In the UK its internationally known that us British love drinking Tea and beer and there's nothing worse then having a bottle of beer with you but no bottle opener . Barbour has thought of that thats why the Zip puller is designed open a bottle .
Got my first Barbour (blue, Border style) when my wife was pregnant with our second daughter. Roll forward 19 years and said daughter "borrows" it for the weekend - it's never given back. So I bought a replacement: same colour, same style, same size. When we all met up last Christmas we went for a family walk and, lo and behold, "somebody" is wearing my old jacket, now 34 years old! After comparing the two she suggested I might want to swap them in order that I could re-wax "her" coat . . . . and when that idea was rejected I overheard her say to HER daughter (11) "Be nice to Grandad and he might give you his coat one day!" As I suspected the cloth on the older jacket is of heavier quality although in all other respects they're equal. Plus points for the Border style: two inside "poacher" pockets with waterproof, detachable liners (we shoot game); it will take a snap on wax hood with a wired rim; will take a snap in faux-fur liner (made from dead teddy-bears my daughter says); it looks good with the matching blue wax-cloth peaked cap from Barbour! The Filson looks nice but maybe they cut a few corners - just one snap on the outer pockets not two? Still there's obviously still a market for the competition! Good video, thanks.
Arguable he missed a point, Barbour has a second section called “Barbour International”, several of his critiques of the Barbour jacket can be resolved with those jackets. There are some losses but still a third player could have been added. It gets very intense man
I've owned a couple of Barbour Beaufort jackets (green and black) and for years I've been trying to find an excuse to try a Filson but now, over 20 years later, the coats haven't given me an excuse to replace them because they last. About the wax: I recall my older (green) jacket feeling like it could leave residue but it never did and the "wet" feeling went away when the jacket broke in. I believe my black Beaufort either didn't have that waxiness at all or it broke in fairly quickly. Regardless the "waxiness" never bothered me and it never actually left any residue behind. One huge thing I love about the Barbour jackets is that they look completely appropriate whether I'm in a shirt and tie or when I'm outdoors.
Agreed, they’re a classy looking jacket, much less utilitarian than the Filson design. Maybe the wax eventually works itself in and is less prone to contact residue over time? This one was very “wet” right out of the box.
This type of Barbour cuff is designed so to break apart when shooting. When you raise the gun to your shoulder your sleeves ride up your arms. The cuffs separate easily so not to impede your movement. On another style, The Barbour Bedale, there are weather proof elasticated cuffs and a studded waist flap as its designed to stop rain and wind when horse riding. Every original wax Barbour has a specific purpose hence the small design changes. I own 3. A Border, which i use as an overcoat as its slightly longer lengthwise. I use it to do the gardening in the spring and autumn and as a rug for getting the waders on and off when fishing or getting the kids to sit down when taking their wellies off! Its 25yrs old and is well used and abused. Its had a new zip fitted by Barbours repair service. A Gamefair, which i layer with a denim jacket or a fleece on cooler days on the school walk, and a Beaufort which is just an everyday single layer shorter length grab jacket for when i need one. I love the way they fit your body. The way the shoulders mould, due to the type of fabric to your individual shape. Filson is way too pricey in Scotland when we already have Barbour, Belstaff, Aquascutum, Burberry or Macintosh if you want heritage brands.
Carl Murawski yeah there really is plenty of detail to the Barbour designs and I’m sure someone will have added already that Barbour fully support their products too with total maintenance including custom repairs and alterations. Common alterations like sleeves and linings and such are priced on their site even, and I believe they have a similar setup in USA too so it can be available your side of the pond too :-)
Wow just checked Aquascutum, Burberry, and Macintosh, talk about the most pretentious brands imaginable, just finished laughing my butt off on the Mackintosh's runway video, bunch of dimly lit models that are so depressed and emo face, it's hilarious.
ian The older Aquascutum are a lot better then the newer ones, I own 3 Aqua raincoats. The newer ones have gone down the Burberry route, fashion garments and over-priced
I have owned both Bedale and Beaufort, definitely prefer the Beaufort cuff, because with the Bedale you have to pull the cuff over your wrist with your other hand when taking off the jacket and this lead to more wear and tear on the cuff faster. It can also be a little warm for moderate weather.
Long time Barbour owner and I have to say that I wouldn't want to be in 'torrential' rain in one - I love them, but they have their limits in bad weather. I also regularly reproof my Barbours and it is surprisingly easy - you just need a saucepan to stand the tin of wax in, a cloth to spread it on your jacket, and a hairdryer to smooth out the finish - anyone can do it and the results are astounding - the jacket looks like it just came out of the factory (that free tin of wax which comes with the Filsen by the way would cover about one sleeve). I personally love the 'leather' feel of the Barbour wax finish - it moulds to your body and when it's cold and the wax stiffens, the jacket will stand up on its own.
Dryzabone in really heavy rain, but all wax jackets eventually get sodden, I also have seven Barbours, trench coats, bedale, border beaufort ... kept hung in the boiler room they don't wiff and the wax stays fresh. Collars leather bound at one stage on the border, same with the pocket lips. I buy a new one every five years or so and they all fit different purposes, the only one I have had to replace is the Solway as I wore the sleeves out, might get it done at some stage, but for picking up sheep and tree clearing it is great as it is thick and extremely hard wearing. I think I have enough to rotate now and have seen no wear on any of them because I now do that, I have one on every day for work around the place.
@@papajeff5486 Doesn't need it. Once you've smoothed out the excess wax with a hair dryer and dry sponge (I just use a washing up sponge), it's good to go.
The Barbour zipper pull also doubles as a bottle opener! I have three Barbours (20 year old Utility 2, 5 year old Convoy, and brand new Acorn) and I love them all for different reasons. They'll outlive me, for sure.
Thank you for the video! Barbour allows customers to return jackets at anytime for repairs. I watched a documentary, which explained that people who have owned them for over 30 years still send them back to be fixed (at a cost of course).
I live in the outdoors, the Himalayas to be precise ; and have long time brand loyalty to Barbour. However, I do find their price exorbitant . Your presentation helps put things in perspective. I now have great respect for Filson products as well, one can appreciate quality irrespective of which side of the ocean it lies. Many of the newer design jackets are far more functional than the traditional ones. The only downside being , that the newer water repellent membranes breakdown with time, whereas the old jackets live to just fade away.
If Barbour was good enough for Steve McQueen ? Its good enough for me! He swore by them when motorcycle racing. Not to mention that Barbour are also in film....007! Uber cool jacket...
I have 3 Barbours, so I may be a bit bias but I have the now defunct Dept B jacket which was then featured in the movie Skyfall. Still very stylish and waterproof but, to be fair. The jacket is more for Autumnal weather rather than harsh.
Barbour is by far the preferred option, from what I have been seeing, Filson’s new jackets aren’t holding up to the standards of the older jackets now. Barbour still holds its standards as they have royal warrants, meaning if the standard started dropping the warrants might be removed and that seriously effect marketability. The other thing this video talks more about Barbour but doesn’t mention Barbour International, several of the criticisms of the Barbour jacket are actually covered by the jackets in Barbour International range, these being the cuffs are actually adjustable, the collar is a smaller size they also have extra 2 pockets on the chest. However, those jackets do lose some features like the pocket behind the storm cover, and also lose the hand warming pockets. They also don’t have the tartan inside but do have a lovely quilted inside (which may I add is very warm) they also lose the addition of the hood connecting points, but that being said I spent an large amount of time in Northumberland (Barbour homeland) and most people up there don’t get a hood they just get a tartan flat cap (which is cheaper) and achieves the same purpose. So in all the losses don’t actually have really effect much in my eyes as they make up for it other ways.
I have both a Beaufort and a Sapper jacket from Barbour. Both are more than ten years old and both will probably outlive me. They are comfortable, extremely well made and stylish. I see no reason to replace either.
You'll get some deposit on any car seat with a waxed jacket - and if you think your Filson won't do it, check the seat after a few month's regular use. Better to take the jacket off. Barbour jackets have those cuffs for good reason. In the cold and wet it's common to draw your hand back inside the cuff but that close embrace of the fastening of the Filson your hands are out in the cold, end of. Be aware that Barbour jackets come in different weights of cloth from lightweight to double weight. Last one I bought also came with a tin of wax. And the collar, once you've stood in the wind and raid for a bit you'll be glad you have that high collar....
As a third generation Filson wearer, I'm sad to say the new owners haven't kept up the same standard or utility as the original family owned business. The Filson you have there is designed for business people. It has a tighter fit than the old ones, and the lining is crap. My old Filson waxed jacket, which is over twenty years old and still going strong (after many repairs at the factory), has moleskin lined hand warmer pockets, a durable, full liner, and a roomy fit that won't bind up around your shoulders when you are doing something more aggressive than walking from your parking garage to the office.
I agree with you completely and have been working on a video script covering the rise and fall of Filson. From their "Might as well have the best" to the acquisition by Bedrock Manufacturing. They've gone through some seedy CEO's with their own ideas on how to pump up profits.
Completely agree as a second generation Filson owner. I think anything before 2010 is worth buying. It is a shame. I can't think of an American brand to replace them. I am not sure if Filson still has the same return policy. It is essentially hipster wear.
I have both Barbour and 2 filson jackets, and Barbour is the best gad dang Jacket I’ve ever owned, I upgraded the Barbour jacket with a liner vest and a hood, now it’s easy to survive a Scandinavian winterstorm. Thanks for the vid .
Always Filson I have my grandpas Filson wool vest and his coats he wore them often but keep good care of them. I really enjoy wearing something my grandpa wore for many many years.
Hello , I recently have found your site. Your analysis is interesting because it’s fair and thorough. I’m now retired and at the age of 70 . I retired as Distribution & Transmission Line Inspector for the power company. Before that I was a Chief Lineman. Why I mention this is obviously that I spent all my career outdoors but also my clothing had to meet fire retardant specs….not so much in the early years but in the later. Before the new treated Nomex and Indura came out. We all wore Filson wool sweaters or vests under Filson unlined or Carhart lightly lined hooded jackets. Filson oversized waxed tin pants/chaps stood ready in many of our truck lockers with attached suspenders for easy access over our heavy jeans. Wet miserable nights hiking to downed power lines. My Mackinaw cruiser and my double Mac. Cruiser are still with me and I still wear them in upstate NY winters. They will go to my sons and are in very good shape. As far as the wax coats go ….I really don’t like them….wrap yourself up cellophane, moisture can’t get out….same with wax/oil coats. These clothes are for the Seattle prima donnas’ and their weather…same for London.
Between the wife and I we’ve had five Barbour jackets. My personal favourite is my international Duke because it’s got a slightly fitted cut. Great jackets all of them.
Thank you for this review. It is very good seeing the comparisons. Suggestion: turn off the music. We came to your site to hear your comments, not fight the music. For us with hearing difficulties your background music makes it challenging hearing and understanding you.
I love the Barbour and I will eventually get one. The Filson though... their warranty is a huge factor. They repair or replace w/o question. So I'll grab one of each and celebrate the best of both countries. Great video comparison, I enjoyed it.
I haven't owned either ( reason for watching this video) , but here in U.K. you can send them back to Barbour for repairs & re-waxing ( very reasonable cost). I don't own one yet & I'm sure that if I don't own one soon my citizenship will be revoked. Hope you're enjoying whichever jacket you chose. Cheers.
Most jackets are now made in other countries. I bought a new jacket when I was back in the UK last year and unlike my Beaufort, which I have had for 28 years (half my life), there was no Made in England label (it didn’t state where it was made). In fairness, it was still well made.
I have 2 Barbour jackets… the Bushman jacket I’ve had for 20 years… unfortunately they discontinued it so my new one I got a couple years ago was the Beaufort jacket… I love it too, but if they still made the Bushman I would have gotten another of those (it rectifies the problems you state about the Beaufort, smaller collar, better placed hand warmer pockets, and adjustable wrist)…also, if you’re wondering what the pocket on the back is for, it’s to put game birds while you hunt… the Beaufort is a bird hunters jacket…
Front big pockets are cartridge pockets, the upper pockets are for when you have your broken shotgun over your arm, then the pocket keeps the arm up to keep the gun on but keep hands warm :) The collar pops up so that you have the cap above (hat) and a keeps the neck warm. Barbour will do a to-measure jacket for 40% more cost (we looked into this for my wife's father).
Forgot to mention the optional hood that attaches to the Barbour collar. I would go Barbour simply because I think it looks cooler. As you mentioned, these aren't "technical" jackets for really foul weather conditions, so as a fashion/workwear item I think Barbour wins out for me. That front Napoleon pocket under the flap just sends it over the top. I have two jackets with that feature which I use all the time for shades, phone and/or other necessaries.
I recently got a Barbour and so far weather has been too warm to wear it in Europe. For waxing it's better to send it to the store because it won't be that easy specially for a first-timer ..I have a Patagonia tech jacket and in extreme cold and bad weather like in Canada I prefer that but here in Europe, a barbiur would do
I had a Barbour for years, and I purchased a fleece lining for it. Also purchased a hood so a very nice jacket around. Also, I love the big pockets the large collar is useful when it's snowing to protect your neck. It gets really cold here in the UK.
The Barber jacket is for me. I like the custom services you get from the company. Their coats can be factory refurbished and altered per customer request.
Y grandfather was a timber cruiser who always wore filson. He cruised 500,000 acres . pacing a mile within 1 inch. His mark is on 2500 40 acre parcels thru old growth timber in pnw from 1910-1960.
I have one of each and all the things he wants from the Filson are present on my Barbour International but my Filson has the moleskin pocket linings and shooting cuffs it lacks. One’s for the bike, one’s for mucking about.
I think Filson is pretty cool! However, I'm a committed Barbour wearer. Mine is back home at the repair shop for the second time to bring it back to life for another 8 to 10 years. Mine is going strong after 17 years and I plan to be still using it if I am still around in my 80's.
After all, isn’t that what it’s about? Buying something of quality that will last a long time. It’s an older way of thinking in the world of fast fashion, but one I think people are beginning to come back to.
Barbour was predominantly made to use when game shooting in the UK. The thing with the silk oil is that it does wear off, never staining anything it comes in contact with, however it does require rewaxing.
The Barbour sleeve closure is designed to keep out bad cold wet windy weather and is superior because one can close it down on the arm and block out all Wind. That's super important when you are out in the cold for real. Same goes for the Collar. Big Collar equals more retained warmth and less wind chill on the neck.
i'm a filson man. it really helps that i have access to a filson outlet though. you should put the jacket on and do a side by side shot. i like your audio and video
Have a Barbour Classic Moorland, which is no longer made, in a brownish olive color. Heavier than the Beaufort but an identical cut. It’s now 25 years old. Last year, I sent it to their repair shop in North Carolina where patches were placed on the forearm and leather trim added to the cuffs. In addition, the threadbare bottom of the plaid liner was patched beautifully. The repairs add character to the Moorland. The coat still looks great when I wear it over a tweed sport coat or suit. Most of my Filson Tin Cloth items are hunting related.
I have both. They are different, the Filson is more comfortable and easier to layer with the countless Filson layering options. I have had this jacket for thirty years and it still looks like new. Barbour is great jacket and a little dressier than Filson, but Filson has those fantastic mackinaw wool vests for layering. If you haven't owned a Mackinaw wool vest, you owe it to yourself to get one. The wool is designed to immediately constrict and contract with ambient temperatures, so you are never hot or cold no matter what the temperature is.
I have had Filson Coats/Jackets, vests, trousers (oilskin and wool) for over 40 years. I have never had a need for a Barbour, but would like to get one just to see. I'm sure they are great. My Filson stuff will outlast me (especially wool whipcord pants). Unfortunately, new owners have discontinued whipcord pants. Just a note, I have been goose hunting with Filson wool long underwear, wool pants and shirts, Mackinaw jacket and Oilskin coat with Oilskin hat, some good ski goggles and a chamois face mask and was happy as a clam. All this at 26 F below zero with no discomfort over 3 hours. No garment has failed. I lost a Mackinaw vest to a thief. Don't leave them sitting around.
I own the Barbour Durham jacket, which has the built in hood and shoulder cape, living in Northern England where summer means if its not raining then it's going to rain, and in winter it is the same but colder this jacket has never let me down. However I also have a Hoggs of Fife wax jacket, which is quilted on the inside for when a thin wind is blowing, (a wind that doesn't go around but blows straight through you). I've owned this jacket for around 20 years and have used it for shepherding, dog walking, gardening, and fishing, it's been a tough brute of a coat, and is still going strong today.
I had a long rain jacket from an Australian company years ago. I forget the style name, but its designed for ranching, like a slicker with tails. Anyways, it also has the same finish as the Barbour. They feel different b/c they are different. They are not waxed per se. They are an oilskin, not a waxed finish. The product to refinish is very different than the wax bars and hard formulas that you rag out of a can. I found it far superior for actual working water protection since it doesn't crack and let water seep into those bending spots. I have yet to find a reliable wax.
I have both Barbour Beaufort & Ogston wax jackets, and they served me well in the crazy weather of Chicago. The corduroy collar is perfect for the rainy and windy days, while the light Ogston can be worn during the warm & windy to fall & early winter. I love them, and my wife love her Barbours, as well. Can't speak about Filson, however, I may add one in the future. But,at this time my Barbour works for me just fine while on the road or in the yard working.
I love my Barbour Duke in Rustic brown, classic motorcycle style, very cool! I also live very close to the Barbour factory in NE England which is handy. That little tin won't go far bro, takes around 500ml to cover a whole jacket. The Filson is probably dryer because their is less wax on the jacket, the Barbour will dry off to the same as the Filson. Can be a pain in the ass waxing or sending in to be waxed but if you look after your jacket it will last you a lifetime.
I have five Barbour coats, four waxed and one wool, not to mention my three Barbour woollen jumpers. But I don't rewax my jackets because they develop a nice patina already from the factory wax. I just think they look worse after non-factory rewaxing and fabric breathability suffers. Some people like the heavily rewaxed look but that's just not my cup o' sup, aye.
I’ve done something similar with my Carhartt stuff, I just tie a small piece of hollow paracord and since the ends. The knot is easy to grab with gloves.
I have to agree that BOTH are great jackets; however, if you are looking for a larger size, the Filson will be the one to choose. For my normal suit/sport coats, I wear a 52L athletic cut (broad at the shoulders and tailored to the waist). Barbour does not sell any coats like this, the largest they sell is a 50 or XXXL and it will not fit due to the shoulders are too small and narrow.
You forgot the Barbour has a rear game pocket! I have owned my barbour jackets for over 25 years. I also like filson products as well. I think the barbour is more for hunting and filson is more outside working jacket, they are both fantastic jackets!
Nice honest review as always, Carl. As a Brit I see a lot of Barbour waxed jackets over here in the UK, so gravitate more to Filson, partly because of my love of American style, and partly because I like to be a little different. I just received my Filson Dryden briefcase yesterday and love it! May get the waxed jack at some point. Thanks for your reviews on these items, it really does help 🙏
Probably was already mentioned, but Barbour has other waxes they use other than the Sylkoil. The Thornproof wax is the one that they are most known for.
Thorn proof is excellent I rewaxed a cheap dickies and a cheap non brand made in U.K. with that wax and although it was hard to work it in both were exceptional after. I had a tin available because my mum had a genuine Barbour jacket she still has 30 years old
Actually just purchased Filson Mile Marker jacket, and it is incredible. I do wish the jacket had those side pockets akin to Barbour. But overall in my opinion Mile Marker is a much better jacket than Beaufort or Ashby (both of which I considered and tried on). The construction of the Filson is incredible although there is no large pull tab the zipper is quite large and feels like it's going to outlast the owner. The jacket also has an internal zipper for attaching a lining for colder weather. The internal pull string can be used to add more shape to the jacket and the moleskin collar is much more attractive than Barbour's enormous corduroy one. Finally, Filson is made in USA while most of the Barbour production has moved overseas primarily to China (and eastern Europe). I was 100% ready to purchase Barbour and serendipitously stumbled on Filson. The quality of the product is so high that I had to support the company, and I'm glad I did.
Excellent comment! It sounds like you went through something very similar and ended up at the same conclusion. I ended up putting a small knot of paracord on the main zipper to help zip it up easier with gloves, it blends right in and works well with the overall ruggedness. Enjoy your Filson, I have a feeling it will be with you for a very long time. I still have my dads old mackinaw cruiser from the 70s!
Accessories and quilted jackets are made in Portugal and turkey but all the classic waxed barbours are still made here in the UK, no Chinese manufacturing.
I’ve been reducing my wardrobe to become more of a capsule. I invested in a Barbour Ashby jacket (with a snap hood) and I love it. It’s extremely versatile. It can be worn with my grey suit, with jeans and a sweater, it can convert into almost a parka with the hood. I can go for the British gent look to the Travis Bickle from Taxi Driver look easily. Best jacket ever.
Good stuff. I already have the Filson Short Mile Marker jacket and have been blown away by it. I’ve had it for a year, and during the most recent rain I found it is time to re-wax it. Glad it came with the wax. It’s too bad you returned the Barbour, it would be interesting to see a follow up video comparing the two after you’ve had a chance to run them through similar tests.
yeah idk what filson's policy is but i know barbour recommend rewaxing once a year, although most people can get away with closer to every other year depending on how often they wear it and how bad the rain is and the like
I have a Barbour Gamefare. It has inside large game pockets, a drawstring around d the waist. The lining has a waterproof wide hem on it. Available is a snap-in warm lining. I’ve had mine for years and cannot wear it out!
Late to the show. I have no experience of Folsom but own two Barbours and also in the past one other, a waxed one. I never got on with the waxed one. It never felt warm and always made me perspire. I now have one that looks like the traditional waxed jacket but has a heavy Molskine type cloth. It keeps me as dry as the waxed version but feels warmer and is much easier to wear than the waxed version. Over the ten years of owning it I never tire of it, I do love the corduroy collar as well, it’s really warm against the neck when worn raised when it’s windy. I also have a quilted jacket which is really light but super tough and for late spring early fall it’s the perfect coat. Another thing with Barbour is that no matter how badly ripped or beaten up they get and no matter the age they can be sent back to Barbour to be repaired and they do a fantastic job of it but you have to really treat them badly to ever need that service.
The waxyness on the Barbour goes away after a few wears you shouldn't really worry about that at all . First few weeks take it off when you are in the car or whatever .
That's my experience too. They don't wear out, there's a variety of different designs but all feel classic in the way a Rolex Submariner is classic. It's one of the few Buy It For Life products out there.
@@sdemosi yeah unfortunately only a handful of their jackets are made in their original North East UK South Shields factory , most of their gear is made in the land of social credit and communism (soon to come over here) .
@@JonnyParker- I believe the Bedale & Beaufort models are still made in the UK. Those are part of the classic line. Most of their products are made in China. I don't have a problem with that but if someone pays for manufacture in the UK they should get it.
I'd choose filson as well, based on past experience. While I don't own a jacket from them, I do really like everything that I have bought from them. I think their tin and wool offerings are built to last. My favorite so far is their tin bush hat. The hat keeps the rain and sun off me very well and the tin cloth keeps the brim stable in high winds. Also, there are filson retail stores here where I can try them and find a good fit.
I really don’t know about Barbour… but if they truly are as good as they claim they would stand well with my Filson gear… I have Filson jackets, pants, game vests, leggings, hats… and have used them for decades of hunting in the Northern Cascade mountains, valleys, backcountry and grasslands and as of yet, I can find no gear that can compare. I have had guides ask me “why do you use that old world stuff when there’s better, lighter and warmer gear available?”… and then they get stuck in the Brier as I simply and easily pass through as if it were tall grass… it’s silent, dry and like armor against thorns… I really can’t make a comparison to Barbour… but if they are comparable I would love to try them.
I know I am a bit late to this, but definitely a Barbour fan (used when horse riding, and a shorter version for on my motorbike) and one of the major pro’s is the jacket gets better with age. Just like selvedge raw denim you get nice fades and I believe this makes the jacket more yours and is way cool.
I went with the Barbour bedale a local shop happened to have a couple in the shop. It’s a wee bit over sized but I’ve had lots of bad experiences ordering online. Looks good and should dress well for a Saskatchewan fall/spring
I guess the fact that my go-to is a Barbour Beaufort shows how I’d lean. You can’t go wrong either, though. So Filson may have a better warranty, but Barbour does repairs, alterations, re-waxing, etc., should you need it. You used to have to send them to England for that, but they have US repair centers now too. I love the corduroy collars on Barbour, and the storm flap. I also prefer their neck flap. But, enjoy the Filson!
I have been using wax cotton gear for about 20 plus years on my farm and for a few years before that. Usually Filson as Barbour was harder to find back then. Filson has never let me down. In the muck, hunting in thick back country, cold and rain of New England, etc. I must confess, I have never, I mean never been totally satisfied with the high tech products like GoreTex. It seems they have always failed me in one way or another. Especially when they get very mucky in a long hunt or in prolonged rain. I lean to Filson for durability, but LOVE Barbour for style. Both are QUALITY products!
Barbour, no question about it. I have both the Beaufort (the model you reviewed, designed for shooting/hunting) and the Bedale (a little shorter, no game pocket, has the knit wrists you like - intended for equestrian activities), as well as a fleece waistcoat. Each serves a different purpose and does an excellent job. Also, you just can't beat their quality (no disrespect to Filson, who makes many excellent products), and to me that justifies the slightly more expensive price tag. BTW, Filson isn't cheap either - in both cases you get what you pay for!
Barbour is only 20 minutes drive from me! I have one, but still like to make my own wax proofing for other jacket projects, and leather boots. 2 parts natural beeswax, 2 parts boiled linseed oil, and 1 part parafin.
Something else to consider about the Barbour. The sylkoil finish has a smell. I had a classic Beaufort for years that was fine, but then got another jacket with the new finish and it honestly had to have a closet to itself.
Out of the 4 Barbour coats I've purchased in my lifetime there was only one of them that had a smell. I'm guessing the thornproofing up until early 1990's had that distinctive odor. Interestingly, even years later you can still smell it. None of my other jackets, which I purchased years later, had that odor at all.
One thing the waxed cotton is a very hard wearing fabric if you work outdoors or are a bit adventurous waxed cotton won't rip or scuff the same way as synthetic fabrics if you catch it on thorns or branches. Also it's much less likely to snag on things as it's a much stiffer fabric
Also not as easy to burn holes in around a camp fire, I like the heavy weight Barbour's, they have to be ten years old to start getting good, anyone can own a new Barbour...
Firstly, at 2'10, thank you for using INTENTS and purposes correctly. Excellent review, mentioned personal opinions while still touching on all features in a technical fashion. For anyone requiring FULL rain coverage down to legs, useful for wing shooters or walking in fields and tall grasses, as well as horseback, consider the the John Fields Hurricane.
Thank you for the kind words! Oh boy, “intensive purposes” and “irregardless” drive me nuts! I’ve never heard of the John Fields Hurricane, but you’ve certainly piqued my interest. I love learning about new brands based on recommendations, and I’ll be checking them out!
Cool review - greetings from London! I'm gonna try both and if I like both, I'm gonna get both! Never had a Barbour and always wanted a Wild West type cowboy, hard wearing, cattle-rancher type jacket in tough material, so I think Filson fits the bill best! Luckily we have a Filson shop right here in London close to the Barbour shop - nice.
Excellent! I’ve always wanted to see London, it’s on my shortlist of places to visit. I’m such a big fan of most things UK, I love the understated take on everything. Sorta like the US’s bigger (and more mature) brother. Please let me know which you end up going with!
Stumbled across you today and had to subscribe. Loving the content! Purchased my first Barbour jacket here in the UK yesterday and can't wait to take it out! Merry Christmas 😊
Expensive, smart to look at zips a nightmare and quality not quite up to Barbour quality. I have 5 belstaff 3 Barbour. One of the belstaff jackets is built like a jkt from yrs ago, the others are more of a fashion statement. The Barbour will still be ok in 30yrs time not sure about belstaff.
The big Barbour collar is designed to give maximum weather protection. I happen to really like the corduroy and can’t really see what it could be replaced with.
the handwarmer pockets and the large game pouch at the rear sold me. top quality jacket. note barbour warns people about wearing waxed jackets in cars and storing it near delicate fabrics in a wardrobe as transfer can occur especially in warmer conditions.
Good comparison…for me, I will always stick with Barbour. Owned one since I was 15 and now 49 with a small collection of six jackets. All are classic and made over here in England. I love mine and they really do get better with age. I’ve used them in all weathers and for a range of activities. Never once let me down and I’ll never switch brands. Never seen a Filson in the flesh, but they look to be a good alternative.
@@salmonfish1145 the zipper pull is on the left side where as 99% of zipper pulls are on the right side. A minor difference to get used to. I love my Barbour coat too!👍🏻
I have many Barbour jackets, and vests, some are longer, some have more or less pockets, some have hoods, some have velcro closures on the sleeves and some have elastic knit cuffs, some are the heavy Thonprroof wax and some are the lighter Sykoil finish, but they are all still in good condition. I even outgrew a couple of my first Barbour jackets and my Son and Grandson have been rewarded with a Beaufort and a Bedale with the Sykoil finsh. Nothing beats a Barbour if you take care of them. I like the fact that they are still made the same old fashioned way, with the same old fashioned quality and durability. Barbour is my choice any day.
Had Barbour Jackets for over 20 years and never had an issue with residue wax coming off on car seats etc the only issue I have with Barbour jackets is they are almost indestructible and last for years not a bad thing nowadays
Right on the Filson web page it says not to let the waxed jacket material come in contact with light colored fabrics, particularly in summer--so not so much different.
Barbour for me, but I appreciate the note at the end about using it for severe weather. You are correct to say the Barbour is in no way equivalent to a modern technical garment, nor does it hold up to extreme wear. I've worn one out, had it refinished by Barbour, eventually replaced it and that one is probably going to be replaced next year. I wear mine a lot and under heavier conditions than I probably should and have still gotten 4-6 years out of them, but for instance I've had a Carhart jacket for over 10 and its still going strong. The features of the Barbour are really great and it feels perfect when you're walking through the park on a nice fall day for instance. It is really flexible style wise and never really seems out of place except maybe in the most formal of occasions.
Great comparison review, I have owned my House of Hardy waxed shooting/field coat for over 30 years and it's never let me down over countless days of duck hunting and fly fishing here on the Westcoast of Canada. I also own a Barbour and an Eddie Bauer waxed field coat that I use in the rain, I've notice leaking at the shoulder seams on the Eddie Bauer and have never had any leakage with my Barbour. Cheers
+Andrew Butler thanks for sharing! I always wondered where the first point of failure would be. These probably need pretty regular maintenance I’d imagine.
I own the Barbour Beaufort too and have for many years and the wax has never come off in any of my vehicles over the years and I don't do leather seats in my trucks because they're too cold for me in winter. The Barbour also came with a tin of wax renew product. The intended customer base for the Barbour is the British Shooting Community and so there is no waist cord as most wear bulkier wool sweaters that need to move while shooting. The cuffs are made to release during shooting too. I have tried on the Filson and love it but I've already spent the money years ago for my Barbour and its like the best coat I've ever owned. I also have the quilted liner and the snap on wire framed hood.
I guarantee that you can buy larger size Filson jackets. Mine is a grey, oil stained tin cloth size 3XL. It has 6 pockets in the front of the jacket, 2 of which are hand warmers center placed. Prior to this I always bought Carhartt jackets, however the gentleman that sold me my Filson jacket informed me that I'll never have to buy another work coat again. That was good enough for me!!🛠👍
In the UK its internationally known that us British love drinking Tea and beer and there's nothing worse then having a bottle of beer with you but no bottle opener . Barbour has thought of that thats why the Zip puller is designed open a bottle .
In the U.S. we have twist-and-drink. Cheers.
Got my first Barbour (blue, Border style) when my wife was pregnant with our second daughter. Roll forward 19 years and said daughter "borrows" it for the weekend - it's never given back. So I bought a replacement: same colour, same style, same size. When we all met up last Christmas we went for a family walk and, lo and behold, "somebody" is wearing my old jacket, now 34 years old!
After comparing the two she suggested I might want to swap them in order that I could re-wax "her" coat . . . . and when that idea was rejected I overheard her say to HER daughter (11) "Be nice to Grandad and he might give you his coat one day!"
As I suspected the cloth on the older jacket is of heavier quality although in all other respects they're equal. Plus points for the Border style: two inside "poacher" pockets with waterproof, detachable liners (we shoot game); it will take a snap on wax hood with a wired rim; will take a snap in faux-fur liner (made from dead teddy-bears my daughter says); it looks good with the matching blue wax-cloth peaked cap from Barbour!
The Filson looks nice but maybe they cut a few corners - just one snap on the outer pockets not two?
Still there's obviously still a market for the competition!
Good video, thanks.
Man the jacket community is way more intense than I imagined
Long story short - Barbour all day
3 days ago my sister gave me a barbour Ashby, I'm not wearing that I said, its 200 quid she said, well now I wear it!
Arguable he missed a point, Barbour has a second section called “Barbour International”, several of his critiques of the Barbour jacket can be resolved with those jackets. There are some losses but still a third player could have been added. It gets very intense man
LOL So true. I felt the same shock when I entered the wristwatch community.
Jackets, hats, boots, watches ect ect. If it feels right, is good quality and does what YOU need. Do YOU
I've owned a couple of Barbour Beaufort jackets (green and black) and for years I've been trying to find an excuse to try a Filson but now, over 20 years later, the coats haven't given me an excuse to replace them because they last. About the wax: I recall my older (green) jacket feeling like it could leave residue but it never did and the "wet" feeling went away when the jacket broke in. I believe my black Beaufort either didn't have that waxiness at all or it broke in fairly quickly. Regardless the "waxiness" never bothered me and it never actually left any residue behind. One huge thing I love about the Barbour jackets is that they look completely appropriate whether I'm in a shirt and tie or when I'm outdoors.
Agreed, they’re a classy looking jacket, much less utilitarian than the Filson design. Maybe the wax eventually works itself in and is less prone to contact residue over time? This one was very “wet” right out of the box.
R Sid v
This type of Barbour cuff is designed so to break apart when shooting. When you raise the gun to your shoulder your sleeves ride up your arms. The cuffs separate easily so not to impede your movement. On another style, The Barbour Bedale, there are weather proof elasticated cuffs and a studded waist flap as its designed to stop rain and wind when horse riding. Every original wax Barbour has a specific purpose hence the small design changes. I own 3. A Border, which i use as an overcoat as its slightly longer lengthwise. I use it to do the gardening in the spring and autumn and as a rug for getting the waders on and off when fishing or getting the kids to sit down when taking their wellies off! Its 25yrs old and is well used and abused. Its had a new zip fitted by Barbours repair service. A Gamefair, which i layer with a denim jacket or a fleece on cooler days on the school walk, and a Beaufort which is just an everyday single layer shorter length grab jacket for when i need one. I love the way they fit your body. The way the shoulders mould, due to the type of fabric to your individual shape. Filson is way too pricey in Scotland when we already have Barbour, Belstaff, Aquascutum, Burberry or Macintosh if you want heritage brands.
+jonathan walker very cool! Thanks for sharing!
Carl Murawski yeah there really is plenty of detail to the Barbour designs and I’m sure someone will have added already that Barbour fully support their products too with total maintenance including custom repairs and alterations. Common alterations like sleeves and linings and such are priced on their site even, and I believe they have a similar setup in USA too so it can be available your side of the pond too :-)
Wow just checked Aquascutum, Burberry, and Macintosh, talk about the most pretentious brands imaginable, just finished laughing my butt off on the Mackintosh's runway video, bunch of dimly lit models that are so depressed and emo face, it's hilarious.
ian The older Aquascutum are a lot better then the newer ones, I own 3 Aqua raincoats. The newer ones have gone down the Burberry route, fashion garments and over-priced
I have owned both Bedale and Beaufort, definitely prefer the Beaufort cuff, because with the Bedale you have to pull the cuff over your wrist with your other hand when taking off the jacket and this lead to more wear and tear on the cuff faster. It can also be a little warm for moderate weather.
Barbour all day long
I think you'll find many people agree with you!
they are all made in china and Viet Nam now
corb wrong. all their wax cotton jackets are made in South Shields in the north of England
corb nope, they aren’t
@@corb765 not all of them. All their classic waxed jackets are made in England
Long time Barbour owner and I have to say that I wouldn't want to be in 'torrential' rain in one - I love them, but they have their limits in bad weather. I also regularly reproof my Barbours and it is surprisingly easy - you just need a saucepan to stand the tin of wax in, a cloth to spread it on your jacket, and a hairdryer to smooth out the finish - anyone can do it and the results are astounding - the jacket looks like it just came out of the factory (that free tin of wax which comes with the Filsen by the way would cover about one sleeve). I personally love the 'leather' feel of the Barbour wax finish - it moulds to your body and when it's cold and the wax stiffens, the jacket will stand up on its own.
Dryzabone in really heavy rain, but all wax jackets eventually get sodden, I also have seven Barbours, trench coats, bedale, border beaufort ... kept hung in the boiler room they don't wiff and the wax stays fresh.
Collars leather bound at one stage on the border, same with the pocket lips.
I buy a new one every five years or so and they all fit different purposes, the only one I have had to replace is the Solway as I wore the sleeves out, might get it done at some stage, but for picking up sheep and tree clearing it is great as it is thick and extremely hard wearing. I think I have enough to rotate now and have seen no wear on any of them because I now do that, I have one on every day for work around the place.
Once, you have refinished, do you give the dry coating a good brushing?
@@papajeff5486 Doesn't need it. Once you've smoothed out the excess wax with a hair dryer and dry sponge (I just use a washing up sponge), it's good to go.
expected the comments to root for Filson. Was very surprised to see that majority were pro Barbour.
Barbour all the way!! The original, the best!
The Barbour zipper pull also doubles as a bottle opener! I have three Barbours (20 year old Utility 2, 5 year old Convoy, and brand new Acorn) and I love them all for different reasons. They'll outlive me, for sure.
Thank you for the video! Barbour allows customers to return jackets at anytime for repairs. I watched a documentary, which explained that people who have owned them for over 30 years still send them back to be fixed (at a cost of course).
I live in the outdoors, the Himalayas to be precise ; and have long time brand loyalty to Barbour. However, I do find their price exorbitant . Your presentation helps put things in perspective. I now have great respect for Filson products as well, one can appreciate quality irrespective of which side of the ocean it lies. Many of the newer design jackets are far more functional than the traditional ones. The only downside being , that the newer water repellent membranes breakdown with time, whereas the old jackets live to just fade away.
+Shelly Daruwalla thank you for sharing your real world experience! It’s this kind of feedback that really carries weight and guides my purchases.
If Barbour was good enough for Steve McQueen ? Its good enough for me! He swore by them when motorcycle racing. Not to mention that Barbour are also in film....007! Uber cool jacket...
Good point!!!
I have 3 Barbours, so I may be a bit bias but I have the now defunct Dept B jacket which was then featured in the movie Skyfall. Still very stylish and waterproof but, to be fair. The jacket is more for Autumnal weather rather than harsh.
But filson was in the gold rush sooo
@@BOBPEET image I have one too. Not for winter
Exactly, and most important of all - where do you put your 3 pheasants of normal size in the Filson?
Barbour is by far the preferred option, from what I have been seeing, Filson’s new jackets aren’t holding up to the standards of the older jackets now. Barbour still holds its standards as they have royal warrants, meaning if the standard started dropping the warrants might be removed and that seriously effect marketability.
The other thing this video talks more about Barbour but doesn’t mention Barbour International, several of the criticisms of the Barbour jacket are actually covered by the jackets in Barbour International range, these being the cuffs are actually adjustable, the collar is a smaller size they also have extra 2 pockets on the chest. However, those jackets do lose some features like the pocket behind the storm cover, and also lose the hand warming pockets. They also don’t have the tartan inside but do have a lovely quilted inside (which may I add is very warm) they also lose the addition of the hood connecting points, but that being said I spent an large amount of time in Northumberland (Barbour homeland) and most people up there don’t get a hood they just get a tartan flat cap (which is cheaper) and achieves the same purpose. So in all the losses don’t actually have really effect much in my eyes as they make up for it other ways.
I have both a Beaufort and a Sapper jacket from Barbour. Both are more than ten years old and both will probably outlive me. They are comfortable, extremely well made and stylish. I see no reason to replace either.
You'll get some deposit on any car seat with a waxed jacket - and if you think your Filson won't do it, check the seat after a few month's regular use. Better to take the jacket off.
Barbour jackets have those cuffs for good reason. In the cold and wet it's common to draw your hand back inside the cuff but that close embrace of the fastening of the Filson your hands are out in the cold, end of.
Be aware that Barbour jackets come in different weights of cloth from lightweight to double weight. Last one I bought also came with a tin of wax. And the collar, once you've stood in the wind and raid for a bit you'll be glad you have that high collar....
As a third generation Filson wearer, I'm sad to say the new owners haven't kept up the same standard or utility as the original family owned business. The Filson you have there is designed for business people. It has a tighter fit than the old ones, and the lining is crap. My old Filson waxed jacket, which is over twenty years old and still going strong (after many repairs at the factory), has moleskin lined hand warmer pockets, a durable, full liner, and a roomy fit that won't bind up around your shoulders when you are doing something more aggressive than walking from your parking garage to the office.
I agree with you completely and have been working on a video script covering the rise and fall of Filson. From their "Might as well have the best" to the acquisition by Bedrock Manufacturing. They've gone through some seedy CEO's with their own ideas on how to pump up profits.
Is that so
Completely agree as a second generation Filson owner. I think anything before 2010 is worth buying. It is a shame. I can't think of an American brand to replace them. I am not sure if Filson still has the same return policy. It is essentially hipster wear.
I have both Barbour and 2 filson jackets, and Barbour is the best gad dang Jacket I’ve ever owned, I upgraded the Barbour jacket with a liner vest and a hood, now it’s easy to survive a Scandinavian winterstorm. Thanks for the vid .
Always Filson I have my grandpas Filson wool vest and his coats he wore them often but keep good care of them. I really enjoy wearing something my grandpa wore for many many years.
That Mackinaw wool will last generations if you take care of it!
Hello , I recently have found your site. Your analysis is interesting because it’s fair and thorough. I’m now retired and at the age of 70 . I retired as Distribution & Transmission Line Inspector for the power company. Before that I was a Chief Lineman. Why I mention this is obviously that I spent all my career outdoors but also my clothing had to meet fire retardant specs….not so much in the early years but in the later. Before the new treated Nomex and Indura came out. We all wore Filson wool sweaters or vests under Filson unlined or Carhart lightly lined hooded jackets. Filson oversized waxed tin pants/chaps stood ready in many of our truck lockers with attached suspenders for easy access over our heavy jeans. Wet miserable nights hiking to downed power lines. My Mackinaw cruiser and my double Mac. Cruiser are still with me and I still wear them in upstate NY winters. They will go to my sons and are in very good shape. As far as the wax coats go ….I really don’t like them….wrap yourself up cellophane, moisture can’t get out….same with wax/oil coats. These clothes are for the Seattle prima donnas’ and their weather…same for London.
Thank you for this thoughtful comment sir!
Team Barbour.
Unite!
I have four Barbour waxed jackets. Love them
Barbour all the way. Every time.
Between the wife and I we’ve had five Barbour jackets. My personal favourite is my international Duke because it’s got a slightly fitted cut. Great jackets all of them.
Barbour duke is a lovely fitted and padded coat for all occasions.
Thank you for this review. It is very good seeing the comparisons.
Suggestion: turn off the music. We came to your site to hear your comments, not fight the music. For us with hearing difficulties your background music makes it challenging hearing and understanding you.
Fair enough, this was made a year ago and I’ve refined the process quite a bit.
I love the Barbour and I will eventually get one. The Filson though... their warranty is a huge factor. They repair or replace w/o question.
So I'll grab one of each and celebrate the best of both countries.
Great video comparison, I enjoyed it.
I haven't owned either ( reason for watching this video) , but here in U.K. you can send them back to Barbour for repairs & re-waxing ( very reasonable cost).
I don't own one yet & I'm sure that if I don't own one soon my citizenship will be revoked.
Hope you're enjoying whichever jacket you chose.
Cheers.
I live near Barbour and sons in north England, beautiful clothing still made in England and at a fair price aswell, Barbour for me
MyScotty7 are all the wax jackets from Barbour made in England?
MyScotty7 Made in Bulgaria.
Most jackets are now made in other countries. I bought a new jacket when I was back in the UK last year and unlike my Beaufort, which I have had for 28 years (half my life), there was no Made in England label (it didn’t state where it was made). In fairness, it was still well made.
The Ashby is made in Moldova
@@tattie278 the factory is in Jarrow, Tyne and Wear. England, the factory shop is top notch and great bargains
The Barbour zipper can also open beer bottles.
No! Really?
@@DrOfNothing yes, give it a go!
👍 yes...yes it can.
It is also a good way to break it 🤣
Quentin RUAUD yeah but for a small fee they completely repair your jacket and I bet a new zipper wouldn’t be too expensive
I have 2 Barbour jackets… the Bushman jacket I’ve had for 20 years… unfortunately they discontinued it so my new one I got a couple years ago was the Beaufort jacket… I love it too, but if they still made the Bushman I would have gotten another of those (it rectifies the problems you state about the Beaufort, smaller collar, better placed hand warmer pockets, and adjustable wrist)…also, if you’re wondering what the pocket on the back is for, it’s to put game birds while you hunt… the Beaufort is a bird hunters jacket…
Front big pockets are cartridge pockets, the upper pockets are for when you have your broken shotgun over your arm, then the pocket keeps the arm up to keep the gun on but keep hands warm :) The collar pops up so that you have the cap above (hat) and a keeps the neck warm. Barbour will do a to-measure jacket for 40% more cost (we looked into this for my wife's father).
Forgot to mention the optional hood that attaches to the Barbour collar. I would go Barbour simply because I think it looks cooler. As you mentioned, these aren't "technical" jackets for really foul weather conditions, so as a fashion/workwear item I think Barbour wins out for me. That front Napoleon pocket under the flap just sends it over the top. I have two jackets with that feature which I use all the time for shades, phone and/or other necessaries.
Had both but Barbour are way ahead !
Honestly, it’s hard to complain about either!
I recently got a Barbour and so far weather has been too warm to wear it in Europe. For waxing it's better to send it to the store because it won't be that easy specially for a first-timer ..I have a Patagonia tech jacket and in extreme cold and bad weather like in Canada I prefer that but here in Europe, a barbiur would do
I had a Barbour for years, and I purchased a fleece lining for it. Also purchased a hood so a very nice jacket around. Also, I love the big pockets the large collar is useful when it's snowing to protect your neck. It gets really cold here in the UK.
I've seen the zip-in liners and they look really warm, I'm sure they're compulsory for your climate. Cheers from the states!
@@CarlMurawski The fleece liner is great the zip up ones are slightly restrictive if you are doing stuff
The Barber jacket is for me. I like the custom services you get from the company. Their coats can be factory refurbished and altered per customer request.
Y grandfather was a timber cruiser who always wore filson. He cruised 500,000 acres . pacing a mile within 1 inch. His mark is on 2500 40 acre parcels thru old growth timber in pnw from 1910-1960.
I have one of each and all the things he wants from the Filson are present on my Barbour International but my Filson has the moleskin pocket linings and shooting cuffs it lacks. One’s for the bike, one’s for mucking about.
Love the prodigious collar on the Barbour. My favorite characteristic of the jacket.
I think Filson is pretty cool! However, I'm a committed Barbour wearer. Mine is back home at the repair shop for the second time to bring it back to life for another 8 to 10 years. Mine is going strong after 17 years and I plan to be still using it if I am still around in my 80's.
After all, isn’t that what it’s about? Buying something of quality that will last a long time. It’s an older way of thinking in the world of fast fashion, but one I think people are beginning to come back to.
Barbour was predominantly made to use when game shooting in the UK. The thing with the silk oil is that it does wear off, never staining anything it comes in contact with, however it does require rewaxing.
Interesting, a few people mentioned a strange odor from the sylkoil finish though I didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary.
The Barbour sleeve closure is designed to keep out bad cold wet windy weather and is superior because one can close it down on the arm and block out all Wind. That's super important when you are out in the cold for real. Same goes for the Collar. Big Collar equals more retained warmth and less wind chill on the neck.
+frank jones dropping knowledge bombs on us! Haha, thanks for the info man!
i'm a filson man. it really helps that i have access to a filson outlet though. you should put the jacket on and do a side by side shot. i like your audio and video
+Simon L thanks a lot, much appreciated! I agree, a side by side comparison would have been a good thing to add.
Have a Barbour Classic Moorland, which is no longer made, in a brownish olive color. Heavier than the Beaufort but an identical cut. It’s now 25 years old. Last year, I sent it to their repair shop in North Carolina where patches were placed on the forearm and leather trim added to the cuffs. In addition, the threadbare bottom of the plaid liner was patched beautifully. The repairs add character to the Moorland. The coat still looks great when I wear it over a tweed sport coat or suit.
Most of my Filson Tin Cloth items are hunting related.
I have both. They are different, the Filson is more comfortable and easier to layer with the countless Filson layering options. I have had this jacket for thirty years and it still looks like new. Barbour is great jacket and a little dressier than Filson, but Filson has those fantastic mackinaw wool vests for layering. If you haven't owned a Mackinaw wool vest, you owe it to yourself to get one. The wool is designed to immediately constrict and contract with ambient temperatures, so you are never hot or cold no matter what the temperature is.
I have had Filson Coats/Jackets, vests, trousers (oilskin and wool) for over 40 years. I have never had a need for a Barbour, but would like to get one just to see. I'm sure they are great. My Filson stuff will outlast me (especially wool whipcord pants). Unfortunately, new owners have discontinued whipcord pants. Just a note, I have been goose hunting with Filson wool long underwear, wool pants and shirts, Mackinaw jacket and Oilskin coat with Oilskin hat, some good ski goggles and a chamois face mask and was happy as a clam. All this at 26 F below zero with no discomfort over 3 hours. No garment has failed. I lost a Mackinaw vest to a thief. Don't leave them sitting around.
I own the Barbour Durham jacket, which has the built in hood and shoulder cape, living in Northern England where summer means if its not raining then it's going to rain, and in winter it is the same but colder this jacket has never let me down. However I also have a Hoggs of Fife wax jacket, which is quilted on the inside for when a thin wind is blowing, (a wind that doesn't go around but blows straight through you). I've owned this jacket for around 20 years and have used it for shepherding, dog walking, gardening, and fishing, it's been a tough brute of a coat, and is still going strong today.
I love Filson. I have three jackets from them!
+Ted Nghiem they’re awesome!
I'm a Filson guy too, all the way
I had a long rain jacket from an Australian company years ago. I forget the style name, but its designed for ranching, like a slicker with tails. Anyways, it also has the same finish as the Barbour. They feel different b/c they are different. They are not waxed per se. They are an oilskin, not a waxed finish. The product to refinish is very different than the wax bars and hard formulas that you rag out of a can. I found it far superior for actual working water protection since it doesn't crack and let water seep into those bending spots. I have yet to find a reliable wax.
I have both Barbour Beaufort & Ogston wax jackets, and they served me well in the crazy weather of Chicago. The corduroy collar is perfect for the rainy and windy days, while the light Ogston can be worn during the warm & windy to fall & early winter. I love them, and my wife love her Barbours, as well. Can't speak about Filson, however, I may add one in the future. But,at this time my Barbour works for me just fine while on the road or in the yard working.
I love my Barbour Duke in Rustic brown, classic motorcycle style, very cool!
I also live very close to the Barbour factory in NE England which is handy.
That little tin won't go far bro, takes around 500ml to cover a whole jacket.
The Filson is probably dryer because their is less wax on the jacket, the Barbour will dry off to the same as the Filson.
Can be a pain in the ass waxing or sending in to be waxed but if you look after your jacket it will last you a lifetime.
I just rewaxed my jacket myself, super easy to do using how to guides on youtube
I have five Barbour coats, four waxed and one wool, not to mention my three Barbour woollen jumpers. But I don't rewax my jackets because they develop a nice patina already from the factory wax. I just think they look worse after non-factory rewaxing and fabric breathability suffers. Some people like the heavily rewaxed look but that's just not my cup o' sup, aye.
Like that zipper pull. Had to put a zip tie on my work coat so I can use it with my thick winter gloves.
I’ve done something similar with my Carhartt stuff, I just tie a small piece of hollow paracord and since the ends. The knot is easy to grab with gloves.
It’s hard to go wrong with either!
I have to agree that BOTH are great jackets; however, if you are looking for a larger size, the Filson will be the one to choose. For my normal suit/sport coats, I wear a 52L athletic cut (broad at the shoulders and tailored to the waist). Barbour does not sell any coats like this, the largest they sell is a 50 or XXXL and it will not fit due to the shoulders are too small and narrow.
Had my Barbour for 40yrs....nuff said.
You forgot the Barbour has a rear game pocket! I have owned my barbour jackets for over 25 years. I also like filson products as well. I think the barbour is more for hunting and filson is more outside working jacket, they are both fantastic jackets!
I just ordered 2 Barbour jackets, the green Ashby and the bark colored Beaufort. Nice review, both Filson and Barbour make great jackets.
Nice honest review as always, Carl. As a Brit I see a lot of Barbour waxed jackets over here in the UK, so gravitate more to Filson, partly because of my love of American style, and partly because I like to be a little different. I just received my Filson Dryden briefcase yesterday and love it! May get the waxed jack at some point. Thanks for your reviews on these items, it really does help 🙏
... Barbour is British, not English ... Barbour was a Scot, but they are made in South Sheilds near Newcastle in England
Now you've confused me, though that's not hard to do.
That's South Shields please get the name of my home town correct and they are an English company, made in England got nothing to do with Scotland.
@@alisonsmith4801 Barbour was Scottish.
@@briankemp2290 Yes he was a Scot but he opened his first shop in South Shields England and the factory is very much part of the town to this day.
@@alisonsmith4801 So a British Company then.
Probably was already mentioned, but Barbour has other waxes they use other than the Sylkoil. The Thornproof wax is the one that they are most known for.
It has been mentioned but bears repeating, I'd love to try it out.
Thorn proof is excellent I rewaxed a cheap dickies and a cheap non brand made in U.K. with that wax and although it was hard to work it in both were exceptional after. I had a tin available because my mum had a genuine Barbour jacket she still has 30 years old
Sylkoil is the material of the jacket! Not a wax.
Actually just purchased Filson Mile Marker jacket, and it is incredible. I do wish the jacket had those side pockets akin to Barbour. But overall in my opinion Mile Marker is a much better jacket than Beaufort or Ashby (both of which I considered and tried on). The construction of the Filson is incredible although there is no large pull tab the zipper is quite large and feels like it's going to outlast the owner. The jacket also has an internal zipper for attaching a lining for colder weather. The internal pull string can be used to add more shape to the jacket and the moleskin collar is much more attractive than Barbour's enormous corduroy one. Finally, Filson is made in USA while most of the Barbour production has moved overseas primarily to China (and eastern Europe). I was 100% ready to purchase Barbour and serendipitously stumbled on Filson. The quality of the product is so high that I had to support the company, and I'm glad I did.
Excellent comment! It sounds like you went through something very similar and ended up at the same conclusion. I ended up putting a small knot of paracord on the main zipper to help zip it up easier with gloves, it blends right in and works well with the overall ruggedness.
Enjoy your Filson, I have a feeling it will be with you for a very long time. I still have my dads old mackinaw cruiser from the 70s!
Accessories and quilted jackets are made in Portugal and turkey but all the classic waxed barbours are still made here in the UK, no Chinese manufacturing.
I’ve been reducing my wardrobe to become more of a capsule. I invested in a Barbour Ashby jacket (with a snap hood) and I love it. It’s extremely versatile. It can be worn with my grey suit, with jeans and a sweater, it can convert into almost a parka with the hood. I can go for the British gent look to the Travis Bickle from Taxi Driver look easily.
Best jacket ever.
I also own an Ashby, how much waxing do they need, I've never waxed it in 3 years.
Good stuff. I already have the Filson Short Mile Marker jacket and have been blown away by it. I’ve had it for a year, and during the most recent rain I found it is time to re-wax it. Glad it came with the wax. It’s too bad you returned the Barbour, it would be interesting to see a follow up video comparing the two after you’ve had a chance to run them through similar tests.
yeah idk what filson's policy is but i know barbour recommend rewaxing once a year, although most people can get away with closer to every other year depending on how often they wear it and how bad the rain is and the like
If you ever travel to Europe or anywhere else for that matter, Barbour is well known and proven.
I have a Barbour Gamefare. It has inside large game pockets, a drawstring around d the waist. The lining has a waterproof wide hem on it. Available is a snap-in warm lining. I’ve had mine for years and cannot wear it out!
Filson all the way for me and i'm British. The style and aesthetic of Filson jackets are killing it right now!
Have you ever heard of drisabone. They are Australia clothing company
You should have looked at the Sapper Barbour. It has a lot of the features that the Filson had that you liked. I am a fan of Both by they way.
I'll take one of each.
+Maury Stanger LOL
Late to the show. I have no experience of Folsom but own two Barbours and also in the past one other, a waxed one.
I never got on with the waxed one. It never felt warm and always made me perspire. I now have one that looks like the traditional waxed jacket but has a heavy Molskine type cloth. It keeps me as dry as the waxed version but feels warmer and is much easier to wear than the waxed version. Over the ten years of owning it I never tire of it, I do love the corduroy collar as well, it’s really warm against the neck when worn raised when it’s windy. I also have a quilted jacket which is really light but super tough and for late spring early fall it’s the perfect coat. Another thing with Barbour is that no matter how badly ripped or beaten up they get and no matter the age they can be sent back to Barbour to be repaired and they do a fantastic job of it but you have to really treat them badly to ever need that service.
The waxyness on the Barbour goes away after a few wears you shouldn't really worry about that at all . First few weeks take it off when you are in the car or whatever .
That's my experience too. They don't wear out, there's a variety of different designs but all feel classic in the way a Rolex Submariner is classic. It's one of the few Buy It For Life products out there.
@@sdemosi yeah unfortunately only a handful of their jackets are made in their original North East UK South Shields factory , most of their gear is made in the land of social credit and communism (soon to come over here) .
@@JonnyParker- I believe the Bedale & Beaufort models are still made in the UK. Those are part of the classic line. Most of their products are made in China. I don't have a problem with that but if someone pays for manufacture in the UK they should get it.
@@sdemosi yeah i know i would pay extra for supporting UK staff and UK industry , especially now more than ever .
I'd choose filson as well, based on past experience. While I don't own a jacket from them, I do really like everything that I have bought from them. I think their tin and wool offerings are built to last. My favorite so far is their tin bush hat. The hat keeps the rain and sun off me very well and the tin cloth keeps the brim stable in high winds. Also, there are filson retail stores here where I can try them and find a good fit.
I really don’t know about Barbour… but if they truly are as good as they claim they would stand well with my Filson gear… I have Filson jackets, pants, game vests, leggings, hats… and have used them for decades of hunting in the Northern Cascade mountains, valleys, backcountry and grasslands and as of yet, I can find no gear that can compare. I have had guides ask me “why do you use that old world stuff when there’s better, lighter and warmer gear available?”… and then they get stuck in the Brier as I simply and easily pass through as if it were tall grass… it’s silent, dry and like armor against thorns… I really can’t make a comparison to Barbour… but if they are comparable I would love to try them.
I know I am a bit late to this, but definitely a Barbour fan (used when horse riding, and a shorter version for on my motorbike) and one of the major pro’s is the jacket gets better with age. Just like selvedge raw denim you get nice fades and I believe this makes the jacket more yours and is way cool.
Both are 1st rate jackets. Great presentation - well done.
I went with the Barbour bedale a local shop happened to have a couple in the shop. It’s a wee bit over sized but I’ve had lots of bad experiences ordering online.
Looks good and should dress well for a Saskatchewan fall/spring
I guess the fact that my go-to is a Barbour Beaufort shows how I’d lean. You can’t go wrong either, though. So Filson may have a better warranty, but Barbour does repairs, alterations, re-waxing, etc., should you need it. You used to have to send them to England for that, but they have US repair centers now too. I love the corduroy collars on Barbour, and the storm flap. I also prefer their neck flap. But, enjoy the Filson!
I have been using wax cotton gear for about 20 plus years on my farm and for a few years before that. Usually Filson as Barbour was harder to find back then. Filson has never let me down. In the muck, hunting in thick back country, cold and rain of New England, etc. I must confess, I have never, I mean never been totally satisfied with the high tech products like GoreTex. It seems they have always failed me in one way or another. Especially when they get very mucky in a long hunt or in prolonged rain. I lean to Filson for durability, but LOVE Barbour for style. Both are QUALITY products!
Barbour, no question about it. I have both the Beaufort (the model you reviewed, designed for shooting/hunting) and the Bedale (a little shorter, no game pocket, has the knit wrists you like - intended for equestrian activities), as well as a fleece waistcoat. Each serves a different purpose and does an excellent job. Also, you just can't beat their quality (no disrespect to Filson, who makes many excellent products), and to me that justifies the slightly more expensive price tag. BTW, Filson isn't cheap either - in both cases you get what you pay for!
Barbour is only 20 minutes drive from me! I have one, but still like to make my own wax proofing for other jacket projects, and leather boots. 2 parts natural beeswax, 2 parts boiled linseed oil, and 1 part parafin.
Something else to consider about the Barbour. The sylkoil finish has a smell. I had a classic Beaufort for years that was fine, but then got another jacket with the new finish and it honestly had to have a closet to itself.
+MerricMaker I️ did notice a slight odor, but it wasn’t too bad. I️ actually figured it was the Caesar salad I️ had for lunch!
Out of the 4 Barbour coats I've purchased in my lifetime there was only one of them that had a smell. I'm guessing the thornproofing up until early 1990's had that distinctive odor. Interestingly, even years later you can still smell it. None of my other jackets, which I purchased years later, had that odor at all.
One thing the waxed cotton is a very hard wearing fabric if you work outdoors or are a bit adventurous waxed cotton won't rip or scuff the same way as synthetic fabrics if you catch it on thorns or branches.
Also it's much less likely to snag on things as it's a much stiffer fabric
Also not as easy to burn holes in around a camp fire, I like the heavy weight Barbour's, they have to be ten years old to start getting good, anyone can own a new Barbour...
Firstly, at 2'10, thank you for using INTENTS and purposes correctly. Excellent review, mentioned personal opinions while still touching on all features in a technical fashion. For anyone requiring FULL rain coverage down to legs, useful for wing shooters or walking in fields and tall grasses, as well as horseback, consider the the John Fields Hurricane.
Thank you for the kind words! Oh boy, “intensive purposes” and “irregardless” drive me nuts! I’ve never heard of the John Fields Hurricane, but you’ve certainly piqued my interest. I love learning about new brands based on recommendations, and I’ll be checking them out!
Cool review - greetings from London! I'm gonna try both and if I like both, I'm gonna get both! Never had a Barbour and always wanted a Wild West type cowboy, hard wearing, cattle-rancher type jacket in tough material, so I think Filson fits the bill best!
Luckily we have a Filson shop right here in London close to the Barbour shop - nice.
Excellent! I’ve always wanted to see London, it’s on my shortlist of places to visit. I’m such a big fan of most things UK, I love the understated take on everything. Sorta like the US’s bigger (and more mature) brother. Please let me know which you end up going with!
New England Style Consulting lol ok, I will 😉👍
Stumbled across you today and had to subscribe. Loving the content! Purchased my first Barbour jacket here in the UK yesterday and can't wait to take it out! Merry Christmas 😊
Excellent, thank you!!! Merry Christmas!
I have the Newcastle. Both companies make an excellent product.
man, support America - keep the filson!
its a better jacket overall
What do you think of the Belstaff jacket?
I’ve never gotten my hands on one but I hear they’re excellent but expensive.
Expensive, smart to look at zips a nightmare and quality not quite up to Barbour quality. I have 5 belstaff 3 Barbour. One of the belstaff jackets is built like a jkt from yrs ago, the others are more of a fashion statement. The Barbour will still be ok in 30yrs time not sure about belstaff.
The big Barbour collar is designed to give maximum weather protection. I happen to really like the corduroy and can’t really see what it could be replaced with.
the handwarmer pockets and the large game pouch at the rear sold me. top quality jacket.
note barbour warns people about wearing waxed jackets in cars and storing it near delicate fabrics in a wardrobe as transfer can occur especially in warmer conditions.
Good comparison…for me, I will always stick with Barbour. Owned one since I was 15 and now 49 with a small collection of six jackets. All are classic and made over here in England.
I love mine and they really do get better with age. I’ve used them in all weathers and for a range of activities. Never once let me down and I’ll never switch brands.
Never seen a Filson in the flesh, but they look to be a good alternative.
The only negative for me with Barbour is the left handed zipper. I bought my Bedale anyway,not a deal killer for me. I LOVE my Bedale jacket!❤️❤️❤️
I'm a left hander who owns a bedale, how is the zipper left handed? I never noticed any difference from other zippers.
@@salmonfish1145 the zipper pull is on the left side where as 99% of zipper pulls are on the right side. A minor difference to get used to. I love my Barbour coat too!👍🏻
Barbour all the way, had mine for 15 years so far and have never looked back
Barbour Bedale. Has knit cuffs beneath the outer layer.
I have many Barbour jackets, and vests, some are longer, some have more or less pockets, some have hoods, some have velcro closures on the sleeves and some have elastic knit cuffs, some are the heavy Thonprroof wax and some are the lighter Sykoil finish, but they are all still in good condition. I even outgrew a couple of my first Barbour jackets and my Son and Grandson have been rewarded with a Beaufort and a Bedale with the Sykoil finsh. Nothing beats a Barbour if you take care of them. I like the fact that they are still made the same old fashioned way, with the same old fashioned quality and durability. Barbour is my choice any day.
Had Barbour Jackets for over 20 years and never had an issue with residue wax coming off on car seats etc the only issue I have with Barbour jackets is they are almost indestructible and last for years not a bad thing nowadays
I just got Filson x Levi’s. It has Filson’ sizing, not Levi’s. So I buy one size down. I like the collaboration.
Right on the Filson web page it says not to let the waxed jacket material come in contact with light colored fabrics, particularly in summer--so not so much different.
Barbour for me, but I appreciate the note at the end about using it for severe weather. You are correct to say the Barbour is in no way equivalent to a modern technical garment, nor does it hold up to extreme wear. I've worn one out, had it refinished by Barbour, eventually replaced it and that one is probably going to be replaced next year. I wear mine a lot and under heavier conditions than I probably should and have still gotten 4-6 years out of them, but for instance I've had a Carhart jacket for over 10 and its still going strong. The features of the Barbour are really great and it feels perfect when you're walking through the park on a nice fall day for instance. It is really flexible style wise and never really seems out of place except maybe in the most formal of occasions.
Barbour = Made in China
Great comparison review, I have owned my House of Hardy waxed shooting/field coat for over 30 years and it's never let me down over countless days of duck hunting and fly fishing here on the Westcoast of Canada. I also own a Barbour and an Eddie Bauer waxed field coat that I use in the rain, I've notice leaking at the shoulder seams on the Eddie Bauer and have never had any leakage with my Barbour.
Cheers
+Andrew Butler thanks for sharing! I always wondered where the first point of failure would be. These probably need pretty regular maintenance I’d imagine.
I own the Barbour Beaufort too and have for many years and the wax has never come off in any of my vehicles over the years and I don't do leather seats in my trucks because they're too cold for me in winter. The Barbour also came with a tin of wax renew product. The intended customer base for the Barbour is the British Shooting Community and so there is no waist cord as most wear bulkier wool sweaters that need to move while shooting. The cuffs are made to release during shooting too. I have tried on the Filson and love it but I've already spent the money years ago for my Barbour and its like the best coat I've ever owned. I also have the quilted liner and the snap on wire framed hood.
Love my Barbour Classic Bedale.
I guarantee that you can buy larger size Filson jackets. Mine is a grey, oil stained tin cloth size 3XL. It has 6 pockets in the front of the jacket, 2 of which are hand warmers center placed. Prior to this I always bought Carhartt jackets, however the gentleman that sold me my Filson jacket informed me that I'll never have to buy another work coat again. That was good enough for me!!🛠👍