More Filson coat questions - choices

DaveH

DaveH

Joined
Dec 2, 1999
Messages
12,249
I went back and read all the Filson threads in the past year or two and I've spent quite a bit of time on their site and pouring over the Filson catalog.

I went today to a outdoor store and what do you know they had a selection of hats and coats! Unfortunately seeing them in real life has made it more difficult to come to some sort of descision.

Here are my ideas and I would appreciate your thoughts on the matter:

Mac Vest, very nice, I'll probably get one because it so nice and kind of cold around the house so I can wear it often.

Double Mac Cruiser - I really liked this coat, I'd probably have to order it with extra length, and If I got it I don't have much winter left.

Tin Cloth Packer coat - I hadn't really considered these seriously, but seeing them in person and I really want one, Not quite rational because other than walking the dog I'm not outside that much. (And I'd want a zip in liner too)

Oil Treated cloth coat (not tin cloth) - This seem nice too and of reasonable weight I could wear it when cool and zip a liner in when colder.

I can't stand it! I want them all!

(And I've been bidding (and losing) on ebay)
 
I have been a large filson fan for a long time and am always turning people on to their stuff. You didn't mention what climate you live in but here in vermont where I normally dress in layers I am happy with the makinaw in wool even at the top of our highest peak. I have had many people remark that if you are going to be active at all the double makinaw is too much. Might be better for stationary activities like deer hunting. If you are not working in the jacket no need for the tin cloth especially the waxed version as it will take you for ever to break it in so it is not stiff and will not be as warm.
 
Great products I have 3 vests and 3 coats a double mack,reg mack, and the dry finish coat also the double tin chaps for bird hunting they wear like iron and last you will not be disapointed
 
I went to a store yesterday and spent close to an hour trying on different coats.

Unfortunately I tried the double mac and it was way too blousy under the arms and in the chest, but closer at the hips. And the sleaves where quite a bit too short, I'd have to order it in long.

I tried on the oil shelter cloth packer coat and it was much more evenly fitting, in a large the arms where long enough, but it was way over size. In a medium the arms and length was too short but it fit in the chest.

I was very close to getting a zip in vest, it fit, but it didn't have all the pockets.

In the end I ended up buying a woolrich wool shirt-jac that fits well and evenly. not quite what I thought I wanted but I'm very happy with it.

I'll just have to consider alternatives, or figure osmething out in the size/length issue.
 
Originally posted by DaveH


In the end I ended up buying a woolrich wool shirt-jac that fits well and evenly. not quite what I thought I wanted but I'm very happy with it.
Click to expand...

Which one? Is it all wool? Some of 'em I've seen had linings, and this turned me off.
 
I just received my double Mac about 3 weeks ago. It's awesome.

I highly recommend it. If you are looking for a real winter coat, especially for Vermont winters, the double Mac is not too much. I have yet to become overheated in it, although I stay plenty warm. But as you know, it's been a brutal winter here.

The double Mac has cargo-style pockets: two on the bottom (with hand warmer pockets in the sides) and two up top, behind the cape. The best part: the top pocket on the left hand side has a three piece pocket built onto it, and has become a perfect home for my pen, Inova flashlight, and a Queen D2 stockman.
 
I have so much of this stuff that my wife teases me that I have one of everything in the catalogue.... not entirely true, but close!;) The garments that I wear the most are one of my three vests... two wool vests, and one dry-finish tin-cloth. The latter has a ton of pockets which is always useful. The wool vests have handwarmer pockets which is nice too. The wool vests are quite classy looking, and layer quite effectively.
I also have a double-mac wool cruiser. This coat rocks! Very warm, with a ton of pockets as previously noted.
I also have a belt-length oil finish shelter cloth coat. This material is excellent... blocks the wind effectively, is water repellent. My regret with this one is that it is an older model and does not have the zip in liner capability. No probs though, I just wear one of my wool vests under it for added warmth. I usually wear this combo down into the 20's or so, then switch to the double mac for colder.
As far as shirts go, the safari cloth is my favorite. It cuts the wind decently, and is a fairly substantial weight to it. I also have a feather-cloth shirt. I love the light weight of this fabric, but it wrinkles like the devil. However, it is a great shirt for fishing... big pockets on the chest, decent skeeter protection, and the fish don't care if I have a wrinkled shirt. I also have an Alaskan guide shirt... kinda like a flannel shirt on steroids. It is very warm, fairly wind resistant, and an overall good winter shirt. I tried the shelter cloth shirts and personally didn't care for them, as they were too heavy a weight for this sweaty swede. The wool shirt-jac looks intriguing, but is a little pricey.
Their sweaters are absolutely worth the cost. I have the lighter weight one with the henley type collar... good to open up if getting too hot. The heavier weight ones are fantastic, and would be an excellent choice for being outdoors in a relatively sedentary situation such as sitting in a duck blind or on a deer stand. Again, I would opt for the button front henley style for ventilation purposes.
Their luggage is top-notch and definately worth the money. I have the extra large outfitter bag. Has separate compartments that work well for throwing a pair of boots and muddy hunting pants into. It holds a ton of stuff. I also have the briefcase. It is a very sturdy model, but I would suggest getting the larger version or the lap-top model because you can hold even more stuff. I also have the gear bag (unsure of the model name). I use it for holding my boxes of shotgun shells, shooting glasses, gloves, ear protection and shell bag when I go on my monthly skeet shooting adventures. They make fine gun and rod cases too, but alas don't have them yet.
Hats... I have about a dozen of them, ranging from the tin-cloth packer hat, which is just about my daily winter hat, to feather cloth long-billed caps... which make fine fishing hats in the summer. I also have various wool and shelter cloth hats which are all good too.
Footwear... top-notch all the way. Well worth the money too. I have the unlined leather boots, and the shoes. The removable cork foot-bed makes for a very comfortable shoe. I however, do not care for their socks... the light weight wool ones I had actually tore when I was putting them on, and the ankle hole seems to be made for someone with skinny little bird legs... too tight!

Whew! Did I miss anything?
Get yourself a bunch of Filson stuff, you won't be disappointed.
My .02
Mongo
 
Filson's stuff is awsome- tin cloth shrinks a bit when wet, though... Have had a woolrich shirt for the past 11 years--my striped bass shirt-- and it has held up like you wouldn't believe!
 
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