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Carhartt Duck Sherpa Lined Utility Jacket Review

To keep up with cold work conditions, this jacket keeps you warm and comfortable but doesn’t get in the way of your natural mobility.

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Rating : 7.6/10
See price at Amazon.com

Performance Breakdown

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Bottom Line

Constructed with Sherpa fleece lining and casual good looks, the Carhartt Duck Sherpa-Lined Utility Jacket maintains cozy warmth that you can maximize in various settings.

Pros

  • Sherpa fleece lining
  • Casual style for versatile use
  • Cordura reinforcement on sleeve cuffs
  • Doesn’t restrict movement
  • Easy to put on and take off

Cons

  • Not waterproof
  • Fabric easily becomes crumpled and looks dirty

Material

100% ring-spun washed cotton duck and Sherpa fleece lining

Hood

Yes (non-detachable)

Weight

3.59 lbs / 16.3kg / 57.4 oz

Sizes Available

Regular – S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 33XL, 4XL, 5XL, Tall – M, L, XL, 2XL, 33XL, 4XL

Manufacturer

Carhartt

Summary

The Carhartt Duck Sherpa-Lined Utility Jacket has casual good looks, making it a great partner for many non-formal outfits. Still, I was happy to discover that it had a lot to offer in terms of functionality. Even with its rugged design, the jacket didn’t feel too stiff, so it was easy to move naturally rigid materials getting in the way. I loved the Sherpa fleece lining that significantly increased the warmth of this jacket’s body and hood portions, making it suitable for working outdoors in winter and other cold environments. Meanwhile, the quilted nylon on the sleeves made them easier to slip on and preserved much-needed warmth on my arms throughout the day. The Cordura reinforcements on the cuffs ensured that these areas were protected from premature damage, so I could continue using the jacket in tough conditions without worrying that they’d easily fray. I wish this jacket were waterproof so I’ll still be protected when I use it outdoors when it’s raining and wet.

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Key Takeaways

  • The Carhartt Duck Sherpa-Lined Utility Jacket is suitable for those who are looking for stylish and comfortable cold-weather jackets.
  • It has a big fit allows a wider range of motion, with a pleated section at the back to promote unrestricted natural mobility.
  • The Sherpa fleece lining offers superior warmth to maintain a comfortable experience in cold conditions. In contrast, quilted nylon lining on the sleeves helps make the garment easier to put on and remove.
  • This jacket has a casual style that works well on the job and in more social settings. Meanwhile, Cordura sections and triple-stitched seams reinforce the jacket against damage.
  • However, the fabric tends to attract dirt and isn’t waterproof, making it unsuitable for surroundings that are often exposed to excessive moisture.

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Ideal For

  • Cold weather used in relatively dry conditions
  • Those who prefer ruggedly stylish cold-weather jackets
  • People who are after comfortable fleece-lined jackets

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Performance Analysis

Comfort

The Carhartt Duck Sherpa-Lined Utility Jacket was quite comfortable and is designed to protect the body without compromising mobility.

I liked how it was so easy to put on and remove, thanks to the quilted nylon lining sleeves that prevented the material from bunching up my arms with each use. This lining maintained a comfortable warmth on my arms but didn’t hamper movement.

The jacket’s material had the ruggedness to withstand heavy use in tough surroundings but felt soft and flexible enough to support my body’s motion comfortably.

This jacket’s generously warm structure significantly contributed to the overall comfortable experience. I fully enjoyed the toasty warmth the jacket offered, especially when I needed to stay for extended periods in cold areas.

The fleece lining enveloped my body with enough warmth to ward off the cold, but, just like the quilted nylon on the sleeves, it didn’t feel too bulky.

This made it possible for the jacket to feel comfortably warm while still allowing me to move naturally simultaneously.

I appreciated the structure of the back portion with its pleated bi-swing design, offering enough stretch for easy movements. I freely moved without feeling like the jacket was straining across my shoulders, allowing me to comfortably reach forward and sideways as needed while the fabric accommodated my movements. Even the elbows had pleated structures, offering enough give to enable unhampered motion and continuous comfort throughout different activities.

The attached hood helped keep my head protected against the biting cold. It’s also lined with the same Sherpa fleece lining built into the jacket’s body. Hence, my head was surrounded with the ample warmth necessary to get me through continuous tasks during cold days. Meanwhile, the rib-knit storm cuffs helped preserve the comfortable warmth by stopping cold air from seeping through the sleeves.

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Weight

This jacket felt had enough heft to ward off the cold, helping the fleece lining on the body and hood preserve comfortable warmth in cold weather. However, I don’t consider this jacket too heavy because it didn’t feel weighty enough to drag uncomfortably while I moved around. There are more lightweight jackets out there, but this jacket still stands out in terms of comfort even with the extra weight – which helps superior warmth.

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Fit and Sizing

This jacket had a regular to loose fit that I truly appreciated as it allowed me to move unrestricted. The pleated design at the back easily accommodated my movements, so the jacket didn’t feel stretched out too tight across my back when I moved and didn’t get in the way of comfortable motion. I liked the pleated structure on the elbows that helped my arms move naturally. Meanwhile, the hem was adjustable using the drawcord, so I easily tightened or loosened this portion to achieve a comfortable fit that didn’t sacrifice warmth or mobility. The hood’s fit can also be modified with the help of a drawcord, so it didn’t flap around my head uncontrollably and helped preserve comfortable warmth in cold settings.

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Waterproofing

This jacket isn’t completely waterproof, but I discovered it had water-repellent properties. I tested this quality as I worked in wet conditions, and the moisture didn’t easily seep in, so I didn’t get instantly soaked with the exposure. However, I won’t recommend this for use in rainy weather and other extremely wet conditions which require strong waterproofing- such as Carhartt’s Rain Defender or GORE-TEX waterproof technology.

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Breathability

This jacket isn’t the most breathable choice, even without completely waterproof features. However, the layer of fleece lining preserves comfortable warmth inside and doesn’t allow plenty of cold air to come in. So even if this jacket doesn’t have high marks for breathability, it still doesn’t overheat quickly – except when used in warm conditions.

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Quality and Durability

The Carhartt Duck Sherpa-Lined Utility Jacket is made with durable materials that ensure lasting performance in varying conditions.

The material makes it look like a denim jacket with a hood, with rugged styling that makes it look great with jeans and chinos. I liked how the dark gray duck sherpa lining matched the outer material of the jacket – which I got in black.

The versatile aesthetic can be enjoyed in and out of the workplace, with the robust structure adding a bold vibe that can elevate the look of casual attire.

I’m just a bit concerned that the fabric is a magnet for dirt – including hair and similar particles that can be encountered outdoors and in different environments. Although this isn’t a major concern and doesn’t affect the jacket’s function, it’s still something to consider, especially when choosing colors, as the darker options show dirt even more easily.

This jacket has internal and external pockets for storing multiple items that need to be on hand during the day. I noticed that these pockets are medium-sized, so they may need more space for larger items, such as tools, and may need roomier to accommodate more items throughout the day. The two chest pockets have snap buttons to keep belongings secured, while the two lower front pockets are ideal for stashing objects that need to be easily accessible. I noticed that the main seams had triple stitching that enhanced the strong bond between components and made the jacket more durable.

I loved how the Sherpa fleece lining maintained a comfy warmth, making this jacket a dependable companion in cold weather conditions. This lining is fitted into the body to keep the cold out and promote increased comfort in low-temperature conditions. The same duck Sherpa lining is built into the hood, so my head was continuously protected against the extreme cold when I spent hours outdoors in winter. Meanwhile, quilted nylon is fashioned into the sleeves, keeping my arms warm but not restricting movements with too much thickness.

The design and materials of the jacket enabled it to adapt quickly to different movements. For example, I welcomed the pleated bi-swing design at the back because it made the jacket move along with my shoulders’ motion. In addition, the material didn’t tighten uncomfortably, offering a wider range of motion necessary while at work.

The cuffs were reinforced with Cordura that protected these parts from premature damage.

I liked the interior storm cuffs that kept the sleeves secured while preventing cold air from getting in.

It’s worth noting that this isn’t a waterproof jacket, so it’s not ideal for outdoor use when it’s raining.

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Other Versions

The Carhartt Duck Sherpa-Lined Utility Jacket is offered in the following colors: moss, black, gravel, dark brown, and Carhartt brown. It doesn’t come in other versions.

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The Challengers

Carhartt Quick Duck Full Swing Cryder Jacket

The Carhartt Quick Duck Full Swing Cryder Jacket is made with a durable water-repellent finish to stop the rain and other moisture sources from penetrating, ensuring comfortable dryness during the entire time spent in wet conditions. In addition, the 3M Thinsulate insulation preserves ample warmth to make staying and working in cold environments more comfortable. This low-key structure only takes up a little space and isn’t as weighty as other insulation materials, keeping the jacket’s weight controlled so it doesn’t end up being too bulky. The external and internal pockets are more generously sized than the compartments built into other waterproof jackets, so there’s plenty of room for tools and items. The jacket’s rugged construction is designed to deliver superior performance but is still stylish enough to blend nicely with work uniforms and casual attire. However, it’s not built with exceptionally strong insulation, so there are better choices for severely cold surroundings.

Dickies Men’s Hydroshield Duck Hooded Shirt Jacket

The Dickies Men’s Hydroshield Duck Hooded Shirt Jacket features a no-nonsense silhouette that performs well in challenging conditions while resisting premature damage. The rugged styling easily partners with jeans and chinos, so it’s easy to take advantage of its good looks in different environments. It uses durable water-repellent technology to block liquids so they don’t easily seep into the material, making it possible to continue tasks in the rain without becoming soaking wet. The hood is designed to conform more securely to the head, promoting a more customized fit that protects the head against cold air and wetness. It has a jersey lining to surround the head with comfy softness even after hours of use. The fleece-lined pockets keep the hands warm, while the chest pockets with snaps offer enough room to hold important items. The quilted taffeta lining makes it easy to slip this garment on and off. However, this jacket doesn’t have strong insulation, so it’s unsuitable for exceptionally cold conditions.

Timberland PRO Men’s Dry Shift Max Jacket

The Timberland PRO Men’s Dry Shift Max Jacket offers exceptional warmth to ward off the unbearable cold, making it easier to work and move around low-temperature conditions. The Thermolite insulation keeps locks in ample warmth for a more comfortable experience in winter and other cold settings. Its minimal weight allows the jacket to provide superior warmth without the bulky structure that other cold-weather jackets have. The RainProof waterproof membrane forms an impenetrable layer to stop liquid penetration, ensuring complete dryness even after staying in wet surroundings for long periods. This waterproof lining is breathable, so sweat and excess warmth can easily dissipate before the jacket overheats. Cordura sections are fitted into the arm and shoulder areas, increasing the protection against premature damage with the reinforcement’s resistance to punctures, tears, abrasion, and scuffs. With the help of Timberland PRO Flex technology, the jacket offers a wide range of motion without restricting natural movement. In addition, this jacket offers heavy warmth, so it will be uncomfortably heavy and warm when used in warmer environments.

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Carhartt Firm Duck-Insulated Flannel-Lined Active Jacket

The Carhartt Firm Duck Insulated Flannel-Lined Active Jacket has a loose fit that gives enough space for comfortable movements and makes it easy to layer clothing to deal with varying weather conditions. The body is lined with quilted flannel to sustain comfortable warmth over the long hours that need to be spent in cold settings. The hood features the same flannel lining to provide superior warmth, with a drawcord that helps with fit customization to ensure that the hood is secured in place without compromising comfort and visibility. The sleeves are lined with quilted nylon, making putting on and taking off the jacket a lot easier. Rib knitting in the waist and cuffs stops cold air from coming in and helps secure the garment in place, especially while dealing with physically demanding tasks. This jacket has a versatile style and seamlessly blends into worksites and with casual attire, but because it’s not waterproof, it’s not recommended for wet conditions.

Conclusion & Verdict

The Carhartt Duck Sherpa-Lined Utility Jacket is a great choice for those who prioritize comfort and style. I loved the Sherpa fleece lining the body as it brought remarkable warmth, keeping me comfortable in low-temperature settings. The same material is used to line the hood, making it protective enough to sustain enough warmth to keep the head comfortable without feeling too bulky. The fleece lining added an interesting look as it matched the color of the jacket’s outer shell. I appreciated the addition of quilted nylon on the sleeves, which helped make them easier to slip on and off but didn’t get in the way of easy movements. Cordura panels reinforced the arm and shoulder sections to resist damage even with heavy use in challenging workplaces. I’m impressed with the jacket’s ability to adapt to my movements, with enough room to enjoy a wider range of motion and no restricting stiffness. This is a ruggedly stylish jacket that works remarkably well on the job site and in more casual environments, so I easily maximized its use in many settings. However, the fabric attracts dirt easily without waterproof elements, so it’s not recommended for rainy or wet conditions.

What we like

  • Fleece lining for comfortable warmth
  • Rugged styling
  • Cordura reinforcements and triple-stitched seams
  • It doesn’t restrict movement
  • Easy to put on and take off

What we don’t like

  • Not waterproof
  • The fabric easily becomes crumpled and looks dirty

Professions These Are Ideal For

Ranchers, Carpenters, Engineers, Landscapers

Luke Davis

Luke Davis

Luke is the lead author on WorkWear.org. He has a vast experience in construction engineering and project management in California and Texas, where he had the chance to put to test a wide range of safety boots and PPE. Outside work, Luke is an avid hiker and not surprisingly a DIY fanatic!