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<p>I’m pretty sure Squall is an LL Bean brand – it’s a type of jacket they sell a lot of. For winterwear, you can probably find everything at LL Bean, North Face, or Patagonia. </p>
<p>FWIW my son wears shorts in the winter…</p>
<p>Re BeanTownGirl’s post – last winter was NOT the standard by which to judge Massachusetts winters. </p>
<p>If you are just visiting the area, you will most likely be able to get by as long as you have a lined jacket and a sweater to wear under it, as well as some sort of footwear that could withstand slush or rain (for a worst case scenario).</p>
<p>Is LL Bean considered better than Land’s End (quality wise)?</p>
<p>I would say LL Bean has the better reputation, but generally college students prefer North Face.</p>
<p>I would say LLBean is higher quality, but more expensive.</p>
<p>Both are too frumpy for teenagers, according to my DD.</p>
<p>Squall is just a name that Lands End gives that particular jacket. I think that jacket is polyester filled. Polyester is a synthetic fabric which provides insulation when it’s made in a particular way. It washes fairly well in a regular washing machine and dryer. Down jackets are filled with feathers. The best quality is usually goose feathers. Some down is washable…but not quite as easy to wash and dry as polyester. Many cold weather inhabitants say that down is the only way to go…but I find it is too hot.</p>
<p>Neither of those jackets are fashion statements. But they’re a great price and they’ll keep you warm in Western Mass in Jan.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone! I’m not too worried about how fashionable (or not fashionable) they are. I just don’t want to freeze that’s all lol</p>
<p>Don’t forget your wellies. Seriously, you’ll need them.</p>
<p>There was an article in the Boston Globe a while ago (during the mild winter) about how the LL Bean boot (a classic) is quickly becoming the new “in” gear for college students. It is one of the best boots EVER made. Our entire family swears by them and my three kids have always worn them. I have had mine (a low cut, slip on version) for over twenty years and my younger D (a BC double eagle and fashion diva) always has them on during the slushy season (could go from October to May:) ). I would also suggest a good lined windbreaker type of garment and a good pair of gloves. The cold wind bothers me more than anything else. Layering is also important. I do agree with several who said that LL Bean is a little old for a college student, but seriously, check out their classic boot. If you buy a pair, you will wear them whenever the weather is messy and you will wear them forever.</p>