Customer Reviews L.L.Bean Rugged Ridge Parka

Lots of warmth for the price. The front zipper is really well done - the right size, easy to get going and also bidirectional. Best touch is the cozy cloth inside the chin and nape. My criticism is quibbles. When sitting with the jacket unzipped, all those velcro bits (sleeves, front) continually find each other when they shouldn't. The elastic at the wrist bunches the sleeve opening and looks cheap. Hand pockets have aggressive zippers that cut into the wrists. if they left off the pocket zippers you would have a next-level super-warm, winter utility/barn coat. Totally warm, good value.

I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 because unlike an older version of this coat it doesn't have the warming pockets, other than that it's real similar. I just went outside in 0 degree weather(Chicago) and it was just as warm as the older version (which I still have, this new coat is a backup), of course I was layered under it but with the same layering I would of used with the old coat. The new coat is lighter and seems less bulky, was able to zip all the way up with the layering. Still need to take it out for some more testing but I'm satisfied so far and 4 stars seems appropriate. To be fair, I did not buy this at full price nor would I, it was on sale and there was an extra promo incentive and that is why I bought it. LL Bean, please, please bring back the warming pockets (lol).

Coat is good quality and fit is as expected. In windy and temps below freezing, need sweater or extra layers to stay warm if just walking. Only real downside is the hood. They neglected to put an eye level strap on the back of the hood. If you do not wear another cap or hat, the hood falls way down into your view. If they would have left off the peaked end, then it would have been alright. I will have to either cut it off or alter it is some manner, it is a large distraction as it impinges on your view to much.

Was advertised as lighter weight but just as warm as the original Rugged Ridge Parka. My old one was warmer. Returned my old one only because the zipper failed. Also miss the two extra outer hand-warmer pockets at waist level. The outer cell phone pocket will only hold a small phone.

I really like this jacket, as I have now had over 2 New England winters and it has served me well. I have stayed warm in it when temperatures get down to about 25deg, but more if I am being active like sledding, snowshoeing, shoveling. If I am sitting out or standing outside in single digits or below zero, the fact that it is not very thick really affects the ability to keep the heat in/cold out. No way it is going to keep the average person warm to the listed rating of -40deg! The big plus is the windproofing, which really helps, as I have another Primaloft jacket that is really warm but does not stop the wind. Also, I am yet to get wet from rain or snow in this jacket. Overall, a good jacket.

This does not dissapoint. It is light weight and extremely warm. I had some skepticism about how warm it would be until I wore it the other day on a windy day with the temperature in the low 20's. I had this parka with a shortsleeve, thin, golf polo on underneath and my upper body wasn't cold at all. The handwarming pockets also warm up your hands quickly. The only thing I am not so fond of is the zipper. It doesn't feel as quality as the jacket and I don't think it wil hold up that well. Other than that I would recommend this jacket to someone looking for warmth without the bulk.

Comfortable and warm enough for the 25-30 degree nights we've had so far this winter. Especially like the hood and collar that keep my neck and chin warm. I've read the reviews complaining about not enough pockets but there are enough for me. Two interior chest pockets and the exterior cell phone pocket. Two zippered side pickets. Any more would add bulk and I like that this is not a bulky coat.

Great parka overall. Bought my first one for the Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy. Loved every aspect of it. Plenty of exterior and interior pockets, interior cuffs, goggle pouch with cleaner - superior parka for the money! My new one just arrived and I was disappointed to see they had eliminated the side pockets that were mid-way up on the exterior of the jacket. My favorite spot to keep my hands warm and a much easier reach than the lower ones. Other than that I would like see more color combos, but love the coat anyway! Put the pockets back LL Bean!

Very comfortable, waterproof, warm. Could have more inside pockets. I'm concerned about the 'BREATHABLE' designation, since I can't breath through the fabric.

I like the Rugged Ridge for it's zipper since the zipper on the other jacket I returned was not working. I found the RR lighter and am not sure just how it will hold up in colder weather though we haven't had a good test this winter with much milder days. I'm looking forward to many years of service with this jacket.

very comfortable to wear and move in. Very water-proof in rain and snow. Zipper is good. Only complaint is lack of flap over neck closure, to protect neck in wind. Looks stylish and flattering on my husband.

I just got the jacket a few weeks ago but so far it hasn't let me down! We've only had a few really cold days in the NE but when we did I had absolutely no issues with it staying warm. I do have one complaint with the jacket though, I purchased this one to replace an LL Bean jacket that I have had for 15+ years (the zipper finally gave out on it) and even though they are about the same length (below pant pockets) the mid waist pull "string" is a little too high. there is the one at the bottom (which makes sense to keep snow out from below) and the one that is above that is just too high. It runs almost directly across my stomach instead like my older one where that ran right around my waist (right at the top of my pants). Having it that high reduces the amount of heat the jacket is holding and if I don't tighten the bottom strings then I run the chance of getting snow down my pants. I'm sure this will vary depending on how tall your torso is but I really think it's just two inches too high.... Still really like the jacket and hoping it will last like my previous one! If I could have given it 4.5 star I would have!

Purchased as Xmas 2016 gift for 6'4" husband whose 20 yr old Woolrich jacket is worn out. He loves it except that it lacks upright, slightly expandable front pockets (w/flaps) out of which gloves & hats won't fall. Side pockets are too risky. Thanks for making it in a bright blue color, too; city walkers need visibility! It is warmer than his old jacket, which means he will need a non-insulated version of this parka in the spring. Hope LLBean will offer one.

Got the Ridge a few years ago and am looking for a replacement . The new version is lighter and warmer and waterproof, but it no longer has reflective tape across the front and back that I found important when out walking the dog. Otherwise, it is still a great overall coat for cool or cold weather.

I would agree with another reviewer that this coat is not as warm as it's rated for (-20). At mid 20's temps I was feeling the cold across my back and shoulders. But for western Oregon winter weather (cold and rainy) it's really good. It will keep you warm and dry. I'm not a fan of the double zipper. they're generally a pain to get zipped and the hood is a bit more complicated to get off than it needs to be. But I'll be keeping it for the wet winter weather and when it gets really cold I'll reach for my LL bean down jacket which I've had for ove 15 years and absolutely love.

I looked around for a while at different jackets till I found this one and it is warm, comfortable, and keeps the water out. So far so good.

It is lighter and bigger than I expected. I returned it for a smaller size.

WHERE IS THE RED AND BLACK. I NEED TO REPLACE MY JACKET AND THE COLOR WITH RED IS NOT APPEALING BUYERS PLEASE BRING BACK THE RED AND BLACK IMMEDIATELY I NEED A WARM JACKET FOR THE WINTER AND I CANNOT WEAR DOWN. THIS IS THE ONLY JACKET THAT FITS ME PROPERLY AND IS EXTREMELY WARM

This is a very nice looking jacket. It runs large. The pockets are very hard to get into..

Big difference with old version /cheapened version with 2 less outside pockets, not great hands on pocket position, less effective insulation, pocket lining and collar material is uncomfortable on skin, kind of Velcro like interaction with skin.

It isn't as warm as its predecessor LL Bean jacket, but it it is well constructed and seems that it will last a long time.

This is a nice jacket, but WAY to thin for a parka. The pockets are a little odd, need top loading instead of side loading, one example, I don't feel my wallet is secure inside of a side loaded pocket inside where I HAVE to zip it up to NOT have anything fall out. Snaps would be better than Velcro. Its warm, but not PARKA warm. I expected a lot more form an LL Bean 'Parka'. Its ALMOST there. Nice, but... some poor design choices.

My 2 year old parka had much more insulation than my new blue one. Not as warm as my 2 year old parka either.. I do like the two way zipper though... Hard to find such a coat with the added features of a removable hood too. Wish it had same insulation as my 2 year old parka... We'll see how it holds up this mild winter too... Dunno.

Would prefer that you go back to using snaps instead of Velcro. The cuff rubs against it when the jacket is open and it wears out the fabric.

One star taken because it didn't state it had velcro. Another taken away for the outside pockets. I think snap buttons should go where the Velcro is. Also, snap buttons should go where the outside zipper pockets are. Maybe I'm being too picky, but my other LL Bean parka from 2015 is made a lot better than this one I purchased. Still, this new parka is nice, but could be better as I described.