Land's End Primaloft Weatherfield Jacket Review

I just bought and received a new black Land's End Weatherfield Jacket last week and like it so much, I thought I'd share. First off, you can check out all the jacket feature specifications at the Land's End site (Mens
Womens), so I won't repeat them here -- I'll just add color commentary.

I'm picky
When it comes to jackets, I'm extraordinarily picky. I favor jackets that do it all - they have a wide comfort range of temperatures, they are highly wind-resistant but breathe well, they aren't bulky, they shed light precip easily, they're made of exceptionally durable fabrics and have high quality construction, they're not bad looking, and they don't make me feel like I paid too much when I buy them.

This jacket delivers on all counts.

Comfortable across wide range of temperatures
The Weatherfield Jacket is not only the best value, but is also the most comfortable cold-weather jacket I've ever owned. I have been just as comfortably sitting inside wearing this jacket over a long-sleeved t-shirt in a 72-degree office as I have been walking outside in 25 degree weather. I really believe Land's End when it says it could keep you comfortable down to 10 degrees over a light layer - it's that warm. But what's more amazing is that you so easily can adjust to being in a warm environment without having to take the jacket off. Very nice for people in environments where the temperature is changing, or the heat comes on and off at work, or moving in and out of buildings who don't want to keep adding and subtracting layers.

The secret is the use of very high quality Primaloft One insulation.

Primaloft: Better than down insulation
I spent quite a bit of time doing research on Primaloft One and learned how amazing this insulation is. In terms of warmth:weight ratio and comfort range, I am here to testify that Primaloft is as good as down. That's never been the case with other synthetic insulations.

Also, Primaloft is more hydrophilic than down. That means if it gets wet, it dries out more quickly and insulates better. I don't plan on getting caught in a downpour, but it's nice to know that if I do, I'll be more comfortable than in a down jacket.

More importantly, the jacket breathes amazingly well. I've gone for fairly vigorous walks with a heavy computer bag over my shoulder for about 15 minutes at a time and worked up a light sweat, but never felt clammy or drippy. When you come to a stop, the perspiration seems to evaporate almost as well as with a standard windproof fleece. Very nice!

Another benefit of Primaloft is that it's compact. What that means is that it doesn't make your jacket as poofy as a down jacket would be when worn. You don't look like the stay-puft marshmallow man, in other words, when you put this jacket on. Now, it also doesn't compress as well as down, so although it packs down pretty well, you won't be stuffing this jacket into a tiny stuff sack. But it's also more compressible than say a 200 or 300 weight polyester fleece jacket. This jacket is able to have a nice, trim fit that I prefer to poofy/bulky down jackets.

Other nice features
Other features I dig about this jacket: The zippers are very high quality. They don't snag on things, and they stay closed when you close them. The fleece-lined pockets do a great job of keeping your hands warm and protecting your body a bit from pointy things like cell phones or MP3 players. If you zip up to the top of the neck, the chin guard keeps the zipper away from your skin, so you don't get an icy chill from it or pinch your skin.

Suggested improvements
My suggestions for ways the jacket could be enhanced (and maybe they will add these features next year) include:

• Having adjustable wrist cuffs to better keep the wind out
• Adding some form of detachable hood
• Adding waist cinches.

Comparison to other jackets owned
Before receiving my Weatherfield jacket, my favorite winter coat was a wool-exterior car coat with a thermalite-insulation layer. It is stylish, but doesn't have the temperature range, lightweight feel, portability (doesn't like to be stuffed into luggage), or ability to shrug off light rain the way this jacket does. I am also a happy owner of a Land's End Merinac fleece jacket which I love. But during these colder months, I reach for my Weatherfield first every time now.

Conclusion
From my perspective, this jacket would be an outstanding deal at $100. I got mine at Land's End for about $70 + taxes and shipping. Get one for yourself or somoene one you love. I think you'll be quite happy with it.

To Land's End: Kudos. I continue to be a delighted customer.

UPDATE 1-8-06: This jacket is now on sale for the insanely low price of just $49.99 in regular sizes. Buy one!