Open main menu

Lands' End Classic Squall Jacket

rated 3.0 of 5 stars
photo: Lands' End Classic Squall Jacket waterproof jacket

While still "pretty OK," these are NOT the Squall Jackets of old.

Pros

  • Comfortable in most weather

Cons

  • Material quality

You'll be lucky to get two years' light use out of the zipper (I've had three fail in 1-2 years from the noughts onwards), unlike a couple I have in my car trunk from the '80's/'90s.

Cuffs fray sooner, no Polartec (I know they're gone), even collar edging gets threadbare rapidly. Uselessly small inner pocket. And customer service isn't what it was either, though this company isn't alone in that.

Background

Owned lots of general-wear and specialty jackets; the Squall used to be my go-to until the quality went down the toilet (especially zippers). Now changing to brands that use YKK or similar, and that have useful-sized pockets.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $69.99

Version reviewed: 2023

Poor quality, not the Classic Squall of old. Rude and ineffective customer service when trying to return a defective product.

Pros

  • None

Cons

  • Construction
  • Cheap zippers
  • Poor customer service

Absolute junk in 2023.  Poorly made, poor quality off-brand zippers, loose threads at tack points.  Inside pocket is now so small you cannot fit a standard size cell phone.  Company wants me to pay shipping both ways for a defective, poorly made jacket in order to return it.  The Classic Squall USED to be the standard.  It is cheap junk now and the company's customer service policy stinks.

Stay away from Land's End, they are not the company of old.  They have lost me, a customer for a good 30+ years, forever.

Background

I have owned four Classic Squall jackets (which I still own). The old ones are miles above their current version in construction, design, warmth, styling, and function.

Source: bought it new

Version reviewed: 2023

I have had a Squall Jacket for years and it is great. The new 2023 version is not good.

Pros

  • None

Cons

  • Cheap material is noisy to wear.
  • Inside pocket is too small and not zippered, only small velcro patch.
  • Outside pockets are smaller than they used to be.
  • Added logo patch sewn on sleeve.

I ordered this jacket  (item #539907-A7X) directly from Lands End. I am returning it because of the cons that are listed. It is also shorter than the one that I have and it is the same size, only a different color.

I paid $62.50 on sale for about half price. I need to take it to a Lands End store for a refund to avoid the return fee. I do not know if I will get a full refund, or only store credit.

Background

This is not the Squall Jacket of old. I still have one from about 10 years ago. The cuffs are getting frayed but that is about the only wear and tear damage.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $62.47

I bought my Squall Jacket twelve years ago. It is still in great shape and I have been extremely hard on it every winter. It is without a doubt the best winter jacket I have ever owned. I have worn it in sub-freezing temperatures with wind chills of minus fifteen degrees and stayed warm. It is not only rugged, but stylish. I can wear it anywhere: work, play, or going out on the town.

I honestly don't think I have ever thought enough of a piece of clothing to write a review, but this jacket warrants it. I am going to buy another Squall Jacket this winter, but only because I got paint on the sleeve of my old one painting outside last winter. It is a terrific jacket at a great price!

Price Paid: $59.95

Great coat if I could get it zipped.

Pros

  • WARM in sub zero weather

Cons

  • That darn zipper

I got the Squall for Christmas. I love the coat except for one thing that drives me crazy. Sometimes it will take 7-10 tries to get it zipped. When I lay it flat on the table I can zip it almost every time. But when I put it on, the zipper won't catch on the bottom.

So Land's End is sending me a new one. I hope the zipper works better.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $107

I love this jacket! The price is excellent for such a good quality coat. I have never had any problems with it in the short period that I've had it (3 months!). It is perfect for hiking and mountaineering, and, being lined with Polartec 300, it is optional to wear anything but a tee shirt underneath it even in the coldest of temps. I want to thank Lands' End for making such a good coat at an affordable price.

Fabric: Nylon
Fill: Olefin
Price Paid: $50

A good jacket for the price. One complaint is the weight, if you're an ultralite fan, who gets neurotic over a few ounces like myself then do not get this jacket. The other complaint I have against it is the shell material does not repel after a while, it will hold out fine in light rain, but if you're in a heavy downpour, then eventually the lining will absorb water. It took forever to dry too.

Price Paid: $50

Your Review

Where to Buy

Help support this site by making your next gear purchase through one of the links above. Click a link, buy what you need, and the seller will contribute a portion of the purchase price to support Trailspace's independent gear reviews.

You May Like

Specs

Price MSRP: $99.95
Reviewers Paid: $50.00-$107.00
Temp Rating +15° to +38° F
Materials waterproof 100% nylon fabric / 300 weight fleece lining
Product Details from Lands' End »

Recently on Trailspace

Call for Reviews: Your Favorite Spring Gear