Waxed jackets have long been recognized for their unique blend of practicality and style. They can shield you from harsh weather conditions, while also making you look fashionable. Two brands excel in this field, each with a long and rich heritage and a reputation for excellence: Filson and Barbour.
Filson originates from the US Pacific Northwest, while Barbour has its roots in the British countryside. Both of them are famous for their outstanding quality and skill in making waxed jackets. Despite their geographical differences, they share a common vision of creating jackets that are durable, functional, and classic.
In this article, we will focus on a detailed comparison of two iconic products: the Filson Tin Cloth Cruiser and the Barbour Ashby. Helping you decide which one better suits your needs and preferences by comparing their features, materials and performance.
Filson TIn Cloth Cruiser
Filson was born in the Pacific Northwest, where it aimed to provide durable gear for the adventurous pioneers of the late 1800s. The brand’s philosophy is based on rugged quality and a relentless pursuit of durability. Filson’s products, made to endure the toughest of environments, are proof of an unwavering commitment to quality. The brand is known for its heavy-duty fabric and resilient construction, and has earned a reputation for making products that are ‘might as well have the best,’ reflecting their belief in uncompromising craftsmanship.
Barbour Ashby
Across the ocean, in the green countryside of South Shields, England, Barbour established its niche in the outerwear market. A staple of British country lifestyle, Barbour’s heritage is built on its waxed cotton jackets, representing a combination of practicality and quintessential British style. The brand’s prestigious royal warrants attest to its longstanding tradition of excellence and its commitment to quality that spans generations.
Each brand has its own distinctive strengths: Filson, with its rugged durability designed for the great outdoors, and Barbour, with its combination of practicality and traditional British elegance. These qualities set the stage for an interesting comparison between two of their popular waxed jackets: the Filson Tin Cloth Cruiser and the Barbour Ashby.
Aesthetic and style
A classic item in Filson’s collection, the Filson Tin Cloth Cruiser epitomizes the brand’s rugged endurance. It has a traditional design based on old-fashioned forestry clothing, with a classic cut and useful features like snap pockets and adjustable cuffs. The jacket comes in natural colors like tan and otter green, matching an outdoorsy and durable style. The Cruiser showcases Filson’s reliable quality and ruggedness with its tough Tin Cloth material and solid hardware.
The Barbour Ashby, on the other hand, has a more modern look while still honoring its origins. It’s a revamped version of Barbour’s iconic Bedale jacket, with a slightly slimmer shape to suit modern preferences. The Ashby has classic colors like olive and navy, conveying a sense of urban elegance. The jacket has the signature elements of Barbour’s heritage pieces, such as the tartan lining and corduroy collar, but also has a slimmer fit and a more sleek appearance that appeal to an urban taste. The Ashby, therefore, demonstrates Barbour’s skill in combining tradition with modernity.
Therefore, each jacket represents the essence of its brand in its own way: the Filson Tin Cloth Cruiser with its sturdy, practical style that’s fit for the wild, and the Barbour Ashby with its sophisticated, modern style that’s versatile for both city and country.
Material and construction
The Filson Tin Cloth Cruiser gets its name from the unique material it is made of: Tin Cloth. This is a heavy, dense cotton canvas that is coated with a wax based on paraffin, which makes it very resistant to water and wear and tear. The wax also helps the fabric to ‘self-heal’ minor cuts and holes, extending its life. The Tin Cloth Cruiser is built to last, with strong stitching and reinforced stress points, making it suitable for tough outdoor use. This jacket shows Filson’s dedication to creating durable, long-lasting gear.
The Barbour Ashby, on the other hand, uses Barbour’s signature Sylkoil waxed cotton. Unlike the Tin Cloth, Sylkoil is a ‘thornproof’ fabric, which means it can prevent punctures from thorns or similar sharp things. This fabric is softer and more flexible than Filson’s Tin Cloth, giving it a more comfortable, worn-in feel from the start. The Sylkoil fabric is soaked in Barbour’s own wax blend, which makes it highly water-resistant while keeping a rich, matte look. The jacket’s quality shows in its details, with sturdy stitching, high-quality hardware, and a tartan lining that adds an extra layer of protection.
Both jackets have impressive durability and water-resistance thanks to their different waxed fabrics, but there are important differences. The Filson Tin Cloth Cruiser’s heavy-duty design and ‘self-healing’ fabric make it perfect for demanding outdoor activities, while the Barbour Ashby’s softer, thornproof Sylkoil and refined design make it a versatile piece for various situations, from urban settings to rural walks. The decision between the two depends on the specific needs and style preferences of the wearer.
Fit and comfort level
The Filson Tin Cloth Cruiser is a jacket designed for the rugged outdoors. This is reflected in its roomy, relaxed fit that allows for layering and freedom of movement. With a range of sizes to choose from, it can accommodate various body types comfortably. This jacket is ideal for those who plan on engaging in outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, or hiking, where movement is key, and additional layers may be necessary. The Tin Cloth’s waxed finish and heavyweight construction may make it feel stiff initially, but with wear, it will break in and conform to the wearer’s body, enhancing comfort over time.
On the contrary, the Barbour Ashby offers a more tailored, modern fit that is closer to the body, making it a stylish choice for urban settings. Its sizing options allow for a more personalized fit, and the softer, more pliable Sylkoil waxed cotton provides immediate comfort right out of the box. While it doesn’t offer as much room for layering as the Tin Cloth Cruiser, the Ashby’s fit is comfortable for everyday activities and can accommodate a light to medium layer underneath. The Ashby is an excellent choice for those seeking a combination of comfort, style, and practicality in a more urban environment.
The Filson Tin Cloth Cruiser’s roomy fit and rugged construction make it an excellent choice for active outdoor pursuits, while the Barbour Ashby’s tailored fit and softer fabric make it a stylish and comfortable option for daily urban wear. The ideal choice would depend on the wearer’s lifestyle, activities, and personal style preferences.
Practicality and Functionality
The Filson Tin Cloth Cruiser has many functional features that are made for the outdoors. One of its main features is the snap pockets: it has three utility pockets, a slotted pocket, two handwarmer pockets, and a rear map pocket, giving plenty of space for outdoor essentials. Its Tin Cloth material is also great for weather resistance, keeping out rain and wind. Moreover, the jacket’s reinforced arms and yoke make it more durable in high-wear areas, and its adjustable cuffs and collar help to keep out the elements. The Tin Cloth Cruiser is a very functional jacket that matches Filson’s philosophy of tough outdoor gear.
On the other hand, the Barbour Ashby has features that work well for both city and country settings. It has a simpler set of pockets: two large bellows pockets and two handwarmer pockets, offering a mix of functionality and style. Its Sylkoil waxed cotton material provides a high level of weather resistance, ideal for drizzly weather or the occasional downpour in the city. The jacket also has a corduroy collar for comfort, and an optional hood and zip-in liner can be added for more warmth and protection. The Ashby, while less rugged than the Tin Cloth Cruiser, offers a stylish and functional option for city dwellers who need weather protection and care about style.
The Filson Tin Cloth Cruiser, with its ample storage options and sturdy design, is made to handle the challenges of the outdoors. On the other hand, the Barbour Ashby, with its stylish design and flexible features, is a versatile jacket that adapts well to urban and country settings.
Conclusion
To conclude this comparison, it’s evident that both the Filson Tin Cloth Cruiser and the Barbour Ashby have distinct advantages that make them stand out in the world of waxed jackets. The Filson Tin Cloth Cruiser, true to its Pacific Northwest origins, has a rugged look and is made with very durable materials. It’s spacious, comfortable, and full of functional features, making it a great choice for those who need a strong jacket for outdoor work or adventures. On the other hand, the Barbour Ashby, with its British roots, displays a mix of urban style and country practicality. Its updated design, along with the durability of Sylkoil waxed cotton, offers a fitted look perfect for a more refined look. It is an excellent option for those who want a versatile jacket that can easily transition from city to countryside.
The decision between the Filson Tin Cloth Cruiser and the Barbour Ashby depends on individual needs, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences. Whether you prefer the rugged functionality of Filson or the classic elegance of Barbour, both jackets represent a valuable investment in terms of quality, durability, and style.
We would love to hear your personal experiences with these jackets. If you’ve been using the Filson Tin Cloth Cruiser or the Barbour Ashby, your insights could be invaluable to other readers. Or, if you have any questions or need further clarification on any points we’ve discussed, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments section.
For further reading, you might be interested in our other related posts:
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Why the Filson Tin Cloth Cruiser is the Ultimate Jacket for Outdoor Enthusiasts
