I got this thinking it was the same jacket I'd purchased a few years back in orange. This is different. I got a medium, just like last time. I have recently lost 10 lbs. I put it on over a thinner (LLBean, nice) dress turtleneck and it just fit. Before, I could layer a sweater and a turtleneck under it, no problem. This one is too body-hugging to do that even having lost the weight. The hood construction is also different. And you can't get it in orange. I need bright something . . . orange, yellow . . . When hunting season comes, I don't want to stop walking. That orange jacket was a workhorse. Wore it constantly and so sadly wore it out. This one will not take its place . . . It's being returned.
I bought this jacket last winter, so it's gotten a lot of use in a variety of temperature ranges. It is very light yet extremely warm, and does a great job blocking wind and rain. I wore it most of last winter, and on the coldest days (0-15 degrees) wore a down vest underneath and stayed warm. It was enough by itself when the temps were around 25-30, and I'm very cold-natured.
It also went to England with me in June -- I was afraid it would be TOO warm, but it was perfect. The temps were in the high 50s-low 60s most days, and the Magic Jacket was just right. It was also a perfect jacket for the plane-- light enough to roll up and stow away easily.
It's held up very well. The first one I bought had a faulty zipper, and I got to experience LL Bean's excellent customer service. They overnighted a replacement to me immediately so I had a new one the next day. This one still looks like new despite lots of wear.
I love this jacket. The Wind Challenger fabric is exactly what I was looking for. It is not easy to find a hooded jacket made from wind blocking fleece. The fit is large enough to layer underneath, but not too baggy or dowdy. The Collegiate Blue color is nice. However, the construction of the jacket is defective. The fabric is puckered along the front where the zipper is sewn in. I have tried two size small blue jackets, and both have similar problems. With such a good price, I considered just keeping the jacket, but I think it would continue to bother me. I'm disappointed to have to return them. LL Bean customer service was fantastic.
I tried out my Wind Cahllenger yesterday, in a light drizzle. I stayed really dry and was very very warm, almost too warm walking the dog. I had to unzip the coat, had there been a breeze or wind, I am sure the coat would have been exceptional.The temperature was 13C.
