The jacket is alright if you are wearing long sleeves with it. If wearing short or sleeveless underneath it when it gets wet, if feels almost slimy. It's a gross feeling. As silly as it may sound after you purchase this, run it under the faucet with your hand under it on the inside and make sure you don't mind the weird feeling.I also own the Mountain Stretch Shell, and for $100 more it is a whole other level of jacket. I love it!
Until last week, I hadn't had the opportunity to wear this jacket in the rain. We were in Disneyworld, and we had to walk around for a full day in pouring rain. When you go to visit Mickey and his friends, you can't just stay in because of rain; it's too expensive to waste a day. This rain jacket, with the hood over my waterproof cap, performed flawlessly! The rain just beaded up and then rolled off, leaving me perfectly dry and comfortable. While others ran to overhangs or into gift shops for cover, my wife and I just continued to do whatever we would have done had it been dry out. I have never had a rain coat or jacket that was as impervious to rain as the waterproof storm jacket! I am extremely glad that I bought it.
I purchased this storm jacket after being very well satisfied with my LLBean booksack and fleece. As a college student this jacket protects me from the most terrential downpour walking to and from class (coupled with LLBean windpants.) It's perfect for the frequent Louisiana showers and great to layer under in the winter. It's lightweight and doesn't get sticky in the LA humidity due to it's stellar ventilation and how breathable the fabric is. I use it year round. The jacket keeps me dry and my electronics dry. I would say that I did notice some pilling on the bottom zipper portion of the jacket after but a week's use, but it snipped right off.
