I received this jacket as a gift almost ten years ago and have loved it from day one! Perfect for layering over a sweatshirt, under a jacket, or by itself. I will not go back to non windproof fleece after having this jacket. About three years ago I bought a windproof fleece from Duluth thinking that it would be a good second fleece to have when my bean one was in the wash. The Duluth one, I found to be infuriating to wear for doing barn chores (which was the reason I bought it!) hay and bedding sticks to their fleece like none other, which means I need to wash it after every wear! Ugh! Nothing sticks to beans fleece! Fantastic!! I bought another one just recently in a different color and was thrilled to find that the design has changed only ever so slightly in the past decade. The pockets are made of a different material and that is the only change. I would buy ten more of these jackets! Would love to see them come in a wider variety of colors
Have worn my jacket about five times so far. Each time it gets softer and softer. The fabric is kinda "spongy", I guess because of the waterproofing. The sleeves have enough room for my large upper arms which I really like. Even when I'm driving the sleeves aren't tight. The sleeves are long enough for me but if you consider yourself to have long arms don't purchase! The only thing I can criticize about this jacket is that the pockets are mesh inside. I would prefer the fabric inside the pockets instead so my hands could be warm whereas the mesh offers no warmth. Good length, not too long. Plan to order the teal color when I can. Hood is not bulky. Well made and looks expensive.
I purchased the hooded Wind Challenger jacket in color Regatta Blue and size XS for a clearance price of $68.
The material is noticeably different from regular fleece: it's stiffer and makes a bit of noise. But neither is distracting and the jacket is still comfortable. Polartec Windbloc fabric is sturdy, mid-weight fleece that does indeed block the wind. As such, it feels warm, but may not be enough in very cold weather.
I like the elastic wrist cuffs and prefer it to a toggle closure. The zipper is sturdy with a large, grip handle. The pocket lining is white mesh when it should match the blue of my jacket. The mesh also lets wind thru if you leave your pockets unzipped. This is the only flaw in an otherwise perfect jacket.
I love my color—a deep, ocean blue with turquoise trim. The Polartec and L.L. Bean logos are the same dark blue color, so you're not a walking advertisement.
The cut is Bean's usual boxy cut, but this works for a wind-blocking fleece jacket. I'd say you can layer slim-fitting tops, but nothing bulky underneath.
In light rain I was completely dry—without an umbrella.
Overall, this functions as advertised and has a nice colorblock look. On sale, this was worth my purchase price. Highly satisfied customer!
I love this jacket. It completely cuts the wind. It keep you warm but not overheated. When it's really chilly I put a sweater on underneath. It also repels that rain. I did not give it five stars only because it attracts my white dogs fur and is impossible to remove even washing and the sticky roller. But I have just ordered another in a lighter color. Now I can never get a black dog!
