Guess what? They stopped carrying Red Head in Bass Pro up here. It competed with Columbia and Carhartt at a quarter of the price. So out they go……
They have ONE decent jacket but the arms hang down to the knees. These fashinista companies try to make one size fit all and the minute they don’t have a tall size, their arms are ALWAYS too long. And that goes for their shoulders too.
I hate to see their design manakin. 4 foot wide shoulders, 6 foot arms and a 5 inch torso….more or less……
Yup. They forgot who made them who they are.
If I go through them here in my “once in a while” rough use, I doubt they will last a year for you.
I think Carhartt is going up market and forgetting their roots and what “tough” means. There is no way that a tradesman is going to spend a couple hundred bucks for a jacket that will tear through in a few months.
When I was a kid I’d wear through the elbows on my jackets just from being rough… Mom would sew leather or denim patches on the elbows. Now for outdoor work I don’t like to wear jackets; I layer up with the top layer being a loose fitting flannel shirt. I can’t think of one jacket that I had worn through the elbows as an adult, and I’ve worked outside for a good part of my adult life; though the cuffs get gnawed up.
I agree about “them” forgetting “us” and I hate buying anything without trying it on first.
I looked up the Jefferson Traditional…nice looking jacket, but not anywhere close to what I work in.
My wife hates when I get nicer clothes, jackets, jeans, shirts, etc. because they all become “work clothes” sooner or later.
I have owned several CH carpenter pants and jackets. They are not made like they were when they were made in the usa. They used to be very tough and stiff to wear until they got broke in, almost leather like. The first couple of pair of pants I owned lasted for about 3 years and the first jacket I purchased back around 2002 and I still own, its about shot but still keeps me warm. After a few years of owning my first CH pants and jacket I purchased more and santa was pretty kind as well. But the second batch started tearing and wearing within weeks of owning them. I thought maybe it was just my bad luck. So I purchased more and replaced a few of the bad ones, the same thing happened again. The jacket was decent but still not as good as the first one. So I gave up and seeked alternatives like you. Dickies carpenter pants use to be pretty durable but then they started using thinner material and the same thing started happening again, crap within weeks. I tore the stratel out of one pair the second time I wore them, back to wally world they went for a replacement. I have tried several different brands and had about given up for a tough working man pair of pants. 2 December’s ago ole Santa saved the day, I got my first pair of Fire hose pants from Duluth trading. Santa brought me another pair this Christmas and this will be the only brand I purchase for work pants. The first pair I got still look very good and not one single tear, they wear very well and are very tough. They block the wind out very well for warmth yet are still very breathable and cool in the summer months. The fire hose pants are very tough and you pay dearly for them but judging by how the first pair have wore in a little over a year, I’m guessing a 4 to 5 year life span, maybe longer. If I buy two pair a year, it will take several years before the first pair ever need replaced. I’m saving money compared to how many CH and dickies I was going thru in a year.
As for jackets, the next jacket I purchase will be from Duluth made of the same fire hose material. When you consider how tough and long this stuff last it saves you money in the long run. So that’s my cheaper alternative, pay more now and buy less later because they last way longer.
Just my two cents 
F I L S O N
There’s no comparison. Filson will outlast ten of the cheaper winter coats, and you’ll look absolutely great.
Forget 90 percent of the rest of their catalog, but the jackets are classic styles, and made to the very highest standards, with the toughest fabrics.
Some other premium brands are pretty good, but Filson is the king.
If you can find a store, you’ll see what I mean.
How does the firehose feel? Are they as stiff as the old heavy duck or softer?
I see a couple of pieces on their site, but since I have to import them, it makes it very complicated. Usually, I always buy xl and 2xl because those sizes mean different thing to different manufacturers…err, importers. Now imagine trying to send one back and all the expenses.
However….I’m heading south next week….and will call Duluth tomorrow.
North Face has really stepped up their game since losing brand appeal. I’ve got the “Gothic” or something like that and its more than warm enough for MN. They’ve got a version that has a tunic that goes below the waist if that’s what you’re looking for as well IIRC. Sort of a coated canvas/synthetic hybrid feeling material. Flexible while not being slick or feeling like something is going to poke right through it like a lot of winter jackets I’ve tried on in stores. Waterproof too.
The performance and aesthetics of Canada Goose without the cost or having PETA members freak out on you in public (its synthetic down).
Buy the previous year’s colors during the summer and you can get it almost half price.
I bought a few Smith’s winter work pants last year. Denim with flannel lining. They’re so comfortable I can wear them to sleep. Seem pretty durable too, though I’m not as rough on my clothing as I used to be.
They feel very similar to how the original CH use to. They are some what stiff until they are wore and washed a couple of times. After the break in period, you will reach for them every time over the other brands in your drawer, I know I do. They probably get wore more than any the other pair too, because if they’re clean, that’s the pair I will wear. If you do end up with a pair or a jacket, I’m pretty sure you’ll be hooked. I been around construction for 30 years and they are by far the best pants I have ever owned. Lots of big pockets to carry phone, pocket Knife, flashlight and a few other necessary work tools. 
I don't deal with really cold weather here, but when I do, I like goose down coats.
My brand of choice many years ago was Triple F.A.T. Goose.
I have the Gotham. It’s at the end of the closet as the “nuclear winter jacket”. Lol
Can’t call it rough wear.
Jacket. Me want jacket. Me wear cargo pants. Lol
Did you or do have their jackets? If so, how stiff are they?
The warranty is another reason I like the fire hose pants. I have not had to use it yet but the “No Bull Guarantee” looks good to me 
I don’t own one of their jackets yet but I’m pretty sure it will be made of the same quality and fire hose material as the pants.
This company is serious about their work wear. Real workers test this stuff before production. Look around their site a little.
They give alot of good history of how they came about.
My father purchased a pair about 5 years ago which he still wears. He gave me the same spill I’m giving you a few years ago. But I was very hesitant given their price. Now I see why he liked them so much.
And no I don’t work for Duluth even though it sounds like it.
If you don’t like the jacket return it for a full refund, at least you can say you tried it.
Good info, tnx!
I know all too well about quality fade. Used to swear by Lees and Levis (Wranglers never fit me right). Last 2 pair of Levis, they just split on the ass, horizontally, in the same exact spot. Went to Wranglers, seem to now fit pretty nicely (either they changed their dimensions or I changed shape), and haven’t looked back.
Got some Carhartt shirts, but no jackets. Nice, but kinda small collars. No complaints about the quality, but I don’t beat on them at all. I’ll wear already-ripped shirts if there’s a risk of further ripping. 
[quote=BurningPlayd0h]
North Face has really stepped up their game since losing brand appeal. I’ve got the “Gothic” or something like that and its more than warm enough for MN. They’ve got a version that has a tunic that goes below the waist if that’s what you’re looking for as well IIRC. Sort of a coated canvas/synthetic hybrid feeling material. Flexible while not being slick or feeling like something is going to poke right through it like a lot of winter jackets I’ve tried on in stores. Waterproof too.
While you’re speaking of NorthFace coats/jackets , does anyone have any thoughts and
information about the use & longevity of the older NorthFace Steep Tech 600 LTD coats 
I really pigged out on the Duluth clearance specials last month.
I hesitate to list them as they are gone now.
Butt try to remember next year, as they are well worth the effort.
In the UK the choice is easy. Barbour waxed cotton. Indestructible and even if you manage to, they will repair them very reasonably, no matter how old. Sometimes better than new.
They are accepted in all levels of society. Classless. I have three, in various states of shabbiness (purposely so, a brand new Barbour is not a good look, it should be well used, even inherited, and if the dogs have slept on it, even chewed it, even better).
This sort of thing:
For trendies, Belstaff make similar things at much higher prices nowadays, tailored for bikers (and wannabees). My original trail riding set of jacket and trousers is still in use, after decades of hard wear, just a little re-proofing.
Some Scandinavian suppliers also make this sort of thing, at very Gucci prices.
Carharrt gloves are very good though, even compared with UK Sealskinz.
Closest Duluth company store is 200 miles away in two directions.
I tried some jackets made with indestructable nylon….and the dead would hear me coming. Swish swish city……