Filson vs. Carhartt: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Filson is a premium heritage brand specializing in lifetime-quality outdoor gear made from materials like waxed canvas and wool, carrying a significantly higher price tag. In contrast, Carhartt offers durable, functional workwear at a much more accessible price point, focusing on heavy-duty duck canvas and a utilitarian style that has also found a home in streetwear.

Let's explore the key differences to help you decide which brand is right for your needs and budget.

Filson: The Heritage Outfitter For Life

Founded in 1897 to outfit prospectors during the Klondike Gold Rush, Filson has built its reputation on an uncompromising commitment to quality. The brand produces rugged, long-lasting apparel and accessories for outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and anyone who sees their gear as a long-term investment. Their style is timeless and rooted in American outdoor tradition, appealing to customers who value craftsmanship over fleeting trends.

• Product mix: Best known for iconic waxed canvas jackets like the Tin Cloth Cruiser, durable twill luggage, and high-quality Mackinaw Wool outerwear. Their collection is tailored for outdoor pursuits like hunting, fishing, and general exploration.
• Price point: Filson sits firmly in the premium category. Expect to pay $300 to $500 for a flagship jacket and over $250 for one of their heavy-duty bags. These prices reflect the high-grade materials and domestic manufacturing.
• Quality & Materials: This is Filson's biggest strength. They use signature materials like their oil-finish Tin Cloth, rugged twill, and premium bridle leather, all chosen for maximum durability. Many items are backed by a lifetime guarantee and can be sent in for repairs.
• Fit & Sizing: Sizing is generally true to size but is often cut generously to accommodate layering for outdoor activities. Always check specific product measurements, as some find the classic fits to be quite roomy.
• Style & Aesthetic: The look is classic, rugged, and understated. Expect earth tones, minimal branding, and timeless silhouettes that look just as good in the woods as they do in the city for a heritage-inspired style.

Filson is for those who believe in buying something once and having it for life, offering heirloom-quality pieces that withstand the elements and gain character with age.

Shop Filson: filson.com

Carhartt: The Go-To for Durable Workwear

Established in 1889, Carhartt created some of America's first mass-produced workwear for railroad workers. The brand is synonymous with toughness, dependability, and function. While its roots are firmly planted in blue-collar work, Carhartt has also become an icon of streetwear, beloved for its authentic, no-nonsense aesthetic and affordable durability.

• Product mix: The core of Carhartt's lineup is indestructible workwear, including heavyweight jackets made from their signature duck canvas, durable work pants, overalls, and thermal shirts. They offer a huge range of products for tradespeople and casual wearers alike.
• Price point: Carhartt offers exceptional value. Their popular jackets typically range from $80 to $150, and their durable work pants can be found for $30 to $70. This makes it a go-to for tough clothing that doesn't break the bank.
• Quality & Materials: Built to endure harsh job sites, Carhartt relies on heavy-duty fabrics like their firm duck canvas, which is known for its resistance to wind, water, and snags. The construction features triple-stitched seams and heavy-duty hardware built for function first.
• Fit & Sizing: Carhartt clothing is known for its generous, relaxed fit designed for mobility and comfort while working. Many of their classic "Loose Fit" styles run large, so it's often recommended to size down if you prefer a closer fit.
• Style & Aesthetic: The look is practical, utilitarian, and straightforward. The visible logo patch has become an iconic symbol of both authentic workwear and urban fashion, blending function with a rugged streetwear edge.

Carhartt is the perfect choice for anyone needing tough, reliable clothing for work or everyday life without paying a premium price.

Shop Carhartt: carhartt.com

Filson vs. Carhartt Comparison

Price Comparison

The price difference is the most obvious distinction between the two brands. Filson positions itself as a luxury heritage outfitter, and its prices reflect that. A Filson jacket is a significant purchase, but it's justified by the brand as a one-time investment in a piece that will last a lifetime. Filson items are rarely heavily discounted.

Carhartt offers practical durability at a fraction of the cost. You could buy an entire cold-weather outfit - jacket, pants, and beanie - from Carhartt for less than the price of a single Filson coat. This makes Carhartt vastly more accessible for those who need gear they can wear hard without worrying about the cost to replace it.

Quality & Materials

Both brands produce high-quality, durable goods, but they approach it differently. Filson’s quality is defined by its premium, often traditional materials - oil-finish Tin Cloth feels substantial and develops a unique patina over time, while Mackinaw Wool provides natural insulation and water resistance. The focus is on artisanal craftsmanship that feels refined yet rugged.

Carhartt’s quality is about pure, unadorned toughness. Their firm duck canvas is stiff and incredibly abrasive-resistant. While it might lack the refined feel of Filson's fabrics, it's designed to be pushed to its limits on construction sites and farms. Carhartt is built to work, not necessarily to be passed down through generations.

Fit & Sizing

Your preferred fit will play a large role in your decision. Filson’s classic outerwear, like the Cruiser Jacket, is cut with layering in mind, so it can feel a full size larger than your typical clothing. This allows for comfortable movement and room for wool sweaters underneath. Newer, more modern cuts may offer a trimmer silhouette.

Carhartt is famous for its relaxed and loose fits, which prioritize freedom of movement for physical labor. If you don't need that extra room, many customers choose to size down from their usual size for a less baggy look. Always check the fit description - "Loose Fit" will be significantly larger than "Relaxed Fit."

Style & Aesthetic

Stylistically, Filson embraces a heritage, outdoorsman aesthetic. Its designs are timeless, with minimal branding and a focus on clean, functional lines. It's a look that speaks to tradition and a love for the outdoors, easily fitting into a refined casual wardrobe.

Carhartt's style is unapologetically utilitarian. It is functional workwear first and foremost, an aesthetic that has been embraced by skateboarders, artists, and fashion enthusiasts for its authenticity. The prominent square logo is a key part of its appeal, signaling a connection to genuine, hard-working roots.

Sustainability & Ethics

Filson’s approach to sustainability is centered on the longevity of its products. By offering a lifetime guarantee and repair services, the company encourages customers to buy less and use their items for decades, directly countering the culture of fast fashion. They take pride in using high-quality materials built to last.

As a large-scale manufacturer, Carhartt focuses on improving its supply chain. The company has initiatives for responsible sourcing and is a member of the Better Cotton Initiative. While not a boutique brand, it is making conscious efforts to address its environmental and ethical footprint.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands make excellent products, but they serve very different customers and priorities.

Choose Filson if:

• You look at your clothing as a long-term investment and value a "buy it for life" philosophy.
• You appreciate premium materials like waxed canvas and heavyweight wool and want gear that can be repaired.
• Your personal style leans toward classic, heritage-inspired outdoor and Americana looks.
• You need rugged gear for outdoor activities like hunting or fishing and have a bigger budget to work with.

Choose Carhartt if:

• You need extremely tough and durable clothing for physical work but are budget-conscious.
• You prioritize function, comfort, and value over artisanal details.
• You like a utilitarian, streetwear aesthetic and don't mind a looser, more relaxed fit.
• You want dependable gear that you're not afraid to get dirty, stained, or torn on the job.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Filson or Carhartt cheaper?

Carhartt is substantially cheaper. A typical Carhartt jacket costs around $100-$150, while a Filson jacket often starts at $350 and goes up from there. The price difference reflects Filson’s premium materials and domestic production costs versus Carhartt’s larger scale and focus on accessible workwear.

Which has better quality?

This depends on how you define quality. If quality means premium materials, handcrafted details, and longevity backed by a lifetime guarantee, Filson is superior. If quality means incredible durability, toughness, and resilience for an affordable price, Carhartt is an industry leader.

What are Filson's most famous products?

Filson's most iconic items include the Tin Cloth Cruiser Jacket, Mackinaw Wool Cruiser, and their Rugged Twill Original Briefcase. These products are known for their durability and have been staples of the brand for decades.

What are Carhartt's most famous products?

Carhartt is best known for its Duck Detroit Jacket, the Active Jac, and the classic Watch Beanie (A18). These items have crossed over from work sites to mainstream fashion and are recognized globally.

Does Filson or Carhartt run large?

Both brands tend to run large, but for different reasons. Carhartt's classic styles use a "Loose Fit" to provide room for movement during physical labor. Filson's outdoor gear is designed to accommodate multiple layers underneath. In both cases, consulting the size chart and considering sizing down is a good idea.

Why is Carhartt so popular in streetwear?

Carhartt's popularity in streetwear stems from its authenticity and rugged aesthetic. The brand has been adopted by various subcultures, including skaters and hip-hop artists, for decades because it represents genuine, no-frills durability. Its affordable price point and utilitarian looks made it a natural fit for urban style.

Do both brands offer a warranty?

Yes, but their policies differ. Filson famously stands behind its products with a lifetime guarantee against failure of materials and workmanship, and they also offer in-house repairs. Carhartt offers a limited warranty that covers manufacturing defects but does not cover damage from normal wear and tear.

Is Filson worth the money?

For those who value heritage craftsmanship, premium materials, and a "buy it for life" ethos, Filson is absolutely worth the investment. The high upfront cost is offset by the fact that its products can last for decades with proper care, especially when backed by a repair program.