The Filson Tin Cloth line has become somewhat legendary among the team here at GearJunkie — and among most who’ve used it. The waxed, waterproof, snag-resistant, and impossibly tough canvas material will outlast its wearer if its properly cared for. This fall, Filson is relaunching one of its flagship Tin Cloth products, the Field Jacket ($425), in a brand new color: Otter Green.
Introduced in the 1920s as “waterproof khaki,” Filson’s Tin Cloth has been popular among ranchers, farmhands, hunters, and other gear abusers for over a century. In 2018, GearJunkie reviewed a pair of Tin Cloth Chaps our tester had worn for almost 40 years. They were passed on to a friend who was still using them last we checked. We’ve also reviewed the Tin Cloth Pants, which made it onto our guide for the Best Work Pants.
The Tin Cloth Field Jacket isn’t new, but the new Otter Green color is. It’s a tried-and-true favorite with a fresh new look.
Tin Cloth Field Jacket: Filson Fall West
The Filson Field Jacket is a burly work jacket. The shoulders are made of one seamless piece of tin cloth material to maximize the jacket’s waterproofness. The jacket’s collar is lined with Mackinaw Wool, as are the high-set hand pockets on the front. That adds a little extra warmth to the otherwise uninsulated canvas shell. The two-way front zipper also has a storm flap to keep foul weather out.
Similar to Filson’s classic Tin Cloth Cruiser Jacket, the Field Jacket sports an oversized side entry pocket on the back. Unlike the Cruiser, though, the rear pocket is zippered and lined with nylon, making it perfect for storing caps, scarves, or even small game if you’re out hunting. Two expandable pockets on the front are large enough to carry a box of shotgun shells.
The Field Jacket is also compatible with Filson’s liners. So, on the coldest days, you can add insulation to the Jacket and continue using (and abusing) it.
Caring for Filson Tin Cloth clothing will make it last for decades — like those chaps our tester wore for 40 years. But you have to know how to take care of it. Don’t ever wash your Tin Cloth clothes. Instead, you brush them and wipe them clean with a damp rag.
There is rarely, if ever, a need to throw your tin cloth clothing in the wash. If you do, you must rewax it to preserve its waterproofing. For $5, Filson sells its own oil finish wax.
Unfortunately, while the rest of the Filson 2024 West Fall line will be available on the brand’s website as of Aug. 2, the Otter Green Field Jacket won’t be available until Aug. 30, according to Filson. The dark tan version is still available on the website, however.
For more products from the Filson 2024 West Fall line, check out the New Arrivals page on the brand’s website on or after Aug. 2. The new product line includes updated Filson staples like the Lightweight Alaskan Guide shirts, Vintage Flannel Work Shirts, Jac-Shirts, Prospector Hoodie, and Beartooth Cruiser Vest.
