LL Bean Maine Guide Parka
Aaron F. 12.23.22
The LL Bean Main Guide Wool Parka is a good option for the late season whitetail hunter.
- 85% wool insulation and 15% polyester (liner)
- Primaloft wind protection
- Reinforced forearm patches
- Drawcord waist
- Buttoned zipper cover flap
- Buttoned waist pockets
- Exterior breast pockets for handwarmers
- Zippered interior pockets
- Cargo seat pocket.
The jacket is a mixture of 85% wool insulation and 15% polyester. Primaloft provides excellent wind protection.
The jacket boasts a heavy duty zipper insulated by a layer of wool held in place by snap buttons to prevent wind penetration. Two over-sized exterior waist pockets are easy to access without having to undo the snaps – meaning they can be accessed silently. The exterior breast pockets are shipped sewn shut but can be opened if intending to use with a handwarmer, otherwise it makes sense to keep them shut to prevent heat loss. It is worth mentioning that there are also a single oversized zippered interior breast pocket located on the left breast – easy access for righties. Since the space of the interior and exterior breast pocket compartment overlap, it doesn’t make much sense to use the exterior pockets for anything other than a handwarmer since these pockets are in competition for space.
The jacket is heavy thanks to the generous amount of wool insulation. The wool is not the softest, but the only place the wool contacts the skin is on the neck and cuffs. It can be slightly coarse to the touch, but by no means uncomfortable.
The jacket is generously cut, with the idea that most people are wearing over cold weather clothing. The lower hem of the jacket is cut very low, creating enough overlap with the belt-line to prevent heat loss along the waist. Paired with a set of bibs, this system would practically amount to coveralls.
With weather in the low mid 20s to low 30s, a t-shirt underneath the jacket was enough to provide sufficient comfort. With weather in the teens, a light hoodie on top of the t-shirt provided the right amount of insulation During that same day, I absentmindedly left my neck gaiter in my vehicle and ended up raising the collar for wind protection, which worked great. Heat loss from the wind was not perceptible, thanks to the Primaloft. The waist pockets provide enough room for a day’s worth of supplies and food on the deer stand.
The rear cargo pocket provides more storage than anyone could possibly ever use. This jacket would be too warm to wear during high physical activity even on the coldest days, so any cargo stored in the seat should be comfortable enough to sit on. This is a non issue due to the oversized front pockets.
The LL Bean Maine Guide Parka offers a functional, old-school vibe for midwestern deer hunters looking to stay warm (and quiet) down into the teens.
