You know the drill: When it’s cold outside, the work doesn’t stop. You have to go get it done, and to do that, you have to be properly dressed. From lightweight, to heavy, with at times what seems like a dizzying amount of pockets, there are plenty of options to choose from when looking at some of the best farm jackets available.
We wanted to narrow it down for you, and give you the opportunity for some real side-by-side comparisons of farm jackets. We looked at durability, functionality, materials, comfort, and everything else that will help shield you from the elements, especially in the tough outdoors conditions that we often find ourselves in. Farm jackets aren’t something we take lightly.
You’ll definitely recognize some or all of the brand names on this list — from Carhartt to Dickies to Caterpillar and a few more — and all of these have a lot of trust built into them.
Updated for 2021, here are six of the highest-rated and best farm jackets you’ll find to tackle cold weather:
Carhartt Men’s Quick Duck Jefferson Traditional Jacket
With 3M Thinsulate insulation for warmth, this is a lighter jacket but still warm. It also comes with a durable, water-repellent finish. In addition, it has:
- Front-zip jacket with standing collar and quilted lining
- Snap-flap pockets on chest with patch pockets at front
- Two large lower-front pockets
- Two inside pockets
- Left-chest interior pocket has media port to inner garment
What the reviews say:
- “I’ve now worn this coat for three weeks in temperatures ranging between minus-13F and 45F and it has been outstanding. I recently moved from the Bay Area in California where winters get down to 40 or 50 on the coldest of days, to Calgary, Alberta, Canada.”
- “I’ve worn the jacket in Colorado in the mountains where it was in the single digits outside and I was able to wear only a long sleeve T-shirt underneath and I was plenty warm. The pockets are lined and big, so very functional. I’ve worn the jacket in downpours too and it really is waterproof. The water just beads up.”
- “It has been below zero, 20 below yesterday. I usually have a T-shirt and either long sleeve or button-up dress shirt on plus the jacket (depending on whether I am doing farm work or going to my 9-to-5) and even in the below-zero temperatures this week and previous years I have never been cold.”
Timberland Pro Men’s Baluster Work Jacket
This is a cotton canvas jacket with a water-repellent coating that has varying amounts of insulation — more in the chest, a little less in the sleeves. It’s available in three colors. More details:
- Two zip chest pockets, two lower front pockets and an inside chest pocket
- 100% nylon lining
- Stand-up collar and ribbed cuffs keep the wind out
What the reviews say:
- “The construction is outstanding, the insulation feels excellent, and the way the zipper goes all the way up to make a neck collar, plus the elastic lining securing the wrists, make this jacket about as good as it gets for sealing out cold.”
- “The outer material seems very durable and the inner lining is very soft and warm. … Roomy enough for cold hands to get shelter from the cold or for small tools to carry around.”
- “Quilted lining smooth and easy to get on and off. Overall, a very handsome jacket built or long life. This is a year-round item for Wisconsin.”
Carhartt Men’s Arctic Quilt Lined Yukon Active Jacket
Hope black works for you as a color, because that’s what this coat is available in. But that’s probably not a big deal when you’re looking for something for this type of weather. The coast has “Arctic” in its name because the design is inspired by coveralls Carhartt made for an Alaska pipeline crew. The details:
- 100% Cordura Nylon
- Machine washable
- Attached quilted hood with adjustable drawcord closure
- Arctic-weight polyester lining
What the reviews say:
- “The fit was good. I wear a large, and a large in this jacket fit pretty well. My wife says the shoulders are too big and I look like a football linebacker with it on. I’m not so sure that is a bad thing. I wouldn’t mind being an NFL linebacker.”
- “I was living in Minnesota when I bought this, and moved to Alaska shortly after. Great for working outside in the cold. Very warm and blocks wind extremely well.”
- “It’s very warm, but still comfy up to about 50F (unzipping it usually provides the necessary ventilation). However, if the sun comes out, the black color soaks it up and it becomes too hot. I didn’t buy this for warmish days, and for cold, it does the trick.”
Carhartt Men’s Sherpa Lined Sandstone Sierra Jacket
It’s 100% cotton, machine-washable with a full-length zipper and comes in eight colors. Other features include:
- Sherpa-lined front-zip jacket with zippered pocket at chest
- Drawstring hood
- Jetted slant pockets on front
- Rib-knit storm cuffs inside sleeves, to help keep weather out
What the reviews say:
- “Really good pockets; the main outer ones are at the right height for your hands, and the angle ensures stuff won’t fall out.”
- “Jacket is pretty warm during 10 degree weather, and is wind proof, 40 mph winds and 60mph gusts, you’re warm.”
- “Warmth and durability is what you get with this jacket. Best jacket I have owned by far.”
Caterpillar Men’s Heavy Insulated Parka
This is as described, a parka that is heavy and insulated. Also worth noting, the coat has reflective properties as well, which are helpful in low light but not apparent in full light.
- Zip-off hood with microfleece lining
- Draw cords are adjustable and lock at waist and hood
- Chest, under flap, sleeve and inside pockets with zip closure
- Machine-washable, 100% polyester
What the reviews say:
- “The sleeves don’t crawl up my arms. It’s so freakin’ warm. I don’t remember what it’s rated to as far as temperature goes but this coat can handle almost anything.”
- “It looks very good and feels very warm even if you are sitting in the shade hunting or sitting on equipment in the weather.”
- “I needed a new winter jacket, and all I can say right off the bat is pockets, pockets, pockets. You’ll find pockets in places you would never expect. If you like pockets, or if you feel you haven’t had enough pockets in your life, this jacket is for you. … It keeps me nice and toasty in this harsh, Minnesota weather.”
Dickies Men’s Water Resistant Diamond Quilted Nylon Jacket
This is machine washable with a 100% nylon shell and a zipper front. It comes in four colors. Some of the other features include:
- Hand warmer pockets
- Water resistant and water repellent
- Collar, cuff and back waist are rib knit
What the reviews say:
- “Very lightweight, warm and comfortable jacket, very like a shirt jacket. I only need a relatively lightweight jacket for most cold weather (I live in Ohio) and this fits the bill.”
- “This jacket is really nice and light weight keeps me warm and comfortable in the cold climate.”
“Well made, light weight insulated jacket; Has a full lining, full length zipper, very snug elastic cuffs and back panel waist elastic band.”
What makes a great winter jacket?
A well-made winter jacket should have some waterproofing qualities to it, especially if it has any down as opposed to synthetic insulation. Down loses its insulation properties when wet, but a synthetic material or wool can continue to keep you warm even when wet — though you might not be super comfortable, since you will be wet. Great winter jackets will have strong (and often triple-stitched) seams and rugged and durable zippers. And don’t forget the pockets!
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