When it comes to choosing a winter jacket, L.L. Bean and Canada Goose have everything you might need.
Both companies make really warm coats, but they are different in their materials, styles, and target markets.
L.L. Bean has a wide range of jackets at more affordable prices, while Canada Goose is famous for its premium down insulation and luxury-level prices which many say are worth it.
In this article, we’ll compare their main features to find out which is the better jacket brand for your needs.
So, let’s get started!
Contents:
1. L.L. Bean Jackets
History of the Brand
L.L. Bean’s official website
L.L. Bean has a long history dating back over a century to 1912 when it was established in Freeport, Maine, where it remains headquartered to this day.
The company was founded by Leon Leonwood Bean, an outdoorsman who initially created and sold the Maine Hunting Shoe, a waterproof and lightweight rubber boot suitable for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. Over time, their product line expanded to meet the growing demand for high-quality gear.
Currently, L.L. Bean operates over 50 retail stores in the United States and Japan, in addition to its global online stores. The brand has gained recognition through various media appearances and established the Outdoor Discovery Schools, offering nature-based skill-building and recreational excursions.
L.L. Bean is known for its innovative, high-quality products that set it apart from others in the industry.
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Materials, Fabrics, and Production Process
Brands such as L.L. Bean, known for their emphasis on developing high-performance products, do not solely depend on conventional materials like polyester or nylon. Instead, they integrate cutting-edge technologies and even innovate their own materials.
For instance, L.L. Bean utilizes industry-standard materials like Gore-Tex, renowned for its exceptional durability, weather resistance, and breathability. Additionally, they incorporate fabrics from Loomia and PrimaLoft, including the use of PrimaLoft’s synthetic insulation.
Next, they employ cotton, often waxed to enhance weather resistance in some of their lightweight, comfortable jackets. Their winter coats feature natural down insulation and PrimaLoft’s premium synthetic insulation, ensuring reliable warmth in extreme winter conditions.
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Read also: L.L. Bean vs Columbia: Which Brand is Better?
Where are L.L. Bean jackets made?
L.L. Bean produces a significant portion of its gear in the United States, particularly in Maine. This encompasses several of the company’s traditional and unique creations, including their famous footwear. Nevertheless, a substantial part of their other items are manufactured in various facilities worldwide, predominantly in Asia.
Recommended Jackets
L.L. Bean Men’s Maine Warden’s 3-in-1 GORE-TEX Parka
Image: llbean.com
Check it out at LLBean.com
The Men’s Maine Warden’s 3-in-1 Parka is a robust and versatile jacket crafted to endure cold temperatures, drawing on the knowledge of Maine wardens. It boasts a durable GORE-TEX outer layer for effective waterproof and windproof shielding and features a detachable, down-insulated inner jacket for added warmth.
The parka offers generous coverage, extending below the hip, and is built with multiple pockets for convenient storage. Constructed from ripstop nylon for the outer shell and primarily nylon and polyester for the inner components, the entire garment is machine washable for maintenance.
It’s designed with a classic fit, intended for wear with other layers, and incorporates features such as a removable hood, side zips for enhanced mobility, and a drawcord waist for heat retention. The 3-in-1 design of the parka allows for the layers to be worn together or separately, suitable for different types of weather.
Despite its good protection, the parka remains lightweight, rendering it a versatile option for outdoor pursuits.
Don’t miss: Lands’ End vs L.L. Bean Outdoor Gear: Which is Better?
L.L. Bean Women’s Maine Mountain Parka
Image: llbean.com
Check it out at LLBean.com
The Women’s Maine Mountain Parka presents a fashionable and functional option for winter outerwear, intended to provide warmth and protection in challenging weather. Made with a waterproof and windproof shell, it incorporates 650-fill DownTek insulation to deliver great heat retention.
This parka extends to mid-thigh and incorporates a two-way zipper with a storm flap, a customizable hood with detachable faux-fur trim, and numerous storage pockets.
Crafted from durable and abrasion-resistant TEK canvas, it features an adaptable waist and articulated sleeves to ensure a comfortable fit and unrestricted mobility. This coat is well-suited for those needing a combination of practicality and style in cold places.
Read next: L.L. Bean vs The North Face: Which is Better?
Prices
When it comes to pricing, L.L. Bean stands out as an accessible brand due to its extensive range of prices. Their jackets and coats are priced between $70 and $500. This diverse pricing strategy offers many choices for every type of consumer.
Are L.L. Bean jackets worth the price?
According to the reputation of L.L. Bean, their jackets are known for comfort and quality. Depending on your needs, the price of their designs is usually justified. Their coats are comfortable, durable, perform well, and are aesthetically pleasing.
Read also: Eddie Bauer vs L.L. Bean: Which Brand is Better?
2. Canada Goose Jackets
History of the Brand
Canada Goose official website: Men’s Langford Parka Heritage
Canada Goose is a well-known brand in North America celebrated for its durable and premium down jackets with luxury prices. The company originated in Toronto, Canada, in 1957 as Metro Sportswear Ltd. and later rebranded to Canada Goose after expanding in Europe.
Initially, the company specialized in producing rain jackets and woolen vests, but later diversified into other functional outdoor clothing. In the 1970s, Canada Goose introduced its first down jacket, which quickly gained popularity.
The brand is famous for its winter wear, providing outstanding insulation compared to other brands that rely on technical materials and fabrics, thanks to the use of high-quality down insulation, considered the finest available.
Read also: 10 Alternatives to Canada Goose that You’ll Love
Materials, Fabrics, and Production Process
Canada Goose coats are mostly produced in Canada and go through an extensive 13-step process to guarantee a comfortable, weather-resistant, and well-insulated final product. The brand prioritizes quality and ensures that all items meet their rigorous standards.
The coats are constructed from premium materials like Polyester, Nylon, and Cotton, which can be used as is or as part of the brand’s exclusive fabrics like Arctic Tech.
To prevent the down insulation from becoming wet, the jackets’ shells are regularly treated with Durable Water Repellent (DWR) as wet down loses its loft and insulating properties. Canada Goose ethically sources its down from Ducks and Geese, ensuring compliance with the Responsible Down Standard. The down’s fill power is also very high in many parkas providing excellent loft.
Some Canada Goose coats include natural fur trim to protect the face from cold winds, especially during stormy blizzards. However, the brand has been gradually moving away from genuine fur in recent years by either phasing it out or using faux fur.
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Recommended Products
Canada Goose Women’s Expedition Parka Heritage
Image: canadagoose.com
Check it out at CanadaGoose.com
The Women’s Expedition Parka Heritage is a traditional parka designed for bad weather conditions, inspired by the needs of researchers in Antarctica. This Canadian-made garment is practical and long-lasting, featuring an adaptable down-filled hood with a detachable fur ruff to endure harsh winds.
The parka is crafted for warmth and comfort, with an interior drawcord at the waist and recessed rib-knit cuffs to retain heat. A snow skirt and a placket with Velcro® closures over the 2-way zipper provide added protection against the elements.
Six exterior pockets offer ample storage, and the parka is built from Arctic Tech® fabric, a durable blend of polyester and cotton that is water-repellent. Insulated with 625 fill power down, it ensures warmth in the harshest climates. The design of this parka reflects Canada Goose’s dedication to quality and functionality.
Read also: Eddie Bauer vs Canada Goose: Which is Better for Jackets?
Canada Goose Men’s Lawrence Puffer
Image: canadagoose.com
Check it out at CanadaGoose.com
The Men’s Lawrence Puffer coat is a classic jacket that delivers excellent protection for everyday use. Built from Recycled Enduraluxe, a durable water-repellant material with a comfortable feel, this coat seamlessly combines functionality and style.
It boasts a quilted body, an adaptable hood, and a two-way front zipper for mobility and breathability. The extended back hem also provides extra coverage, and a reflective double-stripe grab strap is on the back.
With two fleece-lined exterior pockets and three interior pockets, this coat is designed for practicality. It’s insulated with 750 Fill Power Responsibly Sourced Duck Down and is crafted in Canada.
Read next: Canada Goose vs RAB Jackets: Which is Better?
Prices
Canada Goose winter jackets are available at prices ranging from $1,000 to $2,000, depending on the specific style of jacket or coat you decide to buy. The prices of these premium winter coats look excessive in comparison to L.L. Bean, so the real question is whether your investment is justifiable.
Are Canada Goose jackets worth the price?
In our opinion, Canada Goose jackets offer excellent value. The warmth, quality, and performance of Canada Goose are unmatched by many other brands, and the craftsmanship is great. We think the price is worth it if you have the budget, given that a Canada Goose coat tends to last for years, minimizing the need to repurchase it.
Learn more: Why is Canada Goose so Expensive and Popular? Is It Worth It?
3. Which is Better? L.L. Bean or Canada Goose?
Both are very good for their target markets which are a bit different. Let’s see why, to help you with your decision:
- L.L. Bean offers a wider variety of more affordable jackets, including down, fleece, rain, and windbreakers. Their jackets range from about $70 to $500. Canada Goose focuses more on premium down jackets that cost from $1,000 to $2,000.
- Canada Goose down jackets are known for their exceptional warmth and high-quality materials. They use premium goose and duck down with high fill power. L.L. Bean has good quality down jackets but not quite at the same level as Canada Goose.
- Canada Goose jackets feature a sleek, fashionable look with their signature patch and fur-trimmed hoods. L.L. Bean has a more classic and outdoorsy style.
- Canada Goose coats are designed for extreme cold weather whereas L.L. Bean offers jackets suitable for a wide range of climates and activities.
In the end, Canada Goose is better if you want a luxury, high-end winter parka for extreme temperatures. L.L. Bean is our recommendation if you want good quality at lower prices and a variety of options.
Read next:
10 Best Canadian Winter Jacket Brands
12 American Jackets and Outdoor Clothing Brands that You’ll Love
