Carhartt Firm Duck-Insulated Flannel-Lined Active Jacket Review

Summary

The Carhartt Firm Duck Insulated Flannel-Lined Active Jacket works hard to preserve a warm feeling in cold settings. Initially, it didn’t provide the necessary warmth because its casual silhouette looked more suited for fashion purposes. I eventually discovered this wasn’t the case, as the jacket turned out to be comfortable and functional enough to be used in different work settings. The quilted flannel built into the body and hood adds serious warmth, helping maintain continuous comfort throughout the long hours that need to be spent in cold environments. I liked how the hood was easily secured in place with the help of the draw cord so that I could maximize its protective quality. The quilted nylon lining in the sleeves made slipping them on and off much easier. The rib knit design kept the waist and cuffs in place so they didn’t ride up with every movement, and at the same time, they worked to block cold air from entering the jacket. It’s a shame that this jacket isn’t waterproof, though, as I would’ve liked to see how it would perform in wet conditions.

Key Takeaways

• The Carhartt Firm Duck Insulated Flannel-Lined Active Jacket has a versatile style that works well in cold and warmer weather and can be maximized on and off the workplace.
• The comfortably loose fit is ideal for those who prefer exceptionally loose jackets and want to move without feeling restricted.
• This jacket is well-built, has a durable construction offering superior performance that won’t easily deteriorate, and exterior, and interior pockets can be used to stash small items.
• Quilted flannel lines the hood and body for superior warmth, while the sleeves are lined with quilted nylon to keep them warm and make them easier to slip on and off.
• This jacket isn’t suitable for wet and exceptionally cold conditions without waterproof components. With this price range, there are better choices with similarly good or better features and offer strong water resistance as well.

Ideal For

• Working in cold but dry settings
• People who prefer extremely loose-fitting jackets
• Those who are after casual-style jackets that offer versatile use

Performance Analysis

Comfort

The Carhartt Firm Duck Insulated Flannel-Lined Active Jacket keeps the cold out in style but doesn’t sacrifice a comfortable experience. I liked the quilted flannel lining that was fitted into the body as it helped maintain cozy warmth, which I needed when working in cold settings for long periods. In addition, I liked how this lining warmed up the interior without increasing the bulkiness, so I still moved freely without thick materials hampering my mobility.

I was glad the hood had the same flannel lining that surrounded my head with a comfortable warmth while I stayed outdoors in cold weather. The lining had enough thickness to help secure the hood, but since it didn’t take up a lot of space, the hood stayed comfortable even when I used it for most of the day. On the other hand, the sleeves were lined with quilted nylon that smoothened the interior, making it easier for me to slide the sleeves on and off.

I appreciated the rib-knitted sections built into the waist and cuffs, which helped the jacket stay in place while I moved. In addition, the rib-knit waist secured the hem, so it didn’t flap uncomfortably every time I raised my arms and moved around. Meanwhile, the ribbed cuffs prevented the sleeves from riding up my arms and stopped the cold air from rushing through the sleeves.

Fit and Sizing

This jacket fits very loosely, making me think it would be best for those with bulkier frames or people who prefer extremely loose-fitting jackets.

I felt that the next smaller size would have fitted me more comfortably. However, I appreciated how the extra space allowed me to move around naturally without feeling restricted. Even with the loose fit, the cold didn’t easily get in, thanks to the rib knit sections on the hem and cuffs.

The drawcord on the hood made it easier to customize its fit, so it didn’t feel too loose or painfully tight, enabling me to continue my tasks without the hood blocking my vision.

Waterproofing

Unfortunately, this jacket didn’t offer much in terms of waterproofing. While it’s advertised only for cold weather, some type of water resistance would’ve been good to make the jacket protective enough to be used in cold weather when it starts to rain. I tried the jacket’s water resistance with small amounts of liquids quickly absorbed by the material. This lack of protection against moisture penetration makes this jacket unsuitable for wet surroundings.

Breathability

The jacket doesn’t allow much air, which is a blessing in cold conditions. However, it can be an issue in warm settings as the heat that builds up inside can’t easily escape. This breathability problem can lead to an overheated feeling, especially when the jacket is worn for long periods while doing physically intense activities. So, even if this jacket is versatile enough to be used in cold and non-winter conditions.

Quality and Durability

The Carhartt Firm Duck Insulated Flannel-Lined Active Jacket gives off casual vibes and can be worn at work and casually.

The jacket’s style is versatile enough to partner nicely with work uniforms and jeans, so it’s easy to enjoy on and off the job site.

I got the black color option which had a washed finish instead of pure black, although I didn’t have any issue as the shade worked well with the jacket’s rugged appeal.

I appreciated the well-made construction as it assured me that the jacket wouldn’t easily fall apart even when I used it for strenuous tasks in challenging work areas. The cotton duck is designed to withstand heavy use while maintaining a strong structure that doesn’t intrude on natural mobility. The loose fit allowed me to move without restriction and would be best for those with well-built frames, although going for a smaller size would’ve been more comfortable for me.

I loved how the quilted flannel lining kept the jacket warm enough to deliver all-day comfort in cold conditions.

This lining was fitted to the body, but since it wasn’t bulky, it kept the warmth in without getting in the way of my movements. The hood was lined with flannel, too, and was easily adjustable with the help of a drawcord. I welcomed the rib knit section as it kept the hem flat against the body and prevented cold air from seeping in. The same rib knitting was featured in the cuffs, keeping my arms warm while also stopping the sleeves from riding up with every movement. Meanwhile, the sleeves had quilted nylon lining that allowed me to slide my arms through without any hassle, unlike unlined jackets’ sleeves that can sometimes catch on the hands and arms.

The two lower front slash pockets came in handy when I needed to bring with me some tools and other objects that I needed to access quickly. There were also two internal pockets where I stashed items that are best secured away from the elements, as they’re not as exposed as the exterior slash pockets.

This warm jacket fights uncomfortable cold, but because it doesn’t include waterproof materials, it’s not the best option for working outdoors while it’s raining and for use in other wet settings.

Other Versions

The Carhartt Firm Duck Insulated Flannel-Lined Active Jacket is available in the following colors: black, gravel, dark navy, coffee, and Carhartt brown. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come in other versions.

The Challengers

Carhartt Men’s Big Tall Storm Defender Loose Fit Jacket

The Carhartt Men’s Big Tall Storm Defender Loose Fit Jacket is built with strong nylon reinforced with Rain Defender technology to seal out liquids, ensuring all-day protection against unwelcome wetness while working in the rain in areas that are exposed to moisture. This jacket uses Storm Defender technology to prevent moisture from seeping in a while, allowing sweat to escape before it can quickly build up and trigger an overheated feeling. The full-length zipper is waterproof, so liquids won’t stand a chance of getting in through this closure or the waterproof seams. The body and hood are lined with mesh that helps the air circulate within the jacket, sustaining breathability for continuous comfort even in warm or humid conditions. The sleeves are lined with nylon taffeta, so they’re much easier to slip into and out of than unlined sleeves. The hood can be detached and adjusted for superior comfort and function. This isn’t an insulated jacket, so it’s unsuitable for extremely cold settings.

Timberland PRO Men’s Dry Shift Max Jacket

The Timberland PRO Men’s Dry Shift Max Jacket is a reliable partner for maintaining comfortable warmth in wet and exceptionally cold conditions. The recycled polyester material is enhanced with the signature RainProof waterproof lining to completely block rain and other liquids, promoting a comfortably dry feeling throughout the time spent in wet surroundings. This waterproof membrane is breathable and lets the air move freely, so sweat and excess warmth can easily dissipate to stop overheating. The Thermolite insulation offers remarkable warmth with a low-profile structure, so it doesn’t add a lot of bulk to the jacket’s overall weight. Meanwhile, the fleece lining adds another warm dimension to fight the unbearable chill while offering comforting softness to the jacket’s interior. A thermo-reflective section is fitted into the middle of the back to help retain warmth for long hours. Cordura reinforcements on the arms and shoulders improve the jacket’s resistance against premature damage.

Dickies Men’s Hydroshield Duck Hooded Shirt Jacket

The Dickies Men’s Hydroshield Duck Hooded Shirt Jacket showcases a rugged, versatile style to be used in work areas and in more casual settings. The Hydroshield technology maintains reliable water repellence, ensuring that the rain and other liquids won’t easily penetrate the jacket to maintain comfortable dryness throughout the day. The fleece lining in the front pockets helps protect the hands against the biting cold, while the lining in the chest area promotes a comfortable experience in low-temperature settings. Outside, two chest pockets have snaps to keep small items stashed in easily accessible areas. The hood is lined with a soft jersey material to make it more enjoyable to use over long periods, with a drawcord for convenient fit adjustments. The full-length front zipper keeps the jacket secured, with snaps on top to prevent cold air from seeping in. It’s worth noting that this jacket isn’t recommended for exceptionally cold conditions because it only offers minimal warmth.

Carhartt Duck Sherpa-Lined Utility Jacket

The Carhartt Duck Sherpa-Lined Utility Jacket has a relaxed fit design that’s ideal for use in casual settings and on job sites, especially since its structure doesn’t restrict movements for superior performance. The fleece lining sustains the warmth needed to keep the body comfortable in cold environments but isn’t bulky enough to make the jacket feel too thick or heavy. This lining offers significant warmth to fight the unbearable cold, especially when working outdoors for hours during winter. The cuffs are reinforced with Cordura panels that offer increased resistance to abrasion, tears, and scuffs, protecting this high-stress area from getting damaged with heavy use. The internal storm cuffs help stop cold air from creeping in a while maintaining the sleeves’ proper positions, even with vigorous movements. The drop tail hem offers additional coverage and can easily be adjusted using the attached draw cord. Unfortunately, this jacket isn’t built with waterproof materials, so it’s not ideal for use in the rain and settings that are always exposed to extreme moisture.

Conclusion & Verdict

The Carhartt Firm Duck Insulated Flannel-Lined Active Jacket is a wonderful choice for those looking for comfortable, loose-fitting jackets for cold weather. It’s versatile enough to be used on the job and in more casual settings, with its rugged style effortlessly blending in with different outfits. I liked how it didn’t restrict movements, even with the flannel lining providing ample warmth within the garment. The quilted flannel material lined the body and hood to sustain warmth in cold areas. I appreciated the addition of quilted nylon lining in the sleeves, making them much easier to slip into and out of. The jacket’s durable construction offers the assurance of lasting benefits, even when it’s used extensively in tough conditions. However, within this price range, better jacket options have equally good or better features and are waterproof to boot.