Wool jackets

Take care as it is hand wash only. Throwing it in the washing machine will do a number on it. That is the only downside I can see.
 
I'm more inclined to go with a merino wool base-layer and a regular wool top.Merino wool isn't the most hardy material as an outer layer !
 
My loving Wife gave me some Minus 33 stuff for Christmas, I was leery of it, as my experience with Merino wool by Smartwool has been less than stellar, the Minus 33 has held up really well (I wear it 2-3 times a week, 10-12 hours a day) but I am wearing it as an under garment. If your outdoor needs don't require real "toughness" that jacket will be fine, if you need toughness I would go with Sleeping Indian, KOM or Pendelton they are expensive but worth it IMO. Good deals are out there if you keep an eye out, I just bought one of the discontinued Weatherby wool parkas, on close out, for $125 (regularly $349). Check your local craigslist(s), clothing section, search word: wool..... Regards, Steve
 
Hey Guys,

I am looking for a durable hunting jacket for the backpacking deer hunting trips I go on each year.

Thanks,

Geoff
 
Take a look at Filson. Expensive, but the quality is first rate old school and will last a life time. I own a Macinaw Cruiser, it's the most comforting garment I own. Stephen
 
Check out Empire Canvas Works. I have their wool camp coat and also a 1/4 zip version and both of them are excellent. You will not find better quality, nor better customer service.
 
another cool source for some nice wool garment's is www.gfredasbell.com i have the O.D. green wool pullover with a hood.. i love it... i think i'm going to order a gray one soon too...:D
 
I would be wondering what quality merino they are using in their stuff. Icebreaker buys something like 80% of the New Zealand merino, so they get all the primo stuff. I own a LOT (30+) of merino pieces and nothing ever comes close to the softness and quality of the Icebreaker merino.

That said, as others have mentioned, merino is not very good on its own as an outer layer. You probably want to use a different material or find a merino piece with a windbreaker layer sewn into the inside.
 
G'day Storl

storl said:
...Icebreaker buys something like 80% of the New Zealand merino, so they get all the primo stuff...
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They certainly get most of the merino produced in NZ :D

Bear in mind, NZ is not the only country in the world that produces premium merino wool :D



Kind regards
Mick
 
I'm a long time (35+ year) user of Filson and can't speak highly enough of it. It is very expensive but I still wear my first coat. You'll get tired of it before it wears out - it won't wear out!
I own many pieces of their wool and oil cloth and have never been let down. If you can afford a Filson then go for it with confidence.

However, mtnfolk mike recently got me excited about the gfredasbell pullover he linked too above. While not on the same exact par in worksmanship with Filson it is still a high quality garment especially for the price point. Wow, is it nice. I've worn it a half dozen times since I got it and have worn it in the woods and will again this weekend. The material is of very high quality and the design it good. The lady who makes them is extremely nice and helpful over the phone. She made mine to order. I got mine in the mackinaw configuration. I've worn my pullover with just a short sleeve Under Armorer Tee underneath and experienced no itching or scratching. Nice, nice stuff!

I like, mtnfolk mike, will be ordering another soon.
 
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Quirt said:
I'm a long time (35+ year) user of Filson and can't speak highly enough of it. It is very expensive but I still wear my first coat. You'll get tired of it before it wears out - it won't wear out!
I own many pieces of their wool and oil cloth and have never been let down. If you can afford a Filson then go for it with confidence.

However, mtnfolk mike recently got me excited about the gfredasbell pullover he linked too above. While not on the same exact par in worksmanship with Filson it is still a high quality garment especially for the price point. Wow, is it nice. I've worn it a half dozen times since I got it and have worn it in the woods and will again this weekend. The material is of very high quality and the design it good. The lady who makes them is extremely nice and helpful over the phone. She made mine to order. I got mine in the mackinaw configuration. I've worn my pullover with just a short sleeve Under Armorer Tee underneath and experienced no itching or scratching. Nice, nice stuff!

I like, mtnfolk mike, will be ordering another soon.
Click to expand...

very cool... i'm glad you like it... :thumbup: the garments are definitely well worth the price and Teresa is a pure joy to deal with..:)
 
Hey Guys,

What makes the Filson Macinaw Cruiser so good? The gfredasbell pullover is a lot less expensive. Does Filson use a lot more quality wool or is the fit that much better?

Thanks,

Geoff
 
Another option to check out is the older Woolrich jacket with the game pouch. 100% wool non-itchy and built like it's made of iron. Comes in small red/black check and large red/black check. The better or older model has brown chamois lining with a inside pocket. By the way the game pouch can be used to carry things other than game. You can usually find this item on evil-B for $30-$40. used in great shape. These jackets will last a lifetime and can be dry cleaned. I bought one last year and it needed a couple of buttons-called woolrich and they sent me a whole set (8) free. Great customer service long after the original sale. The new one's don't quite make the grade (china). Go for the older one. Good luck in your search!
 
I own both the Filson Mac Cruiser and the Double Mac jacket (two of them actually) as well as one of Teresa gfredasbell's pullovers. These are premier quality garments that will last multiple lifetimes. One of my Double Mac's is on its second generation.

I also own a Woolrich Crusier. It is nice also.

I can't directly speak of the wool on the Filson, Woolrich or Teresa's as I think their all top quality. I'm certain Filson buys a ton more than Teresa. However in her defense the wool she used seem to be of high quality, a tight weave, and the dye has not run yet in the rainstorms I've endured.

I can say her stitching isn't on the same level as Filsons. I've already had one seam blow out and the thread around the collar has already completely come undone. No biggie for me as I just re-sewed it myself. I do hand stitching all the time as I make many of my own garments and gear.

I was disappointed in that in Teresa's garment is snugger than I expected and I'm unable to layer like I had planned. Again, it isn't a huge deal for me as I'll layer over rather than layer under. The hole for the head on Teresa's is barely big enough for me to get my (go ahead and take a cheap shot here) my 5 3/4" head thru. I don't even wear a size 6 hat and the hole is very tight and part of the reason the thread blew out. Also I'm a very propositional kinda guy. My belly isn't large but about the size of my chest or slightly smaller. Yet the belly section is snug.

Now I didn't enter into this purchase lightly. I contacted mtnfolk mike off line and I got an estimate of his height/weight and we're about the same size. I am an inch shorter and 20 pounds lighter. So I order the same size pullover as he has - a medium. I called Teresa and explained my concern about the sizing. I told her I was shorter and slightly less weight than Mike and she said the shirt will be plenty big. Well, plenty big it is not. My wife says it is fine. I prefer function over fashion and I prefer very big bulky clothes to work in the woods. So keep this in perspective here.

NOW, this is no reflection on Teresa and I'm not upset in the least. Again, I manufacturer my own clothes for the wilderness. So I understand the variables and dynamics of home manufacturing clothes and I'll wear this shirt...well let's say, I'll probably be buried in it. I like it that much - warts and all!

Filson is going to have predictable sizing, stitching, and craftmanship. However with Teresa's garment you're getting a "home sewing" garment and I don't mean that as derogitory. I mean that I, myself, would rather have a hand sewn or one-person shop make my clothes. She does a nice job! Teresa will also slightly alter your order to fit you - she will size the sleeves, adjust the hem etc. She is a wonderful women and I will buy from her again.

So - it comes down to - big company, with generally consistant sizing and issues, or working with a one women shop who has excellent customer service with a one-woman shop issues. Wool quality is about the same, but I'm not an expert. I think for the price Teresa's wool garments are awesome. Whenever someone walks up to me now and looks at my shirt, they say "Filson?" and I retort, nope, Teresa. They look at me funny and shrug their shoulders and walk off. I'm wearing Teresa's pullover now and won't take it off until I return from the woods on Sunday. In fact, I'm signing off cuz I've gotta go - I"m out of here!
 
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Hey Geoff,
It sure looks comfortable, and quiet.
I do love my thin merino sweaters under some kind of shell. That's the thing, IMO, since the Minus33 is advertised as a 'Base Layer' It may not have very much wind resistance. more flow through breath-ability instead. There are some nice Woolrich and Filson wool hunting jackets out there. I've seen quite a few at Amvets and Salvation Army, used. My red plaid Woolrich has made it through many years and it was a hand me down from my grandfather.

I do like a nice hoody though. I like the TrueNorth Dragon Fur Nomex hoodie, it's water,wind and fire resistant, yet costs twice the merino one.

Either way, good luck finding what you like and safe hunting:)

Mark
 
Filson's Macinaw Cruiser is made in the USA. Besides all the very practical reasons that I like the Cruiser, it's "coziest" garment I've ever owned. Up front they are pricey, but when you assume that they will last a life time, providing warmth and comfort, they really aren't very expensive. Long term they're a bargin. Several months ago I purchased a pair of Filson Chukka boots and the quality and comfort are amazing. Stephen
 
While Filson is pricey (or rather appears so). It is so good it will be passed down to your next of kin.

I have a friend who has been wearing his cruiser regularly for over 30 years. He just picked up an old one (not even a current pattern) cruiser from a thrift store it is over 50 years old and still more than serviceable.

To compare Filsons fabric to others you have to get into a discussion of thread count etc. Check Filsons site they will give you the info.
 
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