Full zipper Apex jacket @ 8oz

A while back we adapted the Skaha pullover to Apex synthetic insulation. Using the 2.5 oz/yd  (85g/m) Apex it is 9.8 oz in large with hood. The front tunnel ‘muff’ pocket brings it up to 10.6. It is sized for layering and will fit on top of bulky shells.

Wanting to bring the weight down, while already utilizing the lightest materials, we saw only two avenues: eliminate features and make the fit trimmer.

This new rendition of an 85g/m Apex top does have a full hood but no pockets. The shock cord hem and hood casing is fixed. There’s no hang loop, care tag or big Nunatak label. The shell and liner is 0.66 oz/yd taffeta.

To make the fit such that only a light layer or two can be worn underneath we had to go to a full front zipper. This adds only 3 grams, but makes a trim cut jacket easier to put on and off. The sleeves are narrowed, the front is shortened and the waist is cut in. The chest is also a little tighter, but compared to a large Cumulus, my 40 inches fit fine. The back is 29” tall.

The size large in the picture is right under 8 ounces (225g), about the same as the down filled Ghost Whisperer. I would guess the Nunatak one is warmer by a long shot, and it is made with slightly ‘burlier’ 10d fabrics.

When we are ready to put it up on the site I want there to be an option for a #5 zipper (instead of the decidedly UL #3), which will add 15g.

Also inside zippered chest and lower cargo pockets should be available, at maybe 7g each. It will not be offered with outside pockets for now.

For reference the guy in the pic is 6’3” and a scant 10.7 stones.

<script async src=”//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>