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……
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 
)
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
I have one Duluth jacket and one Carhartt. The Duluth has not been worn hard.
My wife has a Duluth jacket and it still looks good after a year.
We both have the pants. I have the firehouse brush pants and beat them up regularly. One of my favorites for winter, but too hot for spring or fall. Had them for a couple years and they get softer and better fitting with age. I would get more but they cost too much.
My wife has the firehouse version with stretch fabric in the pants and they wore holes in them within a year. They looked like the pre-distressed jeans the kids wear. For $70 she was not happy. She has carhartt pants and is going back to them.
For rough or dirty work, layering is for me. Plus, you can take something off as you heat up or put something back on as you cool down. My top layer is usually a cheap hoody over a heavy flannel over a long sleeved thermo. Toss the hoody as it wears out. No big expense. If I need to look more “dressed up”, I’ll switch to a newer hoody.
I’ve purchased more than a fair number of things from Duluth Trading. In their heavier coats I’ve purchased four of the down cotton duck snorkel parkas with coyote hoods for my brother and my dad and one in brown and black for myself. I’ve also picked up some of their lighter coats in nylon, canvas, and waxed cotton and and several for my wife as well. I’ve gotten more than a dozen of their firehose pants as well as a complete set of their luggage, gloves, socks, underwear, shirts, belts, etc. All said, they have fantastic to deal with. If something wears out they replace it or credit you if it’s not available.
The OP could could have been me…
Bought a black CH 7 years ago…I wear it less than the OP… I’m not outside that much, but it’s destroyed.
Went from black to washed out gray in two washings… Tattered terribly.
Just not impressed at all with CH