Is This The Ultimate Winter Jacket. The North Face Apex Chromium Thermal Will Keep You Toasty All Season
Is This The Ultimate Winter Jacket. The North Face Apex Chromium Thermal Will Keep You Toasty All Season
An Introduction to the Popular North Face Apex Chromium Thermal Jacket
As Old Man Winter starts rearing his frosty head, we jacket-lovers dust off our arsenal in preparation for the bitter cold ahead. But when temperatures really start to plummet, few coats in my closet can truly stand up to the chill like my tried-and-true North Face Apex Chromium Thermal.
Slipping on this jacket is like getting wrapped up in a big ol’ bear hug – it just envelops you in soft, pillowy warmth. Don’t let its lightweight design fool you – the Chromium Thermal may not have the bulk of a heavyweight parka, but it’s got the insulating power to keep even the biggest cold-weather wimps like myself toasty as can be.
This jacket and I have been through a lot together. I’ve worn it while shoveling snow in below-freezing Vermont winters, cheering in the stands at nighttime high school football games, and stomping through pile after pile of crunchy leaves each autumn. And no matter what mischief I’ve gotten up to, the Chromium Thermal has kept me cozy as a cocoon.
Let me break down for you what gives this winter warrior its magical warming abilities. The Chromium Thermal gets its name from its high-tech insulation. Instead of traditional down, it uses a cutting-edge featherless synthetic fill called, you guessed it, chromium thermal. This innovative fiber blend is specially engineered to mimic the heat-trapping loft of down while maintaining warmth even when wet.
The Groundbreaking Chrominum Thermal Insulation
Instead of goose feathers, chromium thermal consists of small, springy clusters of hollow-core polyester fibers. The crimped design traps heat within millions of tiny air pockets, forming an insulating layer that blocks out cold and locks in body heat. So you get that sought-after toastiness without the bulk of thicker fills.
But what really sets chromium thermal apart is how it performs in the wet. You know that sodden, chilled feeling when your down jacket gets soaked? The insulation compresses and loses its heat-trapping powers, leaving you shivering. Chromium thermal, on the other hand, retains its warmth-giving loft and dries quickly to keep you cozy in even the wettest weather. Rain, sleet, snow – this jacket’s got you covered.
Weather-Resistant Yet Breathable Shell
Now a stellar insulation will only get you so far if it’s not encased in an equally awesome shell. The North Face didn’t cut any corners here. The Chromium Thermal’s outer layer features their proprietary DryVent 2L fabric. It’s crafted using a polyurethane coating and seam tape to make it water-resistant and windproof, keeping out snow and blustery gusts. But it still remains breathable so you don’t get that sauna-like feeling of some tightly-sealed coats.
The DWR (durable water-repellent) finish also makes this jacket perfect for light precipitation. Water beads right up and rolls off the surface rather than soak in. And the fabric is specially designed to maintain its water-resistant properties wash after wash. No more sopping, waterlogged sleeves for this girl!
Toasty Touches and Conveniences
It’s not just the fill and shell that make the Chromium Thermal a winter winner. This coat is tricked out with tons of touches that make braving the cold that much cozier. Let’s take a tour, shall we?
First up, nothing ruins a winter day quicker than a gust of freezing air swooping up your back or swirling up your sleeves. This jacket comes ready for such sneak attacks with elasticized cuffs and an adjustable hem. Just pop those cuffs snug around your gloves and cinch the hem tight, and you’ve got a seal against icy draughts.
Next up in the battle against cold – the lofty snap-down powder skirt with gripper elastic. Stomping through the snow on a bluebird pow day? Just snap up that skirt and seal out any sneaky flakes or chill. The gripper hem keeps it hugging your hips, so bending and moving stays comfy.
When you’re working hard or hustling through town, sometimes even the best coat makes you sweat. Luckily the Chromium Thermal comes prepared with underarm vents. Just pop those babies open to let in cool air, keeping you from getting that sticky, overheated feeling. Genius!
And of course when you’re out facing the elements, easy access to your gear comes in handy. The Chromium Thermal delivers with zippered hand pockets, a zippered chest pocket, and an interior stash pocket. Plenty of places to tuck your phone, keys, wallet, chapstick – whatever you need close at hand.
One of my favorite things about this coat though? The fleece-lined chin guard that lines the zipper. Rest your chin on it when fully zipped and goodbye scratchy zipper rash! Why don’t all coats do this?
The roomy fixed hood keeps things sleek when not in use, then easily pops up to protect your head and seal in warmth. And it plays nicely with all your favorite winter hats too. Complete with an adjustable visor, it shields your eyes and face from sun glare or sideways sleet.
Last but not least, this jacket comes in a longer length to keep your backside toasty too. No more getting that chill between coat and pants when you bend and move. The Chromium Thermal’s got you fully covered from shoulders to thighs.