I like this coat. It's warm enough for weather down to the 20s, and roomy enough to layer. Good pockets. I don't use the hood, but like that it comes apart for those who don't want the 'fur'. Comfortable for driving, good length for warmth and flexibility. Would buy it again.
I have a Choclolate Lab who needs a long walk twice a day. I bought this coat last fall as a 'tweener' my long heavy down coat and my fall coat. For that purpose, it worked, except the wind tended to go down the front collar when I had the hood up. No way could this coat be called ultra warm though. The color was not a dark raspberry but a BRIGHT raspberry. No need to worry about being seen at night in that! The material is not very durable...I have several tears in the sleeves and shoulder which are now losing the down. Lot a money for a coat that only lasted one season. Hope Bean is not following other manufacturers and cheaping out on quality.
I'm 5'6", 125 lbs., and this coat in medium comes to just above my knees. For such a lightweight coat, it is surprisingly warm and windproof. The zipper's being made of metal is a rare plus - and easy to get going. I got the coat in "Dark Raspberry" which is an eye-popping reddish-fuchsia; some might find it a bit much but it is also gorgeous. The fit is very roomy - which is great for layering; this is a barn-cleaning and woods-walking coat for me so I accept the somewhat baggy look as a trade-off for being able to fit a heavy shirt and vest, or even a fleece jacket, underneath on truly bitter days. The hood stays up in the wind. The only reason I don't give the coat five stars is that, ideally, the length would be four or five inches longer, to cover my entire knees. And with the attractive seam-installed pockets with their thin zippers, I fear the zippers' wearing out and leaving the smallish pockets insecure. That's why, for pure practicality, I prefer square, patch pockets. Otherwise, I really love this coat!
This coat is absolutely marvelous! I have 2 of them - the above knee and the long one. They are very cozy and keep me very warm. they are not bulky like some, so you do not look like a jet-puffed marshmallow. They wash up great, but remember to take the fur ruff off - I forgot once and singed it badly in the dryer. I called LL Bean and they sent me a new one absolutely free! I love Bean's customer service, too. They answer the phone with a LIVE person and are always so friendly and helpful. I have had these coats for quite a few years and just purchased a new one for my step-daughter because she loved mine so much.
