After 3+ years of wear this jacket has never failed me. I have used it in all weather conditions from -30 to pouring rain and I have always been warm and dry. As an active outdoors person my equipment gets used to the fullest. I would highly recommend this jacket/fleece combination to anyone who wants one piece of equipment that can do it all.
I purchased this jacket along with the men's version for my husband. We both wore them for the first time in a nasty, cold March rainstorm that was so windy that umbrellas were useless. We both remained warm and dry, and I am thrilled with this purchase. LL Bean does it again!
I bought this jacket to wear while commuting/walking 1 mile or so thru Chicago. I bought it in Feb. when temps are in the 20's. LL Bean Temp rating is 20/-20. With the type of matierial the outer shell is, it became stiff, "crinkley" and noisey in the cold. Even with the Polartec liner, I didn't find it to be warm and didn't feel it was anywhere sufficient for the 20 degree weather. Even in in 40-50 degree weather, I don't feel warmth just layers. If LLB expected it to be used in 20-30 degrees, they might consider lining the hood and pockets as the inside has that "rubbery" feel and the cold air goes right to it like having cold plasitc against your head. Same holds true for the pockets in the outer shell since they are not lined, you feel the rubber against the back of your hands and if it's cold, they're cold. Even with the outer shell and wind blocking polartec liner, I still feel the wind not necessarily penetrating the jacket but cutting across it as another reviewer said. It's just a different feel. Maybe it has to do with the outer shell and dissipating heat in some way and how the "rubber-type" lining of the outer shell gets cold. I have yet to try it in the rain but based on the design and matierial should repel water well (seems that was the main objective). Overall size is good and yes the fleece liner sleeves are only held in by one buttoned loop as seen with other 3n1 type coats. I found cinching down the outer velcro adjustment strap around the wrist helps keep it from poping out when you put your hand in. I think it's overpriced (probably due to the Tek2 Matier) and being advertised for ranges that are questionable for moderate activity like walking but will give it some more time and will etiher update the review or consider returning given the cost compared with say the lined windbreaker. I would say this jacket is geared more towards wet spring weather in the 50-60 degee temps or cooler temps with high activity where your generating significant body heat. I would give it more stars if it had a little more warmth with the liner and yes probably more secure sleeve liner mechanism otherwise not a bad lightweight wet weather spring jacket.
With the recent cold weather I quickly ordered this jacket (I live in MS, and don't have a normal need for a cold weather jacket). The jacket arrived quickly, was everything I expect from LL Bean and I haven't experienced any of the problems that others have written about. I have had the opportunity to wear this jacket in cold (below freezing) and rain and I'll very pleased with my purchase.
