I read all the great reviews before buying this coat so I was surprised when wearing it w/a woolen turtleneck the first time on a 35 degree day w/windchill in the high 20's that I was cold and the wind ripped right through it. And I love cold weather. There are sections of insulation on the both sleeves and shoulders where the down filling is nil. Even a tumble in the dryer w/a tennis ball didn't help. The only advantage is being able to wear it grocery shopping fully zipped w/o breaking a sweat or even getting hot. I feel sorry for your Midwestern customers who are expecting performance as advertised: 5 to -40 degrees--it won't get them passed October. And I'm a loyal LLBeaner!
I ordered this coat to replace a very warm but old & worn LLBean down jacket. This coat, though attractive, is a disappointment as it is drafty, especially in the back. It was 30 degrees in CT today with wind and flurries. Wearing 2 layers under this new coat, I was still chilled on my walk. The hood was great, however. Not enough down fill - another cutback in Chinese manufacturing!
ProsDurable, Great Value, Comfortable, Performing as Expected
I originally ordered the blue color but I just wasn't thrilled with the color and replaced it with the brown color, which I love. I wore this coat recently walking around Michigan Avenue in Chicago, when we had cold/windy/snowy weather and I was completely comfortable...except for my cold feet! It's very light weight doesn't mean it is less warm! It is a very comfortable coat and the wet snow didn't affect the "tidy" appearance. It's a great coat and very easy to recommend to everyone!
It's like walking around with your down comforter!
PostedDecember 4, 2010
ProsDurable, Great Value, Comfortable, Performing as Expected
I love this coat and cannot say enough wonderful things about it. It really feels like I scooped up my down comforter from my bed and wrapped it around myself. That said, it is comfortable and I don't feel overwhelmed.
To help the other petite women looking at this coat, I am 5'1" and 115 lbs, chest: 34D, 25" waist, and 35" hips. I ordered the XS and it is on the big side, but i like to layer bulky sweaters underneath, so it is fine. I even just throw it on over a t-shirt to run down a few blocks to the drugstore (I live in NYC and have to walk everywhere, so warmth in the winter is critically important).
