Filson Mackinaw Cruiser - The Ultimate Wool Jacket?

[@judsonmiller8946]

Just picked up one of these in pristine condition from my local thrift shop. Paid $17 bucks. It was even in my size. Like winning the lottery. Best find ever!

[@emmitjohnstone1734]

I found a Forest Service issue one in perfect condition at a small church thrift store in the middle of nowhere for $10. Even had two spent 12g shells in the pocket. I’ll own it for life, and never take the shells out!

[@bunkerman99]

I bought my Filson Cruiser on my 30th birthday in 1987. I have basically worn it out. I was riding in the National Field Trial Championships for Bird Dogs (quail) in Grand Junction, Tennessee and the store was Dunns I believe and they had a spruce green in my size, on sale for $89. You would see these things all over the great lakes, fish camps, lumber camps, putting in the garden in the upper midwest. From March until November I wore mine daily and it is worn out. Holes, frayed cuffs, rips, who cares it still works. My color of choice was the red/black buffalo plaid which is a woolrich pattern from 1850 or so. Captivating but they did not have my size so spruce green it was. There are other great makers of these jackets. J O Ballard of Malone, NY sold his Molone cloth which is similar to your woolrich $100 flannel shirt. Charcoal grey with red windowpane n green stripe. Very tasteful. His jackets are 2d to none. Woolrich started making pants and bibs out of this cloth and they were named out of respect to Ballard, "Malone Pants". Johnson Woolen Mills is older than Filson by 50 years and they call a very similar cloth Adirondack Plaid. I have their bibs and pants and a pair of elderly Woolrich Malone trousers. I wear these 100 days a year. Johnson's cloth might be better than Filsons. Great stuff. I bought on ebay an old Duluth woolen mill of their Patrick cloth from the 1920s or so that was in almost unworn condition for $50. This wool is remarkable at 35 oz fabric or more, Heaviest wool cloth I have ever seen. Finally, look aty red/black shadow plaid. Every bit as classy as the red/black buffalo plaid. All gone. I have a white/black shadow plaid vest made of 29 oz cloth of the good stuff.

[@Theredeemedchild2]

I have one in the heritage green. Love it. Great for hunting as it makes no noise when the wool rubs together.

[@CarlMurawski]

I didn't even think of that! Great point!

[@patrickfort4467]

@@CarlMurawski I've always assumed that the back pocket was a game pouch and the narrow front pockets were for cartridges or shells. I have a Cruiser, three wool vests (one with the zip to line my Mile Marker), and one moleskin. One is from the 90s, but the rest are from the early to mid-teens and, except or the zip front, all are in chest sizes.

[@johngrossbohlin7582]

The date code information was interesting. It drove me to the Filson in my closets... I was curious about the oldest Filson items I have. The oldest label I could read was from 1998. There are items that I know are older than that, mostly Tin Cloth and Shelter Cloth, but I've worn those items so many times in harsh conditions that the tags are not legible. One of the items had been repaired by Filson (shoulder seam separating on a Tin hunting vest that is at least 25 years old) and I've sewn my Shelter Cloth hunting coat numerous times myself--it is at least that old too. Those two items have seen heavy use in heavy cover. The wool still looks great. The double mac cruiser, though 12 years old, looks like new as do the other wool coats (cape, weekender). This exercise also motivated me to get the paint, glue and chalk off of one of the 20 year old wool vests. ;~) After having gone through the ice up to my neck I don't wear synthetics, cotton or down when afield in the cool and winter months. I've worn Filson wool and been soaked through by rain and sleet but still stayed warm. I cannot say the same of a lined Woolrich coat... Yes the outside was wool but the lining and insulation were not. BTW, I finally figured out how to get hunting dog hair off the Filson wool. Where nylon brushes, lint rollers and vacuums failed I found that a brass clothing brush succeeded! It takes time to get it all but it works. It only took me about 30 years to discover that! LOL

[@matts6551]

John Grossbohlin Not to discount what Carl did here because I appreciate his coverage on Filson. You should check out Styleforum, I’m a member of the longest running Filson discussion on the Internet. Much of what Carl has stated comes from the wealth of knowledge in between the near 21,000 postings over the span of 11 years.

[@RobbieCallihan]

I have a double mackinaw in grey from the early 90s (as best as I can tell). I got it used about 8 years ago, and I still feel like I'm just breaking it in! I've slept in my truck using it like a blanket. I love it so much!

[@mb692100]

Carl... One of the many things I appreciate about your videos is the thoroughness of your research. Your details about the Filson label is a good example. I have been wearing Filson since the early eighties and, like you, have followed the changes in the labels over the years. My father worked in a retail clothing store in the 50's and 60's, and when I was a young boy, he would show me how that the top quality, USA-made wool coats always had a high quality label that could be recognized by its thickness, stitching and feel. So, when I discovered Filson in the early 80's, the first thing that caught my eye was the label. Little things can say a lot!

[@harrywilson1828]

Hi buddy, what's the thickest/warmest filson coat you know of?

[@mb692100]

@@harrywilson1828 For wool products, in my personal experience, the Double Mackinaw Wool Cruiser is the thickest and warmest. However, Filson offers from time-to-time a lined version of the Double Mac and the Wool Packer and other styles.The linings are often cotton so that could be a disadvantage if you're in rain for long periods of time. I would stay with either the unlined versions of the Wool Mackinaw Cruiser or the Wool Double Mac and layer with wool base layers such as the Mackinaw Wool Vest or Wool Vest Liner with a wool shirt and wool undershirt. You can vary these layers as needed with either the Wool Mac or the Wool Double Mac and have great versatility that you may prefer over a single, extra heavy wool coat like the lined versions of the Double Mac or Wool Packer. Filson also makes a Down Mackinaw Cruiser with tin cloth, which could rival the wool coats for warmth, but keep in mind that once down gets wet it no longer insulates. Reading the reviews on Filson's website will give you some more insight.

[@harrywilson1828]

@@mb692100 thanks so much for your input, I am based in the UK so hopefully I can find something on eBay at a good price... Regards, Harry

[@mb692100]

@@harrywilson1828 You're welcome, and I hope you find something that will work for you. Filson has two outlet stores, one in Washington State : 1-360-716-2500 and the other in Minnesota: 1-651-454-6841. The goods there are not first quality (usually cosmetic flaws or discontinued goods), but the prices are much less than retail.

[@stablestoic1491]

Discovered the Filson Brand because of this video. Thank you. 👍

[@coburnmedia]

I just recently picked up a short lined cruiser and now thanks to you I went on a hunt for a vintage mackinaw cruiser so excited these pieces to come in and for winter to hit! Love old school tech and how well it still stands up, you’re videos have been a great help in this new journey of mine!

[@paulsalerno6362]

Congrats ! Great decision.

[@coburnmedia]

@@paulsalerno6362 Thanks! Looking forward to them

[@steveeab2364]

I got my Grandpas old Winchester Model 70 and Model 94. I'm pretty sure he had one of these but it ended up at the Goodwill with the rest of his clothes. Sad for me but someone scooped up a great find I'm sure.

[@davidbemis2499]

Finally! A good tool to help date Filson jackets. Thanks for the videos

[@CarlMurawski]

I couldn't find this info anywhere, so I hope it helps some people out!

[@davidbemis2499]

@@CarlMurawski it's helped me out and it's a great help to people who want to consume less and get used durable pieces that still have many years of wear left in them.

[@Khristian.J]

I have seen a lot of filson videos about the mackinaw for some time now but your break down here by decades is spot on. Very information for sure

[@Cemmos]

I like that Filson added the "Might As Well Have The Best" and "A Genuine Filson Garment" lines back into their newest tags. Also looks better than their previous (still current with a lot of models) white text on black background tags, now with the golden/yellow text and old school look instead. It's funny how a lot of us that are into Filson products care about what the tag looks like.

[@aidansavage2000]

Yesss. This video delivered and then some. Cant wait to buy mine on the 28th. Gonna go new to start out my own coat legacy lol

[@siguureinartraustason8564]

I bought Filson double mackinaw cap few years ago. It still in like new condition after wearing a lot. Yesterday I bought this Filson mackinaw cruiser in dark navy. I don't know how the today's quality of Filson mackinaw wool garments are today but I hope to my cruise last for rest of my life it's super nice and has pockets that I really enjoy.

[@vitaly6312]

This is great. I have an old filson wool hat and a newer waxed jacket, but have always wanted one of these!

[@smallsc111]

I have a double mackinaw in blue and black plad, thanks for helping me date it. Awesome video!

[@jctmanu]

Much appreciated! I have a Union Made tagged mackinaw I picked up on eBay. Crazy to think it’s around 60 years old.

[@aaronlouviere5797]

If you live in the South like I do, the Mack Cruiser is great but maybe a little too much coat. As an alternative, look into getting a Filson Mackinaw Vest. They are awesome!

[@CarlMurawski]

100% agreed! I wear that under a leather jacket sometimes in the winter.

[@tomcripps7229]

Love my vest. I've had it almost 20 years and still looks brand new.

[@Saw_Squatch]

@@CarlMurawski the iconic Michigan brand Stormy Kromer, on top of making some of the best winter hats ever, make a pretty comparable vest to the filson, it might be worth the comparison

[@bijandaniali5100]

I just bought a double mack I think it from the 70’s that has obviously never been worn, I found the little paper inspector tags still in the pockets, the tag is stiff and white, and the collar with no crease. My favorite coat in now own

[@glenndanzigsmanycats2045]

I've never had their cruiser but I do have their mackinaw vest. It's good stuff

[@CarlMurawski]

The vest is killer!!

[@TheSalMaris]

I had my dad's double mackinaw from out of the 30s. Problem was I am a much taller and larger man than he was, so it went to a friend. I do have my own and I've had it for years. It's true they don't wear out and they are the best there is of this sort of jacket. Might as well have the best.

[@cowboycody8094]

Have you ever heard of Hudson Bay blanket? They have a cool history.

[@CarlMurawski]

I have, and thats a great future video idea!

[@cowboycody8094]

@@CarlMurawski Sounds like a good idea. There's a lot of myths and misconceptions About various aspects of the blanket and they were used to make Capote's where the mountain men. I was thinking about doing a video myself but I would say go ahead I only have a 120 subscribers compared to your 64000. Besides your videos are better than mine anyways.

[@matts6551]

I just bought a Pendleton Glacier National Park blanket that is styled like an HBC Point Blanket. The design is around 100 years old. I got a Full version on a crazy sale. Still hoping for an HBC but not at those prices ($400 for a 4 Point) for something I’d probably only use in the winter months.

[@cowboycody8094]

@@matts6551 Pendleton is a good brand. Try looking on Ebay. You can get used and new ones at a good price. Just beware of fakes.

[@figsaregood]

The older Mack cruisers uses 26oz wool and the ones today use 24oz wool. Oddly enough the "Shirt-Jac" they sell is made from 26oz A vintage 26oz Mackinaw Wool Double cruiser jacket would be the best imo but very heavy

[@CarlMurawski]

Yeah isnt that weird? I always wondered why the shirt jac is thinner... Plus its lined!

[@lucaswhite3850]

Great review. As a northern Michigan guy I can appreciate this cruiser. Question though.....have you ever owned or reviewd Stormy Kromer Items. They have a great story and wool products also with a lifetime warrant. Thank

[@stephenreese426]

love this jacket. worn this skiing many times

[@elmichoacanomartinez]

Hey carl why no woolrich/pendleton or Orvis

[@Smiling_mike]

I have a dbl. Mack Cruiser and love it! We live in Colorado near Wolf Creek Pass, & this is perfect!

[@sebastienalbouy4471]

Hey Carl- thanks for all of the amazing work. Love how you got into the history and durability of this piece. For warmth, I am looking at this jacket for winter weather here in New England, does it handle the wind?

[@strengthandbulkMadness]

Another good thing about wool is it still keeps you warm when it gets wet. If down gets wet you’re in trouble.

[@CarlMurawski]

Good call! Its also fire resistant, so its excellent for camping near a fire.

[@bobpeterson4930]

I enjoy your Filson videos - especially when you've dedicated some time researching your topic. Kudos! Would be interesting to interview the "historians" on the Filson staff to compare notes. I've worn Filson products for the last 10 years - Park Ranger, Wildlife Biologist, and researcher. Hope they get back to their Made in the USA crafted products.

[@katsaras1]

Man, I love this kind of videos!

[@crisyorke1328]

Made In USA, awesome!

[@dancacciatore]

Numeric sizes in Mackinaw cruisers were available as recently as 2010, when I purchased mine. Black labeled garments didn’t appear in the Filson catalog until after 2010.

[@somethingsomethingusername580]

I bought one of these after watching this video and some other research pretty excited for it to arrive. I bought a charcoal in medium

[@somethingsomethingusername580]

well just got the coat today and its amazing

[@somethingsomethingusername580]

@@larsstenseth2351 a large will definitely fit you with room to layer. The medium fits me well with some room to layer but I have to be more selective. I am 5’11 and 175 pounds. A large might be a little baggy but you could wear bulkier clothes with the jacket and get more use out of it

[@Artorias001]

If you like the Mackinaw jacket check out weatherwool they make an updated version but it does cost more

[@johnfenton7715]

Thank you I’m actually shopping for a second hand one right now

[@CarlMurawski]

Lots of great ones out there, happy hunting!

[@quadre2002]

I was fortunate enough to inherit a double barrel shotgun from my grandfather. I would love to go hunting one day with it but for now its just for display at home.

[@quadre2002]

I don’t have the proper license for hunting. The process is a bit complicated

[@vitaly6312]

@@quadre2002 I feel you man. I just started hunting last year, as nobody in my family hunted. Step 1: take hunters safety ASAP. Step 2: go to your local range and learn to shoot trap or skeet. It’s awesome. I’m super happy that you’ll be using a passed down shotgun from your family. Don’t let it go.

[@quadre2002]

@@vitaly6312 oh I’m definitely not letting go of it. But it’ll be used when the time comes

[@donnelson4140]

Good coats. Put an almost unused double-mac on consignment last week leaving me with an old brown single mac, and yes, a red plaid double mac (which is really too warm for South Dakota). The brown one has faded to olive drab except under the lapels and is getting threadbare. All are about ten years old.

[@458Ferrarif]

I found that their jac shirts are a bit better. They're lined and are 26oz, whereas the cruiser is made with 24oz wool. Since I'm short, 5' 6", the jac shirt fits, lengthwise, as a cruiser.

[@paulsalerno6362]

You were smart to keep the Filson !

[@rustyshackleford17]

If you get the US-made modern Filson, they still make really solid stuff. I can't speak for their foreign-made stuff since I refuse to pay the price they ask for it. I really hope PDW ends up making their own version of this in the future. Their Woodsman shirt is extremely wind resistant and warm at 14oz wool.

[@tomcripps7229]

Great video Carl. I almost bought the Mackinaw cruiser and decided on a falcon bluff leather jacket from Territory Ahead instead. I love the look of the cruiser but I don't think I'd get enough use out of it here in Texas.

[@swayintotherain]

Wow I was suprised Filson gets their wool from Pendleton. Can you make some videos on Pendleton and review some of there stuff. There are almost no reviews of their products on youtube.

[@aidenlin9878]

WHY THE F*CK DO YOU ONLY HAVE 68K SUBS? YOU CREATE SUCH GREAT CONTENT AND THERE R PPL WITH TRASH VIDS GETTING MILLIONS OF SUBS. YOU DESERVE MORE! LOVE YOUR VIDS

[@CarlMurawski]

Thank you! I’m not sure why the numbers are what they are, but I’ll keep making content as long as people keep watching!

[@thecowboypreacher6568]

What would You say is the temperature rating of this coat? Deciding between this and the packer. The cruiser seems a lot more versatile as the packer would be reserved for extreme cold

[@varun009]

Please review the packer!

[@charlesbronson240]

Definitely gonna try to find a second hand one.

[@CarlMurawski]

There are a ton! One guy on ebay has a really unique brown/white/green model.

[@matts6551]

Charles Bronson keep in mind they have two different fits. The Alaskan and Seattle fits. The Seattle is slim fitted (thanks hipsters), so I would go for the Alaskan, so you can layer for colder weather. Each one has unique build numbers to distinguish them. Alaska Fit: 10043 Seattle Slim Fit: 10400 A new version is still a solid investment though, as it will last you several decades. That basically comes down to less then $20 a year.

[@nodieusa]

You are such a cool dude I wish more people knew about you, I'm sure they would be inspired and things like man-buns and nut split skinny jeans would vanish forever... I live in TX and if you're ever around here it would be a pleasure to show you some good ole' TX BBQ and talk about motorcycles, cool trucks, guns and old school traits.

[@philipdotsenko4814]

Wait, how’s digit sizing possible in 90s and 00s? I thought after 1981 they replaced the sizing to SML.

[@JimHep]

I have a green Mackinaw Cruiser with all traditional buttons, no snaps at all. It is extremely thick and has the 60s-90s label. 40Long. Thoughts?

[@devinhurt7698]

Cool video and your a man of great tastes, know any good vests that aren't the shiney or vintage hipster lapel kind? More like the real mccoys mutton collar leather down vest

[@CarlMurawski]

I think its worth going custom to get exactly what you want. Have Viapiana Custom Denim make you exactly what you want. Its not as expensive as you'd think!

[@vashxux]

Very cool history

[@CarlMurawski]

Neat right?

[@votten9238]

Trying to get one 2nd hand living outside of the US is not almost as pricy as getting one brand new.

[@npercic82]

Great video Carl! You put this jacket on my radar now. Is it worth the $400 price tag on Filson's website? Do they ever go on sale anywhere? Black Friday is coming up......;)

[@CarlMurawski]

I think they're worth the money for sure, but again, I'd go with a second hand model. Also have a look at the model from Stormy Kromer, it looks to be very similar for less $$.

[@matts6551]

Great job on the video, excellent editing value and dating. You were slightly off on the tag design though ( 5:33 ). Filson didn’t opt for the black logo design until well into the later 2000’s. I had a 1994 built Mackinaw Cruiser with the white diamond tag design and woolmark tag

[@TheGreatAsthenia]

Hello there Carl! Thank you for all this information. You inhereted a size 44, mentioning that it's a tad too big. As I'm in the market for one, just like many of us here, it would help immensely if you would tell us your height/weight and chest measurements. Hope you are well! Regards, TGA

[@arthursoto4285]

Definitely looks like a very serious garment

[@CarlMurawski]

Oh yes! Its a BEAST

[@xXCP1993Xx]

I have a Blackhawk coat that is the same pattern but it's useless below 40 degrees unless you layer and then mobility is compromised. So I started looked at vests to pair with it and here I am. In the rabbit hole. Lol

[@EastofVictoriaPark]

I have a shirtjac version that is 26oz plus 8 oz flannel. Not timeless, but I for a fraction of the cost. Also made in Bangladesh, which for a lot of people is a deal breaker. My rationale is the fabric is the same quality but the assembly was done elsewhere. If Filson has the same qc standards globally, then it would be virtually identical. I don’t know that they do, but so far so good. I’m not a BIFL evangelist, so I’m not bothered.

[@carsandchronos]

Your tag dating is incorrect. I have a Mackinaw cruiser from 2015 that still was sold as a chest size (44,46,48,etc). Also, the white tags were used far into the 2000’s as well. Thanks for the video

[@patrickclark9175]

Hey Carl (or anyone else), any idea If older Mackinaw Cruisers are smaller, in general? I understand the cost is supposed to fit with enough room for layering but I’m a smaller guy, and feel like I’m still swimming, even in the XS. Do we know what the smallest chest size they made was? 36?

[@garethwilliams976]

I have a single Filson Mackinaw. Quality of materials 5/5 Quality of manufacture 5/5. Design as a historical item 5/5 Actual design today 2/5... Why so low? As a work garment great but for walking outdoors in a winter wind when you might get seriously cold it has two major areas where it fails and lets in the cold - First the front closure lets it down and there needs to be a greater overlap ( inside so as not to ruin the look). I suggest 2 inches. If you sit for a while the overlap opens up completely! The other letdown is the opening at the ends of the sleeve prior to the cuff - a bit like a shirt. The opening lets in cold air- even a button half way down would help but a full closure would be better.. Would I buy another- you bet!

[@ThePaPappy]

I'm still waiting for Woolrich to bring back the old Camp Jacket with the big flaps over the top pockets 🧓😃

[@johndavis1217]

Woolrich got bought out by an Italian Company. Seems they now cater to the international hipster crowd.

[@ThePaPappy]

@@johndavis1217 LOL figures !

[@nealg6810]

One of the best Xmas presents I have ever received. It was from Xmas of 2015. But Hopefully someone can solve the mystery I have with my jacket. As stated earlier, it was given to me in 2015. Brand new. Since watching this video, I'm wondering if my jacket is old stock. It has the white label stitched on it with the diamond. The jacket is sized at 48. Could Filson have put an old label on mine since they went to the black label by this time or I really have an old stock jacket? Any ideas?

[@gibtsnicht1619]

Second hand is kinda hard for me to get in germany :/

[@RobertLinthicum]

Has the cut or fit of the Cruisers changed through the years? Do current production Mackinaw coats fit the same as the very old ones?

[@CarlMurawski]

They have two fits: the Seattle and the Alaska. I believe the Seattle is trimmer where the Alaska is true to the original.

[@RobertLinthicum]

@@CarlMurawski That is relatively new, and I think they are getting rid of the "Seattle" fit. How do these two fits compare with the fits of the decades old jackets?

[@djswany85]

Tell us more about your dad. Obviously he had good taste with the Filson. Anything else he left you/passed down?

[@CarlMurawski]

Unfortunately not. Actually, there is one thing I forgot- he gave me his 1964.5 mustang convertible. Of course it was left to ravages of time and raccoons, but it’s a cool car nonetheless. I had to replace the engine, trans, interior, wiring, etx

[@yankeesuperstar]

Cant stop sneezing when I wear plaid

[@cagemasterson9652]

Hello. Are these Filson Mackinaw jackets, Lined?

[@CarlMurawski]

No, the Mackinaw Cruiser is unlined. The jac-shirt is lined though, which is kinda strange.

[@cagemasterson9652]

@@CarlMurawski ,… ya. It does seem very strange. I was thinking about buying a quilted jacket “Liner” but I’m not sure if it will fit underneath the mackinaw comfortably. My chest is 48.5” - 49” inches. I purchased an XXL Mackinaw Cruiser. I think it is supposed to fit between 49.5” - 50.5” inch chest. I’m not sure if that’s roomy enough for a liner? Do they Run Large ?

[@Texo_McKevo]

The only thing my dad could of had lend to me if he didn’t sold it I could of made it into my hat size was his 100x beaver shaggy Macky hat

[@kiara-kh7nh]

Could have. It's could have, and commas exist Too bad though, that'd have been a great handmedown

[@Texo_McKevo]

@@kiara-kh7nh yeah my dad killed a beaver when he lived in Wyoming before I was born nice hat but it’s worth around $435 and now the hatters charged around $450 plus shipping of $15

[@ironmikelo.8839]

I can't believe you would even consider throwing something like that away sheesh

[@kentvanbeek9007]

So close... third

[@thefloppyspoon]

Fourth👍

[@EricBarriga]

Never selling mine its a size 42 xtra long in forest green

[@carlosattwell9047]

fabricación domestico cuatrociclo ruedas electrico

[@JMGeranimo]

Thank you so much, mines a diamond designed tag, with Filson .com. 0305 code. Leather trimmed collar. Fabulously made.

[@annahenderson1730]

Do you think a woman could wear this in a small?

[@josephcampese5347]

go to the Mackinaw website. they have a "women's" tab selecting clothes.

[@josephcampese5347]

check that, Filson. www.filson.com/workwear/work-shirts.html

[@sato_br]

almost first...

[@CarlMurawski]

So. Close. lol

[@9dj528]

400 Dollars brand new??? No thanks ill stick with my redhead jacket from bass pro

[@lymn2002]

Looks normal - I almost tossed it

[@mastershredder2002]

It's funny how an overrated, uncomfortable, itchy, and ill-fitting jacket suddenly becomes gold when a bunch of plonkers on the internet say it is.

[@weaponizedham826]

first get rekt

[@CarlMurawski]

Lol! Right on

[@panderjitsinghvv8199]

Interesting that all the old cultural baggage of these jackets has faded so much.