Despite increasing competition in the outdoor provisions market in Maine,  LL Bean remains the top choice for avid outdoorsmen and those who feel like they should be. The massive flagship store in Freeport, which is open 24 hours, and the retail outlet here on Congress Street, together have everything you need and tons of stuff you didn’t know you needed. There are synthetic wind breakers and rain jammers and fleece warmers all wrapped up into one sharp-looking jacket with a detachable hood. There are hiking boots and sports gear, tents and canoes, fly rods and even some little fish in a pond in the middle of the Freeport store (they’re off limits though, so don’t get any ideas). LL Bean even sells a line of boxy cotton dresses for the matrons on the homestead. As one reader commented, a vote for LL Bean is a vote for “Maine pride.” Another reader, unconsciously seconding the first in a poetically understated echo, simply wrote “Duh!” Oh, Maine. Sing to us. LL Bean | 95 Main St, Freeport | 877.552.3268 | 542 Congress St, Portland | 207. 772.5100 |  www.llbean.com