Rated 5 out of 5 by veganrocker Wonderful jacket
I had been looking for a sport jacket for outdoor winter activities with my dogs - walking and running in snowy, cold, wet conditions. I thought I would give this jacket a try and I am so glad I did. It's warm and light and very comfortable. It easily shed wet snow and I remained dry and never felt overheated. There are a lot of pockets and considerate features in this jacket. I am a Petite Medium in Bean clothing and this coat ran true to size for me. Overall, I couldn't be happier with it and expect to use it for years to come.
March 23, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by jerseyshoredeb Great Ski Jacket
I had been looking for a while for a new ski jacket that was reasonably priced. I decided while I was searching to order the North Ridge Sport Jacket in the interim. I liked the jacket so much I actually think my search has ended! I got many compliments on it on the slopes.
Functions: The jacket has many of the functions of modern ski jackets: inner sleeve liners with thumb loop, pit zips, powder skirt, pockets with zippers, inside zippered media pocket, inside goggle pocket, hood large enough to fit over a helmet.
Usability: The first day I wore the jacket I was skiing in the Sierras. The wind was blowing 75mph at the top and temps were in the 20s. With a base layer, turtleneck, and light fleece, and my hood up I was fine in these howling conditions with the North Ridge jacket. That is saying a lot since I am typically the person who is always the coldest.
Fit: The jacket is a little more fitted that a typical ski jacket - can't really add in too many items in the pockets wihtout feeling them press against you and be bulky. Additionally, I had a Petite jacket which I think I would have been better off with a Regular. I normally wear Petite coats and pants (5'3"/130 lbs built) but once you add layers underneath, the arms and length are just a little too short. The difference is only an inch between the Petite and Regular and the width is the same but I think that inch may make the difference for me.
Modifications: If I had any suggestions for LLBean, it would be to add in a few more zippered outer pockets. Maybe another one on the opposite chest and one on a sleeve. I put my electronic ski pass in the zippered chest pocket, but it is right above the inside media pocket which caused some interference when the card readers at the lift lines when trying to scan my pass. A sleeve pocket or another chest pocket on the other side would work and take away the interference.
Overall a good jacket and I am very happy with my purchase.
February 26, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by KinCT Updated review - even happier after skiing in it.
Wore this jacket out skiing 2 days in teens and low twenty temps. even down in single digits before hitting the slopes I was comfortable with just a light capilene base layer. Amazing for how light-weight it is. I was almost hot wearing a midweight base and neck gator. Very happy with the purchase and can really recommend after putting it to the test. Not sure I love the look of the exposed zippers everywhere but I'm willing to live with it for the price and how well it fits my current needs.
February 8, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by StephinColorado Great Ski Coat
I went skiing today in my new North Ridge Jacket. It is everything a ski coat should be - long enough to cover the tush and lots of bells and whistles. I was very comfortable the entire day. And, I love the blue color! Just beautiful. Lots of deep pockets to carry the stuff for the day. And, like others, just love the loops to put your thumbs in to keep the snow out - what a great idea! I am not sure on one thing - maybe someone can enlighten me. There is a place on the inside of the coat to hook your ski pass (at least I think that is what it is for), but I don't understand how to get access to it when you get in the lift line. How do you reach under your coat, with your glove on, and pull the ticket out? Very cumbersome - I cannot figure out how to get access to it without taking your glove off - something I don't want to do. Fortunately, the lift pass can hook easily on one of the zipper pulls. Just curious if anyone has figured this out. Anyway, I am so pleased with the coat and know I will have it for many years!
February 4, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by KinCT Great First Impression
Very impressed upon receiving this - I ordered the plum wine and overall very happy with it. I expect it will be perfect for skiing in the White Mountains. I wanted a light-weight jacket that had more insulation than just an outer shell plus all the features of a great ski jacket - looks like this one fits the bill. Very impressed with the heavy duty zippers and pulls, the thumbhole sleeves are very comfy and the fleece around the collar is great too, as well as the goggle pocket and cleaner. I will be testing out the hood-over-helmet fit this weekend as well as the warmth. Only thing that would improve it in my opinion is a double zipper for sitting on the lift or in the car. It's fitted, but seems to run a little bigger than several other common brands that I've recently tried. I will update this if my opinion changes after wearing on the slopes, but I'm very impressed and very happy with the quality and features and of course the price.
February 1, 2013
Rated 4 out of 5 by Komododragon Lovely color, runs small
I loved the color and the fabric of this jacket. I ordered a large, which is the size I usually walk into, but it didn't even reach across my chest. I think this would work well for someone who was a size 10 rather than a 14.
January 23, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Rosa56 Finally, a GREAT Jacket!
This jacket is so well made, that I spent 20 mins with PC trouble on the site to submit my review. I read many reviews, and have not purchased a new lighterweight parka in years that delivered like this one.
My favorite features are the longer "keester" flap in the back, believe it or not, cos most parkas if not for outdoor sports, do not have this. Also, the inside of the neck high zipper is lined with soft felt like material, so NO chafing. There are more pockets and options for extra warmth in this piece, than many others. (I just found another one). One reviewer noted that it's great for errands, and that is what piqued my interest. Lightweight and warmer when needed.
I am a brisk, 2 mi/day walker, so down gets too sweaty (although I have a 20 yr old very lightweight down jacket w/hood for wind chill days), and with only one layer--turtleneck on--- and the high zipper, you're really cozy and not hot. Thinsulate used to handle all this, but there are few, if any around anymore. But polyester can leave you sweaty---ick.
I do like the side vents, too, because even on cold, wind-chill days, you can work up too much heat.
I live in N.E. and I hadn't a chance to even try this since before Christmas.Now, finally in the 30's and 20's, it's going to be fantastic and lightweight.
Also, the detachable hood is great, because you can fold it back a bit on the rim when you don't need extra coverage. My eyes tear up badly all year, and even a little breeze drives me nuts. A hood is a necessity for most of my jackets.
I am 5' 4" and about 140 lbs, with too much in my GIRTH!!. I normally wear a large if it's made well, and I could with this jacket, with no tightness/ bagginess and room for a t-neck and another lighter layer (tee shirt)underneath. I always have to plan on wind, wind chill and/or rain/snow in winter. If you have coupons, you'll especially never regret buying this. I'm a longtime Bean customer, and writing reviews keeps the company aware of the A+'s and the D-F's.
I have the aqua blue color jacket, and it's already gotten compliments from other walkers on the route. Thanks "LLB."
January 20, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by cardstamper Warm and comfortable
I needed a quality ski jacket that didn't cost an arm and a leg, and I found it with this one. I wear a medium, but I chose to go with the large so I had plenty of room to move my shoulders and put my goggles, gloves, phone, tissues, etc. in the pockets without the jacket being snug. I love ALL the pockets on this jacket, and it is very warm!
January 17, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by LETITSNO Perfect Size/color and fit
We love LL BEan and couldnt ask for better customer service. Please continue to lead the pack for customer service and quality products..
January 16, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by LindaK2 Exceptional
What a delightful jacket. I'm tall and the sleeves fit. I'm so happy. :)
It's a bit snug, but I'm borderline XL, an Inspiration to diet. I love the quality, fit, warmth and convenience. Yes, those finger holes are a great innovation to keep out the cold and snow. A bonus not mentioned in the advertising is the retractable key chain..
The hood's large and when folded back twice, it's perfec, adding a nice black trim to the hood.
January 8, 2013