LL Bean NeoShell Bounder Jacket Review

March 1, 2014
LL Bean NeoShell Bounder Jacket
GEAR INSTITUTE RATINGS
78
Breathability
7
Durability
6
Water Resistance
8
Fit
6
Functionality
3
Value
8

The Good

  • Price
  • Good breathability
  • Solid weatherproofing
  • Quiet fabric doesn't crinkle when moving
  • A little bit of stretch
  • Hood stays out of sight

The Bad

  • No hand pockets
  • Limited pocket space
  • Waterproof zips are stiff
THE VERDICT

A heck of a good price for a great jacket. The few issues aren't major, more minor annoyances and personal preference stuff. For the performance and value we're impressed.

FULL REVIEW

Value
Like Gore, Polartec’s Neoshell can command high prices. Its performance usually makes it worthy. But in the Boundary’s case the price isn’t that steep and the performance is pretty solid. Excellent value.

Weathershedding
After a few years of testing Polartec’s NeoShell we can comfortably say it is up to the task of defending a daylong deluge. In the Boundary specifically, a solid hood helps keep the rain away and waterproof zips make sure it doesn’t leak through.

Breathability
Using convection and diffusion to move heat and humidity from inside to out, Polartec’s NeoShell’s structure is micro-perforated: there’s enough room for air to flow back and forth, but not for wind or rain. It makes NeoShell comparable in breathability to Gore Active and better than most other three layer laminates out there. LL Bean ditched pit zips, which is usually okay for hiking, but up the ante a bit in humid weather and you’ll be wishing for them.

Function
The only two exterior pockets are side by side on the chest, which means there’s nowhere to stick your hands when you’re hanging out. The pockets are also small and their unfortunate position makes it look like you’ve got weird breasts when you store stuff here. On the plus, small items don’t jiggle. The hood cinches tight, but doesn’t fit well over a helmet. A little stretch throughout ensures sleeves do a good job of staying in place, but the shorter, bomber-style cut tends to ride up a bit.

Durability
After a couple months we haven’t made a dent, although the lightweight fabric seems like it would be susceptible under heavy abuse.

Carryability
At 12 ounces it lands in the middle of the test. Respectable, but not amazing. For pack size it scores similarly.

 


Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
USER REVIEWS

No reviews have been posted for this product.

Related posts
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x