Made of our exclusive three-ply TEK3 waterproof fabric – the most rugged and breathable we've developed
Built-in stretch helps shell move with you without binding your movements
Two-way waterproof pit-zips and mesh pockets allow for custom ventilation
Average Customer Rating
(5 out of 5)
Rating Snapshot
(7 reviews)
5 stars
7
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
7 of 7 (100%) customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Mountain Stretch Shell
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FEATURED REVIEW
Overall Rating:
(5
out of 5)
Great Shell, Great Value,
March 16, 2009
By
KeithBfrom Leominster, MA
"I recently purchased this jacket right before leaving for a 8-day ski trip to MT and WY (Big Sky and Jackson Hole). My previous shell - of 9 years - was an LL Bean XCR Gore-Tex shell. I was looking for a lighter shell than my XCR and one with a more simple but still practical pocket layout.
During my trip we faced a variety of conditions from 5 degree days with high winds and blowing snow, to fresh waist deep powder, to blue-bird skies with intense sun. The Mountain Stretch Shell performed extremely well in every condition.
I found The Mountain Stretch Shell came as advertised, wind and water proof yet extremely breathable. Combined with my Polartec 300 Series fleece, the shell was perfect in extremely cold conditions and kept me quite warm and dry despite high winds and horizontal blowing snow. Likewise, with open pit zips and an unzipped collar the jacket allowed me to manage moisture with temps in the low 40’s with bright sun while skiing, and some light hiking, in heavy backcountry snow.
I ski with a two-way radio which has a connected speaker mic. I was able to utilized the inside pass-through opening in the chest pocket for the speaker mic cord. Of course, the pass-through is intended for an iPod (pocket holds iPod and headphone cord passes through the hole in pocket up to your ears from inside the jacket) but I used it in reverse for the speaker mic. This allowing me to keep the base of the radio close to my warm body in the pocket of insulated layer while allowing me to clip the speaker mic to the collar of the shell for regular access. To accomplish this, I simply zipped up the water-proof chest pocket allowing just enough room for the cord to pass through. I also kept a trail map in this pocket and was able to regularly accessed it without having to remove my gloves.
I ski with a video camera (digital hard-drive video camera) and a digital still camera as well. I was delighted that the two front pockets could easily accommodate these items for easy access relieving me of having to carry them in a backpack. However, it should be noted that when I did wear a backpack, these two front pockets did fall in line with my waist strap of my pack. I was still able to use these pockets but with my pack on it was far more difficult to access them.
I utilized the two internal pockets to hold my face mask and balaclava when I wasn’t wearing them. These large, mesh pockets (accessible only when unzipping the jacket) are suitable for anything you would want to carry that wouldn’t require easy access.
The hood does, in fact, easily fit over a helmet but still adjusts quite nicely for use with or without a helmet. I kept the hood connected throughout the trip but did remove it once (to see how it worked) and I found it quite easy to remove and then reattach. I will also comment that despite having a removable hood, when the hood is attached it appears to be very much an integrated part of the jacket.
My only complaint I have with this jacket is that when fully zipped, the neck is a bit tight. I have a 15 1/2” neck and when wearing my fleece jacket underneath, with it’s fully zipped collar, I found the jacket was tight around my neck - even with the adjustable draw cord fully open. This was something I definitely got used over the eight straight days of wearing the jacket and I’m sure the snug neck kept me warmer on the cold snowy days. However, my LL Bean, hooded Polarguard 3D jacket doesn’t fit very well underneath. There just isn’t room for the hood to pass through the neck of the Mountain Stretch Shell. It would be great if the neck was a bit larger, especially since it can be adjusted smaller.
When researching a new shell I looked at similar jackets that cost more than twice that of The Mountain Stretch Shell. Over all I’m very happy with this shell jacket and believe it’s one of the best values out there. I am 5’8” and weight 190 pounds with a 34” waist. I ordered this jacket in a Large and found it was a good fit with just enough room underneath for necessary layers (with the only exception being the aforementioned neck/collar)."
Age:
35-44
Gender:
Male
How often do you shop at L.L.Bean?:
Frequently
I would describe myself as:
Avid skier, hiker, outdoor enthusiast
9 of 9 people found this review helpful.
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Review 2 for Mountain Stretch Shell
Overall Rating:
(5
out of 5)
Great Shell,
September 9, 2009
By
UEAAenginefrom Flushing, NY
"The shell is as advertised, a more form fitting jacket that is built more for speed and movement than other jackets. A LOT of pockets and easy to use toggles and fasteners. Will use a lot. Jacket is a little shorter than others, such as Weather Challenger and the Ascent Mountain Shell, but good for mobility for the legs."
Age:
18-24
Gender:
Male
How often do you shop at L.L.Bean?:
Frequently
I would describe myself as:
Avid Dragonboat Paddler, runner, kayaker, skier.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Review 3 for Mountain Stretch Shell
Overall Rating:
(5
out of 5)
Excellent Shell,
August 27, 2009
By
UpperMidwestOutdoorsfrom Chicago-area
"A week ago we stopped at the LL Bean store in the Chicago-area to see if any of the new fall goods were in, not yet. I needed a new shell but I had decided to purchase a much more expensive shell from another source. Well, the store had this shell on sale, in my size, in orange. After looking at the shell several times, it came with me. I was very impressed how well made it is. I particularly like the iPod/iPhone pocket. While I don't listen to music when I am walking/hiking I do use MotionX GPS on my iPhone and the pocket is a perfect place to keep the iPhone convenient and dry. The last several days have been rainy here. I have worn the jacket in the rain for my daily hikes/walks. Even with brisk walking speeds, in warm, humid conditions even before the rain, I have been very comfortable in the shell. I wish that I had this shell when we were in the Smokies a few weeks ago. I am looking forward to wearing this shell for all but the coldest winter months."
Age:
45-54
Gender:
Male
How often do you shop at L.L.Bean?:
Frequently
I would describe myself as:
avid hiker, gardener, fly fisher, traveller
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Review 4 for Mountain Stretch Shell
Top 250 Contributor
Overall Rating:
(5
out of 5)
Amazing,
April 27, 2009
By
1Wayfrom Portland, ME
"You will not be disappointed with this tech shell. I'm in love with it. Skip paying hundreds more for Arcteryx or Mountain Hardwear because this is the bees knees. Awesome Awesome! Fits true to size, windproof, waterproof and breaths well. This is my 4 season jacket and just use layers when needed. Must own!"
Age:
25-34
Gender:
Male
How often do you shop at L.L.Bean?:
Frequently
I would describe myself as:
Hiker, Climber, Camper, Outdoorsman, Rocknroller!
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Review 5 for Mountain Stretch Shell
Overall Rating:
(5
out of 5)
Mountain Stretch Shell,
April 26, 2009
By
russellseafrom Sumner, WA
"This jacket is sweet. I love the fact that it streches to help your movement with a pack on while being completly waterproof. It keeps you warm but not hot when the weather breaks. This is a great all around jacket without spending $400 dollars for the same thing other makers charge. Highly recommended for the avid outdoors person."
Age:
25-34
Gender:
Male
How often do you shop at L.L.Bean?:
First time
I would describe myself as:
Outdoorsman and backpacker
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Review 6 for Mountain Stretch Shell
Overall Rating:
(5
out of 5)
Best outerlayer,
March 4, 2009
By
KAveryfrom Albuquerque, NM
"Being a member of SAR I am constantly putting on layers and removing layers while out on a mission. One of the biggest problems I have experienced with outer layers is the fact there is no where for my perspiration to go except condense on the inner liner thus not removing moisture properly away from my body. This is immediately resolved with the pit zips. I am hiking any where from 7 to 10,516' in elevation and need the wind protection, but need the ventilation to keep my upper body dry to prevent possible hypothermia if I have to wait out for other teams on the mountain. I highly recommend this jacket. The only downside is I had to order a mens small in order to get the orange color for SAR."
Age:
35-44
Gender:
Female
How often do you shop at L.L.Bean?:
Frequently
I would describe myself as:
Avid outdoors woman
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Review 7 for Mountain Stretch Shell
Top 100 Contributor
Overall Rating:
(5
out of 5)
JUST AS DESCRIBED,
March 3, 2009
By
ExtremeAthletefrom Driftwood, TX
"Well made quality jacket, nice material, just as described. Perfect all around jacket, great look too. Mountain Sport Fleece Jacket works nicely as a layer if you desire added warmth."
Age:
45-54
Gender:
Male
How often do you shop at L.L.Bean?:
Frequently
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