Customer Reviews L.L.Bean Waterproof Primaloft Packaway Jacket

I ordered the Cinder colored jacket in S and M. Both of them fit, however, I would have opted for the M just to give myself more room. This jacket is styled very nicely. Tapers at the waist ever so slightly and is a good length and weight. It is a perfect go-to jacket. You can tell it is well made and would protect from the elements. I sadly sent it back though because I can't stand the logo on the chest. It is very chintzy looking for one. But the main reason is I can't stand chest logos... from ANY manufacturer. I feel like I am wearing a badge and the white on the brown just stuck out too much. Maybe if it was a darker brown on the brown, I wouldn't have minded, but it just looked silly. I wish LLBean would place their logo on the hem or the sleeve. I have seen some LLB jackets with the hem logo. Stick with that please! I have read other complaints on logos on the chest, so I wish LLBean would listen to them as I think more product would sell.

Got this jacket yesterday and wore it for a night hike. Kept me warm (almost too warm for 52 degrees - yay for "pit zips" with double zipper pulls! Mesh fabric to cover the pit zip opening keeps the jacket from flapping open). Love the length in front, and the way the length tapers in back to a longer length to cover one's butt). Have not had to use the zippered pleats in the back when sitting. Fabric has a nice "feel" to it, no stitching lines to snag on things, as some of my quilted synthetic jackets have done. Nice fabric for the wrist interior cuffs and external hand warmer pockets. Have not had a chance to test out the waterproofness. "Lightweight, packable, waterproof" got me to buy this bc I'm often in a marine environment. The hood does not block side vision. I would have given it 5 stars IF: 1) the front zipper had a double pull, 2) a secure exterior chest phone pocket (it would be nice to also have a secure interior one too. The zippered pocket for packing this into is rather deep for a phone pocket), and 3) I wish the slot mesh pocket on the inner right was 1-2 inches deeper. (I love pockets - phone, keys, small wallet, and alas reading glasses - so I don't have to carry a purse.) True to size, I got the Petite XS. I'm 5'-1", 103 lbs, with "swimmer's shoulders". I can wear a long sleeve shirt, and a vest under this jacket without any "pulling in the shoulder area" when reaching forward with my arms. Overall very pleased with this jacket..."almost perfect!"

I have a favorite LL Bean jacket that I wear Sept.-May. It is 20 years old and the zipper finally gave out this fall. Over the years, I have purchased 3 jackets from LL Bean in hopes of freshening the look of my beloved jacket but each time the attempt just misses the mark. This jacket has come the closest to replacement value however comes up short in a few categories for me. I knew from previous reviews that this jacket had a one way zipper so I wasn't surprised however I was surprised at how important a 2 way zipper was to my use of the jacket and I desire that feature. Also missing from this jacket was what I call the wind flap, it is a snap cover flap for the zipper. I didn't realize how often I use a couple of snaps to hold my jacket shut for a short outing and with this jacket I have to fully zip it up. My last detractor for a five star rating is that the chest pocket runs the length of the jacket. If I slide my glasses or phone in, they drop down even with the hand pockets. Not a deal breaker but it doesn't function as a chest pocket. The jacket does have great qualities such as being light weight yet still warm in the winter and not too hot in fall and spring, waterproof, zippered pockets, and a great hood. It runs true to size with the allowance for a fleece or sweater underneath. I am happy with my purchase and will wear it as I continue the search for the 5 star replacement to my old favorite jacket!

I've been looking for a coat that is waterproof, lightweight, and warm for fall and early winter. I believe this is is it! Honestly, I haven't worn it yet, as it is August in Indiana, but I love it already. It is long enough to cover my hips completely. It is lightweight, soft, and comfortable. The fabric is something that I haven't seen on LL Bean coats before. It is soft, flexible (not stiff), and quiet. But if you look closely, it has a subtle crepe-like texture which is beautiful! Now for the waterproof feature, I tested this by placing the arm of the coat under running water. The water literally jumps off the coat!!! It doesn't stay on it or soak in at all! The hood is nice and has a visor the will keep the rain off your face without it drooping over your eyes. I also love the soft, fleece, inner cuffs and the little bit of fleece around the neck. These touches give the coat a cozy feel. Now for the things I would love to see improved. I wish it had a 2-way zipper for room when sitting down. It does have two zippers on the sides of the hips near the back that I believe are for this purpose. But they are impossible to zip up and down while wearing, which defeats the purpose of quick up and down zips for getting in and out of the car when running errands, etc. I also think the armpit zippers are unnecessary, but are not noticeable so it doesn't really matter. I got a large petite and the sleeves are are still too long. I am 5 foot 5.5, which I consider average, but I am overweight. What I don't understand about sizing is, people's arms don't grow longer when they gain weight!!! So why do they make the arms longer as the size goes up??? And especially if you buy a petite size! Anyway, a little annoying but I love the features of this coat enough to deal with it so I am keeping it.

I purchased this jacket for a trip to Europe and was very happy that I did. On day one it rained on and off throughout the day. The jacket kept me dry each and every time the skies opened up. It was very light and comfortable. Although the description says it is for temps +25/-25 , I do wish it was a little warmer. That's the reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. Great body and sleeve length. Also easy to pack. I have purchased other rain jackets, including some from LL Bean, but this one is the best! I am 5'4" and 120 pounds. Originally I ordered the petite small, but it was way too big, especially in the shoulders. Bought the XS petite in blue.

I ordered an XL Petite as they do run small and wanted to be able to wear a sweater underneath if need be. Love the blue color, it's warm, waterproof and long enough to cover your upper thighs... only thing is the pockets are SO VERY LOW. I'm 5'1" and my hands barely reach the pockets. I won't return the coat because it is very nice - just wished the pockets were higher so I could actually use them. I'll just wear a pair of gloves when needed.

This jacket is easy to wear, packs small and fits well. It isn't quite as warm as I was hoping, but I like the waterproof quality and the packing ease and will be keeping it.

This would be a 5 if it came with the pockets as described. Wore it today in a light rain with temps in the low 30s. Length covers up the backside for sitting on cold or damp surfaces. Hand pockets are roomy and have zippers and the soft cuff ribbing is a nice addition. There are also two zippers to open up the tail of the coat although I'm not sure that's a feature I'll use. What is missing is a chest pocket for a phone. The only chest pocket does double duty as the stuff sack and a phone would drop down almost to the hem in that pocket. Any outdoors jacket needs a phone to keep it handy and secure. L.L. Bean, please revise the description and include this required feature.

As stated in first review, it is a waist drawstring. Not hem. I did find the media pocket and the other inside pocket which is near the zipper. The most annoying mistake is that no mention of the zippers under the arms is given. These are obviously there for ventilation. They are NOT pockets which the description stated they were. Also, very nice but not mentioned is two zippers in the back near the bottom to create room for activity or seating movement. The description states that it fits in its own pocket. Which pocket and how? No instructions or pictures. None is a dealbreaker but may be important to some and is below LLBean's standards of descriptions, not quality. However, the jacket is beautiful. It is so lightweight and sleek. There is no bulk at all. I have one caution though. It is fitted. That does not suit my frame. I am normally an XL. In this jacket, if it was available, I would have exchanged it for a 1X. I really want this jacket and it's wonderful properties. I can't find another like it anywhere. Sadly, it has to be returned. If you like the fit, you will love the quality.

I bought this several years ago at an LLBean store near Chicago. I do appreciate that is has the inner cord to tighten the waistline as air blows thru with the inside openness of the coat. I really like that it breaks the wind and works ok for warmer yet cool days. I am very disappointed to find out that the bottom of the zipper does not open. This makes it harder to use in a car or just seated without opening the whole coat. All of my other Bean coats have both top and bottom zipper pulls so I can open the bottom when driving in the car. I am very thin, under 120 lbs. and am wearing a size medium so I don't think it is my body shape. Please put zipper pull openings on both top and bottom of you coatsI never thought to look at that and this was very expensive for a lightweight coat for me, not a heavy down, etc. that I usually wear in Nebraska.

I purchased this jacket a few years ago and loved it! Sadly, both pocket zippers as well as the main zipper all broke. In addition, the inner lining material has started to come through the outer fabric. Despite the premature failing of the jacket, I decided to order a new one. Unfortunately, the material is now much lower quality than the original. The original was soft and this is very rough. Looks and feels so much cheaper and stiffer. Such a disappointment! Please bring back the older version! This material is the worst!

I bought the men's version for my husband a couple years ago and he loves it. This year I decided to get one for myself. It's the same nice lightweight material, but the fit was all wrong. The sleeves were bulky and long while the hips were really snug. If I had gone a size up the sleeves would have been way too big. I wish they made a version of this coat that was shaped for curvy women.

I so badly want to love this jacket, but I need a chest pocket for my cash & credit cards. I didn't expect the only chest pocket to be the one that's for stashing the coat. It makes that pocket basically unusable because anything in it just drops all the way down to where the hand pockets are. Would be fine if there was at least a second chest pocket on the other side with normal depth. Very frustrated.

Nice jacket, feels comfortable and light while being warm enough for 30F if layered with a thermal. Biggest downside is that it does not have a two way zipper. Pretty annoying to have to bunch it up above hips to get in the car, sit, or bend comfortably. Definitely not ideal for playing with kids or any activity that will get you bending or moving. there are zippers on the back/sides but opening them is weird as they are located in a weird position in the back.

Attractive jacket with features I needed but runs very small.

I bought this jacket 4 or 5 years ago and wear it just in late spring or early fall because it isn't warm for winter without more layers than I want to wear. I pulled it out this spring but notice the fabric has pilled and has small white sprinkles of fabric all over (I have the blue), which I can't account for. The fabric seems to have deteriorated. Also no reverse zipper, so I have to remember to unzip it when I drive or sit. The hood is far too big, even over a winter hat. The price has jumped WAY up since I bought it, which seems strange for a polyester jacket. I'll donate it to a shelter; would not recommend it.

I bought this jacket 4 years ago. Initially I was delighted. It was warm and had plenty of room to add warm layers. I loved the lightweight packability and many secure pockets. Initially, it was very waterproof. But in the past few months, the waterproof is failing. I noticed the inside felt a little clammy after a downpour whereas in the past, I was toasty warm and dry. I thought I could stil use it as long as it didn't rain. However, the final straw was when the zipper broke. It no longer zips closed. Sadly, the famed high quality, long lasting clothes are no more.

The jacket fits well, shaped nicely and is warm, but the clasps for the draw string waist are awkwardly placed, you can feel them against your body, and see small bulges in the coat through the outer layer when it is zipped.

This jacket is a great concept for the people it will fit. I always wear a size SM and it JUST fit. No room for more than a tshirt. MD looked too sloppy on me. LLBean, you need to size jackets to the scale you provide. I should easily fit into the SM and it is a bit tight in chest and shoulders. I am a slim build also, and this fits snug on hips when zipped. It is a jacket and SHOULD accomodate for layers, not fashion. Lastly, I am so sick of the tacky chest logo. The down version of this has the logo on the hem, why not this jacket?? The logo looks incredibly cheap also. Totally ruins the jacket. Sent back

I love almost everything about this jacket. Lightweight, warm, comfortable, and packable. But I wore it for the first time in heavy rain today and I'm disappointed to say it's not waterproof (at least not in a sustained downpour). I bought it for travel so that's a dealbreaker. But a great jacket otherwise.

very comfortable, travels well, wrinkles fall out quickly but wasn't really waterproof. After a while it was soaking through and i was damp. But overall, like it.

The jacket was a pretty color and had a good fit. I absolutely love the storm cuffs inside. But the jacket itself was not warm enough. Extraordinarily lightweight. Returned. Sadly. Can't find a proper weight jacket/coat with storm cuffs.

Too snug to wear a sweater underneath. Bought a XL but really need a 1x Plus so I can wear a sweater underneath. It is a very nice jacket, but I need to return it. I would have liked to have exchanged it for a larger size.

It would have been perfect for my trip to Seattle if I could have zipped it all the way up. Unfortunately, it was not true to size and was too tight in the chest.

This seemed like a great coat in concept, it just wasn't flattering on me. I'm average height and b/w a L & XL in LLBean, but this hit my thighs at an unflattering place. And while I love bright colors, I didn't find the purple with bright pink lining attractive. It fit well though otherwise, and wasn't too heavy.