It’s winter and you need the warmest protection possible. Filson is well-known for building durable, long-lasting jackets, but what about warmth? What are the warmest Filson jackets and what type of weather are they appropriate for?
These are my choices for the warmest Filson jackets:
- Filson Lined Tin Cloth Cruiser Jacket – This is Filson’s lined version of their popular Tin Cloth Cruiser. This lining adds both warmth and extra durability. The oil-finished Tin Cloth fabric is wind-resistant, water-resistant, and extremely durable. In my opinion, this jacket is built best for moderate winter conditions, or to be combined with extra layering for extreme cold. Click here to view the Filson Tin Cloth Cruiser Jacket (paid affiliate link takes you to Filson.com).
- Filson Down Cruiser Jacket – This jacket uses 650-fill power goose down for protection in the coldest, wettest weather. The thing I really like about this jacket is it uses a waxed cotton shell so that it is extremely durable compared to most standard types of down jackets. If you need something rugged but very warm, I think this is your best option. Click here to view the Filson Down Cruiser Jacket (paid affiliate link takes you to Filson.com).
- Filson Mackinaw Wool Cruiser Jacket – Filson’s wool cruisers are very popular because they combine a timeless style with a tight, high-quality weave that makes the wool jacket durable, wind-resistant, and better at retaining warmth. Mackinaw wool is the most heavyweight wool Filson offers. It retains its insulating qualities even when it becomes damp. Still, it’s best to think of this jacket as suitable for mild to moderate conditions or to be combined with extra layers for extreme cold. Click here to view the Filson Mackinaw Wool Cruiser Jacket (paid affiliate link takes you to Filson.com).
- Filson Chilkoot Pass Parka – This Filson down jacket is built for protection in the coldest conditions and uses 850FP, 90/10 goose down which maintains maximum heat-trapping loft. It doesn’t have as durable of a shell as the Down Cruiser Jacket from above, but it does use a ripstop Nylon shell for durability and has reinforced forearm areas. If you are looking for the warmest Filson jacket, this is one of your best options. Click here to view the Filson Chilkoot Pass Parka (paid affiliate link takes you to Filson.com).
- Filson Lined Denim Short Cruiser Jacket – This is Filson’s denim version of their popular cruiser jacket, and this version is lined with flannel for added warmth. This short version finishes near the hip in a sort of trucker-style cut. It is sewn in the USA with premium raw denim from Cone Denim Mills and the raw denim develops its own unique wear pattern with time. Click here to view the Filson Denim Short Cruiser Jacket (paid affiliate link takes you to Filson.com).
In this article I want to do a deeper dive on the warmest Filson jackets for cold weather and discuss the pros and cons of the different types of Filson jackets. I also want to discuss what conditions most Filson jackets are suitable for, and how I use them in colder winter conditions.
Are Filson Jackets Warm?
Filson offers a wide range of jackets that vary in warmth. Many Filson jacket are best used in mild to moderate winter conditions or combined with extra layering to be used in more extreme conditions.
Filson does use a generous cut in many of their jackets so that you can easily layer underneath in colder, more extreme conditions. But on their own, most Filson jackets generally are best suited for mild to moderate winter conditions. Given their origins in the Pacific Northwest, these jackets are designed to handle the region’s characteristic wet and rugged terrain in mild to moderately cold temperatures.
While Filson does offer a few down jackets that are more suitable for extreme cold, if you want to use some of Filson’s more rugged wool or cotton canvas jackets in extreme cold, I would advise you to combine them with extra layering underneath.
Filson offers both lined and unlined versions of most of its classic wool and cotton canvas jackets. The lined versions will obviously be a bit more suitable for extreme cold, but I personally find that it is still best to layer underneath these lined jackets if I’m working in dangerously sub-zero conditions.
That said, Filson uses a very tight weave in many of their jackets (this applies to both their wool jackets and cotton canvas “Tin Cloth” jackets). This tight weave adds durability and toughness, and it also makes the jacket more wind-resistant and enhances the insulating qualities of the jacket.
The rugged, durable shells are built to handle wet and harsh working conditions, and will provide quality warmth. However, most Filson work jackets don’t have bulky insulation, so for extreme cold, layering is often needed.
These rugged Filson jackets are very popular due to their toughness and versatility. They handle well in wet conditions and on their own can handle moderately cold temperatures or be combined with layering for more extreme cold. The high-quality materials and tight weave make these jackets dependable and long-lasting.
Warmest Filson Jackets Explained
Warmth of Filson Tin Cloth Jackets
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional durability and toughness | Can feel stiff initially |
| Water resistant due to wax finish | Requires periodic re-waxing |
| Some versions lined for added warmth | Built for moderate cold but not extreme cold |
| Wind resistant due to tight weave | Limited color options |
| Timeless style and rugged aesthetic | May not offer as much breathability |
Filson Tin Cloth is a specially treated fabric that offers exceptional durability and weather resistance. The fabric is made from tightly woven canvas duck, which is then treated with an oil-finish. This treatment makes the jacket water-resistant and ideal for winter weather.
In the video below, I tested the waterproofness of my Filson Tin Cloth Jacket:
Filson Tin Cloth is the most heavyweight cotton shell fabric that Filson offers. They also offer a midweight cotton canvas fabric known as Filson Shelter Cloth and they also offer a more lightweight cotton shell fabric known as Filson Cover Cloth.
The heavier the weight, the more durability, wind-resistance, and insulation the shell offers. To read more, visit my article that compares Filson Tin Cloth to Shelter Cloth and Cover Cloth.
Filson Tin Cloth uses the wax finish to create a water-resistant barrier, helping to repel rain, snow, and moisture. This is especially useful during winter when you encounter wet and snowy conditions. The water resistance prevents the fabric from getting saturated, keeping you dry.
Filson Tin Cloth is highly abrasion-resistant, making it ideal for rugged outdoor work. It can withstand the wear and tear of harsh winter environments, such as rough terrain, thorny bushes, or branches.
The warmest types of Filson Tin Cloth jackets are the ones that use an inner lining. These lined Tin Cloth jackets use an inner layer of cotton canvas to add extra insulation and extra durability to the jacket. Here’s a look at the lining in mine:
These lined Filson Tin Cloth jackets are warm, but they won’t be quite as warm as the down-filled jackets that Filson offers. These jackets are not temperature rated, but my advice is to think of these jackets as appropriate for mild to moderate winter conditions. For extreme cold, you will need to add layers underneath Filson Tin Cloth jackets.
The main benefit of these Filson Tin Cloth jackets is they provide an ultra-durable and water-resistant outer shell that can take on heavy, wet brush. Click here to view the Filson Tin Cloth Lined Cruiser Jacket (paid affiliate link takes you to Filson.com).
Warmth of Filson Down Jackets
Although Filson does not provide a temperature rating for their jackets, Filson Down Jackets are often considered to be the warmest Filson jackets for cold weather. The thing I like about Filson Down Jackets is they offer several options that are much more durable and rugged than typical down jackets.
Here are some of my favorite options:
- Filson Down Cruiser Jacket – This jacket uses 650-fill power goose down heavy-duty protection in the coldest, wettest weather. The thing I really like about this jacket is it uses a waxed cotton shell so that it is extremely durable compared to most standard types of down jackets. If you need something rugged but very warm, I think this is your best option. Click here to view the Filson Down Cruiser Jacket (paid affiliate link takes you to Filson.com).
- Filson Chilkoot Pass Parka – This Filson down jacket is built for protection in the coldest conditions and uses 850FP, 90/10 goose down which maintains maximum heat-trapping loft. It doesn’t have as durable of a shell as the Down Cruiser Jacket from above, but it does use a ripstop Nylon shell for durability and has reinforced forearm areas. If you need something ultra-warm, I think this is your best option, but if you need something more rugged, the Down Cruiser will be better. Click here to view the Filson Chilkoot Pass Parka (paid affiliate link takes you to Filson.com).
- Filson Women’s Featherweight Down Jacket – This women’s down jacket doesn’t have as durable of a shell and is built to be lightweight and packable (but still very warm). It uses down insulation and has a nylon shell with a DWR treatment for added protection against precipitation. It zips all the way to the chin for added warmth and has lined handwarmer pockets. Click here to view the Filson Women’s Down Jacket (paid affiliate link takes you to Filson.com).
Warmth of Filson Wool Jackets
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Made in the USA with premium wool | May need extra layering for extreme cold |
| Timeless style that can be worn both casually and formally | Length can be hard to pair with tool belt |
| Unique tight weave enhances durability and wind-resistance | Traditional button front can be hard to fasten with work gloves |
| Wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight without feeling damp | Unlined versions can feel itchy on arms |
| Retains insulation properties even when wet | Special Care Needed Dry Clean Only |
Filson uses different types of wool. Mackinaw wool is the thickest, most heavyweight type of wool that Filson uses (and will be the warmest).
Mackinaw wool comes from sheep that experience both cold winters and hot summers which causes them to grow this heavyweight fleece. When combined with a tight weave, Filson Mackinaw wool creates a wind-resistant and water-repellent barrier that insulates in the coldest conditions.
Filson Mackinaw Wool Jackets are made in the USA and have a timeless style that makes them look good both on and off the clock. These jackets are very good for cold, wet weather for three main reasons:
- Filson’s Mackinaw wool jackets use large-diameter fibers in combination with a tight weave that increases durability, wind-resistance, and insulating qualities.
- The wool can absorb up to 30% of its own weight in water without feeling damp or clammy.
- The wool retains its insulating properties even when wet, making it an ideal choice for unpredictable weather conditions.
In the video below, I test the waterproofness of my Filson Mackinaw Wool Cruiser:
That’s the good news. But it’s also important to understand that these wool jackets are not necessarily built to handle extreme sub-zero cold weather *on their own*.
Filson does offer lined versions of some of their wool jackets (which will be the warmest options) but even those lined jackets won’t be warmer than Filson Down Jackets. Just like we discussed earlier for the Filson Tin Cloth jackets, it is best to think of these Filson Wool Jackets as appropriate for mild to moderate winter conditions, or to be combined with layering for extreme cold.
Warmth of Filson Denim Jackets
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Made in the USA with heavy-duty raw denim | Dry clean only, requiring special care |
| Added lining for extra warmth | Limited color options |
| Preshrunk raw denim develops unique fade pattern | Break-in period for optimal comfort |
| Multi-pocket design for convenient storage | Will need layering for extreme cold |
| Snap-front closure for easy on/off | Not water-resistant |
The Filson Lined Denim Cruiser Jacket (types of Filson Cruiser Jackets) is a rugged and versatile workwear option that combines the utility of a multi-pocket forestry jacket with the durability of mid-1800s gold rush denim. This jacket has a fully lined interior for added warmth.
The preshrunk raw denim material ensures a unique fade and wear pattern over time, telling the story of its rugged use. The snap-front closure and adjustable cuffs offer convenience and flexibility. With a cotton corduroy-lined collar, this jacket not only delivers on functionality but also adds a touch of comfort.
This jacket finishes past the beltline, so it won’t pair easily with tool belts. Filson does offer a shorter version of this jacket (think trucker style) if you prefer your jacket to finish above the belt. This Filson jacket is made in the USA.
Even though this jacket has a wool blend lining for warmth, my advice is to consider it suitable for moderate conditions. For more extreme conditions, additional layering underneath will likely be needed.
Add Warmth to Filson Jackets
There are several ways to add extra warmth and versatility to these Filson jackets. Filson offers a range of accessories and layering options to adapt their jackets to colder conditions and varying weather needs.
One practical way to increase warmth is by attaching a compatible hood to select Filson jackets. The detachable hoods provide additional coverage and protection against wind and cold, helping to retain body heat within the jacket.
Also, for certain Filson jacket models, the brand offers wool and insulated jacket liners that can be easily zipped into the jacket. These liners act as an extra layer of insulation, providing increased warmth without compromising the jacket’s functionality or style. Another option to consider is using Filson’s high-quality flannel shirts as layering pieces underneath their jackets.
And if you purchase a Filson waxed canvas jacket, it’s important to periodically re-wax the jacket. By reapplying wax once a year, you ensure that the jacket remains resistant to moisture, which can help retain heat and protect you from the elements.