Perhaps my Jacket missed the final touch in production... ever since my first experience in the rain this jacket does not bead off the water drops. Rather, my experience has been consistent of the material soaking in the moisture. The moisture barrier does keep me dry as it should but, the jacket becomes heavier due to not repelling the rain drops. I have not had this experience with any other 'Gortex'-type products from L.L. Bean or other high quality outdoor clothing makers. I have been disappointed each time I've worn this jacket in the rain. If conditions are just chilly... it is fine. Other improvements that would be appreciated: Pit zips for ventilation for both the rain shell and inner fleece layer. If these improvements are achieved I would recommend the jacket highly and buy one myself. The fabric is comfortable & durable, the zippers & collar/cuff fasteners that combine the rain shell with inner liner are superb in design as well as function, both layers wear great solo and I love the color. Looking forward to necessary improvements... please contact me if it is achieved so I can buy the new generation!
I ordered my usual LL Bean size, and this coat runs quite small. Didn't work for me, but might for someone who is comfortable ordering one size up? Unfortunately, XXL is the limit...
I bought this jacket for my husband and my father. Both are currently deciding whether to keep it. They like the jacket styling, the variety of colors, and the fact that it can be worn 3 ways. However, they both have the same complaint about the sleeves -- that the friction of the fleece lining makes it difficult to slide your arms in/out, and to bend your arms. They feel the jacket would be perfect if either: (1) the fleece lining had nylon sleeves, or (2) the fleece jacket were replaced with a fleece vest. I predict that they ask me to return the jackets due to this comfort issue.
