L.L.Bean Traverse Alpine Anorak

This jacket was bought to replace an old (and falling apart), no longer waterproof, off-brand anorak, which I loved for winter hiking and snowshoeing. I waited until this jacket went on sale at L.L. Bean, and was a bit dubious, due to the less than stellar reviews on the Bean site. But with free returns shipping, I thought it worth a try. It took two attempts to get the correct one, but now I think this jacket will suit me fine for my winter adventures.

I like anoraks for winter use....my old one was getting a bit decrepit, and was no longer waterproof. I had seen this jacket on the L.L. Bean site, and thought it looked like it would be a nice replacement. However, it seemed a bit out of my price range at $200, so I waited until it went on sale. There were only a few reviews, and they were not positive; however, I decided I would take a chance.

The first one I received, I noted was, in fact, sized quite a bit smaller, and different from other L.L. Bean jackets I have purchased in the same size. It runs small in the shoulders ,and very short to the waist. Though I would never be classified as "tall", I decided to return the regular one, and purchased the tall version, Though this is still cut small, it definitely provides more room, especially over a vest, and I will keep this one. I just wish it were a few inches longer in the body.

The material is nice, it is a "Tek3" fabric, which is actually comfortable, and warmer than I had expected. It also has shown to be waterproof, when using it recently in wet snow. The hood has an interesting pull closure system, and there is plenty of room around the throat gusset (I hate snug necks).

The pouch pocket is a bit odd, I find. I  put something in the front pouch, thinking it was secure...however, the horizontal pouch flap leads to the same pocket as the side pockets...so if they are not zipped, I could lose what I put in the pouch.

One side has a full zip, from pit to waist. From the description, I expected another side zip, but the other side has only the pit zip. I have used the pit zips for ventilation, and they seem to work fine.

I do wish the anorak had another chest zip pocket, or a small sleeve pocket. It also has elastic with three snaps on the cuffs...I would probably prefer velcro.

Interesting jacket, but certainly not one of Bean's best products.