As winter continues to make its presence known, now is the time that every winter coat is put to the test. From harsh temperatures to wet conditions to bone-chilling winds, a winter coat must be able to withstand a range of extremes. While many brands offer quality winter jackets, L.L. Bean is one of the most well-known brands for winter jackets - and for good reason! L.L. Bean produces winter jackets that are a fusion of function and style; these coats offer serious protection while remaining stylish. The top three L.L. Bean winter jackets for the 2016-2017 winter season are the PrimaLoft Heater Hooded Jacket, Ultralight 850 Down Sweater, and the Wind Challenger Down Jacket. If you are considering purchasing one of these jackets but are not sure which one to buy, read through these questions to help you decide which one to purchase.
The PrimaLoft Heater Hooded Jacket has been awarded a comfort rating of 10F (for light activity such as walking or building a snowman). However, for moderate activities such as skiing or snowboarding, the PrimaLoft is rated to provide protection and warmth for up to -40F. This coat gains its warmth from the PrimaLoft Gold insulation.
L.L. Bean's PrimaLoft Heater Hooded Jacket is one of the warmest jackets. This coat, which is rated to withstand temperatures of up to -40F (at a moderate activity level) gains its warmth from the PrimaLoft Gold insulation. The 100% polyester insulation is only fortified by the 100% nylon shell. The hood, shoulders, and arms feature TEK O2 fabric, which acts as a waterproof shield.
Available for both men and women, the Ultralight 850 Down Sweater is L.L. Bean's most versatile jacket. The nearly weightless (approximately 10 ounces) jacket is easy to pack; it even fits it its own pocket. This jacket, thanks to the water-resistant 850-fill DownTek, is rated to withstand temperatures of 30 during light activity and -20 during moderate activity. This jacket can be worn independently or easily layered under a shell to provide exceptional warmth.
Stylish as it is, the Ultralight 850 Down Sweater is a powerful jacket for any outdoor adventurer. Featuring Pertex Quantum fabric, the shell is able to be both lightweight and durable as well as windproof and water-resistant. Falling at the hip, this jacket can provide extra warmth by tightening the hem cord. The chest pocket sports a media port, making it easy to stow your phone while still accessing your earbuds.
The Wind Challenger Down Jacket is one of L.L. Bean's bestselling jackets. In addition to being one of the warmest jackets (comfort rating of 10F to -40F), the Wind Challenger is completely windproof. This jacket is quieter than many other jackets because the Bonded I Baffle construction is responsible for holding the down in place. With an adjustable hood and interior cuffs, this coat adjusts to ensure optimum warmth is provided. The chest pocket features an internal headphone port making this jacket a fun, yet functional, choice.
If wind is a major winter concern, the Wind Challenger Down Jacket is the jacket for the job as it is completely windproof. The jacket gains its windproof capabilities from the 77% polyester/23% polyurethane interlock knit shell.
DownTek is a micro thin polymer that increases the effectives and insulating power of down. Down is an excellent insulator but it is not as effective when it gets wet. The DownTek technology allows for the down in L.L. Bean's winter jackets to remain dry and continue to trap heat and insulate the wearer. Thanks to DownTek, jackets that feature this technology absorb 33% less moisture and dry 66% faster.
The Ultralight 850 Down Sweater is available in nine fun colors including moss yellow, night, bright sapphire, and purple orchid heather. Although the shell may be colorful, it does not lessen its effectiveness. This silky shell is tear-resistant and windproof.