The LLBean PacLite shedding water.
Growing up in Maine, there were two related summer traditions: One, that we would go on a canoeing and fishing trip on a different river every summer and, two, that it would rain like hell on that trip. To this day, fishing trips revolve around water: whether too much or too little is in the river, it is rare that I have a fishing trip without rain (or, if fishing Scotland, without snow!). This makes a good, reliable waterproof wading jacket one of the most essential parts of my fly fishing arsenal.
Over the past few months, I’ve been testing the LL Bean PacLite Stowaway Wading Jacket with great results. (Full disclosure: I worked at LLBean as a summer intern years ago during college.)
Made from ultralight GoreTex material, the PacLite is LLBean’s lightest wading jacket. This is a good thing, in so many ways. Over a few months of wearing and carrying this jacket — and you do both when fishing, as the weather changes so quickly — I’ve come to a few conclusions about what I look for in a wading jacket I’d recommend:
- I want a wading jacket that I don’t notice when I’m casting. I’ve worn jackets before that that have so many tabs, pockets, zippers, clasps and accessories that they get tangled in bushes and in my line. I’ve also had them bulky enough in the front that the butt of my rod when Spey casting will get caught in the fabric. Neither scenario is good: you want a jacket balances being light and functional. This jacket does that.
- I want a wading jacket built for the warmest conditions. I can always put layers on under a jacket, but I can’t take layers off a jacket. I’ve never been cold with enough layers on under this jacket.
- But I also want a jacket that will keep my fingers warm. The side pockets, into which you can slide your fingers, help immensely with this, and have saved my hands, and thus the outing, on a few occasions. The neoprene wrist bands also help keep water out, also saving your hands and fingers from too much cold.
- I also want something that’s priced reasonably.
After a few months of testing, this jacket is my go to. That’s not to say it’s absolutely perfect. If I had to offer a few suggestions for improvements it would be:
- I’ve had trouble successfully closing the drawstrings around the hood quickly and with one hand — and that, when fishing a sinking or intermediate line in salt water, is all you have.
- I’ve also sweat up a storm in this jacket. But I don’t necessarily blame the jacket for that: when it’s raining and hot, you have little choice but to endure. This jacket does breathe, and breathe well. Any jacket would have trouble on hot spring and summer days.
In the end, I’d highly recommend his jacket — especially for the price, and with the backing of LLBean’s legendary guarantee.
Tech Specs:
- They claims it “weighs less than most spare spools” and i’d have to agree
- “Stows in its own pocket for packable convenience” — this is true: it is TINY when packed up, making it a great space saver.
- Made from ultra-lightweight and breathable Gore-Tex PacLite fabric
- Adjustable neoprene wrist guards
Price: $179
The LLBean PacLite Stowaway wading jacket drying after a day on the water.
Ample front pockets — here stowing a large fly box.
Hi Ben –
One of my criteria for a rain jacket is that it dries very quickly. I carry mine in the back of my vest, and I often wade deep, soaking the jacket. At the end of the morning, I want to hang the jacket in the breeze and have it dry out rapidly, so I can return it to my vest. How does the LLBean PacLite
perform in this regard?
Andy: Good question. I’ve never tested the PacLite in precisely that way. I’ve always worn it in the rain, and hung it to dry in my garage afterwards. But the material is light enough that I have to think it would dry very quickly, but for the sleeve cuffs with are neoprene and so will take a bit longer to dry. Hope that helps. Best, Ben
I’ve had this jacket for years. I’m on my second one. I am a fan and a customer of LL Bean. This jacket is super light, and very comfortable, with great features like the neoprene cuffs. But, like cars of yesteryear, it is not built to last.
The water resistance of the Gore-Tex breaks down dramatically after a couple seasons. I returned the first jacket when it did so, and the one I own now did likewise in about the same time frame. Simply spraying the fabric with a water-proofing agent is futile (I treated mine before my trip last week and after a few hours of rain the water began seeping through. To rejuvenate the fabric, you need a product to wash and dry in like Nikwax. But in all fairness, one shouldn’t even need to do that.
The prime function of Gore-Tex is to provide you with breathable, water-proof protection. The fabric used in this garment falls short of that..
Steve: Thanks for the insights here. I’m sorry to hear you’ve had such a poor experience with it. I’ve not tested mine over as many seasons, and so can only trust your judgment here. What are you using instead?
Thanks,
Ben
I’m a Scotsman, Ben. So I’m still using it. It’s not like it leaks buckets. But there is a patina of moisture beneath the jacket when it rains.
I just ordered the Nikwax Tekwash and Waterproofer pack. Going to give this jacket one more chance before I get a new one.
Hi there,
I have just received my jacket and am trying to figure out how to pack it into its own pocket. Ive never been good at solving a rubik’s cube, and im afraid, this garment is proving just as difficult. Any tips? Thanks and keep the line tight.
Eric
Eric: Sorry for the delayed reply here — was out in the Berkshires for a few days. I’ve never had trouble packing mine: I literally just stuff it into the sack. This is not the same jacket, but a similar one from LLBean, and note how they stuff it. Sorry I can’t be more helpful here. Best, Ben https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmF0NaiBp0I
Hi Ben,
After a few more months, are you still as happy with the jacket? My old jacket has given up the ghost and I’m trying to decide between the LL Bean Goretex Paclite you review here, and the Patagonia Minimalist ( http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/minimalist-wading-jacket?p=81830-0) for the same price.
Love your blog!
Zak
Zak,
It’s a tough one: on the one hand, I own a lot of Patagucci products, and find them all to be made to the highest quality; on the other, I’m from Maine, used to work at L.L.Bean, and thing they too make a good product — and that they’ve been stepping up their game in recent years when it comes to fishing products. I’ve had my jacket for a year or two, and have been wearing it consistently. It’s shown no signs of breaking down, despite exposure to saltwater. I like the big front pockets, the zips to interior access, and the neoprene cuffs. I’d say go with the L.L.Bean one. Hope that helps — and glad you like the blog! Best, Ben
What color is best, Graphite or Moss? Greyish would blend in with sky and the Moss would blend with brush and trees. I’m undecided. Which would be more versatile? What do you think? Donnie 4 – 2016
Donnie: I have the graphite — but I think either would be fine!