The quality of this wool vest is awesome! What I love about this vest is its versatility. It's rugged enough that you can take it touring or camping, then drive straight to a wedding and you'll blend right in.
Fit is comfortable and roomy, great for layering. Might be too big if you're planning on wearing a light-weight long sleeve or button down.

It's a great vest. Some reviews say they run large so I bought a size smaller (38). But I ended up exchanging it for my size (40) and it actually fits perfectly. Just for reference I'm 5'11, 185.

All in all a fantastic vest. I own 2 of these vests, plus three mackinaw western vests. All have performed flawlessly in whatever conditions I've worn them in. The wool is thick and warm, but also breathes and wicks away moisture. I've worn these vests strolling around town and out hunting as well. Despite thorns and tree limbs grabbing at the fabric, I've had no issues with any material pulling or tearing. They still look brand new! The pockets are great and the colors are all flattering (especially the plaid).

Fit: I would order your chest size or a size down depending upon how you would like to layer. The vests do tend to be a bit boxy, but they're cut for freedom of movement. I'm right around a 39" chest and the 38" fits slightly large, but not obnoxiously so. The vests are plenty long enough and don't ride up or anything during activity.

Sure, this vest is a little expensive, but considering it'll last a few decades I think the purchase price is totally justified.

Thank you to Backcountry.com and Filson for hand-selecting me to review the Mackinaw Vest for the benefit of the backcountry.com community.



A MAN. That is who gets to wear a vest like the Filson Mackinaw. A real MAN. This here garment is a total throwback to the 1890s or some such time when men were separated from MEN based on how many logs you can saw, horses you can break, and whiskey you can drink. Unfortunately these days there is not much log sawin or horse breakin going on, but you will fit right in with the hipsters at the whiskey bar wearing this vest, provided you have the requisite beard or handlebar mustache of course. As for me, I backcountry ski, so I tested this vest while skinning and skiing in the Wasatch.



CONSTRUCTION: Filson is known for the quality of their products, and the Mackinaw Vest is no exception. Construction is bomber, the virgin wool is thick and rough (just how I like it), and the stitching seems like it will last until the end of days. This is a vest you buy so you can hand it down to your firstborn son.



FEATURES: This vest is pretty simple really. Button-down front is not ideal for ski touring, but it looks nice for wearing out on the town. Hell you could probably pair it with a suit coat for those special occasions. There are two hand pockets and two front pockets. The left side pocket is actually three small, narrow slots that I suppose are good for storing your cigars or shotgun shells. The right pocket I found to be the perfect size to hold a whiskey flask.



PERFORMANCE: This is not a technical piece. But I took it skiing anyway. And you know what? It worked surprisingly well during aerobic activity in the cold. My core stayed warm but I never overheated. It breathes like a champ. It did not feel great under pack straps and the front buttons were pressure points under chest straps and my avalanche beacon. But hey, this is a vest meant for building barb-wire fences, not backcountry skiing, so I give it a pass.



SIZE: Sizing is difficult. Filson does not abide by the standard S, M, L - instead building garments to specifics, like a fine vest should. So I had my wife measure my admittedly sunken chest and I came out as a size 42. But when I got the vest, it was a bit too large, especially around the lower torso. So either sizing is off, or my wife was trying to make me feel good by lying about my chest size. Maybe I need to man up and drink more whiskey so my belly can grow into it.



FINAL WORD: The Filson Mackinaw Wool Vest will make you feel like you have stepped back in time... or onto the set of Portlandia. Fancy yourself up on a chilly date night, pair it with a bolo tie at a cowboy wedding, or even take it backcountry skiing. This vest will be up to the task and will look good doing it.

This is a timeless Filson piece. Add some heritage to your wardrobe and pick one up, your wife or GF will thank you after your next night on the town. You can thank me after!