Customer Reviews L.L.Bean Primaloft Packaway Vest

This vest is just what I wanted for a packable warm travel vest. I ordered my usual size and it was huge! It was also very long, but I can live with that. Sent it back for a smaller size.

I originally ordered a petite small as that is my usual size. When I got it I seriously thought it was a large. It was huge. Because LL bean as the best customer service in the industry, the immediately sent me a new one in petite xs and I got it before I left for a two week trip in Scotland, in October. I wore this vest almost every day while I was there. It is not only stylish but it is so comfy and has great pockets. Thanks for making a great vest!!

I like my vest very much. It is light weight, pack-able and warm for it's intent. Good for cool weather and layering. But I am VERY surprised that a vest at this price point doesn't have a two way zipper! It is just long enough that I am afraid I will eventually have a problem with the stitching at the bottom of the zipper pulling out. What surprises me more is that the "Fitness Vest " does have a two way zipper at 1/2 the price. Too bad you put that cheesy fuzzy fleece on the collar of the fitness vest.

I love the vest - just wish it were slightly trimmer cut.

I wanted this vest to layer under a rain jacket when traveling, but it feels much more like something to wear on top of other layers. It was too roomy, not a huge problem, but much too long. It felt more like a jacket with no sleeves than a vest, so, since I love the color (blue green) and the packability, I am returning it and ordering the jacket instead.

Smart, fits well and comfortable. Not quite as warm as the description says.

I bought the red currant with what appeared to be black contrast and lining. The vest that came is a bright almost orange color with OLIVE green contrast. Not at all what was pictured and there was no color description. That really limits my wardrobe choices as to what to wear it with. Oh well, if I get a job working on the road crew. . . The vest itself is nice and would probably look fine in the other colors.

Overall a pretty good vest, nice looking and adds a little extra warmth. Keep in mind, it's not super warm but a little extra when you need it. NOTE: If you have an earlier model of this vest (ones without the breast pocket) this newer style runs much larger. I have one of the earlier styles (w/out breast pocket) in size XS and the fit is PERFECT! Loved so much I wanted additional colors for a trip. But please take note, the new version runs much larger and longer! I wound up having to go with an XXS (not the "perfect" fit of my XS, but this new style and cut is ok). But, even with it being a whole size smaller, it is still a good inch or more longer than my original XS! So, even though I do prefer the original fit, this one is alright. It's just so frustrating that sizing is constantly changing lately on many Bean products. I've missed out on getting sale items I've wanted because I ordered the size I normally wear, it arrives, doesn't fit, and now that item is no longer available...very disappointing. And other times, just like I stated above, I have loved a garment, reordered the exact same thing just in a different color, yet when it arrives...a totally different fit. I have to say, LLBean is wonderful, their customer service is AMAZING and they have accommodated me and assisted me more times than I can count (thank you very much). But even though their return policy is great, it is frustrating to have to order multiple sizes, or return for a different size, especially if you're dealing with the SAME item that you currently have hanging in your closet. Sure, every style may fit a little different but anymore.....I just don't know what size to order!!! I believe others have mentioned the inconsistency with sizing these days, maybe something to take a look at...please!

The only problem with this year's model for me is the LLBean monogram on the chest rather than close to the hem as in the past. I do not wear my vest for sport but for every day, sometimes out to lunch or dinner or entertaining at home. The monogram on the chest makes this vest too sporty for me. I wish they would change to past models. I own at least 5 of them in different colors.

Love this vest. Comfortable, warm and "just right" fit for me. The only issue I have is that this is a "packable" item but comes with zero instructions on how to fit it into its pocket without becoming a big, lumpy ball. And the zippers are one sided so hard to zip up and down after stuffing. What am I doing wrong? Can't find any help on the website either.

I can't fairly give an opinion on this item. It came quickly and looked very nice however I purchased it as a gift for my daughter and she didn't like it. I returned it and requested my money back.

I purchased this vest in grey a few years ago, and really like the fit of it. I recently ordered another one and was disappointed to find how much longer the new style is and how much bigger it's cut in the bust area. I'm 5' 7" tall and I have a long torso, but the regular size is still too long for me, so I will be returning the vest. I love the blue color; sorry it didn't work for me. Below is a photo of the two vests stacked on top of one another.

Very nice. Love the color blue I ordered. Ordered a small (like other one from previous year) but was very big. I don't think the XXS would fit so did not try to order another. Love the one I have from years before. Not sure why the size was so different.

Nice, trim, lightweight vest. Bought it as a warm layer under a shell - serves the purpose very well, and looks nice by itself too. Good length. As other reviewers have said, a two-way zipper would be an improvement, which is why I rate it 4 stars, not 5. The cut is fairly straight which works well for me - if you are on the curvy side, or plan to wear a bulky sweater underneath, I'd recommend buying one size up.

I have 5 primaloft packaway vests that I like a lot and would rate as 5 stars. Unfortunately the new version is too long even in the petite.

I wanted this to fit as I really liked it. Large was too snug and xl just fit bulky.

The vest comes in at the waist and I prefer a more boxy look so I am retuning the vest. Otherwise it was fine.

Too long and don't like the change of material over the front zip pocket. I've had one of these that has last 10 years. Love the zippered pockets!

Nice vest, but the trimming adds too much contrast, so the vest doesn't look like a nice, streamlined vest. The hips are also a little too wide for the size. So, I tend to just wear it indoors, where no one else will see it. It does provide nice warmth, and is good to wear inside while cooking or doing other chores, but it is not as warm as other vests I have had.

The vest is too long. The material was nice. I returned it.

Have several of the PrimaLoft jackets and love them. The collar on the vest came up way too high and felt very uncomfortable. Sadly, I had to return.

The quality seems good enough. The berry color was very pretty. I ordered a size small and it fit like a medium to large. I'm 5'5 and 130 lbs. I sent mine back because I didn't think it looked flattering, given how loose it fit. I also think the price point is a bit high for a vest.

I really wanted to love this vest, that I need for an Upcoming trip, but it's huge in the bust and fits in the hips. I tried. But the way it rides up is incredibly annoying. I will be returning it and trying the longer pack away vest with the elastic on the sides in a size smaller. I would really love if it were possible to try on plus size items in stores to avoid buying and returning but I checked both stores, each an hour away, in different stores and there was NOTHING plus size to be found in either location to even attempt to figure out my proper size and your size charts don't have hip measurements for "tops". Plus size people like to hike and spend time outdoors too yet finding the appropriate clothes is near impossible.

I bought this to replace a primaloft packaway vest from several years back. While this will serve the purpose, it certainly doesn't seem to be of the same quality as the one I am replacing. Disappointing!

I love this vest. Lightweight but rich. Well made. My idea of the perfect vest. BUT IT DOES NOT FIT. It is fine thru the hips but huge in the bust. Or small in the hips and fine in the bust. Have to return sadly.