ProsDurable, Great Value, Comfortable, Performing as Expected
I LOVE this lightweight and waterproof jacket. I still own the Mountain Guide Parka which is starting to wear down.
The best features of this jacket are: Windproof Waterproof Very Breathable Fits Great-see below Lightweight
The worst features-none.
At 6'3', 220 lbs, I ordered up one size XL-Tall) to accommodate different types of layers-from a mid-weight fleece to a down jacket. For very cold weather I would recommend layering with the LL Bean Ultra-Light Down Jacket.
The price can't be beat either when compared to other name brands-about $100 cheaper.
I've had the jacket for a few now and love it. Bought this to replace a northface gortex shell I've had for 15 years. Was hesitant to purchase as my old jacket has served me very well. Time will tell if the LLbean jacket will give me as many years of use but out of the box I love it. Very comfortable to layer over a fleece jacket to stay warm and dry. The hood is enormous which is great to fit over headgear but also adjustable to be comfortable without anything on your head. The only thing I would change so far is the cuffs. I would like a wider cuff at the wrists. I'm hopeful it will be another 15 years before I have to purchase another shell.
I bought this jacket to replace an old goretex parka. After trying it on, I found the hood, while multi-adjustable, to be poor fitting and much too large. The high collar that flows into the hood gets in the way and could block visibility. While I'm sure the jacket would keep me warm and dry, the hood wasn't worth struggling with--it's not detachable, which might have been a solution. The jacket was returned.
