I'm a brand new L.L.Bean customer so i didn't really know what to expect from my first order, though i always thought L.L.Bean was legendary for their quality products, good value and great customer service.
I don't have any complaints regarding the customer service as they were very accomodating, but the quality and value for the money of my new 3-in-1 jacket are another story.
Don't get me wrong, the jacket is nice, but certainly not what i would consider a good value for $89.00, especially when i saw so many other brand-name jackets on sale for much less after i had already ordered mine...problem was i was leaving for overseas and did not have enough time to return this one and buy something else.
Why would i even think of returning it?
Well, the outer shell and inner fleece did not match up perfectly...there was extra zipper length on the fleece which didn't match up with the outer shell, nor did the two collars match up comfortably.
Also, the shell was ever too short at the waist, especially in front...for a wet-weather/cold weather jacket, it should've fallen well below the waist and seat. And, the velcro sleeve adjusters were too long and not sewn on very well at the ends.
Also, when zipped all the way up to the neck on those very cold and windy days, the jacket is way too snug, almost choking!!!
If the jacket were made with a bit more thought and a lot more quality control, it would be dynamite!!!
Just one last suggestion: L.L.Bean should offer a choice of colors for both the outer shell AND the inner fleece...i would like to mix and match the colors i want for both jackets and not just have to settle for the color combinations that someone else thinks are nice.
And, just to be completely fair, the fleece jacket really is very warm and comfortable by itself...and looks nice!
Hope this info is useful...and i hope to try another item soon just in case i had poor beginner's luck!
I bought this jacket for myself in X-Large and could not get it on. It was too small.
I then tried on an old X-Large jacket (Nylon shell with plush lining) that I have and it still fits me fine, as does a plain old Large Leather Bomber jacket that I have.
I thought my problem was entirely due to this jacket being small compared to my old X-Large jacket. So, I then ordered the XX-Large thinking that would solve my problem.
I happened to have been wearing a long sleeve Cotton Tee shirt and I noticed the shirt sleeves got terribly bunched-up in the plush sleeves of the inner jacket, and vice-versa, even while holding my shirt sleeve in my hand.
Then, I realized that my other jackets, which went right on, both have satin or nylon lined sleeves. It stands to reason then that this XX-Large goes on fine with a short sleeve Tee shirt, but it is winter.
Another reviewer mentioned having some issues with the sleeves in this jacket. I may have misread his review, but I thought he was relating an annoyance that he could live with.
The plush inner sleeves have caused me such aggravation that they became the deal breaker for me.
It's too bad, because otherwise it's very well made and a really handsome jacket.
If the inner jacket sleeves were lined or just made of a quilted nylon this jacket would be perfect for me.
I liken putting this jacket on over a long sleeved Cotton Tee shirt to putting a long sleeve Cotton Tee shirt over another long sleeve Cotton Tee shirt, and if you can do that then this jacket may just be perfect for you.
BTW the XX-Large fit me about the same as my old nylon and plush X-Large jacket that I referenced at the beginning.
I really liked this jacket until i tried to put it on when I was wearing a sweater. The fleece inner jacket was like velcro! Everything bunched up underneath, and it was never as comfortable as it should be. I looked at other brands, and they have lined sleeves-- now I know why.
I bought the Black Spruce version of this jacket as a Christmas gift to myself last year. I am a surface mine inspector and am out in the field a majority of the time. Recently, I had to do an inspection on a large surface mine when it started pouring the rain (temp was in the high 30s). I usually wear work issued rain gear if I suspect rain, but this day I was wearing my Storm Chaser 3 in 1. I had a 2 mile walk back to my vehicle and the only part of me that got wet was from the waist down (except my feet, I had on my Maine Hunting Boots). This jacket is very warm. The mesh pockets in the liner are great for stashing items you don't want to get wet (GPS, maps, Abney level). The lined pockets on the shell kept my hands warm. I highly recommend this jacket and wish that my employer would switch to Bean brand outerwear...looks good and can take the elements.
