Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex Jacket - My 1 Year Review / The GOOD and the NOT SO GOOD

In this video I give my 1 year review of the Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex Jacket.
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#enlightenedequipment
#torridapexjacket

[@hikerpov]

100% agree with everything you said. I've had mine for about a year and a half and I was shocked how warm it was. I was also shocked how much is stuck to my sweaty arms...but needless to say. This thing is AMAZING...my favorite backpacking jacket I've ever owned. Great video.

[@backpackingadventures4813]

Thanks! I hold it and feel it and think this is so light and delicate it can’t keep me warm but it is the warmest jacket I’ve had as well. My favorite as well!

[@Packsalot]

Looks like this is a great jacket. When I'm in the market I'll check into more. Custom order is pretty sweet. For now I am using the REI down puffer. Works good for me and way packable. Everything wears out eventually. Thanks for the thorough review, Dan. Have a great day.

[@backpackingadventures4813]

It is a really nice and warm jacket but it is delicate. But that is par with the course for ultralight stuff.

[@Errcyco]

I really want a 10D interior/ 20D exterior version.. any color. My only wish would be for matte colors rather than shiny but I don't really care. This jacket has excellent reviews. any cons are subjective.. not anything that could harm you out In the sticks .

[@backpackingadventures4813]

You are right. Any downsides are specific to my experience. It’s a great jacket and I still use one. Had to get a smaller size since I lost weight. I never thought about the shiny part but now that you mentioned it I agree that a matte version would be nice.

[@billb5732]

Excellent review. Nice that you have real experience rather than "first look". Re: Sticking to skin, I have that problem with many jackets. The cause is wearing a short-sleeve base layer. The cure is sun sleeves. They weigh nothing, and turn your t-shirt into a long-sleeve base layer. No more sticking to skin. Works great under a rain jacket as well.

[@backpackingadventures4813]

It’s pretty much just the nature of that type of material. Like you I get that same thing with other jackets so it’s not a show stopper for me. Also, usually if I’m wearing the jacket it is cold so I’m most likely wearing long sleeves of some sort. But unlike the sun sleeve idea for summer. Thanks!

[@unpavedexplorer338]

Hello Dan, very good review. That jacket looks good too. Take Care and Keep Exploring The Outdoors.

[@backpackingadventures4813]

Tha is John. It’s a great jacket. I really like your new logo. Looks awesome!

[@TheDeanBlain]

Great review! This channel is going to take off!

[@backpackingadventures4813]

Thanks!

[@chaserobertson8822]

Love this jacket.

[@user-nc5mi3rl1h]

Love the channel, keep it up!

[@backpackingadventures4813]

Thanks!

[@jimtrouten7529]

Hey, great video! You're right about the materials! Climashield APEX is a continuous sheet that comes on a roll. And the fabric is the same as the Copperfield wind shirt. And we're expanding sizing to be more inclusive from XS to 3XL. For packing/compression, we've found the 2oz APEX garments to pack smaller and were lighter than our down prototypes.

[@backpackingadventures4813]

Thanks Jim! The torrid is a great jacket. The pants as well. Since I lost weight I was looking into getting another, smaller size, torrid. I look forward to seeing what’s new for 2022.

[@jimtrouten7529]

@@backpackingadventures4813 Come by and take a tour sometime!

[@rodrev_hiking6757]

Im 5.8 with 160lbs chest 38 always in between sizes S or M . I want a custom Jacket but I don’t know what to pick . My ghostwhisperer is S …, great review thanks for help

[@backpackingadventures4813]

@@rodrev_hiking6757 Thanks! If you know for sure that you are between a S and a M for this I guess it would depend on your intended use. If you will also be using it in colder weather and want to have a lot of layers underneath than medium would be better. If you are only using it in relatively warmer weather as something to take the chill off on cooler nights with only having a a couple layers underneath than I would go with the small. ER says they make them a half size larger anyway so maybe the small is enough. It’s really your personal preference. But the sizing chart EE has is accurate and true to size with the exception of the half size difference I mentioned.

[@MiyagiontheTrail]

Solid review!

[@backpackingadventures4813]

Thanks!

[@markcummings6856]

Great review. Best jacket on the market for the benefits and price. 7d inner- skin sticking. That is a common side effect. Just comes with the territory.

[@backpackingadventures4813]

Thanks! I agree. I think it’s the best. I. My opinion I think it is so warm because it doesn’t have baffles. That material is so lite and thin that you are right. It just is what it is and being sticky is just part of it.

[@stronglikemonkey]

Hey Dan! New subscriber! Thanks for the down to Earth reviews. I have heard that EE has shortened the inner arm liners so you don't get that cuff bloom and that if you get 10D on the inside liner that it doesn't stick as much. Not sure how true that is, but hopefully EE is listening to their consumers. Thanks for sharing!!

[@backpackingadventures4813]

Welcome! I hope it is fixed in the new versions. Even though it is a pain it really is t that bad on the grand scheme of things. It is a great jacket! Thanks for the info. I think when I wear through this one I’ll probably get another one.

[@stronglikemonkey]

@@backpackingadventures4813 I hope they have fixed it too. We are similar in build. That is nice to see on KZbin!

[@backpackingadventures4813]

I’m with you. I don’t see it to much either. Not to many people to relate to as far as gear and clothes that are my size.

[@erics9214]

Great and really thorough review. Caveat, however: Big guys just stay warmer. Other folks are unlikely to stay warm in this jacket down into the teens, certainly not into the twenties while sitting still and wearing only a t-shirt. With layers, maybe, but not with just a t-shirt. When I was younger and did a lot of winter hiking and skiing, I would let my weight creep up five to ten pounds, simply because I would stay warmer. Another consideration that most of us slightly older folks are probably already taking into account, you just don't stay as warm as you age.

[@backpackingadventures4813]

Thanks! I’m not a big guy any more. Since this video I have lost 90 pounds. Bought a new Tori’s in a much smaller size. However, I haven’t noticed a difference in performance. But then again, if I’m out in the teens on a trip I wouldn’t just be in a t shirt underneath. I have always layer up so I can regulate temperature more precise. Now I do notice a difference as I get up there in age. I don’t necessarily feel colder, more of not very tolerant to it if that makes sense.

[@erics9214]

@@backpackingadventures4813 Congrats on losing the weight. For me, with age, it is mostly the hands. I can dress well enough to stay warm, just hard to keep those digits warm.

[@AWalkOnDirt]

I got mine today for the PCT 2024. THe selling point was the warmth. I will not have a short sleeve shirt but a sun hoodie. I can't see putting on this or any jacket without a layer of cloth between myself and the jacket.

[@backpackingadventures4813]

I agree. This jacket is very warm for its weight. I also like that it doesn’t have baffles which I find allow you to feel the air coming in if it’s windy. I usually don’t wear it without a long sleeve shirt underneath. I hike in a long sleeve shirt. But for those that wear short sleeves I wanted to point that part out.

[@nobison6185]

Pinch that jacket were your arm pit seam is and pull it up your arm instead of pushing your arm down it to prevent that sweaty sleeve blow out. Add some zipper pulls all around and ... perfect, love my Torrid!

[@backpackingadventures4813]

Good idea for the sleeve. It isn’t that big of a deal to me but just a small annoyance. Zipper oils are also a good idea. Thanks! I’m with you. I love mine as well! Very good jacket.

[@DaveOffGrid]

Amazing review Dan! Kind of kicking myself for not picking one up. I got an INSANE deal, more than half off the Ghost Whisperer 2 and had to jump on it but found out about the Torrid from Darwin first. For about the same price and weight as I spend on my jacket I could've picked this one up. Like you said, better in the damp environments. I'm assuming it's easier to clean as well? Can you throw it in the wash? Totally agree there's a weight bias in the backpacking world.

[@backpackingadventures4813]

Thanks! I almost bought a ghost whisperer but they weren’t on sale at the time. To expensive for me. The tag says to hand wash and then tumble dry in the dryer but there isn’t anything special you need to do like with a down quilt. I saw on someone’s video that you can machine wash on cold and delicate but not sure about that. Yeah, it’s tough finding clothes. I bought the rain jacket from zpacks but could really use it because it fit around the waste but really tight on the arms and that was a size XXL. And for the plaid shirt I wore last year from outdoor research it was a XXXL. It did fit well but it was the largest. And I can’t wear a long sleeve Columbia button down because even at XXXL the sleeves are skin tight around my arms and I swim in it around my waist. I have no idea where they get their measurements. Lol. EE also makes a rain jacket and I see fro other review that I the fit is similar as the torrid apex. So I think that will be the next one I get at some point. Hmmmmm. Maybe I should start an apparel company of hiking clothes for bigger people. 🤔

[@DaveOffGrid]

@@backpackingadventures4813 Great idea! Haha, you'd def have a bunch of customers. Interesting they still have you hand wash the Torrid. I've heard you can wash down on delicate as well with a side load washer, figures I only have top loaders haha. Well it's a bummer that the sizes are all wonky for ya, sorry to hear! Dig the hat tho!

[@cielrobinson]

just got mine used off of reddit, excited to wear it! its a womens small and weighs in at 6.4oz.

[@backpackingadventures4813]

+ciel robinson Awesome! I think you will love it.

[@cielrobinson]

@@backpackingadventures4813 I already do!

[@JakeDoingStuff]

Awesome review man. Thank you. At XL and your size. Could you fit a layer over you T in it? Like a fleece or something? Or too snug??

[@backpackingadventures4813]

Thanks! Yep. I could fit several layers underneath. Enlightened Equipment intentionally makes them fit bigger because of layering. In cold weather I usually wore a base layer, then my button down hiking shirt then my fleece underneath it and I could still have more underneath or thicker clothes. I also can then fit my raincoat over top (OR Helium) and it doesn’t squish it down to reduce the loft. The thing I really like is that the arms aren’t tight. With other jackets, they fit around the waist but are tight in the arms. This jacket fits very well around the arms as well.

[@JakeDoingStuff]

@@backpackingadventures4813 awesome man thank you for such a quick hit back. I'm about similar specs as you but just really freaking awkward shaped is the best way I can describe it. Super wide shoulders and back short arms and a bit of a gut. You could say I look like the missing link between man and ape LOL. I have a helium ll as well in XL and find it pretty tight. It sounds like the torrid might be a great fit though. I'm 5'10 and 220. I find that OR and basically any European manufacturer fit one to two sizes small so glad to see the torrid oversizing a bit. As it's a super pain in the butt to return things especially for me up in Canada here with customs and duties and all that hassle. think I'm going to give it a shot here so thanks again for the Kick-Ass review man. Very much appreciated and definitely subscribing!!

[@backpackingadventures4813]

@@JakeDoingStuff that’s awesome. Thank you! I’m the same way. I am 5’8” and was 255 when I did that video. (I’ve been working out and trying to lose weight though). But I find it very difficult to get clothes for backpacking that fit right. An example, I bought the ZPacks Visp rain jacket in XXL. It was rather large around my gut but was pretty tight around my arms. That would be fine I. The summer but there is no way I could layer it. I find a similar thing with most brands out there. It sucks. Lol. My rain jacket is just the Helium not the Helium 2. I got it to replace my Zpacks one last year. It said it was the latest version and after the 2 so not sure but it is size XXL and fits great even over my puffy.

[@Wondering_Fireball]

I love the jacket, it pairs great with the EE hoodless vest and the Visp rain coat. I wish it had an inside pocket for a cell phone and that the pockets were higher so you can put your hands in your pockets when wearing a pack. It will stick to you like glue.

[@backpackingadventures4813]

I was thinking about the visp. From other videos I saw about it the sizing is like this one so I could easily wear it over the torrid apex. That will most likely be my next rain coat purchase.

[@Wondering_Fireball]

@@backpackingadventures4813 , I love the way they over size there layers so they can be worn over each other. It provides a great layering system to keep you warm and dry.

[@backpackingadventures4813]

I agree. It’s hard to mix and match some brands and get the same results. At least with EE, they made it all work together.

[@BreathEmpowerment]

@@backpackingadventures4813 I bought the Torrid and Visp and can confirm they are sized well together. Even with the hoods, you don't have to cinch the Torrid hood down and the Visp goes nicely over it. The Visp hood is fairly unique; it's not a true bill or completely soft either. It's soft enough that it packs up well, but has a nice shape so that if it's cold you can cinch down and it creates a nice frame around your face with the iron of just having your nose poking out. I haven't had the chance to test it much in conditions, but it seems well reviewed regarding that. Really the only drawback I see is that I REALLY wish there were hand pockets. No pockets! Even a mesh pocket would make a big difference to me.

[@backpackingadventures4813]

@@BreathEmpowerment awesome! I recently lost a lot of weight and bought a new, smaller sized, torrid and am thinking about getting the visp. I like the fit of EE and I’m glad they have the foresight to make the rain jacket and puffy compatible.

[@BenjaminWilcock]

Just put in an order for the pullover version 🤙

[@backpackingadventures4813]

It’s a great jacket and it is very warm. I use it all winter. I’m convinced that, besides the insulation, it has no baffles so no places for the wind to get in.

[@BenjaminWilcock]

@@backpackingadventures4813 yeah I currently have the Patagonia micro puff and every stitch is a potential cold spot. Got my torrid pullover custom so think I’ll have a bit of a wait. Really impressed with my other EE items tho, so sure it’ll be worth it 🤙

[@maximusjoseppi5904]

Still think it would be cool if they had a down version of this that was self packable in a built in pocket.

[@BreathEmpowerment]

You can compress to it into its hood and pull the strings, add a compression strap if you really want to cinch it down

[@ZZ_90]

Know it has been quite sometime but really good review! Had a few questions for you if you don’t mind answering. Thinking about going the route of the 20D outer and 10D inner. Was going to use it as my primary “cold” jacket for when I hike the JMT in August. Do you think it might be too warm for a backpacking trip? Also, size. I am 5’9, 210, with broad shoulders and a burley chest. I was thinking a Large, but based of seeing your size, I might size down to a medium. Just wanted to know your thoughts my friend! Thanks for the review!

[@backpackingadventures4813]

Thanks! For the denier of the material, the heavier the more durable but also heavier in weight. Not much though. I take my Torrid on every backpacking trip. I use it in the winter and warmer months. Temps into the teens with the torrid alone and any lower I add another jacket on top. I use it in the warmer months like when the temps are in the 40s. But I rarely hike in it. Any puffy would be too warm to hike in unless it is in the teens or single digits. I usually layer fleeces for hiking. I have hiked in it in cold and really windy and was fine but again, I usually use it for camp. I’m in a medium now. Lost a lot of weight over the past couple years and have been working out a lot. My issue now with clothes and puffies is fitting in the arms and chest area. EE has been a pretty good fit for me for their torrid puffy and puffy pants as well as their rain jacket and rain pants. For reference at the current time I’m about 5’7”, 200lbs, waist is 34, arms are 18”, and my chest is 47” and I wear a medium. I am good with wearing a shirt and mid layer under that as well. When I made the video I was about 270lbs and my waist was 44. Make sure you look at their sizing chart. It is pretty spot on. They also make them slightly larger for layering purposes. I hope this helps. 👍

[@ZZ_90]

@@backpackingadventures4813 thank you for the timely response my friend! I am about the same size as you so I think I might risk it and go for a medium. Worst case scenario, I can always gift it to a family member lol. Also, keep killing it on your weight loss journey! From watching some of your other videos just wanted to say I love seeing the transformation my friend! Keep killing it, and keep putting out amazing content! Cheers! - Zach

[@2laughandlaugh]

Just got the Forclaz 100 puffy from Decathlon...10.2 oz, 800 fill down and so comfy and warm...also under 100.00

[@backpackingadventures4813]

That is an awesome deal! How is the sizing? Is it true to size or more athletic fit?

[@2laughandlaugh]

@@backpackingadventures4813 they are out of France so everything is a bit on the small size...i would suggest ordering one or two sizes up.

[@2laughandlaugh]

@@backpackingadventures4813 the only thing the jacket lacks is a pull/draw string on the hood...but i can live with that.

[@LtJAS]

Thanks! BTW What size Tee and what size Torrid are you wearing, please? I'm on a size cusp and am scratching my head on what size to buy????????

[@backpackingadventures4813]

My T-shirt I was wearing is an XL and my Torrid Apex Jacket is an XL

[@pktsqr]

Nice to see a thorough review from the perspective of someone who also isn't built like a marathon runner or whatever. I love the functionality of outdoor clothing, but getting a good fit for a more "average" (American) build can be tough.

[@backpackingadventures4813]

Thanks! I agree. Most outdoor companies don’t accommodate the average person. Enlightened Equipment does. I think they just launched their new versions that also include even larger sizes. Their rain jackets and pants also fit like the torrid.

[@OutdoorsWithJohnUSA]

Dan, have you ever worn it when sleeping? If so, how does it function under sleeping conditions. Great video!

[@backpackingadventures4813]

Thanks! I’ve never worn it sleeping. But I usually don’t wear much other than a base layer and maybe a mid layer fleece in cold weather. I get over insulated and my body heat doesn’t distribute in my quilt(s) causing my feet angled legs to be colder. so I don’t sleep in it. Now if I was out in a little warmer weather and it got cold at night but my quilt wasn’t rated for that temp I would where it but so far I haven’t needed to.

[@OutdoorsWithJohnUSA]

@@backpackingadventures4813 I am a cold sleeper and often end up reaching for my puffy in the middle of the night. Thanks

[@mudbone7706]

Nice review. Enjoying your channel. Any interest in selling your Torrid without the hood?

[@backpackingadventures4813]

Not at this time. I used it as my around town jacket. But I may sell it closer to fall. I’ve been losing a lot of weight so I’ll be looking to getting a smaller size.

[@BohemianAdventurers]

Something new to think about... like I need more gear 😂😂

[@backpackingadventures4813]

There’s always room for more gear. 👍

[@BohemianAdventurers]

Say that to my house... 😲😂

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

EE!! Go Minnesota companies!! Ive almost bought this jacket several times. Maybe I will have to pull the trigger now. #giveashit

[@backpackingadventures4813]

Even though gear is a personal thing as far as comfort and functionality I think you will like this jacket. I really believe that it is so warm because it has no baffles and the insulation is mostly one piece. there was one other thing that is a plus that I forgot to mention is that it is machine washable and it is good as new. Just need to be cold and delicate and no drying machine

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

@@backpackingadventures4813 I was paranoid about no baffles but NOW I get why they don't have them! I bought a ghost shadow this year so I need a few more "accidental" burn holes in it so I can switch! 😀

[@backpackingadventures4813]

Lol. Burn hole. I get you 😉. Actually I am very surprised that I didn’t set myself on fire yet with this jacket. I’m always reaching in the fire for whatever reason. But so far I remain unscathed.

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

@@backpackingadventures4813 they make most of these jackets for the guys that hike until 11pm, cold soak, and go to bed. Maybe we should design a fireproof jacket? Haha

[@backpackingadventures4813]

Correction. I had it backwards. You are supposed to hand wash it but you can put it in the dryer on tumble dry.

[@hikermo5419]

Sorry if I missed it in the video but what size are you wearing ?

[@backpackingadventures4813]

I problem. It’s an XL.

[@_..____]

I'm 6'2, 230 lbs. I'm not sure what to take. Probably x-large tall?

[@backpackingadventures4813]

They have a size chart on their site and it is really good and true to the size they recommend. If you pick the right size it still will be slightly larger but that is because of the expectation of needing to wear extra layers. When I bought mine I was 265 lbs and I am 5’8” and the extra large was perfect fit for me. They didn’t have really large sizes or tall but now they do.

[@_..____]

@@backpackingadventures4813 Thank you for the quick answer!

[@backpackingadventures4813]

@@_..____ you’re welcome!

[@kevans2337]

What amount of apex did you get ?

[@jimtrouten7529]

The torrid only comes with 2oz APEX.

[@lettingthebearout7528]

I’m a bigger guy too. You got X-LARGE. Do you mind me asking how tall you are and how much you weigh ?

[@backpackingadventures4813]

At the time of this video I was about 260lbs - 270lbs (118kg - 122kg) at 5’8” (1.73 meters). I have since lost almost 90 pounds (41kg). But I bout another Torid but in medium. Love these jackets. At my old weight, the XL fit me great. The one thing about Enlightened Equipment is their clothes fit really well. They are true to size but they make them a half size bigger to fit additional layers underneath but without the layers of he jacket still isn’t to big. Fits well overall. I hope this helps. 👍

[@lettingthebearout7528]

@@backpackingadventures4813 Wow. Good for you. I’m trying to shed some pounds too. The arm lengths are good for you on either size? I’m about 230 lbs at 6'. Was 260 as well. I think an X-LARGE might be ok at 225-230.

[@backpackingadventures4813]

@@lettingthebearout7528 thanks! The arm length is a perfect fit for me. For reference, on a dress shirt my sleeve length 32”-33” (81.3cm - 83.8cm). They are probably a little longer than than but the elastic at the cuff keeps it where it needs to be.