new coat. Suggestions? Carhartt or Filson

[makey98]

I need a new winter coat for general chores, walking the dogs, and of course beagling! I had a Carhartt Active Jacket for years and loved it. It was broken in, had a nice heavy feel to it, but I couldn't get the smell out, was stained, and had holes all over it. I bought a "upgraded" Carhartt 2 years ago, the Artic Active Jack, with a synthetic material that was supposed to be more water proof, and it was, but it is too stiff, won't break it, doesn't feel as warm because it is lighter and I don't really like it. I like the feeling of a heavy coat when you throw it on. Makes me feel warmer. I am trying to decide between 3 options.

1. Original Carhartt Active Jacket (60-80 bucks) shorter jacket length, hood)

2. Carhartt Duck Coat, 100 bucks, longer length. More better pockets, no hood. )

3. Filson Singe Mackinaw Cruiser ( 250 bucks) longer length, tons of pockets, NO lining) 100% virgin wool. 26oz.

I like the looks of the filson, but there are no stores around here, so i would have to order online. I don't know how much warmer (if at all) the filson is compared to the carhartt because I have never had a wool coat before. which one is warmer? Which would you guys pick? Any other suggestions? Thanks.

[dave g]

filson has always been a great brand. wool is very warm and naturally water resistant. i have had a pair of filson bibs and filson chaps. they have lasted close to ten years now. they are made very good. i dont have any experience with filson wool but i do own a wool coat and i love it in the winter. i just dont have the need for a new one yet. from your choices i would probably get the filson.

later, dave

[steve w]

Not sure that your comparing apples to oranges, Filson is a great product but it is not for everyone. I wear alot of it and the wool is very warm but I am wearing it under one of thier other coats.I use the vests and liner jackets, (same weight wool as the coat your looking at) under mostly the Cover Cloth field jacket.Wool would get torn up quick here in the woods.As far as a chore or wearing out and about coat,I suppose it would be fine if you want to spend the money and have it drycleaned when needed. It would be very comfortable and more than likely keep you as warm as a Carhart, depending on the tempetures your in. They do offer the double Mac for extreme conditions. I would think there has to be a dealer somewhere near you, find one and try it on before you buy or you may end up with another coat your less than satisfied with or else go back to the Carhart you liked so well.Here is a link to the dealer locator, http://www.filson.com/corp/index.jsp?pa ... ocator_txt

[makey98]

Interesting. So Steve, you are saying that it is not really a coat you could wear by itself? I would wear my Carhart coats with a flannel button up in most weather, putting on additional layers if I was going out for a long time or temps were below 20 or so. Is that not the case with the Filson? Anyone else?

[Tundra Beagle]

these guys have some really great coats and jackets check them out http://www.beaglewear.com you will not be diappointed

[big mike 50]

What do you guys think of Woolrich coats?

[DEW/MAN]

I would say the mule hunting coat. That coat is a armor suit, I have one and never will own another coat. I have the bibs and the coat. Man they are a nice combination.

[steve w]

No Makey98 I think it would be warm enough or at least equal to your Carhart, it's the durability in the woods I question. You said your favorite Carhart had holes and odors so I really wondered if a 250.00 Wool coat was the right choice.Carharts duck matieral is much more duable than any wool.And it is washable, wool is not. At least not Filsons, dry clean only. Another factor with wool to consider is your skin sensitive to it. It can make some people itch.I was trying to say try before you buy.

[makey98]

Thanks for all the responses and suggestions. Keep 'em coming.

Tundrabeagle: I looked at the beaglewear and they seem very warm and heavy duty, but they are pretty pricey. Which model do you have?

DewMan: Which coat do you have from Mule. How warm is it? Does it break in nice or is it pretty stiff? Did you get it flannel lined??

[makey98]

Steve,

Yeah I think you are right. The wool looks pretty cool on the site, but may not be the best for me. I got some good new suggestions on here already though!

[Tundra Beagle]

Makey, I have the beagle coat, a benoint jacket and some of there tracker pants. They are 100% waterproof and let me tell you I have every type of hunting gear out there and the beagle wear is top shelf. My oldest beagle coat is 7 years old and it is just as good as the day I bought it. Give them a call they may cut you a deal.

[steve w]

makey98 have you thought about going with a Filson coat in the Shelter Cloth matieral? Tin Cloth is toughest but stiff and hard to break in but I find the Shelter Cloth tough but comfortabe from the begining and then using a vest or jacket underneath like I do. I would start with a vest as I find most of the time it is all I need. It has to be pretty cold with a wind before I want the jacket.But the oil finishis are not really that washable, it can be done but you'll get shrinkage and have to refinish it.
Tundra beagle I have looked at Beaglewear for along time and if I only hunted hare it would be in my closet too, unfortunetly this is not my case and I must put up with the thorns. That looks like some very good stuff.the one thing I know about wool is it is not all the same and you'll get what you pay for. The higher priced stuff will be warmer and more durable than the lower end. The things I notice most is the way its woven, the higher priced stuff seems to be tighter, also it is probobly in most cases a better grade too
Big Mike 50 Woolrich is allright to me for a shirt but I would not buy a coat to hunt in from them, I think there more disigned to wear around town than out in the field.

[DEW/MAN]

Yes it is lined, water proof and come with a hood. I got the hunting jacket is the one I got, the orange with hunting bag made in it. But you can get one of the other they make, I just think it is one tough durable coat. At first it is a little stiff but it is breaking in very nicely.

[Tundra Beagle]

Steve , that is the draw back to wool, not very thorn proof. Not many here just a few blackberry bushes.

[makey98]

Seems a lot of people don't like a windproof liner; makes you get sweaty also. What do you guys think?