Carhartt Full Swing Cryder Jacket Review

Summary

The Carhartt Quick Duck Full Swing Cryder Jacket has the required features to withstand cold conditions while allowing freedom of movement simultaneously. I appreciated that it didn’t feel as bulky or stiff as other waterproof jackets I tried, so moving naturally while doing different tasks didn’t pose problems. The internal and external pockets were more spacious than the ones in other jackets, so they could accommodate more items I needed to bring along. This jacket’s waterproofing was impressive, using Rain Defender technology that allowed water to slip easily off the surface. Meanwhile, the 3M Thinsulate insulation kept me comfortably warm in cold weather but didn’t make the jacket feel extremely thick and bulky. I liked this jacket’s design as it looked rugged yet versatile enough to be used at work and with casual wear. Triple stitching on the main seams reinforced the jacket’s strength, giving it the durability required to keep up with challenging settings without the components quickly deteriorating.

Key Takeaways

• The Carhartt Quick Duck Full Swing Cryder Jacket has a versatile, durable design that can be used for work and with casual attire, resisting premature damage even with heavy use.
• It has strong waterproofing courtesy of the Rain Defender technology that allows liquids to roll off the fabric’s surface, preventing moisture from getting in.
• The 3M Thinsulate insulation preserves comfortable warmth and has a low-profile structure that doesn’t significantly increase the jacket’s weight.
• The stretch fabric and loose fit result in complete freedom of movement, unlike stiff jackets that can hamper natural mobility.
• However, this jacket isn’t suitable for extremely cold weather and has sleeves that may be too long for some people.

Ideal For

• Rainy or cold weather conditions
• Work and casual use
• People who prefer cold weather jackets that don’t restrict movements

Performance Analysis

Comfort

The Carhartt Quick Duck Full Swing Cryder Jacket is designed to provide increased protection against wetness but is also quite comfortable.

One of the components that significantly contributed to the comfortable experience was the 3M Thinsulate insulation that kept me warm in cold conditions yet didn’t add a lot of weight or stiffness to the jacket. This low-profile insulation material is sealed in the warmth without making the jacket feel too bulky, unlike other cold-weather jackets I’ve previously tried.

I liked the stretchy material featuring the exclusive Rugged Flex technology, which made the jacket follow my movements easily. The jacket flexed and adapted as needed, allowing me to deal with different tasks without the restrictive feeling that often comes from using stiff jackets. The gusseted portion under the arm helped with easy movements, so the jacket still felt comfortably flexible even when I needed to stretch my arms to manage certain movements.

The detachable hood made it much easier for me to stay comfortable while enjoying the added protection against the rain and cold weather. In addition, it kept my head covered and safe against the elements when I needed to work outdoors. I appreciated that this hood was detachable because it allowed me to take it off when I wanted to, such as when I worked indoors or if the temperature turned too warm for a hood.

The sleeves of this jacket were quite long, but this wasn’t a big problem for me. The stretch fabric allowed me to move without being hampered by the long sleeves, so I still felt comfortable doing the required tasks on and off the workplace.

Weight

It was a bit surprising to discover that this jacket didn’t feel very heavy – which was what I expected given the thick, rugged outer shell. The jacket’s weight is approximately 3.03 lbs / 1.37kg / 48.5 oz. I loved how the jacket maintained a reduced weight level even with reliable insulation built in, thanks to the thin structure of the 3M Thinsulate material that preserved much-needed warmth without the unwanted weight. This wasn’t the most lightweight cold-weather jacket I’ve tried, but it isn’t the heaviest, either. It’s hefty enough to be comforting without being uncomfortably heavy, which helped me move around with ease.

Fit and Sizing

This jacket had a regular to loose fit, so it didn’t restrict my movements in any way and was suitable for use in work settings.

I liked the adjustable hem as it allowed me to change the jacket’s fit, with the drawcord making it easy to loosen or tighten the jacket, so it’s secured in place without feeling too restrictive. The full-length front zipper helped fasten the jacket, so moisture and debris had no way of entering, while the interior storm flap reinforcement ensured that the zipper wasn’t exposed to the elements. The gusseted portion under the arm made it possible for me to extend my arms without pulling the rest of the jacket with the movement and also helped with a comfortable motion.

Waterproofing

The jacket offered impressive waterproofing, thanks to the Rain Defender technology at work, with the durable water-repellent finish ensuring that liquids won’t be able to penetrate.

I got to appreciate the strength of this jacket’s waterproofing when I used it in wet weather, and it didn’t absorb even one drop of rain. The solid waterproofing makes this jacket an excellent choice for working in inclement weather and other settings exposed to excessive wetness, as it can guarantee long-lasting dryness inside.

Breathability

This jacket is built specifically for cold conditions and does a great job preserving much-needed warmth for lasting comfort. However, it could be more breathable, especially with the exceptional waterproofing showcased by the outer shell. I didn’t feel overheated when the temperature started to go up while I was wearing the jacket, but I won’t recommend it for use in warm conditions.

Quality and Durability

The Carhartt Quick Duck Full Swing Cryder Jacket’s thick Quick Duck material feels looks and feels durable enough to last through tough settings.

I liked this jacket’s design as it’s rugged yet still stylish, making it versatile enough to be worn seamlessly with workwear and casual attire. I tried the gray-colored one called shadow, but I think the brown one looks even better, and some won’t even think of it as a work jacket. Also, I appreciated the material’s matte finish, as it was a welcome change from the shiny appearance that’s quite common in waterproof jackets.

The material’s strength gives the jacket a rugged appeal that easily takes on challenging weather conditions without easily deteriorating. I loved the exceptional waterproofing, with the signature Rain Defender technology delivering strong water repellence allowing liquids to slide off the surface instantly. I used this jacket in the rain and was so impressed when it didn’t absorb even one drop, keeping me comfortably dry throughout the time I needed to work in inclement weather. Meanwhile, the insulation preserved wonderful warmth, thanks to the 3M Thinsulate insulation material that was low-key enough not to add too much bulk and weightiness to the jacket’s structure.

I liked the pockets much more spacious than those built into other jackets. On the outside, there were four pockets – two zippered ones on both sides of the chest area and two on the lower front portions. Meanwhile, the interior featured two pockets – one with a hook and loop closure and the other was a zippered one to keep more valuable items completely secure. These pockets allowed me to bring the items I needed throughout the day, with enough room to accommodate more tools and personal belongings.

The hood was detachable, so I could remove it when the weather turned warmer or when I needed to move around without this component blocking my view or getting in the way. I attached the hood when necessary, such as when it’s time to head back out in rainy or cold weather. This jacket uses exclusive Rugged Flex and Full Swing technologies to promote effortless movements, making the material flex and adapt instantly to the body’s motion. With the regular to loose fit, the jacket protected me in cold and wet conditions while giving me complete freedom to move as naturally as possible.

I liked how the hem was easily adjusted with the help of the draw cord. As a result, I could fit the jacket closely to my body with a few adjustments without feeling restricted. The full-length zipper in front ensured the jacket stayed closed when I needed it to, while the storm flap prevented moisture from seeping through the zipper. The main seams feature triple stitching to increase the jacket’s strength and guarantee that the components will stay strongly attached for lasting durability. Meanwhile, the reinforced sleeves ensure that these high-stress areas are protected from premature damage while the jacket is maximized for different purposes.

It’s worth mentioning that this jacket isn’t the ideal option for severely cold weather, though, and the sleeves may be too long for some individuals.

Other Versions

The Carhartt Quick Duck Full Swing Cryder Jacket is available in two colors: shadow and canyon brown. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come in other versions.

The Challengers

Conclusion & Verdict

The Carhartt Quick Duck Full Swing Cryder Jacket is a great choice if you’re looking for a versatile jacket that can be used in cold and wet weather. I liked the design as it can be maximized for work and casual use, with a durable structure that won’t easily deteriorate even with heavy use. This jacket offers exceptionally strong waterproofing and doesn’t allow liquids to penetrate, guaranteeing all-day protection against wetness. I liked how the pockets were more spacious compared to the ones built into other jackets, so I could bring along more important items I needed within reach throughout the day. The loose fit and stretchy material made it so much easier to move around without anything restricting my movements. I loved how the 3M Thinsulate insulation provided ample warmth but didn’t make the jacket feel too bulky or heavy. However, this jacket had long sleeves that may be an issue for some, and it could be better for extremely cold or snowy conditions.