Filson tin cloth jackets....and alternatives?


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zuren

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For the longest time I have wanted a Filson Tin Cloth Cruiser Jacket but could never bring myself to spend the money, especially since I had other jackets that worked. These other jackets are wearing out so I'm revisiting the Filson idea based on what I used to know about these jackets....made in USA and would probably outlast me.

But now I'm not reading great things about Filson. It seems that most/all of their tin cloth models are made in Asia. Prices have gone up (as with almost all things). I've read some issues with durability and comments that "they are not what they used to be". Seems that there are still supply chain issues....a lot of jackets are out of stock. The Cruiser mentions compatibility with a hood, but I do not see a hood on their website. Some people selling made in USA Filson Cruisers on eBay are asking crazy prices - $400-600.

www.filson.com

Lined Tin Cloth Cruiser Jacket

Our classic Cruiser has provided tough-as-nails protection in the field to foresters, sportsmen, and tradesmen for well over a century. Our new Lined Tin Cloth Cruiser adds a comfortable lining for added versatility. Tin Cloth earned its name and a reputation for outstanding weather resistance...
www.filson.com www.filson.com

Does anyone have experience with the newer Filson offerings and can share their experience? Are the less-than-glowing reviews grounded in reality?

That said, are there worthy alternatives out there? I'm looking for a rugged jacket that I can wear solo or layer, that needs to be water repellant (at minimum), and I can wear in the woods and not be shredded as I push through brush. Carhartt is about the only option I'm familiar with.

Thanks!
 
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zuren said:
For the longest time I have wanted a Filson Tin Cloth Cruiser Jacket but could never bring myself to spend the money, especially since I had other jackets that worked. These other jackets are wearing out so I'm revisiting the Filson idea based on what I used to know about these jackets....made in USA and would probably outlast me.

But now I'm not reading great things about Filson. It seems that most/all of their tin cloth models are made in Asia. Prices have gone up (as with almost all things). I've read some issues with durability and comments that "they are not what they used to be". Seems that there are still supply chain issues....a lot of jackets are out of stock. The Cruiser mentions compatibility with a hood, but I do not see a hood on their website. Some people selling made in USA Filson Cruisers on eBay are asking crazy prices - $400-600.

www.filson.com

Lined Tin Cloth Cruiser Jacket

Our classic Cruiser has provided tough-as-nails protection in the field to foresters, sportsmen, and tradesmen for well over a century. Our new Lined Tin Cloth Cruiser adds a comfortable lining for added versatility. Tin Cloth earned its name and a reputation for outstanding weather resistance...
www.filson.com www.filson.com

Does anyone have experience with the newer Filson offerings and can share their experience? Are the less-than-glowing reviews grounded in reality?

That said, are there worthy alternatives out there? I'm looking for a rugged jacket that I can wear solo or layer, that needs to be water repellant (at minimum), and I can wear in the woods and not be shredded as I push through brush. Carhartt is about the only option I'm familiar with.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
I just got Stormy Kromer Waxed Coat and it’s pretty awesome! Made in the UP too! 25% Vet discount really sweetened the deal

Squall Coat
 
I have one of the newer waxed cruisers that was not made in the USA. They just wrapped up a 30% off sale which is why I purchased it. The quality seems on par with a different unlined American made cruiser I already had...sucks so many of their products are no longer being made in USA though.
 
I have a Filson unlined tin cloth cruiser , made in USA. The biggest problem with Filson is their sizing is always jacked up , some items fit big some fit small , their sizing is a real crapshoot unless you can try it on in person.
I wear mine occasionally, it’s a good fall jacket when it’s wet. For in the bush though I much prefer my Outback Trading Company Gidley oil cloth jacket.
 
not so water resistant, but I've had good luck with Berne canvas coats (still imported, though) and you can always wax whatever you get.
my kakadu oilskin has also given good service - but it's HEAVY oiled canvas.
 
Outback Oilskin.

You can usually get a good deal on Ebay.

But, this is important: ask for the actual chest measurement (sizes are all over the place) and if there is any odor other than the waz (basement funk, mildew, etc.
 
Filson is a classic but definitely the times have changed.
I wear double layer pants for cutting wood and stuff, it’s a bit heavy and doesn’t breathe but has been durable. I have a flint and tinder blanket lined trucker coat that is good for work, in and out of the car, office, outside again, etc…it’s thinner but I feel like it breathes better, maybe that’s the blanket lining?
 
Having had Filson clothing for years I can say they are nice but I’m less fond of them than I used to be. The tin cloth shrinks badly over years of wet/dry outdoor use. Heavy and stiff, especially so in freezing temps. The wool collar is uncomfortable against your neck. They get better as they get broken in but by that time they have shrunk in some weird way.

I now prefer briar proof coats like the old Wicks made by Dan’s, Mule Brand, Stone Creek, Zepp. These are made for coon/rabbit/upland hunters and are great for briars. They are light, make a great top layer and stop the wind. They are water resistant.
 
My Late 90s cruisers shrunk badly...both exchanged, both shrunk. The cuffs wore through in a couple years too. They were waterproof, but I gave up on them. I wouldn't recommend Filson Tin Cloth.
 
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So back in the 70’s Dad bought his first Barbour jacket. He wore it till the edges of the cuffs were fraying. Gave it to me in the mid 80’s. I was still wearing it in the Early 2000’s and Dad bought me a Filson Tin Cloth cruiser. I actually like it better because of the pocket placement.

But I did pick up another Barbour here recently.

Filson goes to the field, while the Barbour goes to the pub.

But given that there is no US made, I’d suggest the Barbour as at least it’s made in England. I’m “A Redcoat” to some because I actually prefer my tartan, tweed, Scotch and shotguns made in the UK over anything made here….
 
Griz Macgillie said:
So back in the 70’s Dad bought his first Barbour jacket. He wore it till the edges of the cuffs were fraying. Gave it to me in the mid 80’s. I was still wearing it in the Early 2000’s and Dad bought me a Filson Tin Cloth cruiser. I actually like it better because of the pocket placement.

But I did pick up another Barbour here recently.

Filson goes to the field, while the Barbour goes to the pub.

But given that there is no US made, I’d suggest the Barbour as at least it’s made in England. I’m “A Redcoat” to some because I actually prefer my tartan, tweed, Scotch and shotguns made in the UK over anything made here….
Click to expand...
Barbour does have a re-proofing and fixing place in the US. I think it’s in NC.
 
Riverpirate said:
Barbour does have a re-proofing and fixing place in the US. I think it’s in NC.
Click to expand...
I tend to rewax my jackets then hang them in my car in late July/Aug to really seal the deal so to speak.

I may see about the place in NC. Get a couple patches done and a factory re-seal before I pass down Dad’s Jacket to Emily.
 
Not to stray too far from the original question , but I have a few Filson items I’ve bought over the past ten years and can offer some advice on their products.
The first Filson item I bought was a wool mackinaw cruiser. I bought get it used about ten years ago. It’s from the 1990’s era. It’s well made , nice heavy wool , well fitted and very warm.
Over the last 3-5 years Ive bought a few more items. Some USA made and some imported.
I have the unlined tin cloth cruiser , mackinaw wool vest , two of the northwest wool shirts , blanket lined denim cruiser , hyder quilted Jac-shirt, short unlined cruiser , deer island Jac-shirt , wool gloves and mackinaw wool hat.
Fortunately I bought all of this before the prices became stupid. Most of it is extremely well made and fits great , some I had to exchange to get the correct fit, all of it has been worn and used around town or in the bush.
Unfortunately ebay has become even crazier for pricing due to the fact people are using the “made in USA” as a way to charge silly prices. The tin cloth cruisers are great jackets and still made in USA. The material is imported but from what I know it’s English made tin cloth not some toxic Chinese made chemical material.
I would recommend buying new from Filson then you have the option to exchange if the size isn’t good for you or return it if defective , if you buy from eBay then you’re stuck with whatever you get.
 
I am a Filson fan. Have tin cloth items, stiff and uncomfortable. But I also have what they call shelter cloth. Still waxed canvas but thinner, more pliable, more comfortable. Not sure if they have it anymore. Haven't bought anything canvas lately but I have bought a wool jacket and it seems as good as my older items. The new owners have sales now and then, unlike the old owners.
 
I have a ton of Filson wool, but only have one Tin Cloth piece which is the Packer Hat. I too want to try a waxed jacket, but don't like the cut of many of them. Many seem built for the city and others have a super boxy cut.

I think this looks fantastic and would make for a fun little project. I used to pickup Carhartt stuff on the cheap from STP or Sierra. Buy some wax bars and you could make this for way cheaper than many other "waxed canvas" brands.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuifyWD6Muc

(This is the end result. He and others have videos on how to make the wax if you don't want to buy the pre-made ones).

I personally love the waxed gray color and worn patina look.
 
GKiT said:
I now prefer briar proof coats like the old Wicks made by Dan’s, Mule Brand, Stone Creek, Zepp. These are made for coon/rabbit/upland hunters and are great for briars. They are light, make a great top layer and stop the wind. They are water resistant.
Click to expand...
Since you said "and alternatives", I still have Wicks that wont wear out and Dans that I dont expect to either.
 
Loved the fit and feel of the Shelter cloth when I had a couple of jackets. However, they smelled like used motor oil. It never went away.
I am enjoying budget friendly mil surplus in it's place, and the Swedish stuff is generously tall.

Sorry, Filson - hay otro en tu lugar. ;)
 
Filson tin cloth over a wool jac shirt is a good combo for windy damp weather.
Second pic is my regular fall/winter/early spring outer layer combo. The pants are canadian forces insulated winter combat pants , the jacket is an outback trading company "gidley" oil cloth hunting coat. The gidley is water and wind proof , has some warmth contributing insulation in the lining and is far less restrictive than stiff tin cloth.
I like the filson around town in the fall , for the bush i'll take the gear in the second pic every time.
IMG_3456.jpeg
IMG_3457.jpegIMG_3487.jpeg
 
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I have a Duluth trading flannel lined one. Definitely not as thick as Filson but it was 1/4 the price.

I’m re waxing it now but need more tin wax.

it didn’t come very heavily waxed and didn’t really shed water at all. I’ve had it a year and a half or so and it will be much better when it’s waxed again.

Filson has a couple on sale right now for cyber Monday .
1701228226799.jpeg
 
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