Carhartt vs Cabelas vs Walls....best work coat

WoodChuckDad · Dec 20, 2016

My son in law is a construction worker. Temperatures outside have been harsh, often in the low 20's each morning, with some wind. He is a hard working guy who doesn't spend much on his clothing. Usually layering multiple sweatshirts and some thermal underwear. I know he doesn't spend much on his clothes because he wants to bring his money home to his family. I want to buy him a good work coat and maybe some insulated pants or bibs for Christmas. Carhartt and Walls are the two brands I have always known people to wear when working outside. I also see similar products from Cabelas. I personally have a wool cabbalas hunting parka for my work coat. I love it, but I do Orchard work and not framing/carpentry work so I don't know how I would like it under those circumstances. I also don't mind camo since I'm on the farm, but some folks feel more comfortable in solid colors going to and from the worksite.
Can you all weigh in with your opinion on the quality of these different work coats? I looked a bit at Duluth trading too but didn't see anything that I thought was as nice over all.
I know there is a bit of price difference sometimes, but I'd rather spend a little more to get something that really wears well and is warm and comfortable for him.

Thank you.

David

jack707 · Dec 20, 2016

In Wisconsin most of the power houses are next to Lake Michigan, back in 09 I worked next to the Lake I had no problem working outside for the 11 months I was there. I dressed in layers under armor and a wool sweater and a hoodie and Carhartt arctic bibs.

KennyG · Dec 20, 2016

Carhartt is probably the best but I think they are overpriced now. The last time I bought I got a bibs and coat set by Berne and have found them to be effective and close to Carhartt in quality.

SirReal63 · Dec 20, 2016

If you go with the Carhart make sure the underarms are gusseted, it makes a huge difference in mobility. I haven't had any recent experience with Walls and with Deluth Trading you have to pay attention to country of mfg. unless you are ok with stuff from China. One nice thing with Deluth is you can shop only clothing made in America.

I have Carhart but admittedly is doesn't get that cold here, if we hit the 20's it is considered brutal weather.

jimmyj · Dec 20, 2016

I don't know if you can get them in VA but we swear by "Tough Duck", they are like Carhart but I like them better because they usually are a bit cheaper. I know this isn't good for Christmas, but if you keep an eye out I usually find I can buy my Carhart or Tough Duck stuff 30 to 40% off at the end of the season. We never pay regular retail for work clothes, they are just too darned expensive. I hope you get what you are after.

tjkubota93 · Dec 20, 2016

I have had the same berne bibs for 12 years. They were more affordable than carhart.
Got them at rural king.
Cabelas has never disappointed me with price or quality on their store brands. Hope that doesn't change with the new owners.

2458n · Dec 20, 2016

Carhartt is overpriced but you are going to be wearing the stuff for years. Mother is a sewing fool and has relined several coats for me. Arms on coats often get redone with leather patches. Run heavy equipment and sometimes the fans on the dozers do not get turned around to blow heat off the engine on to you. You learn to like the Artic wear pretty quick.

sseelhoff · Dec 20, 2016

I have several coats by C.E. Schmidt. It's the house brand of tractor supply. They have worn pretty well and were a good price.

Budweiser John · Dec 20, 2016

Carhart for outerwear. My Carhart jacket is in it's 11 or 12th year and still looks great.
Duluth Trading for work shirts and carpenter jeans. I don't much care for their "fire hose" fabric but their denim jeans have all the bells and whistles with deep pockets, a place for the cell phone, a rule pocket, and a nifty loop to hold a small mag lite.

B. John.....