LL Bean "Windchallenger Fleece:" Reference Fleece

A great mid or even outer layer in cool conditions, the LL Bean "Windchallenger" Fleece jacket set standards of value, fit, quality, comfort, durability, color availability, and versatility. For a Polartec Windbloc® fleece jacket, you could easily spend twice this much and not improve on the performance of the WFJ (as of 2010, the Patagonia non-windblocking "R1" model is $150!). The Windbloc fleece does a good job of helping in the "DAM" (Dead Airspace Management) task as it helps preserve that warmth you've generated and this membrane will add a few degrees of warmth over non-windblocking capable fleece. And yet it remains very breatheable, forgiving in a wide variety of temperature ranges assignments. Available in extended sizes, most folks will be able to find this Windchallenger Jacket in appropriate sizing and the cut of the jacket is just right, avoiding any unnecessary looseness (which makes it harder to keep warm) or constricting fit (this fleece actually stretches when needed). Comfort is high and the quietness of the Polartec fleece is appreciated. Some will prefer the more technical "hard shell" fleece jackets and many are excellent. But as a basic mid-layer wind-capable fleece, this remains a solid choice. Quality of all materials is excellent throughout (shown) which results in high durability and no pilling even though subjected to hard use. Moreover, like all LL Bean stuff, it comes with a lifetime warranty and they will back it. The best color is black for the highest versatility but other good ones are availale in the LL Bean Windchallenger Fleece jacket (Taupe also very cool). All this adds up to a jacket that will be heavily used in a wide variety of climates and situations. There may a few lighter weight fleece options out there but the value of the LL Bean WFJ and its other qualities (especially its windblocking capabilities) allow it to compete with or dominate most other in-category offerings. It remains a Nutnfancy favorite. ///////////////////////////////////// Nutnfancy Likability Scale (cost considered): 10 out of 10 /////////////////////////////////// Music: http://www.archive.org/details/Torley_Wong_-_The_Final_Selection

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• ll
• bean
• polartec
• fleece
• jacket
• parka
• thermax
• polyester
• thermal
• layer
• windbloc
• goretex
• stowaway
• gore-tex
• ecws
• dwr
• rei
• campmor
• lands
• end
• cabelas
• gander
• mountain
• condor
• tag
• tactical
• alpine
• the
• north
• face
• microfleece
• Moonstone
• Columbia
• Patagonia
• hiking
• rock
• climbing
• snow
• shoeing
• skiing
• outerwear
• backpacking
• scuba
• dive
• tnp
• nutnfancy
• reviews

[edarotag84]

Are yaw in the salt flats or is that white stuff sand?

Tex

[nutnfancy]

Hahaha Tex! -- Veri

[odddreams]

Nutnfancy, your reviews are the best! THE BEST!

[nutnfancyfan01]

Lol, my friend can't comprehend how I can watch a half-hour video on a jacket. He doesn't get it, lol. You should make a video on how to layer clothing, nutn.

[docjekyll2002]

lol, nutnfancy, i actually kind of like shooting in the cold so i can test my cold weather gear too. In fact, i actually shoot better on cold days since my eyewear fogs up too much on hot days

[The1Epistle]

@Kylemagg88 hey I'm wanting to get one online. Any recommendations on sizing? I wear an XL shirt size, would you recommend an XL Wind Challenger or XXL?

[Kylemagg88]

Now friggin way. I just went to ll bean tonight and picked this fleece up without knowing of this review. Just thought i'd see if there was any information out there on it on youtube. Low and behold Nutnfancy does a review on it. I instantly knew I made the right choice.

[sigbolt250]

I just got my windchallenger fleece jacket and love it. My wife liked it so much that she got one too! Thanks for the great review.

[Calister54]

@edarotag84 Thats snow dummy

[vman858]

Picked one up with a hood based on the review. Got 10% off and free shipping. It now has WEATHER GUARD BEHIND ZIPPER. I wear a T-shirt and fleece pullover under it and can withstand 20 degrees due to the DAM factor. Or where in the office. I don't mind spending the money if its worth it and this is and will last. Love it.

THANK Nutnfancy!!!

[Chevenitsu]

Dude! This fleece rocks I hardly ever have to take it off, and wear it 24/7! It has great DAM capabilities which allows me to wear it 24/7. The only thing I do not like about it is the inevitable vacuum effect of lint and fur.

[ajaxm13]

@edarotag84 i see youve ruled out the 100% possibility of snow