In this blog post, we will provide a detailed product comparison between Filson Mackinaw Wool Vest and Stormy Kromer Wool Button Vest, highlighting their similarities and differences. By the end of this post, you will have a better idea of which vest is right for you. Both of these vests are made in the USA with high-quality wool and feature classic designs that can suit various occasions and settings.
Brand | Color | Material |
Stormy Kromer Button Vest | Red/Black Plaid | 26 oz. 100% virgin wool |
Olive | 26 oz. 100% virgin wool | |
Blaze Orange | 23-25 oz. 85% wool/15% nylon | |
Ottawa | 50/25/25 wool/poly/nylon |
But how do they compare in terms of warmth, comfort, functionality?
Warmth
One of the main benefits of wool vests is that they provide excellent warmth without being too bulky or heavy. Wool is a natural insulator that can trap body heat and regulate temperature, even when wet. Both the Filson Mackinaw Wool Vest and the Stormy Kromer Wool Button Vest are made with 100% virgin wool or wool blend, depending on the color. However, there are some differences in the weight and thickness of the wool used in each vest.
The Filson Mackinaw Wool Vest is made from 24oz 100% virgin Mackinaw Wool. Wool, especially virgin wool (wool taken from a lamb’s first shearing, when it’s at its softest), is known for its excellent insulating properties. Wool fibers have a natural crimp that traps air, providing a barrier that helps keep warmth in during colder weather. You can check out more details about Filson mackinaw wool west.
In contrast, The Stormy Kromer Wool Button Vest uses 23-25 oz./LY 85% wool/15% nylon (Blaze Orange) or 50/25/25 wool/poly/nylon (Ottawa), depending on the color. These wool blends are slightly lighter and softer than pure wool, but still offer good warmth and water-resistance. While it still retains the majority of wool’s benefits for warmth, the inclusion of nylon—a material that’s generally less insulating than wool—could potentially make the Stormy Kromer vest slightly less warm than its 100% wool counterpart.
However, the warmth of a vest doesn’t rely solely on the material. Factors such as the vest’s fit and how tightly it’s woven can also impact how well it retains heat.
Comfort
Another important factor to consider when choosing a wool vest is comfort. Wool vests should fit well, allow freedom of movement, and feel soft and cozy on the skin. Both the Filson Mackinaw Wool Vest and the Stormy Kromer Wool Button Vest have a roomy fit that allows easy layering and wide armholes that provide a full range of motion. They also have a V-shaped neckline that adds no extra bulk around the neck, leaving plenty of room for a heavy shirt and a rain shell zipped chin-high. However, there are some differences in the feel and fit of the wool used in each vest.
The Filson Mackinaw Wool Vest has a tight weave that makes it windproof and durable, but also slightly stiff and scratchy. The vest can be uncomfortable with thin shirts underneath or against bare skin. It is unlined, which means that it does not have any additional fabric or padding inside to enhance comfort or insulation.
The Stormy Kromer Wool Button Vest may have a softer feel because of its wool and nylon blend and possible special treatments and weaves. Moreover, the vest looks a little bigger on the waist than the chest, and if you have a little tummy then the Stormy Kromer offers a little more room. It fits fairly large and loose so you might want to order a size down if you like a vest that fits a bit more snug.
Both vests are easy to care for, as wool is naturally odor-resistant and stain-resistant. They can be dry cleaned or simply brushed off with a lint roller or a damp cloth to remove dirt and dust. However, based on the feel and texture of the wool, the Stormy Kromer Wool Button Vest may have an edge over the Filson Mackinaw Wool Vest in terms of comfort.
Functionality
A third factor to consider when choosing a wool vest is functionality. Wool vests should offer practical features that enhance their usability and versatility for different occasions and settings. Both the Filson Mackinaw Wool Vest and the Stormy Kromer Wool Button Vest have a button-front closure, which provides ease of wear and a classic look. They also have various pockets that offer convenient storage for small items. However, there are some differences in the design of each vest.
The Filson Mackinaw Wool Vest has five front buttons and four pockets: two side handwarmer pockets, one open-stow chest pockets, and one slotted-utility chest pocket. The side handwarmer pockets are useful for keeping the hands warm or holding small items like keys or a phone. The open-stow chest pockets are large enough to hold a wallet, a passport, or a small notebook. The slotted-utility chest pocket has three slots for holding pens, pencils, or tools.
The Stormy Kromer Wool Button Vest has four front buttons and five pockets: two side handwarmer pockets and two chest pockets and a smaller chest pocket inside the right chest pocket. The back of the vest has a curved hem, and it’s long enough to keep the cold from intruding while you’re working.
Both vests are suitable for both outdoor and indoor environments, as they can be worn in multiple layers or by themselves. They can also be worn for various activities, such as hunting, fishing, hiking, working, or casual outings. However, based on the design, the Stormy Kromer Wool Button Vest may have an edge over the Filson Mackinaw Wool Vest in terms of functionality.
Here’s the bar chart representing the comparison between the Filson Mackinaw Wool Vest and the Stormy Kromer Wool Button Vest across three key factors:
- Warmth: Reflecting the material, weight, and thickness of the wool, with Filson Mackinaw rated slightly higher for its 100% virgin wool.
- Comfort: Including factors like fit, feel, and weave, with Stormy Kromer having a slight edge due to its softer feel and roomier fit.
- Functionality: Evaluating features such as buttons, pockets, and design, with Stormy Kromer rated higher for its versatile design.
In conclusion, both the Filson Mackinaw Wool Vest and the Stormy Kromer Wool Button Vest are excellent choices for anyone looking for a warm, durable and versatile wool vest. They have many similarities, but also some differences that may appeal to different customers depending on their needs and preferences.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which vest is right for you is to try them on yourself and see how they fit, feel, and look on you. You can find both vests online or at your local outdoor store.
We hope this blog post has helped you compare these two wool vests and make an informed decision.
