Main features of L.L. Bean Baxter State Parka:
- Water-repelling TEK2 fabric
- 100% polyester shell
- Premium 650-fill down
- Oversized comfy hood
- 7x practical exterior pockets
- 3x spacious interior pockets
- Two-way zipper with snap-closure flaps
- Internal waist drawcord
A high-quality winter jacket is a must-have if you enjoy outdoor activities in winter. However, finding warm and comfortable winter clothes at affordable prices can be tricky because the market offers an endless array of options.
Nonetheless, we scoured the web and searched for the best parkas in 2022 to help you battle out the cold weather. Eventually, we stumbled upon the cool-looking L.L. Bean Men’s Baxter State Parka, a highly recommended model. Here’s what we noticed after testing the Baxter State Parka in the harshest of environments.
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L.L. BEAN: WHEN EXPERIENCE MEETS INNOVATION
Believe it or not, L.L. Bean has been around since 1912, when Leon Leonwood Bean started this massive enterprise. Over the years, what began as a one-man team grew into a global brand with $1.6 billion in annual sales. Interestingly, L.L. Bean’s headquarters remain in Freeport, Maine, close to the original store.
Dedication to excellence and excellent customer support are among L.L. Bean’s priorities, but the company also invests in new technologies and continues to improve its offering. In essence, customers worldwide recognize L.L. Bean products for their innovative design and premium quality. The perfect example of this philosophy is the Men’s Baxter State Parka.
HOW TO BUY THE BEST WINTER JACKET
As we already said, winter jackets come in various shapes and sizes, with parkas as one of the warmest options. So, to separate the best from the rest, consider the following elements:
– MATERIALS
High-quality materials are crucial for designing quality clothing, and that’s why buyers should never compromise with this aspect. Look for jackets with a water-repelling outer shell and durable inner component. Likewise, sturdy zippers can signify that the manufacturer didn’t cut costs when making the jacket.
– COMFORT
Regardless of how warm and protective the jacket might be, it will never become your favorite option unless it provides maximum comfort and coziness. So, look for parkas with oversized hoods and jackets with a soft inner shell that will cradle your body and give a comfortable sensation.
– FUNCTIONALITY
Besides skiing or snowboarding, winter jackets help us tackle many tasks in freezing temperatures. For that reason, parkas and other models must be as practical as possible, with many pockets and well-built zippers. Thus, look for winter jackets that offer enough space for your gloves, goggles, phones, or even EDC pouches and other outdoor gear.
– COST
Last but not least, we should mention the price, given that overly expensive winter jackets might not provide the best protection. On the contrary, even budget-friendly parkas and affordable jackets can get the job done. Therefore, look for winter jackets offering the best price to value ratio, such as L.L. Bean Men’s Baxter State Parka.
L.L. BEAN BAXTER STATE PARKA REVIEW
L.L. Bean’s winter jackets are field-tested and extra durable. The same goes for the insulated Baxter State parka; their warmest model tested in the New Hampshire White Mountains. But, of course, there’s more where that came from, so let’s check it out.
PREMIUM MATERIALS
Primarily, we should mention the advanced TEK2 fabric, a rugged, waterproof material that can repel up to 7.5 gallons of “lab rain” in a 10-minute test. In essence, the outer shell features a 100% polyester fabric, ideal for winter sports and similar outdoor activities.
Likewise, the 100% nylon lining is resilient and durable. Thus, this parka should survive plenty of wear and tear, even in the harshest environments.
COOL-LOOKING DESIGN
Currently, L.L. Bean Men’s Baxter State Parka comes in three colors: charcoal heather, kelp green heather, and dark red. The first two options are less attention-grabbing than the bright red, but this parka looks excellent regardless of the color.
For instance, the internal drawcord at the waist gives it the necessary structure and reduces the famous bulky feeling we get while wearing traditional parkas and winter jackets. Overall, the elegant Baxter State parka follows the classic design with a few modern details.
For instance, the oversized hood offers an excellent fit and provides warmth thanks to its synthetic fur ruff. At the same time, the hood boosts the points for aesthetics, making the L.L. Bean Baxter State Parka one of the best winter jackets money can buy in 2022.
SPACIOUS POCKETS
\We already mentioned the importance of pockets and compartments for winter clothing. Well, L.L. Bean is also aware of this aspect, and their Baxter State Parka exceeds expectations regarding carrying capacity.
Namely, you get seven exterior pockets and three interior compartments. On the outside, the oversized chest-warmers come with angled zippers, while the spacious waste pockets feature a snap-closure system. Similarly, the internal compartments feature various open/close methods.
In any case, you’ll have more than enough storage space for your winter essentials.
HEAT RETENTION
Arguably, the essential elements of any winter jacket are insulation and temperature regulation. Of course, the 80/20 down with the Premium Bean Tested 650 fill holds the secret for Baxter State Parka’s exceptional performances.
An impressive volume of down, trapped beneath a waterproof shell, works like a dream, even in extra-cold areas. In addition, the storm flaps on the two-way zipper provide extra protection from wind, rain, and snow.
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
From what we’ve seen during our L.L. Bean Men’s Baxter State Parka review, this model is worth every penny. It offers everything you could need in a winter jacket, including top-drawer insulation and heat retention.
Best of all, this parka is functional and modern-looking, and you can wear it on various occasions. If skiing or snowboarding is your passion, or if you enjoy long walks in the snow, the Baxter State parka will not disappoint.
