Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex Jacket

Gear Review: Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex Jacket (custom)
In this Gear Review, I deep dive into EE’s synthetic hooded jacket. This is a full review, so take my opinion with a grain of salt.
Thanks for watching. Cheers.
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bit.ly/3wT3WIE
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Some product links above are Amazon affiliate links. These links will not affect any of your shopping, but any shopping done with my affiliate links will send over a small commission which’s really helps out the channel. So, thanks for your support!

[@dannyknight8082]

Brilliant and honest review.. Just what I was looking for.. Thanks 👍🏻

[@robpelton]

I do have a follow up review. Check that out as well. Thanks for watching!

[@TMNT3388]

Thanks for the honest review and taking one for the team.

[@robpelton]

I do what I can! Haha. Thanks for watching!

[@jimmyc692]

Thank you Rob. This has to be one of the best reviews I have seen on the Torrid Apex Jacket. You offered genuine information compared to other hiker reviews. You absolutely nailed it and I hope you will do further gear reviews. You have taken this review to another level not seen else where. Maybe because your not sponsored and don’t get free stuff. A very genuine review, Thank you.

[@robpelton]

Much appreciated Jimmy! I just tell It how I see it. Good,m & bad. Thanks for watching!

[@MrBoxer1200]

Thank you very much dude, thanks for a great review.

[@robpelton]

Thanks for watching!

[@safromnc8616]

Appreciate your comments and honesty as always. I live in NC (& run hot) so I rarely need anything more than a mid-type layer unless I venture into the Mts. in Winter.... and I'll never be a gram counter so ....yeah Thanks,,,

[@robpelton]

As long as your getting trail time! That’s what matters. Thanks for watching!

[@emanuelmarmet]

A very complete review. Thx.

[@robpelton]

Thanks for watching!

[@markcummings6856]

I’ve had 2 Torrids since 2016. And 2 Mountain Hardwear GW’s. The Torrid hands down is the winner IMO and amongst many hikers in the community. If you get the standard 10d inside and or outside it’s around $160-170 last time I checked. The Ghost Wispers- $100 more.

[@robpelton]

Oh, it’s a good jacket. No doubt. $200 good...? Nope. Thanks for watching!

[@marshmutt8975]

Great review! I really appreciate your humbleness and honesty in saying what you did. Most people have too much pride after making a big purchase like that to say it wasn't worth it. I also like that you are NOT sponsored by anyone. I may be the only one, but I've unsubscribed from several KZbinrs in the last few months because of their being sponsored. Don't get me wrong, it is a win-win for the vendor (extremely cheap marketing) as well as the KZbinr ("free" gear!) but just not my thing. Keep on keeping on.

[@robpelton]

Much appreciated. Not exactly sure what I was expecting or hoping for, but the money is spent and I’ll put it through its paces. Thanks for watching!

[@OldPackMule]

Thanks. Great review.

[@robpelton]

Thanks for watching!

[@northtexashiker]

ive had my torrid jacket for 3 years now and it's held up great. still keeps me warm on cold days and looks like it did when i bought it. your reveiw is good, you hit all the important points , but the jacket is worth the price imo

[@robpelton]

It boils down to what you value and what you can afford. It’s a very well made piece of gear. However, most people couldn’t or wouldn’t throw down the $ for it. Can my opinion change as I use it? Of course. Time will tell. Thanks for watching!

[@Leadmeoutdoors]

Hi Rob, nice review. I have this jacket and love it. Melted the sleeve once at a meetup but some ol’ t-tape fixed her right up. That has been about 3 years ago and is still rolling strong. I agree, you can get something cheaper but I’m just not sure it would have the warmth to weight ratio which is a big deal to a lot of us hikers as you know. In comparison to the GW, I thought it was a good deal. I’ve heard fairly good things on this jacket and have been happy with the purchase. Anyways, great review and dig the channel! Matt

[@robpelton]

I am digging it so far. It’s just too early for me. With more use, I’m hoping my opinion changes. Thanks for watching!

[@danielmahoney3429]

Great review. I would love to see you compare it to other synthetics. I'm actually wearing a 32 degree synthetic and finding it quite warm here in Michigan. But, like you I want something warmer in camp so I'm looking forward to trying my new swagman roll that also has the climashield fill.

[@robpelton]

I’d love to compare all of these options...but alas...$$$. 😕

[@mikeghost7788]

I could have used that in the snow storm over the weekend lol!! I have looked at this jacket for a long time and just haven't been able to pull the trigger. Now I'm really not sure. Thanks Rob!

[@robpelton]

I mean it is a nice jacket. If you can spare the $, then go for it. Thanks Mike!

[@Ridehard4today]

What?! I absolutely wear mine all the time! I’ve only had to patch an elbow after I fell. If and when I ever destroy it, I’m gonna get another one! In my opinion, it’s definitely worth every penny. Custom work isn’t cheap. I believe in supporting local and made in USA.

[@robpelton]

I hope it ends up the same for me! I’m scared to wear it everywhere though...😬

[@garrycollins3415]

Excellent. I'm shopping now after this past weekend in there storm with down.

[@robpelton]

What do you have your eye on?

[@garrycollins3415]

@@robpelton this one and the Outdoor Vitals million dollar highly advertised jacket. I'm trolling through KZbin at reviews and through it out to 2021 through hikers on Facebook to increase my list of options.

[@robpelton]

@@garrycollins3415 that would be a great comparison video!

[@RichardKeysoftware]

I grabbed a pair of their apex booties for around camp and they are very warm, was thinking the same that it would be better to be effective if wet BUT it was expensive there are other solutions for much less; even whooly socks. Still love em though.

[@robpelton]

I keep saying to myself “Buy once, Cry once”. Haha.

[@RideAlongside]

Best video on this jacket yet. Thanks! -Nick 😃👍

[@robpelton]

Thanks for watching!

[@arkansasoutdoorschannel1867]

I am a big fan of the cheap REI 650 down jackets. I think they are on sale for 89 right now.

[@robpelton]

That’s a good deal!

[@MeOutside]

I wish I knew about this jacket before I bought my Ghost Whisper. Could have saved at least a hundred bucks and got a cooler color. She ain’t cheap either but for something custom I think it’s fair. I like the fact that EE built this jacket to be compatible with their rain and wind shells.

[@robpelton]

The big reason I find it hard to justify the $ is the insulation. Down I can understand. Synthetic should be cheaper, but this jacket has a lot going for it. Time will tell if my opinion changes. Thanks for watching!

[@wandawilloughby6052]

Darwin on the Trail has used this jacket for many miles and it remains his jacket of choice

[@robpelton]

He does and loves it. For most people though, $200 is hard to justify. Thanks for watching!

[@rungavagairun]

1:00 They are $200 now. While that's more than the Decathlon puffy, it's still half the cost of the big brand companies winter puffies. The Decathlon jacket packs into a pocket. Can you invert one of the pockets on this jacket and pack it like that? That's a nice feature. I haven't seen that highlighted anywhere, so I'm guessing the Apex cannot pack into a pocket.

[@robpelton]

The versions I have had do not pack into a pocket. This wasn’t a deal breaker for me as I don’t use that feature, but I see how some would value that. I don’t have experience with the Decathlon jacket, but I’ve heard good things.

[@wideopenthrottl]

Many people compare this jacket to the lighter Patagonia Micropuff. I own the Micropuff but, I also don't love it or think it's worth the $160 I paid. People say it's a better buy though because the Plumafill synthetic filling is more compressible and reloft better over time than Apex. Patagonia also has a lifetime warranty which is pretty insane. I have heard the Torrid is warmer, but then again so are some down jackets and the cheaper synthetic Rab Xenon which is yet another people compare it to. Perhaps give those a look.

[@robpelton]

There are quite a few alternatives out there. However, I’ve already bought this one. Now, I have to see it through! Thanks for watching!

[@mariuszkluzniak7262]

Great looking jacket. Funny I looked at the company website and wanted the same specs as you. As I live in Europe I would have to add the custom and vat on top of the price. If you decide to let this jacket go, I could pay the full price for it as I would still save money lol... Good review btw 👍

[@robpelton]

Much appreciated. I haven’t had the jacket out on trail yet. Too cold for it, but hopefully in a few weeks. I can let this one go if needed. I also have a Visp I’ve worn once. It’s a medium. Therefore too small. Their darn measuring chart is off. Haha. Thanks for watching!

[@mariuszkluzniak7262]

@@robpelton I have been watching your winter camping trips. I love proper white winters... Shame that most people can not take the cold lol... I live in London, so no winters here, but travelled in Greenland, northern Scandinavia and Siberia in winter. Would really like to give the winter camping a go one day... On a matter of the jacket, please do let me know if you can let it go as this would be perfect for the damp climate of UK. My email is [e-mail]. Thank you and good luck with your adventures. I will be tagging along lol...

[@Pete02093]

I think a jacket that handles all that the Torrid does is worth $200. Having said that, I'd never buy one because of the unknown fit issue. I own 2 Arcteryx Atom LT's one hooded, one hoodless. Essential cold-weather kit. Great review, I thought for sure you got it for free when I saw the headline!

[@robpelton]

I wish I got it free! Synthetic insulation is the sticking point in price, but in time I hope to feel it’s value.

[@jeffinBrooklyn1]

I love mine but I agree the price is steep for most people. This paired with the Visp is extremely pricy but if you got the scratch you can’t beat it

[@robpelton]

Exactly...speaking of the Visp...😁

[@anthonypicone3463]

$170 vs $350 for the GW is too expensive?? That's a steal.

[@RideAlongside]

What puffy would you recommend that’s a great value to weight and WILL last for years to come? It only gets to about 20F where I plan to recreate.

[@robpelton]

Outdoor Vitals has one. The North Face Thermoball. There’s a few out there. Wish I had the $ to compare them all!

[@krazr411]

Thank you for mentioning your height and weight, I am same size as you and you saved me from making a mistake and ordering medium! I’m wondering, do you have the Torrid pants? I’m wondering since we are same height weight, and I don’t want to order the wrong size pants. I’m subscribed, thanks!

[@robpelton]

Hi Mike! I’m still rockin the Apex and it’s been great. I don’t have the torrid pants, but I do have the Copperfield pants. I needed a Large in that as well. Hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@4plum]

love the jacket except for the cuffs that are way too tight and hurt my wrists. Figuring out a way to stretch it.

[@robpelton]

The elastic is pretty stout. Perhaps store a tennis ball in there when not in use?

[@SeniorHiker77]

Nice comprehensive review but can't pull the trigger right now. ATB

[@robpelton]

It’s steep....

[@bretc3609]

I was looking at one of these for a warm jacket for backpacking in the Pacific Northwest where it rains 360 days a year, or so it seems when you live here. One of the main reasons I was going to buy this jacket over Patagonia or RAB or one of the other big business equipment makers, was to keep my money in the states helping a local person pay his or her rent and trying to help a small business owner. After having it a couple months, do you still feel it is over priced and since we are about the same size with the same hair style, do you want to sell yours yet?

[@robpelton]

Funny you mention that. My next vid revisits the jacket along with a story. Lol. My short answer, order one now.

[@lewigas290]

Hi what colour is the outer/inner fabrics please. Thanks

[@robpelton]

Graphite on the exterior. Burnt orange on the interior. Thanks for watching!

[@lewigas290]

@@robpelton Thank you. Great informative vid. I’m placing my order now.

[@robpelton]

Tell them I sent ya! Haha

[@undefeatedgaul3201]

tldr medium fit perfect but you wanted a huge baggy jacket

[@robpelton]

Incorrect. I could’ve ripped the seams in the medium. Thanks though.

[@lettingthebearout7528]

Not fully featured. No chest pocket. No interior drop pockets. Punctures way too easy at 7D on outside. More hype than function I think. I still think they are cool jackets but if you have a business model that customizes, allow for pocket options. Much more important than 7 to 10 D. :)

[@robpelton]

Full featured and extra features are perception based. This jacket has been amazing so far. Would I like a chest pocket? Sure. Agreed on it being an option though. Is it custom or not dammit!? Haha. Thanks for watching!

[@skyblue-lb9kr]

Thanks for the review.........I can't imagine having to TAPE a $200 jacket..........

[@robpelton]

It’s like a patina. Haha. It’s a good jacket. It really is. I will say though, the value is building the more I use it. Thanks for watching!

[@roastntoast7550]

I ordered same a few days ago. Do you still use ur jacket?

[@robpelton]

Oh yes! A go to layer for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@roastntoast7550]

@@robpelton thanks for your fast reply. I want to use it for a mid layer! 🤗👍

[@robpelton]

Certainly! I also have a revisit vid. Check it out.

[@KAFKUBA]

Nice video...disagree on price analysis...still much cheaper than down, more water resistant, and light...hard to beat

[@robpelton]

It’s a good jacket. It really is. I will say though, the value is building the more I use it. Thanks for watching!

[@KAFKUBA]

@@robpelton anytime brother...I ordered one recently so I'm being premature...but these are the reasons I chose

[@markcummings6856]

Rob, I’m perplexed, you give over a dozen accolades in this review, yet don’t really mention any negatives other than lack of chest pocket and wished zipper pulls were bigger. I mean, you did all this custom ordering and knew what you were getting at $190. So why did you buy it? What were you expecting for $190? If you ever find the comparable jacket that you mention you are pretty sure for way less $$, please let us know.

[@robpelton]

Yes, I knew the specs when I ordered. I’m one who can afford to get a piece of gear like this. Most people can’t. Especially if they’re not out much. It’s hard to justify. Not exactly sure what I was hoping for or expecting, but I will use this jacket every chance I get. My tune may change. If I do end up finding a better alternative value/price wise, I’ll share indeed! Thanks Mark!

[@markcummings6856]

rob pelton I hope you enjoy as well, and reap the value from it. Hope you have a great year and can get in a few outings! Your videos are stellar. I’d love to put a plug in for the Northeast! Some phenomenal hiking over here in the Adirondacks of New York, the Whites of New Hampshire, and Green Mountains of Vermont. Hope to see you there, maybe some day.

[@albeklik8055]

I know you appreciate the jacket but it is the waste of money I have my own reasons

[@robpelton]

I do appreciate it, but for the $ I’ll have to see in time.