Carhartt vs Cabelas vs Walls....best work coat

[davesl708]

I favor Carhartt for durability. I have a Dickey mid-weight coat I use around the yard that works well too.
However, I would make sure he wants a coat vs what he wears now. Maybe talk to your daughter and see if he wants the heavier clothing. The way he dresses now gives him good flexibility to deal with the temps and freedom of movement. It would be sad if the coat ended up laying in the truck or hanging in the closet.
Picking clothing for others is always a gamble. You know them better than any of us so hope the gift is a hit.

 

[TCJatko]

I'm a huge fan of American-made coats by a company called Refrigiwear. They are still made in Georgia, I believe (they used to manufacture on Long Island). They make nylon or nylon-like shell winter coats that wear for a decade of constant use.

 

[WoodChuckDad]

I appreciate all the feedback. I just ordered a Carhartt full swing Caldwell jacket. It should give decent range of motion. It has a removable hood and he could add a layer or two under it on very cold days. My daughter says he he struggles with the cold all day and comes home exhausted. Multiple sweatshirts over thermals and a "ninja hood" I know he also can't seem to find work gloves that keep his hands warm but allow him to have enough grip and tool control. I bought thru gander mountain. They live in a higher elevation with mountain valley weather. Colder and more snow than a lot of the state. If he tries it on and doesn't like it he can swap it out at Gander mountain. I suspect he will use it.

 

[TheMan419]

That is a good father to your grand kids and you are a good father in law! Hope he likes the jacket. I am sure he will absolutely appreciate the thought behind it.

 

[Paddy]

woodchuckdad,

If the low is lower 20's, I'm not sure he needs that heavy a coat. When working hard, two layers is often enough. As it warms up, you can peal away the layers. The only time I ware my bibs is tractor time moving snow because I'm not moving/working hard.

I'd flat out ask him if he wants a heavy coat

 

[Egon]

For cold weather work a durable one layer outer jacket/pants work well. Back them up with thermal layering underneath. No cotton. It just gets wet and cold.

Heavy and warm is nice if one is not moving much but as soon as the body works hard and produces heat lighter type clothing is desirable.

I guess it's all about letting moisture wick away from the body and covering layers so you can stay dry and warm.

 

[hawkeye08]

For the kind of money you are talking about, I would suggest taking him shopping to find what he wants that will work for him. Or get something and save the receipts so it can be returned if needed.

 

[Tomtint]

My preference is Carhartt,I have a couple of their jackets. One is a very heavy weight quilted liner,thigh lehnth coat that is very warm. The other is a hooded sheep fur type lined coat that is good for temps to about 30*. The other one.. If I have a hoodie under it and a pair of Carhartt lined overalls.... I have never been cold even sub 0*

 

[Rustyiron]

You gotta remember that he needs to wear a tool bag and that complicates things as far as a heavy coat. I always did the layers including a sweatshirt with a hood usually topped with a Carhartt vest. I've been working with some young guys (framing) and they are all into the "under armor". Last winter, refusing to buy $100 underwear, I checked into it, underarmor is basically tight fitting plastic. I found some $10 plastic long johns and a zip up hoodie, also plastic and I am totally sold on this polypropelene, rayon, and what ever other plastic they make it out of. This from a die hard 30 year 100% cotton or wool guy!
Way less bulk and much more comfort. Now I still usually top out with a pair of bibs and a vest, but a whole lot less layers underneath. The vest & bibs allow for great arm movement & bending over, critical in construction.

 

[joeyd]

I've been pretty happy with my Duluth items but I really like Super Casuals for their prices on Carhartt and their seconds. I usually don't even see the reason for the seconds classification.