Customer Reviews L.L.Bean Rugged Ridge Parka

I have received a number of compliments on this parka, which I purchased in the "kelp green" color palette. The pockets on the sides, the interior left chest zip pocket, and the two mesh pockets (interior right, the top one designed to accommodate ski glasses or small goggles -- attached lens wiper) are roomy without being floppy. The front chest exterior zip pocket, though, is a little tight and small, but is adequate for a thin card case, some extra greenbacks or other folded paper. The side pockets' zippers can be a bit scratchy on bare hands, and the Velcro on the cuffs can be a little annoying, occasionally getting caught on the zipper-side Velcro when the parka is unzipped, but that's a minor irritation. The only other quibble is the hood can be a little tricky to detach and re-attach, as compared to some snaps-only or zipper-only brands and models, but it's not a total headache or anything. The fit (on this barrel-chested lad, even) is perfect and smart.

I bought this jacket as a replacement for another Bean jacket that had a zipper failure. I thought i was buying an exact replacement, which I hoped, had a better zipper. It has a much better zipper. The construction of the entire jacket was superior to the previous model. I found the jacket to be much warmer then the previous model. I work as a dog walker in the northeast so I'm out in all kinds of weather. The jacket has done an excellent job for me this winter.

We now have two, one for me (65 years old) and one for my adult son. They fit great, have very useful pockets, zip up and velcro shut to prevent any cold air from getting in, especially if you put the hood up. No need to ever get another type of parka (if these even wear out). I had an earlier version of this parka a few decades ago, wore it for a dozen years, got tired of the color and got a new one, then gave the old one to my son in high school who wore it for another few years until he grew out of it. As an aside, my wife and I are such huge LL Bean fans that we went on our honeymoon in the eighties just a few miles away from the Freeport store. Shopped every day!

Bought this for skiing and it's a perfect fit functionally and otherwise. Inside left pocket is roomy and a great place to keep a couple energy bars. Outside chest-high pocket great for heat packs, credit card, etc. When it came I was surprised at how light it was, thought "no way!" It would be warm enough. Clearly insulation technology has improved since the day my previous NF jacket was made; it's toasty. Great high collar - with the main zipper I can turn the fleece-lined collar up snd the main zipper zips all the way up with my chin completely - and COMFORTABLY - covered. Can't say enough good about this jacket - honestly: a very quality I'm very pleased

This might be the best winter parka I've ever owned. It replaced a 20 year old LL Bean Penobscot parka. It's lighter and much warmer.

Perfectly warm without being too thick/heavy. Have used while shoveling snow and in recent temperatures below 0F. In either case, no need to worry about layers underneath otherwise will get too hot (typically just wear T-shirt if I'm wearing this). Fit is decent, but for LT have found is a slightly larger than other items of LT size (length makes it a bit awkward when sitting in car with it zipped). Other than that minor thing, it definitely keeps me warm in winter without the added puffiness typical of some winter jackets which is what I was looking for.

I've bought several of the parkas over the years. The latest one is a stylish two-tone and truly waterproof. I remain a fan.

Nice looking, great fitting jacket that really keeps the chill away we live in the NE and had a bad cold front this past weekend and my brother says it was very warm and he likes it because it is not a bulky and heavy!

We purchased this coat as a gift for our son. At 6'1" he exchanged the tall size for a regular. The fit was good for layering (he wears 2 layers under the coat), and he really likes the coat for the cold windy days. We highly recommend this coat.

One of my FAVORITE LL Bean items and I have MANY items from socks, gloves & hats on up to jeans, kakis, flannel shirts & flannel sheets, towels, jackets, fleeces and sweaters. Born and raised in the Northeast I'm very used to COLD winters. I have since reached my 40's, wised up and relocated to the Front Range of Colorado where the winters may be a little snowier at times but they're much more mild and the snow melts in 3 days or less. However, the mountains are a different story. You don't have to ski to realize quickly that the winds pack a heck of a punch up there like no other. So, I finally ordered appropriate outerwear for the region. Now, get out of your car on a mountain pass summit during the winter, like Berthoud Pass (if it's open) and stand there for 5 seconds (winds are 40-60 mph+). Then do it wearing the Rugged Ridge Parka. Big difference, huh? Mind you, wearing a base layer, lined pants and a sweater or a fleece underneath is the way to go, but as far as wind protection and waterproofing (there's snow flying everywhere) this parka cuts the mustard... like the wind was cutting through your useless previous outerwear. Inner mesh pocket for ski goggles with lens cloth on a string attached to the pocket. Sturdy construction with tough material (I'll be hanging onto this bad boy for a while). Outer pocket zippers are protected and zip with ease. Hood is insulated and fits snugly with draw strings. Fits VERY well with room for under layers. I HIGHLY recommend it, especially for the price!!

Not much chance to wear since Christmas but believe it will be perfect for our NC winter.

I've needed outerwear for wind and rain on cold winter days. The Rugged Ridge Parka does the job very well. May be warmer than I thought as I can get by with one less layer underneath.

Fits well and well made. Appears very rugged. Haven't been able to try the warmth factor yet, but appears it will be good. Like the lining as it slides right over any clothing.

My husband is very impressed with this jacket. Light but WARM. Well made.

Bought this jacket to replace same one I bought for my son 14 years ago. After constant winter wear it finally gave out. I expect this one will be just as good!

comfortable, warm, light weight challenged when starting the zipper, perhaps a larger zipper assembly would be better

This coat is roomy, it passes the "hug myself test" while wearing a sweater. I was pleasantly surprised by the warmth this coat provides, without a sweater, in the cold wind off Lake Erie. And it is lighter than my previous winter coat. I have found my favorite.

Bought this jacket to replace a worn out winter jacket and was told by the rep in the store that this was the warmest jacket ever and I would never be cold again. They were certainly right! This jacket is extremely warm for those cold and snowy days. Best jacket I've bought in a long time.

On my 3rd one of these, can't beat this parka in my opinion.

Bought this for my lanky son. Nice to have sleeves that are actually long enough for him!

Very satisfied with this parka. Kept me very warm on recent early winter 20 degree days with wind. Also the waterproof feature is great. During a recent storm with rain and freezing rain, the parka kept me completely dry. Fit is excellent. For future improvement, I would like to see the zippers on the lower pockets reoriented to run across the top of the pocket, not down the side.

My Husband really likes his coat. He says it's warm and comfortable. I can't wait for the real cold weather to see if it still keeps him warm. Too bad we can only afford one. Being a woman, I will not be able to wear his coat.

Son-in-law loved it.

This is a good quality waterproof garment. It is comfortable and fully functional with the high neck and hood that provides good protection. It meets all my expectations for a cold weather waterproof jacket.

Returned to Connecticut after living 3 years in Florida. I had to upgrade my winter wardrobe and checked out my LL Bean catalog. I purchased my Rugged Ridge Parka and it just what I needed for warmth and comfort for the New England winter weather we will soon be getting. The comfort and quality of this product is what you always expect from LL Bean and the sales price was outstanding as well as free shipping. Another great product from a great company !!!