L.L.Bean Trail Model Fleece Jacket

This is a review of the Hunter Orange version of the basic fleece jacket, which has held up very well for two years (and counting). Its bright orange color was specifically selected for hunting season safety, but the jacket itself has been a very good, solid addition to our outerwear collection. It is suitable for three-season use, or under a shell for winter use.

(Note: Though I have been selected as an LL Bean gear tester, I have yet to receive any product to test, and this jacket was purchased long before that selection.)

Two years ago, I purchased the L.L. Bean Trail Model Hunting Pack, which I reviewed here on Trailspace.com. In addition to its utility as a trail pack, the high-visibility orange color makes me feel safe when hiking during hunting season. We keep the dogs all oranged-up, so we like to keep ourselves safe, too.

Just before hunting season last year, my husband purchased L.L. Bean’s Hunter’s Trail Model Fleece Jacket for the same reason, to be visible in the woods. The jacket was on sale (from $60 down to $40). The jacket’s brilliant orange does indeed do that very effectively. However, he was pleasantly surprised to find that the jacket was also extremely well suited to its official purpose, keeping you comfortable in the cool fall and spring weather.

My husband has extremely long arms, and even Tall sizes are generally too short. If he can find a jacket with long enough sleeves, it will usually be far too big in the body. The Tall model of this jacket, however, fits him perfectly.  The weight of the jacket is just right for cool fall day hikes, neither too warm nor too cold. In fact, were it not for the color, he says he would wear it regularly throughout the fall and spring seasons. I guess if you don't mind looking like a traffic cone, it does not have to be hunting season specific!

The jacket has worked well, without a pack, while wearing a pack, and under a PFD during some cooler fall paddling. It shows no signs of abrasion or wear at contact points.

The jacket is sturdily constructed of a medium-weight , 200 weight 100% polyester fleece, with elastic cuffs at the sleeves and waistband. There are two zippered tricot lined handwarmer pockets on either side with an inside mesh pocket behind each one. There is also a zippered pocket on the chest. The front zipper runs all the way to the top of the collar, allowing you to zip it right up to your chin when the wind blows. It is machine washable, and that has worked out well. It should serve him well for many years to come.

          (PS...when you encounter whiteout conditions, it also lets you be quite visible!)