For the price, I expected a more comfortable and warmer jacket. The zipper is hard to use, the loops, when reattaching the liner to the outer jacket, are not sturdy and I still feel the cold. Also, the liner is too snug.
This jacket is fabulous. I bought it for a versatile jacket for a trip to Romania. It was absolutely perfect. For the days when it was freezing I had the multiple layers. For the others when it was raining or just chilly, the outer layer worked great. Not only is it functional and versatile, but stylish. I just wish it came in red for women. I almost ordered the guys version for that reason. I love it so much that I'm definitely thinking of getting it in an additional color.
Bought this jacket a year ago for my wifes birthday and I must say she absolutely loves it. She often laughs at me and my shells with their zip in fleece and down liners but after having this jacket for over a year, she appreciates the flexibility of this type of outerwear. Just recently we took a trip to the NC mountains and it rained like crazy but wasn't very cold. She enjoyed dry hikes in comfort in this jacket minus the fleece and wore the fleece around the cabin to keep the chill off in the evening. Great bargain and launders extremely well, still looks new.
My husband and I went to Scotland and Ireland the last half of August and spent 2 weeks enjoying the countryside in rainy weather. I bought him a LL Bean coat years ago on his first trip to England so thought I should get one for myself. I selected the weather challenger not realizing what a great item it would turn out to be. We sat for several hours in the evening watching the Military Tattoo performed outside Edinburgh Castle. It started to rain, then it downpoured during the entire performance. We both remained dry from the waist up thanks to our LLBean coats but could have used waterproof pants. I couldn't believe after sitting in that downpour for hours and walking back to the hotel in the rain that when I removed the coat my shirt and sweater were completely dry. I wore either the coat or the fleece liner the entire 2 weeks. I've told the story to my friends and family and would highly recommend the coat to anyone who wants to brave the elements!
