Seemed like I never took off the black one I got a year ago, which still looks new. Got a second in a different color. Warm, windproof, casual alternative to a business blazer.
Of my MANY light weight coats and fleece jackets, this Wind Challenger is the BEST for blocking the wind. I live in one of the top 5 windiest places in the USA so I am fighting wind all the time. I am 5'4" 150 lbs. with a 38D chest so I wear a large. It's roomy enough for a sweater underneath, but is still OK with just a turtleneck. People who said it's stiff -- hey, that's the whole point -- this is a performance jacket, not a little cuddly fleecy sweater. Not warm? Again, this isn't meant to be a winter coat (that's why you buy the LL Bean Ridge Parka!). This coat keeps the wind out on a chilly to moderately cold day (20-60 degrees). It's great for going on walks, running to the grocery store, playing outside with kids or dogs, or as a layering piece on a hike. I also love the hood, pockets, and ability to tighten at the bottom, and that it repels water (even thought it's NOT a rain coat).
I love this jacket! Light enough to wear indoors; heavy enough for outside esp. when windy. Fabric is "a little stiff" as some reviewers noted, not typical soft hand of regular fleece, because of the windbloc membrane. But that stuff really does work, and very much worth the trade-off. Long enough in overall garment length (where some Bean tops are on the short side) as well as long enough in the sleeves. Simple & classy enough styling that I can wear as a jacket to work on casual days. My only beef: about an inch of the top-stitching on the place where sleeve meets cuff elastic came loose, but easily enough repaired with a few stitches. Has held up to a number of washings over nearly a year, still looks new.
I normally wear a medium but went with the large for layering purposes. The width was okay, but length of jacket and sleeve length too short. I am on the medium tall side, so this jacket would work for short to regular height people. I might try the men's jacket, since there is no tall in this jacket. Also, the fabric is stiff, haven't tested the warmness, but that looks fine.
