New L.L.Bean Mountain Classic Collection Merges Heritage, Nostalgia and Durable Design

Over the course of its 30-year tenure, the L.L.Bean Mountain Classic collection has earned an enthusiastic following, accompanying adventurers up mountains, downtown and around the world . Now, it’s going back in time.

L.L.Bean is releasing a new fall collection that revisits original 1992 Mountain Classic styles, weaving in iconic patterns and detailing on a competitively priced range of apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment that is trail- and street-ready.

The 2022 Mountain Classic collection is distinguished by iconic "woven alpine trim" taping and patterns sourced from the ‘90s Mountain Classic Supplex Anorak – a style that’s simultaneously familiar and fresh.

“There’s something nostalgic about the taping and pattern play, whether customers recognize it from the original Anorak or have just seen it today,” says L.L.Bean Senior Designer Amy Yeo. “We really wanted to go back to that key 1992 colorway, which is threaded throughout the entire collection, from outerwear to outdoor equipment.”

Standout items include the Mountain Classic Sweater Fleece, Camp Hoody, Half-Zip Mixed Media Fleece combining sweater fleece and sherpa, and the iconic Anorak, each accented by taping and color-blocking.

2022 brings an expanded selection of accessories featuring playful prints and reimagined Mt. Katahdin logos, as well as the most diverse line of Mountain Classic footwear yet, including water-resistant, quilted Slipper Ankle Boots and Slides.

A robust selection for infants, toddlers and kids rounds out the apparel line, including Down, Fleece and Hi-Pile Bunting and choices in headwear like a Cord Trapper for junior outdoorspeople. “We have so many family favorites, for grownups to toddlers,” Yeo says. “It’s part of fulfilling our goal to get the whole family outside.”

In anticipation of winter sports and activities, the collection also includes cold-weather equipment with all-over graphics, like the Mountain Classic Sonic Snow Tube and Winter Walker, and trail-ready staples like the Mountain Classic Cordura Duffle and Mountain Classic Sleeping Bag.

From the beginning, the Mountain Classic collection has always fused style and function, with apparel designed to withstand the harshest of elements that easily doubles as casualwear.

“When it comes to Mountain Classic outerwear, and the Anorak in particular, every fabric goes through heavy testing that must exceed strict performance requirements,” Yeo says. “But the Anorak is also just fun — the colors, the trim, the history — and we want to capitalize on that great sentiment.”

Yeo also notes that, in addition to the Anorak, outerwear staples like the Fleece, Puffer, Down Vest and Insulated Jacket are frequently named on “best of” lists for their quality and tiered pricing, which is by design. “Putting together a true piece of technical outerwear gets expensive,” Yeo says, “But by creating more accessible high-performance apparel and gear, we are able to outfit more people to experience the restorative power of being outside.”

Most Mountain Classic apparel is also available in L.L.Bean’s full size-range for kids and adults, an important step in the company’s commitment to enable outdoor access for all.

The 2022 Mountain Classic collection will be available beginning August 17, with new styles to be introduced throughout the fall season.