Filson Tin Cloth Jackets - Worth it or Not? 

I have a Barbour Beaufort Jacket for 30 Years, and three Filson TinCloth and Cover Cloth Jackets. Each Filson is better. 15 oz TinCloth vs. 8oz Barbour.

I've got a bunch of Filson bits, but no tin cloth aside from hunting pants. We have a couple Mackinaw wool coats, several vests, a couple sweaters, and a few shirts. I am 100% behind paying more for well made, domestically made clothes. In the last several years they have retained the prices and offshored manufacturing for a lot of their shirts and such. I believe that all of these changes have occurred 5-6 years ago when I believe they were sold. They have turned into a boutique brand that used to service loggers and outdoorsmen/women. I loathe what the new owners have done to a legacy brand.

I think your assessment is spot on man. Great video. I happen to live spitting distance from Filson’s headquarters and as such we have loads of second hand Filson products available. I still buy their well made but way overpriced items from the factory outlet, second hand or on sale. I’d say for most of their mainline products 50% off is somewhere between fair and a tiny bit high. Anything under 40% of retail is a good buy.

Thank you Leo, never had a Filson product, historically I have gravitated to Barbour clothing, although in the last decade I have invested in some of the Seeland range of outdoor clothing, not let me down, so far, and exceeded expectations, it is the lesser costly relative of Harkila I believe, generally I have made my purchaes at the end on the wet season, so taking advantage of the sales. 👍

Hello Leo, good to see you! Wow! I've never had any filson products...now I know why! That's a lot of money....and I live in the outdoor clothing mecca. So many makers of outdoor wear here in the Portland and Seattle area. In fact, I still have a GoLite full Himalayan suit rated for -60C from my Alpine climbing days Thanks for the review, Take care, Corey

I concur! I do think the UK climate is better suited to waxed canvas over where I am in the North woods, across the pond, with Winter temps frequently below freezing. In those conditions the tin cloth earns its name. At the same time, its stiffness is wonderful for bushwhacking through brush and balsam thickets, stuff just moves out of the way and it's a low friction passage. I'd never pay today's prices, second hand the way to go indeed. Sad to hear the company has devolved into offshore schizzle. I was lucky and found my Packer 25 years ago, 1/2 off during a closeout sale at a local outfitter who was downsizing their clothing section and later was gifted the wool liner. Top notch, tough coat, heirloom quality, still barely broken in. I read somewhere of a guy in Grizzly country getting swatted across the back, his Tin Cloth saved his butt! Take care!

Very nice review. I agree with you on the pockets being almost worthless. I wish they were lined with flannel or moleskin. I have a few other heavy jackets from other manufacturers and it’s the same, no pocket liners to keep your hands warm.

Really enjoyed this, Leo. You're a die-hard, true-to-the-soil rambler...

Thanks for the very thorough review. I do like the cut of those jackets. I will certainly buy one if I find it second hand. I cannot justify spending that kind of money. Especially for a classic American brand not made in the US.

Nice video and I agree with everything you said. I own a Tin Cloth Jacket, Shelter Cloth jacket, Mackinaw Cruiser and a Barbour. The Barbour was made in England and the Filson were all made in the USA. You are correct that the Barbour is every bit as good as the Filson. My Barbour Border coat is a little thinner than the Filson but still very good. Out of all the jackets listed the Mackinaw Cruiser is my favorite. I highly recommend it. It will suit you well in Southern England. It is very durable and is the last Filson product Made in the USA.

Rain, sleet, snow. I prefer the liner is so basic and not a flannel. If it gets wet you don't really have to worry so much about drying it out. Same thing with the pockets. Do you want wet pockets? I bought this as a durable jacket that will repel rain. If I want a liner and such there's Thursday or Flint and Tinder waxed jackets.

Funny, I have multiple Filson jackets and other items, all US made. Last coat I bought was a Barbour made in the UK because Filson has lost sight of what made them great.

I appreciate this review looking for a new wax jacket for my husband

Hi Leo, I really enjoyed this review. I wouldn’t warrant buying any of these for myself, but I’m wondering on your boots. What boots do you recommend for daily Lunting? I have a pair of Karrimor, my 4th pair in 3 years & they’re ok but with so many varieties I thought I’d ask your opinion. Thanks mate, Ross

Great video! Wished you would have mentioned sizing, is it true to size?

.. £1k?! I was thinking like £150-300 for both jacket and liner, there is no possible way in any world, that this is worth that much. I'd expect a LOT more for a grand... Like a Kevlar weave integrated to the inner surface of the jacket for a grand. This is like when people buy a Mercedes TSHIRT, it's ALL brand at that point. Great video, definitely made me rethink aspiring to having a Filson jacket.

For way less money you can get a Vermont flannel co. Waxed flannel lined jacket that is actually made in America

I’ve got a waxed canvas pipe roll. There is something palpably pleasing about that material…

I don't buy anything Filson brand new. I also only buy made-in-the-USA items. Got a Double Mackinaw, like new, for $250 US. Also a jacket liner new with tags for $165 US. Also, a beautiful Klondike 621 Tin Cloth which has the built-in lining, twenty years old and looks like new. You have to shop around for sure.

For the money, get the Orvis Heritage Field Coat. It’s lined and better looking. New: $200+\-

Where did you get the shirt you are wearing in this video?

I got 2 used Ferndale wax coats £50-00 the pair inc p&p. Well used but far better looking in quality than those.

I’ve been interested in Filson for a while but they have gotten way out of hand with their pricing, especially over the last year or two. I refuse to buy their products when I can get the same quality elsewhere for less money. Plain and simple.

i have one but it is not comfortable as like you said it sucks the warmth right out of ya

Waxed jackets are so over priced. Waxing a jacket at home is a messy tedious pain in the ass but it’s still worth it, lol.

But…we enjoy the waffling on 😊👍🏾

Boo to Filson for moving their production out of Seattle. Just another corporation

Any one paying this kind of money for these items needs to put a cold cloth on there for head .

Get em second market for half, then it’s worth it. Sometimes still with tags.

I bought to filson coats not worth the money total rip-off