The nice thing about wool cargo pants is not only do they provide warmth, they also provide water-repellent protection. I like the Filson Mackinaw Wool Cargo Field Pants because they are made in the USA using premium 24-ounce Mackinaw Wool. According to Filson, the Mackinaw wool fibers used in these pants can be bent and flexed 20,000 times without breaking.
*This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. (info)
These are my choices for the best wool cargo pants:
- Filson Made in USA Heavyweight Mackinaw Wool Cargo Field Pants (click here to view)
- Big Bill Merino Wool Men’s Cargo Pants (click here to view)
- First Lite Obsidian Wool/Nylon Blend Cargo Pants (click here to view)
- Johnson Woolen Mills Wool Plaid Cargo Pants (click here to view)
- *Women’s* First Lite Obsidian Wool/Nylon Blend Cargo Pants (click here to view)
The Filson wool pants on the list above are made with 100% wool, but not all the pants on the list will use 100% wool. Some pants use a wool fabric blend to reduce costs, improve durability, and potentially add stretch to the pants.
Although all of the pants above have side cargo pockets, the amount of pockets will differ. The First Lite cargo pants have the most pockets, including many zip-close pockets. If you prefer a zip-close pocket so you have a safe place to store essentials, those First Lite cargo pants may be your best option.
In this article let’s take a closer look at the best wool cargo pants so you can find an option that fits your needs. Let’s also discuss several things to consider when buying these types of cargo pants.
| Brand & Model | Fabric | Key Features | Pockets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Bill Men’s Merino Wool Cargo Pants | Merino Wool/Nylon Blend | Durable, expandable pleated cargo pockets, standard fit | Cargo pockets, standard front and back pockets |
| First Lite Obsidian Wool/Nylon Blend Cargo Pants | Wool/Nylon/Polyester/Spandex Blend | Stretch fabric, multiple secure pockets, quiet and non-shiny | Cargo pockets, zippered secure pockets |
| Flying Cross Men’s Wool Justice Cargo Pants | Polyester/Wool Blend (25% wool) | Bar tacking at stress points, hidden cell phone pocket, relaxed fit | Cargo pockets, hidden cell phone pocket, watch pocket |
| Johnson Woolen Mills Wool Plaid Cargo Pants | Premium Wool | Handcrafted in the USA, large 8×10 inch cargo pockets | Cargo pockets (8×10 inches), standard pockets |
| Filson Mackinaw Wool Cargo Field Pants | 24-Ounce Mackinaw Wool | Water-repellent, breathable, straight-leg style, suspender buttons | Cargo pockets, traditional front and back pockets |
Best Wool Cargo Pants
Filson Mackinaw Wool Cargo Field Pants
Filson is a clothing company based in Seattle WA that has a deep-rooted tradition in providing heavy-duty dependable workwear. Their founder, C.C. Filson, opened shop in 1897 and, at that time, specialized in making ultra-tough, ultra-dependable clothing for stampeders heading north for the Klondike Gold Rush.
Modern day, they’ve transitioned into a company that provides a wide range of outdoor gear (not just workwear). Their gear can be worn by fisherman, loggers, miners, engineers, explorers, and even just everyday folk looking for rugged casualwear. They offer a wide variety of wool pants and jackets, including wool field cargo pants.
This is what the Filson Mackinaw Wool Cargo Field Pants look like available at Filson.com (affiliate link takes you to filson.com). Here’s what you need to know about these pants:
- Material – These Filson wool pants are made using 24-ounce Mackinaw wool. Filson’s Mackinaw wool comes from a small herd of sheep in the northwestern United States and Canada. Filson claims that their wool will absorb as much as 30% of its own weight in moisture without becoming damp, and they say the wool can be bent and flexed 20,000 times without breaking.
- Made in USA – These Filson pants are made in the USA to help ensure quality and durability. They are made with a straight-leg style that isn’t too tight or too baggy. They come with suspender buttons attached to the waist.
- Pockets – Yes, these Filson wool field pants have side cargo pockets for storage. They also have traditional front hand pockets, and two back pockets.
- Weather Protection – These Filson wool pants are naturally water-repellent, and even though they can insulate in both wet and dry conditions, they are also very breathable so you don’t sweat out of them. The wool fabric also naturally wicks away sweat to help keep you dry.
Click here to buy these Filson wool cargo field pants available at Filson.com (affiliate link takes you to Filson.com). These wool pants need to be dry cleaned.
Other Wool Cargo Pants to Consider
Big Bill Men’s Merino Wool Cargo Pants
The Big Bill Men’s Merino Wool Cargo Pants are crafted from a fabric blend of Merino wool and nylon. This combination offers warmth, with Merino wool being known for its natural ability to regulate body temperature and provide insulation.
Nylon is added to the fabric to give the pants added durability, making them more resistant to wear and tear, which is essential for outdoor and work environments. These pants have a standard cargo design that includes a zipper fly and a button closure for a secure and comfortable fit.
Large pleated cargo pockets are present on both sides of these pants, which means they can expand when needed to accommodate more storage. In addition to these cargo pockets, the pants also feature standard front and back pockets for additional space to store smaller items.
The pants are constructed with seven belt loops, which ensure that your belt stays securely in place and provides extra support. For anyone searching for the best wool cargo pants, the Big Bill Men’s Merino Wool Cargo Pants offer durability, warmth, and practical storage options.
First Lite Obsidian Wool/Nylon Blend Cargo Pants
First Lite Obsidian Wool/Nylon Blend Cargo Pants stand out due to the unique fabric blend used in their construction. In addition to incorporating wool and nylon, these pants also include polyester and spandex in their fabric composition.
The spandex adds stretch to the pants, making them more flexible and comfortable for movement, which is a feature you won’t find in many wool cargo pants. This makes them an excellent choice for outdoor activities where freedom of movement is necessary.
The pants feature side cargo pockets along with a multitude of other conveniently placed pockets, offering the most storage options out of all the pants on this list. Zippered pockets are included as well, providing a secure place for valuables.
The fabric is designed to be quiet and has no shine, which makes these pants ideal for hunters or others who need to move stealthily. If you are looking for the best wool cargo pants that offer stretch and ample storage, these First Lite Obsidian Wool/Nylon Blend Cargo Pants are a great option to consider.
Flying Cross Men’s Wool Justice Cargo Pants
Flying Cross Men’s Wool Justice Cargo Pants are designed as uniform pants, making them suitable for work or formal environments. The fabric is a blend of polyester and wool, with only 25% of the material being wool. While these pants contain the least amount of wool compared to other options, they still offer the durability needed for tough environments.
Bar tacking at stress points adds to the durability, ensuring that the pants last through heavy use. The waistband grip also helps keep shirts tucked in, which is a useful feature for those needing to maintain a neat appearance.
The pants come equipped with large side cargo pockets, as well as standard front and back pockets. There are also a hidden cell phone pocket and a small watch pocket, which are practical features for anyone needing extra storage without sacrificing a professional look.
These pants have a relaxed fit, which ensures they don’t cling too tightly to the legs. If you are searching for the best wool cargo pants for a uniform or work environment, the Flying Cross Men’s Wool Justice Cargo Pants are an ideal choice due to their durability and practical design.
Johnson Woolen Mills Wool Plaid Cargo Pants
Johnson Woolen Mills Wool Plaid Cargo Pants reflect the company’s rich history in crafting high-quality wool garments, which began in 1842 in Northern Vermont.
The company has nearly two centuries of experience, and these wool cargo pants are no exception to their tradition of quality. Made from premium wool, these pants provide excellent warmth and durability, making them perfect for colder climates or outdoor work.
These cargo pants are equipped with two large 8×10 inch side cargo pockets, offering plenty of storage space for tools or personal items. The quality craftsmanship of these pants is evident in their construction, with each pair being handcrafted in the USA.
Certain waist sizes even come with attached suspender buttons, which adds an extra element of functionality. If you’re looking for a classic, high-quality option, Johnson Woolen Mills Wool Plaid Cargo Pants are a testament to traditional craftsmanship and durability.
5 Things to Consider When Buying Wool Cargo Pants
Fabric
Not all wool pants will be made with 100% wool. This is one reason why I like the Filson Mackinaw Wool Cargo Field Pants because they are made with 100% wool.
There are several reasons why a company may choose to add other fabrics to the wool pants. The most obvious is it helps reduce cost. But certain wool blends that include nylon or polyester can help improve the overall durability of the pants (how good is wool blend?).
Durability is one drawback of some types of wool pants. If you are working in an area that has a high risk of abrasions, then I would recommend considering canvas cargo pants.
Although wool isn’t as durable as canvas, another reason I like the Filson wool cargo pants is their Mackinaw wool fibers can be bent or flexed 20,000 times without breaking, which helps extend the life of the pants.
Another fabric that will occasionally be added to wool pants is spandex. Obviously, this helps increase the stretch of the pants and creates a more flexible, responsive fit.
Made in USA
Buying wool work pants that are made in the USA helps ensure quality and protects the lifespan of the pants. On our list, both the Filson wool pants and the Johnson Woolen Mills Pants are made here in the USA.
If you prefer pants that are made in the USA, and want to see other options, visit our article about the best work pants made in the USA.
Weather Protection
One huge advantage of wool is it is naturally water-repellent. Whether you are using your wool cargo pants for work or for recreation, having that added rain protection is nice.
No, don’t expect these pants to keep you dry in a monsoon, but they will help repel light precipitation and morning dew. If you are working in extremely wet conditions, you will want a waterproof work pant. To read about more water-resistant cargo options that aren’t made with wool, visit our article about the best water-resistant cargo pants.
Wool is very good at insulating, even when it is wet (work pants for winter). That said, for extreme cold temperatures, insulated cargo pants may be the better option. To read more, visit our article about the best insulated cargo pants.
Other Wool Clothing
Wool is comfortable and does a great job at insulating while still remaining breathable. The fabric is naturally water-repellent and does a good job at continuing to insulate even after it gets wet.
If you love wool, and want to read about other wool clothing options, visit our articles linked below:
Zip Pockets
Most wool cargo pants come with standard front and back pockets to go along with the side cargo pockets. These cargo pockets usually have a button-flap closure.
If you prefer a zip-close pocket to give you a safe place to store essentials like your keys, phone, and small tools, then the First Lite wool pants on our list will be a nice option. These cargo pants have several zipper pockets, including a zipper on the cargo pocket itself.
Click here to view these First Lite Wool Pants available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). As we discussed earlier in the article, these wool cargo pants use a wool fabric blend, which includes spandex to add flexibility to the pants.