Filson Tin Cloth Coats

J

Josh Feltman

Joined
Feb 12, 2001
Messages
4,501
Anybody have one? What style? Pros and cons? Does the fabric breathe? I've got a packer hat in the oil finish tin cloth, and I'm trying to decide if I should get a coat to go with it. My wife would probably kill me, as she doesn't like the smell of tin cloth:D.
Thanks,
--Josh
 
If it's tough you want then it's Filson. I don't buy them anymore
because at my age (56) I'll never wear it out. Toughtest stuff I've
ever owned.
 
I ordered a packer coat and sent it back. It was very well made,, but the fabric is impregnated with a waxy substance that rubs off on your hands and makes the coat seem slightly damp. If I was working construction outdoors in the winter, I would buy one, but for a casual winter coat, no sir, I don't like it.
 
Josh,

I have the double tin cloth pants. I've used them a lot in Alaska and the Yukon. Also winters in Arizona. They are incredibly durable and resist everything from moisture to those nasty catclaw thornbushes. They are baggy enough to get reasonable air circulation over your legs but will be a little hotter in tighter areas (waist, crotch, etc.). They are definitely not breathable, but I've never found anything that's really waterproof to be very breathable. By the time they get done making those high-tech parkas out of 2-3 layer Goretex, they're not very breathable either. Even my old single layer Goretex jacket wasn't particularly breathable.

I'm moving to Alaska and have been considering the Packer coat for that environment. Up there, you're sometimes betting your survival on the durability of your gear. I like the double arms and shoulders for ruggedness. I've worn the coat briefly at a few outdoor shows and feel that unless you cinch the bottom for warmth retention, there is a reasonable amount of air circulation for average walking. However, if I were hauling a heavy pack or cross-country skiing at a hard pace, I believe that the moisture generated by my body would exceed the evaporation facilitated by the modest air circulation.

The tin cloth definitely has a different feel and smell, as you know from your hat. I don't think that would be a problem for my intended application. However, I haven't bought one yet because the amount of time I presently spend in harsh winter conditions just hasn't justified it.
 
Hi Josh- You can get the tin cloth with the oil finish or without.
The oil finish is OK for a hat but on a jacket it's a little too much.
I've heard people say the oily coating get's on things, get's messy, etc.. I have never owned an oil finish jacket but I have a regular tin cloth jacket and it's fantastic.
It's easy to move around in and it has plenty of pockets. It's also practically bulletproof, as far as the breathing aspect I honestly never noticed it.
Here's a picture of my jacket, I think it's style 60 or 62, something like that.
If you don't want to pay full price for one then go on ebay and you can find a good conditioned used one for a good price !!!!

Donald :)
 

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Before you buy a Filson, check out Lewis Creek coats.
They put Filson to shame.
Drier finish, very heavy duty waxed cotton fabric, nicely styled, beautiful drape, many deep totally waterproof pockets, and the heaviest duty all brass zippers I've ever seen.
I have the Stockton Barn Jacket which actually looks like leather from a few feet away. I bought it a bit oversize to wear over fleece or a wool sweater when it gets cold. Lewis Creek also sells zip in liners for the coats.
They're not cheap, but I can't imagine ever wearing one out.
Lenny
 
Lenny,

Thanks a lot for the reference. I really like the looks of the Lewis Creek products, and some of the features are impressive. I checked out the Labrador coat and for everything but extreme use, it looks like it might have several advantages over the Filson Packer. However, I note that it is a single layer of fabric and is designated as "midweight". For extreme conditions use in Alaska, the Filson with the double layer shell might not be as nicely finished but might still have an advantage in "bombproofness". I'll have to give that some thought.

If I were looking for a midweight jacket I would jump on one that Lewis Creek has on its "clearance rack". They've got a $320 Marshfield midweight jacket marked down to $160 if you happen to take an XL size and like chocolate as a color. I'm a "yes" in both departments, but I don't really need another midweight. I would like to see the company introduce an extreme duty version of the Labrador.

Thanks again.
 
DWK... Carhartt is the old standby here in Fairbanks, with the blackliner it's comfortable down to 50 below if you layer properly..I find that you don't really need waterproofness in the winter.If it's raining cats and dogs I stay in the tent:D
 
There is NO COMPARISON. If you want to diddle around on the weekends, then you will not like Filson. Its stiff and you can't clean it. Finish does not come off. If you really work outdoors in cold wet conditions or do a lot of hunting in rough really brushy terrain, then Filson is for you. Double tin cloth pants and jackets stand up to the toughest abuse and thickest thorns. Will not wear out! Have been in drenching rain, waiting for geese, hands almost not moving but body warm and dry with Filson. Have lots of GoreTex for backpacking, skiing but when the going gets tough, Filson goes on! -Dick
 
Thanks for all the imput, folks. Whatever I get will have to have a removable liner-- I've got a Carhartt ranch coat with a quilted liner, and it can get too warm really fast depending on the weather conditions.
--Josh
 
Budman,

Thanks for your comments. I'm planning to be down in the "Banana Belt" of Alaska (the Kenai or thereabouts), so precipitation will probably be in liquid form a little more of the year. However, I agree that the Carhartts are good jackets and the prices are very fair. I was going to buy one for late season elk hunting in Idaho, but my host said "Are you nuts? That thing is way too close to the color of an elk!" (same problem with the Filson). I ended up with a camo jacket and a camo orange hat.

Budrichard,

Your experience is consistent with what I've found with the double tin cloth pants. Thanks for the input.
 
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