I spent almost a year looking for a gore-tex jacket. I think my search has finally ended with LL Bean's Ascent jacket. This jacket is a fantastic value because of the quality materials and workmanship. The jacket is made of gore-tex pro-shell, for which other companies seem be charging a premium. I wanted a pro-shell jacket and it seems like gore-tex pac-lite is all that's out there at this price point.
The fit is superb - not too tapered at the waist, which allows for a fleece to fit with no bunching. The sleeve length is great, just about right. The only change I would have made is to use a smooth, taped sleeve rather than one with elastic - I find that water can get trapped there pretty easily. I also like that there are lots of pockets - two hand warmer, one inside, and one exterior napoleon pocket. Nice to see these features in a womens jacket.
So, bottom line, this is a feature-laden, gore-tex pro-shell jacket for which you could easily pay much more. Thanks, LL Bean for another great product!
This was just the right jacket I was looking for. I ordered this one after looking in 3 other large outdoors stores in our area and trying on every jacket they had. None of them were just what I was looking for, but this one fits great and has all the features! Many of the others I tried really ran small below the waist, but this one fits perfect as I like my jackets to have a little breathing room.
overall great jacket. Fit was exactly what I was looking for in length and size. Jacket was great is cold weather and I can't wait to wear it again. buy the jacket its great even though you will need a nice fleece underneath.
This jacket has totally met my expectations for fit and performance. I bought the petite small in colonial red. I love everything about this jacket--the styling, fit and color. This is the first petite size I have bought from LL Bean that I feel is proportioned correctly. Usually, I find that the LL Bean petite sizing is too short and, therefore does not hit the waist/hips where it should.
This jacket layers well over the ascent fleece without going up a size and the stretch panels at the shoulders help with movement. I have worn the jacket while hiking and snowshoeing this winter during snow, rain, and sleet; all with blowing wind as only the NE can dish out. I remained warm and dry.
