Nice jacket but the sleeves are way too short. If I were to layer anything underneath, it would be uncomfortable. I also don't like the overall length of the jacket. Wish you made these long enough to keep the rear warm. I'll be returning. If you're short, this will be a perfect fit.
I really wanted to love this Wind Challenger hooded fleece: it seemed like the perfect spring/fall intermediary between a regular fleece and a proper winter jacket. Unfortunately, the fit just didn't do it for me. I ordered a number of fleeces and jackets in my last L. L. Bean order, and I found this one to have the least flattering fit for my figure (an hourglassy smallish medium: 5' 5", broad shoulders, and 34C bust - 27" waist - 38.5" hips). The size Small fit my shoulders, bust, and arms, but was rather shapeless around my middle. The XS size fit my hips, but was slightly too bulky around my waist and was too tight around my upper body, and the sleeves were on the verge of being too short. Both looked too shapeless for my tastes, and the cut was very boxy and not at all feminine or flattering. Compared to other Bean jackets I ordered, the fit of this jacket was less feminine/fitted than the others (I am comparing specifically to the Powerstretch Hoodie, the Ascent Power Stretch Jacket, and Pathfinder Softshell Jacket). This jacket also ran about the same size as the Ascent Power Stretch Jacket and the Pathfinder Softshell, but probably a size larger than the Powerstretch Hoodie (I imagine this is because the Powerstretch Hoodie is not meant to allow for substantial layers underneath it). In other words, there seems to me to be room for layers already built into one's normal size in this jacket, without the need to size up. Also, the Powerstretch Hoodie had very soft flexible fleece, and this jacket had stiffer and less plush fleece - the pile, while velvety, was very thin, and the overall feel was stiff and almost slightly cardboardy. While I would not want it against my skin, I could see layering it over something as a windbreaker that adds a bit of warmth. That said, I do think its wind-blocking capabilities are significantly more effective than normal fleece: I stood right in front of a fan, and couldn't feel much if any breeze, so if wind-blocking is your primary concern this fleece is likely a good choice. I didn't like the banded wrists - they felt a bit too tight and restrictive. Also, I really would have wanted a two-way zip, on this jacket and on all Bean outerwear: it renders outerwear much more functional and versatile. I did like the embroidered "L. L. Bean" - much nicer than how it is printed on the Polartec Powerstretch Hoodie. I think this might fit better if my shoulders and bust were proportionally smaller to the rest of my body than they are now; I would recommend this to L. L. Bean shoppers who are apple or pear shapes. Bean, please bring this out in a more fitted silhouette - similar to the Powerstretch Hoodie or Jacket! As is, this is a regretful return.
About four years ago I bought this item to replace another fleece jacket I left on a plane. Turned out to be a fortunate lapse of memory as I ended up with an even better product. This coat is amazingly lightweight, windproof and hence, very warm. I live in Wisconsin and people are amazed that is all I wear, especially this past winter which was colder than the past few. Perhaps it would not be a first choice for winter camping, but it was fine for house/car/commute/errands and even for walking a mile or so for exercise. I found it warm enough for beach walking near Boston on some cold and windy days. I just bought another one on sale as a gift for my grown daughter. :>)
This is really a great jacket, I live in the Rocky Mountains at 8,500 feet and wind is my worst enemy. We have winds of 50 mph and up pretty much all winter and it's nice to finally be warm walking home!!! I am only 5 feet tall and I REALLY needed a petite version of this which was not available, so that is my only complaint. It is too long and the sleeves are too long for me so I can't give it a full 5 stars, but it's really more than 4 also.
