Filson: Mackinaw cruiser vs Double mac

coyote711

coyote711

Joined
Sep 19, 2009
Messages
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I've read all the user reviews on the Filson site for these two coats, and have pretty well decided that I need one of them ..... just can't decide which one! Yeah, I know - buy one of each. Maybe later, but for starters one will have to do. ;)

On occasion temps can drop down to -20F here, but normal low winter temps range from -10 to +10. On the one hand I think, "Get the single mac and layer under it - and when temps warm up a bit I can just wear it alone, i.e. coat is more useable for a wider range of temperatures". On the other hand I'm thinking, "If you want a winter coat, stop messin' around and get the double mac". I guess I'm just looking for any personal experiences or insight you can give me that will help me make the decision. Thanks! :thumbup:
 
For the temps you are describing, I would go with the double. I have owned one for the past 12 years. The doubling also helps in wet or windy conditions. Speaking of windy conditions, even the double needs some support. I wear a Filson wool vest under the coat and that third layer does the trick.
 
I had both and hardly ever used the double mac after I purchased a single. I sold them when I lost some weight, and will only replace the single mac. Live in Northern WI.
 
I'm ordering a single. the double looks crazy warm, dead of winter only probably.

I think i can use the single throughout fall and winters with different levels of layering.
 
If you go to the Filson site www.Filson.com and look up both jackets, there's about 40+ reviews of each which may help you. I did not like the way the double felt when I tried it on, but given your normal winter temperatures, I'd go with that one (and it seems you're leaning that way). In my experience I think you'd find the single a bit too cold for your weather.
Good luck...can't lose either way.
Steve
 
I have the double Mack, and it's warm but not crazy warm. I'd say it's fine for temps in the low 40's and below. Keep in mind, it's not double over the whole coat, just a cape over the shoulders and down the sleeves.

I would say however that the biggest factor is how close the coat fits. I found mine to be sized a bit large, so perhaps it would be warmer a size smaller.
 
Love the double Mac, but just couldn't convince myself to spend that kind of scratch.
I bought a Navy issue Peacoat from eBay instead.
It's from 1966 and cost $50.
The wool is 36 oz and very dense to block the wind.
I think Filson uses 24 oz wool and I've heard it doesn't block the wind that well.
The Peacoat also has a great collar that completely overlaps your upper chest and neck in 2 layers of wool when buttoned closed.
Courderoy lined hand warmer pockets, 2 inside pockets, rayon lining.
It looks good dressed up or dressed down.
Now, since this is an orig issue, from 1966, it's been sitting around for a while.
It's in great, but not perfect condition.
There are a few moth nibbles here and there, but nothing that goes all the way through to compromise warmth.
The dark navy color goes with just about anything too.
If you decide to go this route, definitely get a mil issue one. Modern repros, even ones costing 3-$400 use an inferior wool.
If you'd like a link to a site that will tell you everything you'd ever want to know about these coats, email me.
Lenny
 
Lenny said:
Love the double Mac, but just couldn't convince myself to spend that kind of scratch.
I bought a Navy issue Peacoat from eBay instead.
It's from 1966 and cost $50.
The wool is 36 oz and very dense to block the wind.
Filson uses 26 oz wool and I've heard it doesn't block the wind that well.
The Peacoat also has a great collar that completely overlaps your upper chest and neck in 2 layers of wool when buttoned closed.
Courderoy lined hand warmer pockets, 2 inside pockets, rayon lining.
It looks good dressed up or dressed down.
Now, since this is an orig issue, from 1966, it's been sitting around for a while.
It's in great, but not perfect condition.
There are a few moth nibbles here and there, but nothing that goes all the way through to compromise warmth.
The dark navy color goes with just about anything too.
If you decide to go this route, definitely get a mil issue one. Modern repros, even ones costing 3-$400 use an inferior wool.
If you'd like a link to a site that will tell you everything you'd ever want to know about these coats, email me.
Lenny
Click to expand...

Fixed it for you:D( The charcoal is 24 OZ., but the rest of the colors are 26 OZ.(I do not know why the best color is the lightest weight, maybe they know they can save money because most people will choose the charcoal. just my guess.)
 
I didn't know that!
Figures cuz charcoal is my favorite color too.
Lenny
 
Double. Since wool breaths, they are comfortable in a wide range of temperatures.
 
I would also go with the double. I don't think Filson's wool is overly thick. I have been wearing Filson garments with their thickest wool well above freezing temps. If you ever stop to do some animal watching/hunting or for lunch, you'll be glad you got the double.

DancesWithKnives
 
Thanks for all the input, guys! It's been a couple weeks since my OP, and in the meantime I bought a "Yukon Wool Weekender" off the bay - 24oz charcoal. Haven't rec'd it yet, but it was labeled as new, but from the pics it looked to be last years' (or two years ago) model. Got it for less than $100 shipped, so decided to take a chance on it. I already have a Filson wool vest and merino wool (not Filson) underwear, so I'll give the layering thing a try.

IF that's not warm enough, I'll definitely go for the Double Mac. I wouldn't see much point in having the Weekender and a single Mac.
 
coyote711 said:
Thanks for all the input, guys! It's been a couple weeks since my OP, and in the meantime I bought a "Yukon Wool Weekender" off the bay - 24oz charcoal. Haven't rec'd it yet, but it was labeled as new, but from the pics it looked to be last years' (or two years ago) model. Got it for less than $100 shipped, so decided to take a chance on it. I already have a Filson wool vest and merino wool (not Filson) underwear, so I'll give the layering thing a try.

IF that's not warm enough, I'll definitely go for the Double Mac. I wouldn't see much point in having the Weekender and a single Mac.
Click to expand...
Good deal on teh Yukon. Good point about overlap with a single mac cruiser.
 
Great price on the Filson Yukon coat Keith.

I have various Filson coats but my favorite is the Mackinaw Cruiser (in Forest Green) due to the many pockets, traditional styling, and heavyweight 26 oz. wool (except for Charcoal, which is 24 oz. -- don't know why). The Mack Cruiser is just one of those coats you can wear in any weather -- layered in cold weather and unlayered in warmer weather.

I'm sure the Double Mack Cruiser would be a perfect coat in very cold weather, but it doesn't get that cold where I live (northern California).

All kinds of other great Filson products too, including the Medium Field Bag, various briefcases, belts, and Shelter Cloth Packer. Tin Cloth Packer and Tin Cruiser are fantastic too, but a little more limited in everyday use, due to the stiff, heavy duty nature of the material. Some people swear by the Tin Cloth, but you've got to be prepared for the weight of the fabric and the fact that the coat will stand up on its own if placed upright on the floor!

John
 
I forgot about this thread until John brought it to the top again ..... guess it's time for an update. The Weekender is a great coat, but even with the wool mackinaw vest underneath, with a 15 - 20 mph wind and temps in the single digits (above zero), it wasn't quite enough. So I ended up buying a Double Mac also.

First outing was a two mile hike on the local nature trail. It was 2 degrees below zero with probably a 10 mph wind. I wasn't quite sure what to expect so I loaded up - merino wool base layer, wool shirt, mackinaw wool vest, and the Double Mac. Turned out to be overkill - I was plenty warm and started to sweat after the first mile or so. (I had to unbutton the top couple buttons on the Mac to cool off)! Anyway, bottom line for me is the Double Mac is the best coat I've ever had the pleasure to own.
 
I'm not surprised that the Double Mack kept you warm Keith. I'm thinking about getting one myself but wonder if it will be overkill for weather over 30 degrees. What do you think? Maybe it would be fine without all the layering underneath?

Bottom line, there's nothing like wool to keep you warm and Filson gets it right.

John
 
JohnM said:
I'm not surprised that the Double Mack kept you warm Keith. I'm thinking about getting one myself but wonder if it will be overkill for weather over 30 degrees. What do you think? Maybe it would be fine without all the layering underneath?

Bottom line, there's nothing like wool to keep you warm and Filson gets it right.

John
Click to expand...

Hi John! The Double Mac may be overkill for temps above freezing. BUT ..... that depends on wind speed, whether you're moving or just sitting, personal metabolism and how easily you overheat and work up a sweat, etc. And here's another "but" ..... check some of the previous posts, including the ones by Matteo Escobar, pvicenzi, and DWK2: you'll find it really is a personal thing. I haven't had my double long enough to be able to speak from experience, so far be it from me to dissuade anyone from buying the Double Mac! ;)
 
Thanks Keith. I just noticed the Shakespeare line below your name -- what a great quote!

John
 
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