Winter jackets.....alternative to Carhartt

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 :stuck_out_tongue:

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. :smiley:

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 :+1:

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. :stuck_out_tongue:
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. :laughing:

[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.

:cowboy_hat_face: 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 :question:

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……

Haha fair enough, but its nuclear winter for 4+ months straight here every year.

I’ve definitely seen/owned some more durable clothing but nothing that would also keep me this warm. Some of the tournament paintball gear I’ve had has been a similar material (nylon weave, IDK what denier) and it stood up to ridiculous amount of abuse however.

Do you have access to canuck stuff? We have Mark Work Warehouse brand of heavy jackets, more like light parkas. Nylon or polyester and pretty warm. It’s on par with the Gotham but tougher built. It’s my -/+10 F jacket.

There is no such thing as one jacket does all. Nor an option to go on the roof at a howling –10 when a heating unit breaks down.

I’ll have to give them a look, one area the Gotham let me down in is fitting as slim as some other coats I’ve had. From what I’ve learned it sounds like for the really thin/light stuff you need the absolute most expensive insulation though - Arcteryx and brands in that price range.

I live in Canada. I’ve learned to somewhat deal with perpetual cold and the single greatest thing I’ve ever bought was the Milwaukee M12 heated gear.

I actually own two versions: 1 is a spring/fall style and the other is my –35C winter defender (unfortunately I think they stopped selling it last year)

The best part is the winter defender is a 3-in-1 with a hoodie and the jacket shell is something called “rip-stop fabric” which I can attest does indeed prevent holes/rips from spreading any further (was dremelling with a diamond cutting wheel a little to close to my chest this year and at least the gash hasn’t increased in size :smiley: :person_facepalming: )

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Work-Gear/Heated-Gear

my spring coat:

my winter defender:

I personally love the M12 heated because well I clearly like gadgets and it gives me yet another reason to carry around even more 18650s. But if you don’t want the electronics which I can definitely vouch really do work! Try out their “ripstop” lines without the heated gear:

Here’s what they claim:
Focused on providing reinforcement in areas where traditional workwear fails, GridIron™ 900 Denier Ripstop Polyester Outlasts 12oz cotton duck by 3X against abrasion and tearing.

I can attest to the fact that the fabric, whatever it is, feels tough and withstands some beating. I don’t work outside but my coat gets it’s fair share of abuse