When it comes to rugged workwear that combines durability, functionality, and timeless style, Filson work pants are a great choice. I like the Filson Oil Finish Tin Cloth pants because of the toughness and water-resistance, but they do trap heat. If you need something a bit more breathable, the Filson Dry Tin Cloth Pants will be the better option.
Here are my favorite Filson work pants:
- Filson Oil Finish Single Tin Cloth Pants: These are my favorite option. They are made with Filson’s ultra-durable Tin Cloth canvas and have an oil-finish to add water-resistance and extra toughness. These pants are very durable, but Filson does offer a double tin cloth version of this pant which is even more rugged (which we discuss next). The only drawback for me regarding these pants is the oil-finish reduces breathability. If you need something breathable it’s best to stick with Filson’s Dry Tin Cloth that isn’t waxed. Click here to view these Filson Oil Finish Single Tin Cloth Pants at Filson.com (paid affiliate link takes you to Filson.com).
- Filson Oil Finish Double Tin Cloth Pants: These are the most rugged Filson work pants. They are similar to the single Tin Cloth pants from above, only these pants have two layers of Tin Cloth fabric from the waist to the knee. These pants have an oil-finish to add water-resistance and extra toughness (and also retains heat). These pants are double-needle stitched and reinforced with bar-tacking for added strength. Click here to view these Filson work pants available at Filson.com (paid affiliate link takes you to Filson.com).
- Filson Dry Tin Cloth Pants: Filson’s Tin Cloth is popular because it is durable and handles well in harsh work environments, but the oil-finished versions we discussed above lack breathability due to the wax. Also, some people don’t like the feel of waxed work pants. These Filson Dry Tin Cloth pants don’t use that oil-finish, which means they won’t be water-resistant like the options above, but they will be more breathable and you can machine wash them. Click here to view these Filson work pants at Filson.com (paid affiliate link takes you to Filson.com).
- Filson Draftsman Canvas Pants: The Filson Draftsman Canvas Pants offer a unique combination of durability and style, making them suitable for both work sites and office settings. Constructed with durable midweight Panama canvas, they provide excellent strength and structure. The incorporation of 1% elastane in the fabric adds a slight stretch for enhanced comfort and flexibility. Click here to view these Filson Draftsman Canvas work pants at Filson.com (paid affiliate link takes you to Filson.com).
- Filson Mackinaw Wool Field Pants: These field work pants are built using premium 24-oz. Mackinaw Wool and can keep you warm in some of the coldest work environments. Filson wool will absorb as much as 30% of its own weight in moisture without becoming damp, which helps retain body heat. The wool fibers can be bent and flexed 20,000 times without breaking. These pants are made in the USA. Click here to view these Filson wool field pants at Filson.com (paid affiliate link takes you to Filson.com).
Filson also offers it’s popular Tin Cloth pants in flannel-lined versions for additional warmth in harsh winter work conditions. In this article I will take a closer look at my favorite Filson work pants so you can find an option that fits your needs.
Comparing Filson Work Pants
| Filson Oil Finish Double Tin Cloth Pants | Filson Oil Finish Single Tin Cloth Pants | Filson Dry Tin Cloth Utility 5 Pocket Pants | Filson Draftsman Canvas Pants | Filson Mackinaw Wool Field Pants | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material | 14-oz. 100% cotton oil finish Tin Cloth | 14-oz. 100% cotton oil finish Tin Cloth | 10.5-oz. 100% cotton dry finish Tin Cloth | 9.5-oz. Panama canvas | 24-oz. Mackinaw Wool |
| Known For | Extremely durable | Extremely durable | Traditional style | Durable Office Wear | Excellent insulation |
| Water Resistance | Waxed water-repellent | Waxed water-repellent | Not water-repellent | Not water-repellent | Naturally water-repellent |
| Breathability | Limited breathability | Limited breathability | More breathable | More breathable | Breathable |
| Style | Relaxed fit with wide leg opening | Relaxed fit with wide leg opening | Relaxed fit with wide leg opening | Straight-leg style | Straight-leg style |
| Appearance | Rugged workwear | Rugged workwear | Rugged workwear | Professional and versatile | Outdoor Gear |
| Machine Washable | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Are Filson Pants Breathable?
Filson oil-finished pants are not very breathable. The oil finish makes the pants ultra-durable and water-resistant, but it also makes the pants less breathable. If you need a durable work pant that is also breathable, it is best to stick with the dry Tin Cloth pants.
The Dry Tin Cloth Filson work pants, as the name suggests, are designed with a dry finish that provides increased breathability compared to waxed fabrics. This makes them a suitable choice for milder temperatures and activities that require a balance of durability and airflow. However, it’s worth mentioning that they may still feel too warm during hot summer days when the temperature rises significantly.
Which Filson Pants are Waterproof?
Filson does offer rain pants that are completely waterproof (called the Filson Skagit Rain Pants). However, if you are looking for Filson work pants, your most water-resistant options will be the oil-finished pants. Filson wool pants are also naturally water-repellent.
The oil-finish Tin Cloth pants are constructed with Filson’s ultra-durable Tin Cloth canvas and feature an oil finish, which adds water-resistance and extra toughness. These pants can effectively repel water and provide a protective barrier against light rain and moisture. However, in heavy downpours or extended exposure to wet conditions, the pants may eventually absorb water.
The Filson wool pants offer natural water repellency. Wool has inherent properties that make it resistant to absorbing moisture, allowing it to shed light rain and provide some protection in wet weather. While the wool pants can handle damp conditions well, it’s important to note that they are not designed to withstand heavy rain or prolonged exposure to water.
Types of Filson Work Pants Explained
Filson Oil Finish Single Tin Cloth Pants
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very durable and abrasion resistant | Not as durable as the Double Tin Cloth Pants |
| Oil Finish adds water-resistance | Some people don’t like wax coating |
| Tight weave for brush and briar resistance | Don’t breathe well in warm weather |
| Roomy cut for ease of motion | Not machine washable |
I like Filson Oil Finish Single Tin Cloth Pants because they are ultra-durable and water-resistant, but not quite as heavy to wear as the Double Tin pants. Constructed with heavy-duty waxed canvas, these pants are built to withstand tough conditions. The double-stitched design with bar-tack reinforcement enhances their strength and longevity.
These Filson work pants have a zipper-fly and metal wreath-button waist closure, ensuring a secure fit. With a roomy cut through the seat and thighs, they allow for ease of movement during active work and climbing. The inclusion of suspender buttons and seven belt loops provides options for additional support and prevents sagging at the waistband.
The canvas duck material is fully saturated with water-resistant wax, making it effective at repelling water. The tight weave not only enhances water resistance but also protects against brush, briars, and abrasion. These pants are designed to endure the elements and are particularly suitable for those who work in the woods or spend a significant amount of time outdoors.
It’s important to note that the Oil Finish Single Tin Cloth Pants require special care. They should not be washed or dry cleaned. Instead, they should be brushed or wiped clean with a damp rag. Sometimes I just hose my pants down to clean them off, that’s how water-resistant they are. Periodic re-waxing is recommended to maintain maximum water resistance.
As I have mentioned throughout, one drawback to these oil finish Filson work pants is breathability. The oil finish limits breathability, making these pants less suitable for warmer weather.
This is the current price of these Filson Oil Finish Single Tin Cloth Pants available at Filson.com (paid affiliate link takes you to Filson.com). If you don’t like oil finished pants, then you will want to choose Filson’s Dry Tin Cloth we discuss later.
Filson Oil Finish Double Tin Cloth Pants
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Tough barrier against abrasion and punctures | Heavier and bulkier compared to Single Tin Cloth Pants |
| Double-layer protection from waist to knee | Don’t breathe well in warm weather |
| Durable double-needle stitching and reinforced construction | Some people don’t like wax coating |
| Designed for rugged outdoor environments | Not machine washable |
As I mentioned above, I prefer the Single Tin Pants, but if you need the most durable work pants Filson offers, these Double Tin pants will be the better option.
The Filson Oil Finish Double Tin Cloth Pants feature an extra layer of Tin Cloth from the waist to the knee, providing exceptional protection against abrasion, punctures, briars, foul weather, and wet brush. They have a long-standing reputation for being virtually impenetrable.
With a history rooted in shielding loggers and foresters in the rain-soaked timberlands of the Pacific Northwest, these Double Tin Cloth Filson work pants are designed to withstand rugged conditions. They are constructed with double-needle stitching and reinforced with bar-tacking for added strength and durability.
The pants feature a metal wreath-button fly and suspender buttons for secure closure and additional support. They offer a roomy fit through the seat and thighs, ensuring ease of motion and non-binding comfort.
Just like the Single Tin Cloth Pants, these pants will not be very breathable due to the thick material and oil finish. These pants use a 14-ounce, 100% cotton oil finish Tin Cloth. They require special care and should not be washed or dry cleaned. Instead, they can be brushed or wiped clean with a damp rag, and periodic re-waxing is recommended to maintain their maximum water resistance.
This is the current price of these Filson Oil Finish Double Tin Cloth Pants available at Filson.com (paid affiliate link takes you to Filson.com).
Filson Dry Tin Cloth Utility 5 Pocket Pants
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable and long-lasting construction | Not water-repellent like oil finish pants |
| Increased breathability with dry finish | Utility pocket may be small for a cellphone |
| Double-layer front for extra protection | Not as puncture-resistant as oil finish pants |
The Filson Dry Tin Cloth Utility 5 Pocket Pants are a durable option that differs from the previously discussed oil finish pants. These pants are made with dry finish Tin Cloth, which is tough but more breathable compared to the waxed versions.
These pants feature a double-layer front from the zipper to the shin, offering enhanced protection and durability. They are designed in a classic 5-pocket style, and the leg fronts and lower-back hems are covered with a second layer of tightly woven canvas duck for added reinforcement.
With double-layer reinforcing on the front pocket bags and rear pockets, these pants are built to withstand heavy use. They feature a utility stow pocket on the right thigh, providing convenient storage for tools.
Made from 10.5-ounce, 100% cotton dry finish Tin Cloth, these Filson work pants are still highly durable compared to regular pants, but they lack the water-repellent properties of the oil finish pants. The absence of wax coating allows for increased breathability, making them more suitable for wearing in various weather conditions. They are also machine washable unlike the oil-finish pants.
This is the current price of these Filson Dry Tin Cloth Pants available at Filson.com (paid affiliate link takes you to Filson.com).
Filson Draftsman Canvas Pants
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Versatile design suitable for work sites and office wear | Lack of pockets compared to other Filson pants |
| Durable midweight Panama canvas | Not as rugged as the oil finish pants |
| Slight stretch with elastane for flexibility | Not water-resistant |
| Clean and professional appearance | Not as warm as wool or oil finish pants |
| Machine washable | Not as wind-resistant as wool or oil finish pants |
The Filson Draftsman Canvas Pants offer a unique combination of durability and style, making them suitable for both work sites and office settings. Constructed with durable midweight Panama canvas, they still provide excellent strength and structure, but won’t be as rugged as the oil finish Tin Cloth pants. The incorporation of 1% elastane in the fabric adds a slight stretch for enhanced flexibility.
In terms of design, these Filson work pants strike a balance between functionality and a professional appearance. They feature side-seam hand pockets with a welted coin pocket, providing a clean and streamlined look. The button-flap and button-welted rear pockets offer secure storage options in the back, but certain Filson pants offer more storage options than these Draftsman pants.
Compared to the previously discussed Filson work pants, the Draftsman Canvas Pants offer a more versatile and hybrid approach. While they lack the multiple pockets found in other Filson pants, this contributes to their professional appearance, making them suitable also for office wear.
Overall, the Filson Draftsman Canvas Pants are a reliable choice for those who need pants that can transition seamlessly between work and office environments. This is the current price of these Draftsman Filson Work Pants available at Filson.com (paid affiliate link takes you to Filson.com).
Filson Mackinaw Wool Field Pants
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional warmth even when wet | Not as rugged as oil finish pants |
| Naturally water-repellent wool fabric | Requires dry cleaning |
| Moisture-wicking properties keep you dry | Limited color options |
| Breathable for enhanced comfort | Suspenders buttons can be inconvenient with tool belt |
| Made in the USA | Only available for men’s sizes |
The Filson Mackinaw Wool Field Pants are a versatile and high-quality option for various climates. Made with 100% virgin wool, these pants offer exceptional warmth even in cold, wet conditions. The wool fabric naturally repels water and wicks away sweat, keeping you comfortable and dry.
The heavyweight 24-oz. Mackinaw Wool used in these pants is woven to Filson’s unique specifications, ensuring superior resilience, insulation, breathability, and water repellency. The wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp, retaining warmth even when wet.
These Filson Mackinaw Wool Field Pants are a great choice for cold weather farm and field work. While not as rugged as the oil finish pants, these wool pants provide excellent performance and are a reliable option for various outdoor activities and climates.
This is the current price of these Filson Wool Field Pants available at Filson.com (paid affiliate link takes you to Filson.com). These wool Filson work pants are made in the USA.