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

[Redlands Okie]

Brand name i have been happy with carharts for sure, key brand for another. Something to think about is being able to wear the items.

First thing is FULL LENGHT ZIPPERS ON THE BIBS ! As in from the cuff to the waist ! Makes them so much more usable. No need to take off your boots to take the bibs on and off. You can also lower the zippers from the top to access your pants pockets or to cool down.

Do they FIT ? To long ? Room to wear some clothes under them ? If they do not fit then you just wasted a lot of money and effort. Many brand have limited selection of sizes. Carharts are often bought just like pants. Waist size and leg length. Shop until you find the right size. Yep it can be frustrating. But they will last for years so its really important they fit and not drag on the ground etc etc.

Zippers you can get hold of.
If the zipper gets full of mud or frozen snow can you still get it to work ok.
Elastic in the shoulder straps almost always goes bad but not much you can do about it.
Can you get the shoulder straps attached to the bib easily ? With gloves on ?
Elastic or stretchable material on the collars and cuffs wears fast. Also often it seems to hold on to splinters, sawdust, weeds etc.
Can you fasten the jacket buttons or zippers with gloves on ?
Often times you can add a string or some such to the zipper pull tab you make it easier to grab.
A wind flap in front of the zipper is nice. Behind the zipper is better than none.
Insulated is nice but limits the wear to the coldest times only. I prefer uninsulated and can wear my clothes in layers as needed. Also the uninsulated ones are easier to wash and dry and do not rip out on the inside liner for your feet and hands to snag on. Uninsulated or lightly insulated are also easier to repair if / when they get ripped or torn.

And i repeat myself but Last and VERY IMPORTANT. Full length zippers on the legs. As in from the cuff to the waist band. No need to take off your boots to take the bibs on and off. You can also lower the zippers from the top to access your pants pockets or to cool down.

You have a great idea and something that is useful

 

[Garandman]

You could also give him a gift card for a place like Work 'N Gear. That's where I buy Carhartt, usually. I wear the insulated ear flap cap all winter. They also make a "Radar" cap that's only $13.

 

[Rustyiron]

If you really want something warm try Filson wool coats.

I have a Filson "Double Tin Cruiser" jacket with a wool liner, It's about 12 years old and still too stiff to wear. It's a real nice coat but a son of a gun to break in, the only time I wear it (because it's so stiff) is when there's little to no arm movement involved, like on the tractor. That coat will stand up on the floor without falling over if you pose it just right.

 

[jeff9366]

One piece overalls, with perhaps a sweatshirt, down vest or jacket as final layers over body core, are much warmer than separate jacket and pants. Ensemble can be varied as weather changes.

Carhart's cost a bit more but if clothing article will be worn 15,000+ days, who cares?

 

[Garandman]

Well, give me a few weeks and I'll have a review of the "Sandstone Traditional Coat / Arctic Quilt Lined" from Carhartt. Men's Sandstone Traditional Coat / Arctic Quilt Lined C26 | Carhartt

Made in Mexico, has a pretty heavy denim outside and nylon quilted insulation. Two closing and two outside pockets, and two inside pockets. Seems well reviewed (hard use for many years), now $140. FWIW USGI Field Jacket with liner is about $80.

 

[sixdogs]

I have a Filson "Double Tin Cruiser" jacket with a wool liner, It's about 12 years old and still too stiff to wear. It's a real nice coat but a son of a gun to break in, the only time I wear it (because it's so stiff) is when there's little to no arm movement involved, like on the tractor. That coat will stand up on the floor without falling over if you pose it just right.

You just have to wear the a lot to break the in. It's been 25 years but I called the company and asked how to get some of the wax off, which is what causes the stiffness, and was told to either wash or dry clean it. That did work but I don't remember what my wife did. Call Filson. Next time around, I bought unwaxed.

 

[Jaeger]

I have Carhartt and Walls work gear, both are very good; I do think the Carhartt is more durable.


Don't think you can go wrong with any of them. Check the discount store for irregular or flawed ones. Got a pair of the Carhartt logging pants for $20 which are only getting worked hard anyway not wearing them to the church social.

Wear the arctic Bib and coat as a combo when it's real cold , but usually end up with the bib and Walls realtree camo hoodie for 90% of what I do.

 

[jack707]

I tried Duluth Duluth bibs but I don't really like them I don't like the shoulder strap on them I might cut them off and have a tailor sow better straps on. The zippers are alt better then walls or any other I just don't like that Carr hart not made here anymore.

 

[two_bit_score]

Well, give me a few weeks and I'll have a review of the "Sandstone Traditional Coat / Arctic Quilt Lined" from Carhartt. Men's Sandstone Traditional Coat / Arctic Quilt Lined C26 | Carhartt

Made in Mexico, has a pretty heavy denim outside and nylon quilted insulation. Two closing and two outside pockets, and two inside pockets. Seems well reviewed (hard use for many years), now $140. FWIW USGI Field Jacket with liner is about $80.

Look forward to your review. I've been considering that jacket.

TBS

 

[IslandTractor]

I have their Canyon coat which is probably the warmest they make. Men's Canyon Coat / Brushed Poly Quilt Lined 11683 | Carhartt It is tough, looks great and is very warm. Tons of pockets and man sized zippers. Only beef is that their sizing is off. I am a big guy (6'5" 230) and usually take XL tall sizes. In Carhartt sizing I feel like a midget in their XL tall and should have ordered the L instead. I still use the jacket and it is very comfortable but do be aware that Carhartt sizing is a bit screwy.

 

[Garandman]

I think they are sized to be worn over layers! Also have an XL Tall.

Look forward to your review. I've been considering that jacke

Wore it today to cut down a leaner and buck it. One nice thing about it is that although it doesn't have the pleated shoulder gussets like me the Army, it is cut for very free arm movement. Also it has a nice heavy zipper and will unzip at the bottom as well.

Not insulated but LL Bean has produced a durable field coat for many years. Not insulated.
Men's Field Jacket | Jackets & Coats at L.L.Bean

 

[two_bit_score]

I think they are sized to be worn over layers! Also have an XL Tall.

Wore it today to cut down a leaner and buck it. One nice thing about it is that although it doesn't have the pleated shoulder gussets like me the Army, it is cut for very free arm movement.

Not insulated but LL Bean has produced a durable field coat for many years. Not insulated.
Men's Field Jacket | Jackets & Coats at L.L.Bean

If the Beene coat was insulated it might be good.

I just gave my Active Jacket (J130) to my son and I'm looking for options to replace it.
Two things about that C26 is no hood and the front outside pockets are not insulated.

How was it in the cold?


TBS

 

[IXLR8]

When working outside in the cold I typically wear coveralls. I have a set from Carhartt and a set from Walls. The Carhartt's are warmer and heavier duty than the Walls.

 

[IslandTractor]

I think they are sized to be worn over layers! Also have an XL Tall.

Understood but that is true of most serious outerwear and the Carhartt sizing is just bigger than typical. I can wear an entire extra coat as well as sweater etc under mine and it is still roomy. No knock on the product but if you intend to purchase online it might be a good idea to order two sizes and plan to return one. I take advantage of the oversizing by using it only when it's cold enough to justify wearing a down sweater or jacket under the Carhartt. Great for snowblowing during a nor'easter. Not so great for walking in 32 degree or higher weather or as a car coat. I tend to wear mine only when I need to put on Sorel boots as well. Rarely wear it except in Jan/Feb in New England.

 

[jack707]

I have their Canyon coat which is probably the warmest they make. Men's Canyon Coat / Brushed Poly Quilt Lined 11683 | Carhartt It is tough, looks great and is very warm. Tons of pockets and man sized zippers. Only beef is that their sizing is off. I am a big guy (6'5" 230) and usually take XL tall sizes. In Carhartt sizing I feel like a midget in their XL tall and should have ordered the L instead. I still use the jacket and it is very comfortable but do be aware that Carhartt sizing is a bit screwy.

That's the same jacket I have it just took me 11 months of work to get it free!.

Look forward to your review. I've been considering that jacket.

TBS