Backside Line
Simply because L.L. Bean isn’t a techy efficiency outerwear model, doesn’t imply they don’t know hold you heat and dry mid-winter. The Ultrawarm 3/4 Size Parka is a implausible choice for those who’re searching for an inexpensive, fashionable winter coat that doesn’t skimp on heat. The 650-fill water-repellent down supplies cozy insulation, whereas the three/4 size presents additional protection to your thighs, retaining you heat and guarded.
Whether or not working errands, strolling the canine, or heading out in chilly climate, this coat has the whole lot you have to keep comfortable and guarded. The water resistant shell and detachable hood are good for gentle snow or rain, and the fleece-lined pockets and cuffs add a comfortable contact. It’s a simple decide from our record of the finest winter jackets for girls who need a terrific coat with out breaking the financial institution.
How We Examined
We examined this down parka in NW Montana, on brief walks alongside the Flathead River and in Glacier Nationwide Park. We additionally examined the insulation and water-repellency with lab checks to see how lengthy the coat may fend off ambient temperatures and saturation.
Fast Specs
L.L. Bean Ultrawarm 3/4 Size Down Parka
Light-weight, & Packable Down Coat for Delicate Winters
CleverHiker Ranking:
4.3/5.0
Value:
$250
Weight:
2 lb. 4.6 oz.
Insulation:
650 fill-power down
Size:
37 in.
Execs
- Packs down
- Detachable hood and detachable fake fur ruff
- Comfy
- Reasonably priced
- Efficient hydrophobic down
- A number of colour and measurement choices
Cons
- Inside lining can fold out on the hood and cuffs
- Velcro collar system is not probably the most purposeful
- Not heat sufficient beneath 20 levels
Heat
The L.L. Bean Ultrawarm 3/4 Size Parka is a heat, however not ultrawarm just like the identify claims. It’s a heat and comfy choice for on a regular basis winter put on in circumstances as little as the 20s so long as a sweater is a part of the image. The 650-fill hydrophobic down retains you heat with out feeling overly cumbersome, making it nice for each metropolis residing and outside excursions.
Throughout our area testing, we discovered it presents glorious insulation in reasonable to chilly temps. Our heat take a look at confirmed that though the fill energy of the down was there, it wasn’t as efficient at trapping heat as others we examined. It took 86 minutes to drop 30 levels and attain ambient temperatures. Others we examined with the identical fill energy lasted twice as lengthy. We suspect that the fill weight is perhaps decrease than its opponents, and the feathers may not be evenly distributed or of the very best high quality.
The three/4 size is a pleasant contact, retaining your thighs heat and making it good for individuals who need a bit of additional protection on chilly days. That mentioned, it’s not the warmest parka on the market, and we have been chilly standing in 17 diploma climate whereas sporting this down parka. So for those who’re braving something beneath 20 levels, you may need to layer up or search for one thing thicker.
Climate Resistance
This parka’s water resistant polyester shell does a median job of retaining out gentle snow and rain, although we wouldn’t need to depend on it for lengthy walks in heavy precip. We examined it in gentle snow, and it stayed dry, however throughout our soak take a look at, it wetted by way of in 7 minutes. This take a look at additionally revealed that the Downtek does reside as much as its hydrophobic down guarantees. LL Bean claims the PFC-free water-repellent down helps repel moisture 10x so long as common down, and the feathers saved their loft even after water crossed by way of the jacket. We additionally observed that this helped the coat dry shortly.
The detachable insulated hood and fake fur are a pleasant bonus for added climate safety. The velcro system for protecting your chin seems like an afterthought when it comes to design, and we want this protection was extra comfy and purposeful in case the wind is in your face.
Consolation & Performance
From the neck down, this parka nails it in consolation. The fleece-lined pockets are so cozy—good for slipping your fingers into once you’re exterior. The fleece cuffs additionally assist seal out the chilly and hold the whole lot cosy.
The three/4 size is right for many winter actions—it’s lengthy sufficient to maintain you heat, however not so lengthy that it restricts motion. The detachable hood provides versatility, permitting you to regulate your protection primarily based on the climate.
There are a number of design quirks, although. The velcro collar is connected to the hood, including an additional step as a substitute of simply zipping the coat and being finished. It isn’t the softest towards your chin/neck and velcro likes to get gross with canine/human hair/lint and many others. Plus, for those who don’t shut the velcro and you’ve got longer hair, it may possibly get caught within the velcro, which could be a bit annoying. We eliminated the hood, and the annoyances have been solved, however that is one thing to pay attention to.
It additionally looks as if there’s an excessive amount of lining that may fold out on the cuffs and hood, which makes it simpler for moisture to make it to the within of the coat, and it doesn’t look as modern.
Options
The Ultrawarm 3/4 Size Parka retains issues easy and traditional, which provides to its general allure. The fleece-lined pockets and cuffs are a particular spotlight.
The detachable hood can be a terrific function, particularly for those who get irritated with the velcro collar.
There’s a pocket contained in the coat that we don’t perceive the design intention of. It’s vast sufficient to carry the telephone you had in 2006, however we discovered chapstick and hand heaters match effectively in there. We additionally appreciated the truth that this jacket is light-weight and packs down effectively, making it straightforward to retailer when not in use.
The steel snap-closure storm flap and brass zipper provide a pleasant contact of fashion.
Ought to You Purchase the LL Bean Ultrawarm 3/4 Size Coat?
Sure, for those who’re searching for a easy, inexpensive winter coat that provides heat, consolation, and lasting fashion with out breaking the financial institution.
The L.L. Bean Ultrawarm 3/4 Size is a stable selection for on a regular basis put on in reasonable to chilly temperatures. It’s notably nice for informal outings and lightweight outside adventures, because of its water resistant shell, hydrophobic down insulation, and comfy fleece options.
It may not be the warmest choice for excessive circumstances, however for the worth, it delivers a number of worth. For those who’re after a jacket that’s sensible, comfy, and doesn’t break the bank, this one is unquestionably price contemplating.
What Different Winter Jackets Ought to You Take into account?
Try our different finest winter jackets for girls or learn our in-depth opinions of some coats just like the Ultrawarm 3/4 Size:
Patagonia Down With It Assessment: The Down With It’s a level-up in options and heat. The match is a bit more tailor-made and trendy than the Ultrawarm.
REI Norseland Assessment: Heavier, hotter, and a bit of extra fashionable, the Norseland is a good various for those who aren’t planning on staying out in rain or snow storms.
Columbia Heavenly Assessment: For those who just like the size, however its heat and options sound like overkill, the Heavenly is nice for extra lively adventures or milder winters.
