Lands' End Classic Squall Jacket

While still "pretty OK," these are NOT the Squall Jackets of old.

You'll be lucky to get two years' light use out of the zipper (I've had three fail in 1-2 years from the noughts onwards), unlike a couple I have in my car trunk from the '80's/'90s.

Cuffs fray sooner, no Polartec (I know they're gone), even collar edging gets threadbare rapidly. Uselessly small inner pocket. And customer service isn't what it was either, though this company isn't alone in that.

Background

Owned lots of general-wear and specialty jackets; the Squall used to be my go-to until the quality went down the toilet (especially zippers). Now changing to brands that use YKK or similar, and that have useful-sized pockets.

Poor quality, not the Classic Squall of old. Rude and ineffective customer service when trying to return a defective product.

Absolute junk in 2023. Poorly made, poor quality off-brand zippers, loose threads at tack points.  Inside pocket is now so small you cannot fit a standard size cell phone. 

Company wants me to pay shipping both ways for a defective, poorly made jacket in order to return it. The Classic Squall USED to be the standard. It is cheap junk now and the company's customer service policy stinks.

Stay away from Land's End, they are not the company of old. They have lost me, a customer for a good 30+ years, forever.

Background

I have owned four Classic Squall jackets (which I still own). The old ones are miles above their current version in construction, design, warmth, styling, and function.

I have had a Squall Jacket for years and it is great. The new 2023 version is not good.

I ordered this jacket (item #539907-A7X) directly from Lands End. I am returning it because of the cons that are listed. It is also shorter than the one that I have and it is the same size, only a different color.

I paid $62.50 on sale for about half price. I need to take it to a Lands End store for a refund to avoid the return fee. I do not know if I will get a full refund, or only store credit.

Background

This is not the Squall Jacket of old. I still have one from about 10 years ago. The cuffs are getting frayed but that is about the only wear and tear damage.

I bought my Squall Jacket twelve years ago. It is still in great shape and I have been extremely hard on it every winter. It is without a doubt the best winter jacket I have ever owned. I have worn it in sub-freezing temperatures with wind chills of minus fifteen degrees and stayed warm. It is not only rugged, but stylish. I can wear it anywhere: work, play, or going out on the town.

I honestly don't think I have ever thought enough of a piece of clothing to write a review, but this jacket warrants it. I am going to buy another Squall Jacket this winter, but only because I got paint on the sleeve of my old one painting outside last winter. It is a terrific jacket at a great price!

Great coat if I could get it zipped.

I got the Squall for Christmas. I love the coat except for one thing that drives me crazy. Sometimes it will take 7-10 tries to get it zipped. When I lay it flat on the table I can zip it almost every time. But when I put it on, the zipper won't catch on the bottom.

So Land's End is sending me a new one. I hope the zipper works better.

I love this jacket! The price is excellent for such a good quality coat. I have never had any problems with it in the short period that I've had it (3 months!). It is perfect for hiking and mountaineering, and, being lined with Polartec 300, it is optional to wear anything but a tee shirt underneath it even in the coldest of temps. I want to thank Lands' End for making such a good coat at an affordable price.

A good jacket for the price. One complaint is the weight, if you're an ultralite fan, who gets neurotic over a few ounces like myself then do not get this jacket.

The other complaint I have against it is the shell material does not repel after a while. It will hold out fine in light rain, but if you're in a heavy downpour, then eventually the lining will absorb water. It took forever to dry too.