Gadling Gear Review: Insulated fleece jacket from LL Bean

Let’s set aside the jokes around polar fleece as the uniform for us Pacific North-Westerners. First of all, I can take it and secondly, dude, polar fleece works. And really, it’s getting better, the fabrics are getting softer and hold up longer and wash better. Even while I’m developing a preference for natural fibers, I’m finding myself pawing the new polar fleece performance clothing and thinking, “Hey, not bad, actually.”

LL Bean has a new line of jackets out that are lightweight and weather resistant and really warm. Bonus, they’re cut with quite a nice mind for style and have some details that make them worth packing.

Heads up — they’re not water proof, they’re water resistant, that’s a different animal. You’ll be fine running for the car or the bus, or in transitional weather, but you’ll want to add a rain jacket if it’s really coming down.

LL Bean’s insulated fleece jacket has all the basics that I look for in this kind of gear. There are zippered side pockets and a zippered upper pocket for your phone or wallet. And yes, there’s a pull through for your headphones. The waist has an elastic pull so you can cinch it in place to keep the wind out. There’s soft stuff where you want it — the neck is lined with a fluffier material and the collar with a slightly smoother fabric that won’t scratch your face when you’re all zipped in against the cold.

Some additional nice details… the sleeves have a narrower cuff, great for keeping the wind out. Also on the sleeves, a heavier, wind-stop fabric. The jacket feels well constructed with double stitching and flat seams. The fit seems true to size, I got a medium, and it fits as I’d expect. It looks nice, too; I’ve had compliments when I’m wearing it. And it comes in a couple of different colors, a cranberry and a teal for women, and a gray, a dark blue and a burgundy for guys.

I’d have liked the black/gray to come in women’s sizes too, I have a personal preference for neutral colors for the travel wardrobe. I’d also have liked to have a two way zip in the front, again a personal preference that helps with fit.

LL Bean rates this jacket as good down to 35 degrees/ -15F. I’ve been wearing it out in 40 degree temps and really liking it — I’m warm without being weighed down. I stayed dry in damp, not quite pouring conditions, and I haven’t felt constricted, it’s great for running around in. A little bit of insulation combined with the Polartec wind-stop fleece seems to be doing its job.

Right now,the jacket is $124.00 directly from LL Bean, down from the original $149.00. Want one? Get it directly from LL Bean.

Wading and Fishing Boots

When I was wading in the creek with my son, 40 or so other kids, and their parents, I met one of the photographer/journalists for the Suburban News Publications in Columbus, Ohio. As he waded with the rest of us, he was taking photographs for an article on Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park. The whole time he was snapping away he was steady even though the creek bed was rocky. I noticed his boots. So did one of the park rangers who asked about them.

I thought, “Post idea,” and listened in. Here’s most of the scoop on the boots. The wearer said the boots were L.L. Bean and great for such expeditions. He uses them for fishing also and mentioned their felt insoles. He said they also hold the terrain well so he doesn’t slip. On this particular creek wading excursion, several kids, including my son’s friend ended up unexpectedly swimming.

I went to the L.L. Bean Web site sure I could find them. Man, L.L. Bean sells a lot of boots! Here is the one that comes closest to what I remember his looking like. The Emerger Wading Boot is listed as being the best value on the market, although the ones he had looked like they were a lighter color.

Here’s a link to more L.L. Bean options. I’ve ordered clothes and a duffle bag from L.L. Bean and my uncle swears by this company. If you’re in the market for boots, look here for men’s and here for women’s. There are several choices and prices to fit a variety of needs and budgets. I went wading in an old pair of running shoes that worked fine. For a more fashionable look, the Keen Venice Sandals sure look sweet.