIELD APEX weights may vary +/- 10% due to production variances. Vos donnes personnelles seront utilises pour vous accompagner au cours de votre visite du site web, grer laccs votre compte, et pour dautres raisons dcrites dans notre privacy policy. Unrestricted access to all 2,300+ articles, gear reviews, skills, stories, and more. 7 Quirky, Cottage-Made Ultralight Backpacking Accessories! The Enlightened Equipment Torrid Pullover was donated for purpose of review. 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. Linked items are affiliate links from which I may or may not receive a small commission. I sent EE an email question about the Torrid jacket fit nearly 2 weeks ago. Minor, but worth mentioning. We will not ask for any additionnal fees. Continuous filament insulation is also very durable, enjoying longer-lasting loft and compressibility than other classes of synthetic fill. Can't be usedin conjunction withother discount codes.