L.L.Bean Men's All Conditions Fleece Jacket

This jacket is the top of the line. It's not only Polartec but is Windbloc as well which makes it everything but waterproof. I have worn this fleece jacket on 20 degree days with only a long sleeve cotton shirt and have been totally fine. I have also worn this jacket while skiing on non blizzard/rainy days and have enjoyed the freedom of not having a bulky coat to deal with. If you’re a backpacker, this coat is a must. It compresses to about the size of your mess kit and on windy nights in high elevation, you are warm and unconcerned. In all I give this jacket an 8 out of 10. I only wish it was waterproof.

The whole ensemble is extremely warm and weatherproof and I am very happy with it. The parka is very lightweight but is still warm and dry alone; with the fleece jacket zipped in, it is the warmest cold-weather wear I have ever owned. I have a men's model which comes down well below my hips. The only thing I have a small probem with is the pocket arrangement. There is no pocket at hip level; the two pockets are situated at the chest level which is sort of inconvenient. Overall, I am pleased with this jacket.

Great jacket, great price! Good nylon patches on shoulders and forearms. The pit zips are a nice feature. The BiPolar is much warmer than regular 200 weight fleece. My only complant is that it is not very wind resistance. Other than that L.L. Bean did a great job! Same design of The North Face is 160! I have been very impressed with L.L. Bean's products and the features that they have. I would probably take LLB over The North Face. I think that TNF is not spending as much atention to quality as they used to.