L.L.Bean Men's Ascent Jacket

This is a burly parka.

Heavier weight fabric than Bean's standard full-duty gore-tex jacket (LL Bean All-Conditions Parka) plus (even) heavier duty reinforcements at shoulder, elbows, etc. So heavy-duty that it feels pretty stiff. If you've had problems ruining jackets with hard use before, check this one out.

Other than the stiffness (it really isn't too too bad, just a bit stiffer than normal), this jacket is pretty darn nicely featured. Big hood (easily fit over climbing helmet), nice pit zips, nice pockets (4 - all at chest height: vertical and diagonal slash), fleece at chin inside collar, the usual draw strings, etc.

One minor complaint: the sleeves are not quite long enough for me. They ride down just a bit when I extend my arms high into the air (ice climbing...). My mitten gauntlets cover the gap, but most other high-quality jackets design something into the sleeve/shoulder cut to eliminate this...

Final note: this jacket is on sale at LLBean right now for a heavy discount (Jan 2000).