Logo
    • Login
      • Forgot your password?

    Register

    Backcountry Skiing Guides
    • ROUTES
      • Coast Mountains
        • Callaghan Valley
        • Coquihalla Highway
        • Cypress Provincial Park
        • Duffey Lake
        • Elfin Lakes Squamish
        • Howson Range
        • Shames Mountain
        • Smithers
        • Vancouver Island
        • Whistler/Blackcomb
      • Interior Mountains
        • Bonningtons Traverse
          • Copper Hut Routes
          • Grassy Hut Routes
          • Huckleberry Hut Routes
          • Steed Hut Routes
        • Goat Range
        • Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
        • Kokanee Glacier Park
        • Kootenay Pass
        • Red Mountain Resort
        • Revelstoke
        • Revelstoke Mountain Resort
        • Rossland Range
        • Rogers Pass
        • Trout Lake
        • Whitewater Ski Resort
      • Rocky Mountains
        • Banff National Park
        • Fernie
        • Jasper National Park
        • Kananaskis Country
        • Kootenay National Park
        • Lake Louise Ski Resort
        • Sunshine Village Ski Resort
        • Wapta Traverse
          • Balfour Hut Routes
          • Bow Hut Routes
          • Peyto Hut Routes
          • Scott Duncan Hut Routes
        • Yoho National Park
      • Quebec
      • Newfoundland
      • Ontario
      • Yukon
      • Submit A New Route
    • REVIEWS
      • Ski Gear
        • Skis
        • Boots
        • Bindings
        • Climbing Skins
        • Poles
        • Snowboards
      • Clothing
        • Hard Shells
        • Soft Shells
        • Insulation
        • Mid Layers
        • Base Layers
        • Gloves
        • Socks
      • Accessories
        • Safety Gear
        • Goggles and Helmets
        • Ski Touring Packs
        • Ski Boxes and Bags
        • Sleeping Bags - 4 Season
        • Technology
        • Sunglasses
        • Insoles & Braces
        • Books
      • Off-Season Gear
        • Hiking
        • Camping
          • Backpacks
          • Sleeping Bags
          • Sleeping Pads
          • Tents
        • Biking
        • Paddling
        • Climbing
        • Mountaineering
        • Running
      • Lifestyle
      • Lodges and Accommodation
      • Nutrition
      • Manufacturers
      • Destinations
      • Training
      • Gear of the Year
      • Pro Skier Interviews
    • FORUMS
    • LODGING
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
    • STORE
      • Guides & Maps
      • Gear Deals
        • Alpine Touring Boots
        • Backcountry Skis
        • Alpine Touring Bindings
        • Backcountry Accessories
        • Off-Season Gear
        • Climbing Skins
      • Adventures
    • VIDEOS
      • 2015-16 Gear Reviews
      • 2014-15 Gear Reviews
      • 2013/14 Gear Reviews
      • 2012/13 Gear Reviews
      • 2011/12 Gear Reviews
      • Tips and Tricks
      • Backcountry Skiing
      • 2016 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2016 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2015 SIA Show
      • 2014 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2013 SIA Show
      • 2012 Outdoor Retailer
    • SAFETY
      • Plan Ahead
      • Equipment
      • Resources
      • Avalanche Skills Training
    • ABOUT
      • Advertise
      • Links
      • Comps
        • Soap Box
        • Summer Stoke
        • Expose Yourself
      • Glossary
      • Contact Us
    • ROUTES
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
      • Quebec
      • Newfoundland
      • Ontario
      • Yukon
      • Submit A New Route
    • REVIEWS
      • Ski Gear
      • Clothing
      • Accessories
      • Off-Season Gear
      • Lifestyle
      • Lodges and Accommodation
      • Nutrition
      • Manufacturers
      • Destinations
      • Training
      • Gear of the Year
      • Pro Skier Interviews
    • FORUMS
    • LODGING
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
    • STORE
      • Guides & Maps
      • Gear Deals
      • Adventures
    • VIDEOS
      • 2015-16 Gear Reviews
      • 2014-15 Gear Reviews
      • 2013/14 Gear Reviews
      • 2012/13 Gear Reviews
      • 2011/12 Gear Reviews
      • Tips and Tricks
      • Backcountry Skiing
      • 2016 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2016 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2015 SIA Show
      • 2014 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2013 SIA Show
      • 2012 Outdoor Retailer
    • SAFETY
      • Plan Ahead
      • Equipment
      • Resources
      • Avalanche Skills Training
    • ABOUT
      • Advertise
      • Links
      • Comps
      • Glossary
      • Contact Us

    HOTTEST REVIEWS


    Salomon S-Lab X-Alp Boots Dalbello Lupo AX125 Boots Elan Ripstick 106 Skis Salomon MTN BindingRab Upslope Jacket/Pants Volkl 100Eight Skis

    VIDEOS YOU'LL LIKE


    Salomon S Lab X Alp Boot Scarpa Maestrale AT Boots Salomon MTN Bindings Elan Ripstick 106 Skis Garmin Fenix 5 GPS Watch Volkl 100 Eight Skis

    NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

    Unsubscribe
    • Home
    • »
    • REVIEWS
    • »
    • Clothing
    • »
    • Hard Shells
    • »
    • Westcomb Apoc Jacket

    Westcomb Apoc Jacket

    The Westcomb Apoc Jacket was first reviewed on this site back in 2010 when it won our gear of the year award. Since then Westcomb has updated the design of the jacket but has maintained the use of Polartech Neoshell fabric for its breathability and waterproofness. Back in 2010 the Neoshell fabric was relatively new to the market and six years later (while it’s still not as popular as Gore-Tex) it’s become more popular and is my personal favourite waterproof/breathable fabric. Neoshell provides hardshell protection with softshell comfort and versatility, and has an inherent stretch that won’t impede your range of motion during activities. Unlike Gore-Tex, NeoShell is breathable at any temperature, and does not require pressure to build up on the inside for its air permeability to function properly. But, enough about Neoshell. Let’s look at how the Apoc Jacket has changed since its inception:

    Westcomb Apoc Jacket

    The Westcomb Apoc Jacket with Polartec Neoshell performs better than your average Gore-Tex jacket.

    Westcomb Apoc Jacket
    SHOW THE REST OF THE REVIEW / PHOTOS / VIDEOS

    The Westcomb Apoc is still a top of the line, all-mountain jacket. But this redesigned version now features built-in pit zips, which as far as I know is a first for a Neoshell jacket. Traditionally Neoshell jackets don’t have pit zips since the fabric itself is supposedly breathable enough. But in my opinion you can never have enough breathability. The other big change with the new Apoc is that the torso is now adjustable with hidden shock cords. This gives you the ability to streamline the fit if you are wearing fewer or thinner mid layers, or simply want a trimmer, more form fitting appearance.

    Below you’ll find a complete list of all the Apoc Jacket’s features (both new, and carried over from the original design):

    New features on the redesigned Apoc Jacket:
    • Napoleon pocket is now hidden
    • Baffles have been added to the hand warmer pockets
    • Pit zips (the only ones I know of on a Neoshell jacket)
    • Adjustable torso
    Unchanged features on the redesigned Apoc Jacket: 
    • Polartech Neoshell fabric
    • Heavier face fabric for increased durability
    • Waterproof zips
    • Sleeve stash pocket
    • Chest pocket
    • 3-way adjustable and helmet compatible hood
    • Sleek, refined design
    Westcomb Apoc Jacket

    Polartech Neoshell Fabric

    • The Neoshell membrane technology creates a waterproof barrier with unprecedented airflow, making it one of the most breathable waterproof 3-layer fabrics on the market. 
    • Waterproof: 12,000 mm
    • Exceptionally breathability, CFM rating 0.2
    • Dynamic 2-way air exchange
    • Mechanical stretch

    Features:

    • Hand pockets
    • Adjustable hem
    • Adjustable torso
    • Articulated sleeves
    • Extended high collar
    • LPM seam-tape
    • YKK Aquaguard zipper
    • Internal media pocket
    Westcomb Apoc Jacket
    • Helmet-compatible hood
    Westcomb Apoc Jacket
    • Chest pocket
    Westcomb Apoc Jacket
    • Sleeve stash pocket
    Westcomb Apoc Jacket
    • Adjustable cuffs
    Westcomb Apoc Jacket
    • Pit zip vents
    Westcomb Apoc Jacket

    Westcomb Crest Hoody

    If you’re looking for a companion to the Apoc jacket, then consider the super-light, packable soft shell Crest Hoody. Its minimalist design is ideal for fast and light adventures that require wind protection and breathability. The trim fitting Crest Hoody is made of Pertex Equilibrium which is lightweight, quick drying and incredibly packable. It retails for $199US and is an excellent companion to the Apoc while ski touring. Wear the Crest Hoody on the way up for its breathability and protection from wind and snow, and then layer it under the Apoc for the ski down.

    Westcomb Crest Hoody

    Verdict:

    I was a big fan of the original Apoc Jacket when it was released, primarily because it was one of the first Neoshell Jackets to hit the market. Not only did it offer up superior breathability and fabric stretch, but its design was super simple yet effective with features you require and nothing more. With the addition of pit zips, I think the Apoc has gotten even better. However, they have added some styling features that I could live without. Namely the adjustable torso and hand warmer pocket baffles. I find the adjustable torso to be a little unnecessary as the jacket is not that long. I found that using the adjustment makes the jacket fit like those 3/4 length ski jackets of the late 80’s; Not good. The pocket baffles, while somewhat functional for expanding the volume of the pockets get in the way of the interior of the pockets when retrieving items and for overall hand comfort.

    The Apoc has evolved form a purely light and fast, utilitarian ski-touring workhorse to more of an all-round ski resort jacket that has added some bulk and weight with a heavier face fabric and subtle design changes. While these are not negative qualities for most, the Apoc’s more mainstream appeal does make it less effective as a ski touring specific jacket. But then again not every one wants a one-trick-pony.

    PROS:

    • Polartech Neoshell fabric is more breathable than its competitors.
    • Stretchy fabric provides room to move.
    • Feature rich design is still clean and refined.
    • Roomy fit that covers your back side and accommodates puffy mid-layers.

    CONS:

    • No pass-through port on the internal media pocket.
    • The baffles on the inside of the hand warmer pockets get in the way. 
    • Not as compact as it used to be.

    SPECS:

    Price: $520US
    Sizes: S, M, L, XL
    Fit: Regular
    Colour: Black, Eclipse, Sulphur, Vermillion
    Weight: 428g / 17oz
    Material: Polartec NeoShell 500
    Warranty: Lifetime

    RATING: 8.5/10

    Fit / Mobility                    1.5/2
    Packability                       1.5/2
    Waterproof / Breathable   2/2
    Features                           2/2
    Quality / Price                  1.5/2

    buy backcountry skiing gear


    Did we miss something? Are we totally out to lunch? Let us know what you think. People like/dislike gear for different reasons so chime in below and we'll get a well-rounded evaluation. You'll need to login or register before you can comment but it only takes a few seconds, then you're good to go.

    Leave a Comment:

    Back to the rest of the reviews.


    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2016-17 BackcountrySkiingCanada. All Rights Reserved. 

    Website by: FROLIX DESIGN