Rated 5 out of 5 by longtrailshiker High Quality:Cost Ratio; Superb For Backpacking
Purchased this primarily for insulation at camp on backpacking trips. Bought a tall size for better 'below the waist' coverage and longer sleeve length (a smart choice). Have not worn it in a cold rain, but have in misty and foggy conditions. Coldest temperature used was 27°F (-2.8°C) - will further test its lower limit next winter.
Pros: warmth to weight ratio; snug high collar when fully zipped; packability - I don't stuff down garments into their pocket in order to better maintain loft...rather, I tuck them into empty spaces in the backpack; pockets unzip from the top down to reduce the risk of stuff slipping out; fleece lined handwarmer pockets and collar; dries significantly faster than untreated down; 2 drawcord closures on the hem to regulate body warmth and drafts; internal pocket advertised to serve as a stuffsack is well suited as an additional pocket for stowing items you want to keep warm; low key, simple L.L. Bean logo (unlike some companies); down feathers haven't poked through the outer shell and inner lining yet.
Cons: partially elastic cuffs - (a) wish the elastic went around the entire circumference, and (b) weaker than average elasticity; chest pocket is smaller than I like; one-way zipper rather than two-way.
One can always wear a windproof, waterproof shell over this jacket to increase the down's insulating effectiveness. A cold weather backpacker will obviously have that shell.
Given the cost of this jacket, features and its treated 850 fill down, I think this garment is a "steal."
April 29, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Ceasersalad BEST QUALITY BEST VALUE & LONG SLEEVES!!!!!!
I absolutely love this jacket. It is a quality item that is so light that I forget that I have it on until I realize how warm I am getting and have to either open it up or take it off.
I am 6'2" and the Tall Large fits me perfectly with enough room for layering.
Any "add ons" would only bulk it up and impact on its lightness. So please leave it just the way it is.
Try and find a similar 850 down jacket for the same price!!!!
Great work Bean.
April 24, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Tennis2 Great jacket
Light weight, warm and comfortable. Sizing runs large, however. I am 5' 9", 165 lbs and generally wear medium, but I had to return this jacket for a Small ( which still gives me room for layers).
April 17, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by kinseydog Go too jacket
I just love this jacket. Whether 40 or 15 degrees, this jacket is perfect. Amazingly light, it is the envy of my friends. Would definitely buy again and will when this wears out
April 17, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by BrotherBiz Warmer than it feels it could be.
I waited for almost 2 months for this coat, and wish I had more winter this year to wear it. I have had it on for a couple of cold days (down to the low 20's), and it has kept me warm although it feels like I am wearing a nylon wind breaker. It is so light and my body doesn't think it will keep me warm, but so far it has. It seems to have been made for people with much more of a belly than I have, but the draw string at the waist keeps the wind from getting up the coat. I like the look and so far the warmth.
April 10, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by nuptseandy Ultralight 850 DownTek Jacket
Item backordered after Christmas, 2012, arrived end of March. Extremely light, well-made as all of my many LL Bean outerwear items. Cut trim, a little tight in the shoulders. Wore it dog-walking a few nights in the upper 20's, very warm. Packs small in pocket and will be good for backpacking. Pockets are nice and lining in side pockets and on collar gives a warm feel. Very nice jacket and the after Christmas discount made it a must-buy. You can't go wrong with LL Bean and I have been a loyal customer since the early 1970's! Cayenne color is very nice. It is so light, it feels like you are not wearing a jacket, amazing!
April 10, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Ceasersalad Absolutely fantastic
Man do I love this jacket!
Old story in that the quality lives on long after the price is forgoten!!
Lightweight, looks great, fits me well and sizes true to label and I love the cayenne colour.
A wonderful bit of kit and cannot wait for winter to come!!!
April 9, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Cuttie High quality and good fit
A lot of the comments I read indicated that the fit of the coat was poor - oversize and too large in the middle. I am 5'6" & 150lb. The medium size was a perfect fit with one layer of fleece underneath. The quality is excellent and placement of pockets convenient. I like the drawstring on each side for the bottom hem. The wrist cuffs could have a little more elastic, or a velcro strap.
April 3, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by FjCruiser Great jacket and quality
I really like this jacket. However, I ordered the extra large which was way way too big. I'm 6'1'' 220 so use this as a guide and buy true size. Im actually going to wait for next years model and hope they have some improvements like the cuffs being tighter. My size in large was sold out in dark forest green otherwise still would have kept it.
This jacket every bit as good as any of the competitors.
March 26, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Mconn Very warm, good price
This coat is one of the best things I bought myself this winter. It cuts the wind and is very warm to the extent I had to learn to remove a layer and dress down before I went outside wearing it. I've found that the material and down can easily handle a wet, melting snow and light drizzle without soaking or loosing the fill. The nylon exterior is not meant for a beating it might receive as an outdoor winter work coat or ski coat, but it's more than tough enough for hiking, backpacking, and normal daily use.
If you are in the market for a down coat the price point on this 850 fill is really good.
March 21, 2013