The L.L.Bean PrimaLoft Packaway Hooded Jacket is in frequent rotation, regardless of the season. Perfect for layering in the colder months or as used as a shell in the summer when the temps drop at night, this featherlight zip-up is a truly versatile piece of kit. Better yet, it's on sale for a hot sec for 20% off.
Similar to the much-beloved but oh-so-pricey Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody, the L.L.Bean version boasts nearly identical specs for less. It also has some features that trump the Nano Puff.
L.L. Bean PrimaLoft Packaway > Patagonia Nano Puff
While both these garments offer similar levels of space-age, synthetic insulating power, light and packable constructions and solid off-the-shelf weather resistance, the PrimaLoft Packaway features an additional front-facing zippered chest pocket, in addition to an internal one. The Patagonia only has one inside.
This might seem like a minor detail but extra pocketed storage should never be overlooked. For air travel alone, the option to have one more place to securely carry things is what makes the L.L.Bean my go-to and Patagonia the left-behind.
And while the Nano Puff Hoody tends to run in the neighborhood of $289, its arguably superior L.L.Bean equivalent is normally priced at a much less nauseating $199... except right now it's just $159 in classy Ochrer with a super-solid selection of sizes to choose from.
