Which Carhartt jacket/coat should you get? We make answering this question easier.
We’ve taken all of the Carhartt jackets and applied our own grading scale to come up with the number one overall Carhartt jacket.
Now to be clear, the number one overall jacket is ranked best in all of the categories, but if you live in Nevada, you will not need the warmest jacket, so it may not be the best pick for you.
We’ve rated all of the jackets on the jackets ability to move freely with your movements (movability), the warmth of the jacket and its liner (Warmth), the jackets ability to take abuse (Durability) and the rain/snow repellency of the jacket.
So let’s start the countdown!
Coming in at #12 with an overall score of 3.25 is the Carhartt Crowley Jacket (102199).
In the category of movability, it scored a 3. Although the shell of the jacket isn’t stiff or hard to move, the jacket does not have Carhartt’s Full Swing technology.
In the category of warmth, the Crowley Jacket scored a 2. The jacket is lined with a polyester fleece lining, making it one of the least lined jackets made by Carhartt.
The jacket scored an average score of 3 in the category of durability.
The jacket absolutely shined in the rain/snow repellency category, scoring a perfect 5. Rain/Snow has no chance of slowing you down in the Crowley jacket.
Coming in at #11 with another overall score of 3.25 is the Carhartt Shoreline Jacket (J162).
This jacket has the same score as the Crowley Jacket (#12), although was able to move up with the added bonus of having a removable hood.
The Shoreline jacket scored a 3 in the category of movability. Once again, the jacket not containing the Carhartt Full swing technology has caused it to score an average of 3. Do not mistake this jacket to be constraining, it will still move, just not as freely as other jackets.
A warmth score of 2 was given to this jacket due to the jacket lacking a liner. Although, its ability to cut out most of the wind, has allowed it to stay above a low score of 1.
In the category of durability, the Shoreline Jacket was given an average score of 3. Do not mistake this score to mean that this jacket is easily rippable, you’ll have a hard time snagging this one and ripping it. We had to give it a 3 as it is not as durable as the cotton duck shell on other Carhartt Jackets.
As with the Crowley Jacket, the category where the Shoreline jacket absolutely shines is the rain/snow repellency, scoring a perfect 5.
Coming in at #10 with a score of 3.5 is the Carhartt Washed Duck Sherpa-Lined Jacket (104392) formerly known as the Carhartt Sierra Jacket (J141).
In 2020, Carhartt decided to become more environmentally friendly and change the process of dyeing/washing their jackets. The improved process has allowed them to upgrade the J141 to the 104392. Make no mistake, this jacket is just as good as the old one, just better...and has cooler coloring.
Scoring a 3 in movability, this jacket lacks one thing, and you’ve guessed it, the Carhartt Full Swing.
In the warmth category, coming up just short of a perfect 5, the 104392 has scored a 4. This Sherpa Lined jacket is rated as midweight, but is great for layering in the crisp winter months.
Scoring a monstrous 5, this Carhatt Washed Duck Sherpa-Lined Jacket is as tough as nails. The world-famous cotton duck is as tough as it comes. Good luck breaking this one down.
Coming up short in the rain/snow repellency category, this jacket has scored a 2. If you see a rain storm brewing, find cover. This cotton material is thirsty and enjoys soaking up all the water it can. Think it was heavy before? Try standing in a rainstorm for 20 minutes.
Now in the single digits, coming in at #9 with an overall score of 3.75 is the Carhartt Quilt-Flannel Lined Firm Duck Active Jac (J140).
This jacket is about as American as the Bald Eagle. Made in the great United States of America, is the classic J140.
Now I can already hear you guys asking “If it’s such a classic, how come it isn’t number 1?”. I am here to tell you exactly why.
Scoring a 3 in the movability category, the J140 lacks one thing. This time I will let you just say what it is as I just nod my head yes. It is in fact the Carhartt Full Swing technology.
Coming up just short of the perfect 5 in the warmth category, this jacket has scored a 4. With the classic quilt lining, this jacket is rated as midweight.
BAM! A perfect score of 5 in the durability category, this is the jacket that has given Carhartt the reputation of being bulletproof (it is not actually bulletproof, so please don’t do anything stupid). I have heard countless stories of this jacket lasting more than 10 years, and you may say to yourself, “It’s easy for any jacket to last 10 years if it’s not used.”. And that would be absolutely correct, except they always come in looking like they’ve gone through a wood chipper. So they have in fact been used.
The J140 has scored a 3 in the rain/snow repellency. If you’re wondering why it was scored one above the 104392, it is due to the shell being firm, as opposed to being washed. The firm duck seems to be a bit better at water repellency.
Coming in at #8 with a score of 3.75 is the Carhartt Insulated Shoreline Jacket (102702).
Scoring a 3 in the movability category, the Insulated Shoreline Jacket comes up short where the others have also, no Carhartt Full Swing technology.
Coming up clutch where the close cousin came up short, this Shoreline Jacket can also keep you warm, scoring a 4 in this category. Graded as a midweight insulation, this is sure to keep the crisp mornings of winter out of mind.
In the durability category, this jacket scores an average number 3.
Snow or rain has no chance of affecting your work day in this jacket, as it scores a perfect number 5 in the rain/snow repellency category.
Coming in at #7 with an overall score of 4 is the Full Swing Quick Duck Insulated Traditional Coat (104468) formerly known as the Jefferson Quick Duck Traditional Jacket (101492).
A big add on to the old Jefferson Jacket, Carhartt has added the Full Swing technology to help boost up the overall score of this coat.
Scoring a perfect 5 in the category of movability, thanks to the Full Swing technology, this coat will move in unison with you, not against you.
Scoring a 4 in the warmth category, this coat is sure to keep you toasty in the winter months.
The Full Swing Quick Duck Insulated Traditional Coat has scored a 4 in the category of durability, able to hold up to just about any abuse you can put it through.
This jacket scores a 3 in the rain/snow repellency category. Now even though this coat comes with the Rain Defender technology, I still wouldn’t want to be caught out in a storm with it. It does do a great job of repelling light sprinkles, but we’re looking for a bit more.
Coming in at #6 with an overall score of 4 is the Full Swing Cryder Jacket (102207).
Introduced a few years back, this jacket is one of my personal favorites.
Scoring a perfect 5, this jacket comes with the Full Swing technology.
Putting up one short of perfect, this jacket scores a 4 in warmth. It is still a great jacket for the cold northeast winters, but requires another layer of clothing underneath on the below 0° F days.
Another great score of 4 in durability, this jacket shines again. Not as great as the cotton duck material, this Quick Duck material is still plenty strong and lighter.
The Cryder Jacket scored a 3 in the rain/snow repellency as it once again is only good in sprinkles, but will soak up water like a sponge in the pouring rain.
Coming in at #5 with a score of 4 is the Firm Duck Traditional Coat (C003).
Almost as recognizable world-wide as the J140 (#9), this coat is a classic.
Scoring an average number 3 in the movability, this coat comes up just short as it doesn’t have the Full Swing technology.
Warmth is no issue with this coat, as it scores a perfect 5 in this category.
Scoring a perfect 5 in durability, this firm duck material is indestructible. You can put this coat to work for years to come, and it will still look brand new.
The rain/snow repellency category gave this coat a little bit of a problem, as this coat scores a 3 in this category.
Coming in at #4 with an overall score of 4 is the Carhartt Full Swing Traditional Coat (103283) formerly known as just the Carhartt Sandstone Coat (C26).
The Sandstone coat has always been a classic, but this year Carhartt decided to give it an upgrade. That’s right - The great Full Swing technology.
Scoring a perfect number 5 in the movability category, this coat will not hold you back. It will move with you no matter what you’re doing, giving it great versatility.
Coming up just short of the perfect 5, we gave this coat a score of 4 in the warmth category. Don't be discouraged, as this coat is still a very warm coat, just not the warmest.
The Full Swing Traditional Coat has put up a 5 in durability. This coat does not play around. It will take abuse year after year and year, and still give you everything it’s got.
This coat comes up short in one spot, and that’s the rain/snow repellency category. Don’t get caught in the rain, just trust us.
Welcome to the podium, coming in at #3 is the Yukon Extremes Insulated Active Jac (104458) formerly known as the Yukon Extremes Active Jac (J133).
The only category where this jacket comes up just short is the movability, due to the lack of - you guessed it - Full Swing technology. Scoring a 3 in this category.
Putting up absolute monster numbers, this jacket scores perfect 5s in the warmth, durability, and rain/snow repellency categories. Lined with 150g 3M™ Thinsulate™ insulation and 500-denier Cordura® shell, this jacket is warm, rain/snow resistant, and as durable as any.
Coming in at #2 with an overall score of 4.5 is the Yukon Extremes Insulated Parka (104476) replacing the Quick Duck Sawtooth Parka (102728).
Scoring a 3 in the category of movability, this parka is missing the Full Swing technology.
What puts this parka in the number 2 position on our list? Scoring 5s in every other category.
With the 390g 3M™ Thinsulate™ insulation, this parka is made to make you feel like you’re on the beach, while you’re actually in the crisp Northeast winter months.
Durability? 5. The 500-denier Cordura® shell has no competition.
Rain/Snow? Once again, no match. Perfect score of 5.
The moment you have all been waiting for...the #1 Carhartt jacket/coat.
Scoring a perfect 5 in every category.
Movability? Check.
Warmth? Check.
Rain/Snow? Ha. Check.
Durable? You gotcha.
Coming in at #1 with the perfect score of 5 is the Yukon Extremes Full Swing Insulated Coat (104460) replacing the classic Yukon Extremes Arctic Coat (C55).
First is the worst, second is the best, right? No. This is the best coat hands down.
Full Swing technology allows this coat to move with you, no resistance. Swinging an axe? No restriction. Climbing ladders? No restriction. Doing anything that involves moving your arms? That’s right, absolutely no restrictions.
A 500-denier Cordura™ nylon shell makes this coat both waterproof and bulletproof (not actually though, again, don’t try anything stupid).
150g 3M™ Thinsulate™ Insulation makes this bad boy warm. Real warm. Like super warm. Mother nature has absolutely no chance.
So there you have it, the number one coat. Along with the other 11 coats/jackets.
I hope you’ve had as much fun reading this as I have had writing it.
I also hope you’ve found a jacket/coat that works for you as hard as it should.
Remember, the #1 coat may not be the best for you. If you live in a city/state with warm winters, don’t get the warmest coat.
As always, we are here to answer any questions, so shoot us an email at support@greatlakesworkwear.com so we can help you out!
