Prosfunctional., too pricey for outsiders!, quite well made!
I seldom have any complaints with L.L.Bean but this jacket is just alright. I did not read the reviews before purchasing!I have found the sleeves short and the whole jacket missing!I have this jacket minus the hood from a few years ago.The zippers are the same. I feel for this kind of money this jacket should be "over the top great!"I chose the violet as I am so tired of sugar plum or anything similar. The violet is pale and non vivid,more of a neutral purple.I went over the sizing before ordering and I feel I could have had a large..it feels skimpy on me!What with duty and taxes this was expensive! Too much work and expense to return!Disappointing purchase!
This is my second. The first, I got about 4 yrs ago. That one seems to have better "windproofing". It is also Polartec. Overall, I think the fabric quality is dropping. And, where are the Zipper Pulls?? Now, I will have to come up with my own. If you need windblock, it is cold and Windy ;). You will probably also be wearing gloves. These Plain Zippers are difficult without pulls. My other jacket has great Pulls. I actually love the drop in pockets to put in all the extras I need to carry at times. Its nice to keep things sorted. The inside zipper pocket of my first one does not get used...again the glove/zipper issue plus I have to fish for the item in that pocket. Also, who wants to unzip the jacket when it's cold and windy.
This jacket really blocks the wind and keeps you dry. It is great to wear when snowshoeing. I wear the jacket all the time, and have gotten so many compliments on the purple color. I recently purchased two more in the black and brown colors and can't wait for them to arrive. The fit is perfect, including the arm length.
Have had previous wind challenger fleece for 3+ years and decided to get one to replace that one that keeps on going and going----it's still going and going because the new ones' sleeves aren't as long as the old one so I have sent it back in hopes that the next model will have longer sleeves. Our daughter who also has worn her first longer than I, is looking for a seamstress to add length to her sleeves.
