All Around Jacket Reviews
(Please click here for the main page on the All-Around Jacket.)
You will find independent WeatherWool reviews, lots of them, with new ones coming out steadily, on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and various websites and web forums. But I put a review here from time to time. Almost all of the reviews posted here include actual attributions ... some of what is available elsewhere on the web is anonymous.
We made a new batch of Lynx Pattern All-Around Jackets in Feb and March of 2021 and we have been getting some great feedback ...
2022-05-16 ... Kirk, After a Year
Kirk, "Back In The Woods", released an 18-minute YouTube video with his thoughts about our Fabric, mostly, but also the All-Around Jacket and Anorak and Customer Service
2022-04-19 ... Jim Bonney, after a year
Jim Bonney published two YouTube Reviews of his AAJ. He published the first review only a few days after receiving the AAJ. The second review, perhaps more meaningful, was made after Jim had a year of experience in the AAJ. THANKS JIM!!!!!
2021-12-20 ... YouTube Reviewer Carl Murawski
Six months ago, Carl Murawski, a YouTube reviewer of clothing and gear, posted a video focused on alternatives to Filson’s Mackinaw Cruiser. Carl discusses the Cruiser, then introduces 11 alternatives, including our All-Around Jacket. He gets to us at the 5-minute mark, and here is what he said:
The WeatherWool All-Around Jacket ……. Now, if you have cash to burn and you want something quite amazing, the WeatherWool All-Around Jacket might be the one for you. Now, let's just get this out of the way right off the start. It's $850. I know, I know, for that money though you're getting some next-level wool that seems to almost have magical properties, along with details that any true outdoorsman or hunter will appreciate. This is a really nice piece that feels like what Filson probably would have eventually turned into if they'd kept true to their roots. And it's probably the best wool coat for actual hard use that's available today.
PS ... As of 2022-04-10, Carl is working on a review of our Anorak.
2021-12-05 ... Detailed Review from Joe Katzman
This is my experience of maximum comfortable outdoor temperatures in Weatherwool's All-Around Jacket, after wearing it for 9 months in varying conditions and activity levels. I bought the Lynx pattern, which gets compliments in town and blends very nicely outdoors. Underneath is just a wool shirt in 150g-230g weight (First Lite, or turtlenecks from WoolX or Rambler's Way). Headgear is a normal baseball cap or Tilley hat, bottoms are just normal underwear and pants. I am slightly more heat-tolerant than most people and dislike cold, despite growing up in Canada. I currently live in the Bay Area, California.
70 - Limit for mostly standing around. Jacket Open (O).
60 - You can do errands and outings in town (O).
55 - Town errands and light activity, jacket Closed (JC).
50 - Light sustained activity (O). No problem if you're immobile for a while in the closed jacket.
45 - Medium or sustained light exertion (O). Light activity (JC). If stationary for a sustained time (JC), you'll want to consider WeatherWool's excellent heavy-duty ball cap or boonie, and some thermal pants or an added thermal base layer.
The jacket is basically windproof, but higher winds and lower humidity make higher temperatures tolerable via faster cooling. Especially if the front of the jacket is open.
I haven't tested the jacket below 45 degrees, or in full Pacific Northwest rainstorms. I suspect that sustained medium+ exertion needs 40 degrees or less if the jacket is closed. The comfort maximum might be lower still if carrying a heavy load or in hills, shoveling snow, etc. The jacket should really shine in those scenarios.
The bottom line is that you'll get many months of annual use in the US Northeast and Midwest, or in Canada. Elsewhere, you'll have to gauge local temperatures and travel.
- Joe Katzman, California
2021-11-27 ... Charles from White Salmon, Washington
Charles gave me permission to use his full name, but there are a bunch of people with his same name so it wouldn't matter anyway:
It was a good piece of fortune to have stumbled upon WeatherWool a little over three years ago. I thank Ralph and family for going the extra mile in helping me out to score the All Around Jacket that I chose. This has been the finest coat I've ever owned. All elements of it have proven to be spot on, just as I'd create it myself had I the vision. ~ The innumerable fine qualities of the Rambouillet wool, in particular it offering such a great broader range of comfort and warmth. The overall length, style and fit this piece was done with. That it has the cape with the doubled wool. The substantial high collar. The full length placket covering and protecting the zipper from drafts. The way the pockets, pocket flaps and all the buttons and zippers were done. The fully impeccable sewing and assembly. I've collected several nice wool coats from Filson through the decades. I've valued these. They're solid and have proven fully utilitarian over time. But the AAJ I know to be top shelf and on another level. It's far and away my favorite piece of winter clothing. I've a real friend and treasure for the duration with this one.
Question for readers, please ... should I have "X-ed out" the Filson name?
2021-07-27, updated 2021-09-22 ... Alex Javor Review
When I first posted this review, I could not provide the background/context because the TV Shows always want us to keep quiet until episodes begin airing. Alex is an on-screen personality from National Geographic Television's Life Below Zero, Next Generation. Because Alex also wore and reviewed our Watch Cap, I created a separate page that has both reviews. The following is the review that I originally posted on July 27th, when I did not yet have permission to identify Alex. Alex intends to continue to wear the Watch Cap, All-Around Jacket and Double Hood for the entirety of Season 4, which will begin filming in late 2021 or early 2022. Season 3 began filming when Alex had the Watch Cap. But he didn't receive the AAJ and Double Hood until Season 3 filming was almost finished, and we aren't sure yet which episodes will show the AAJ and Double Hood.
Here is what Alex wrote:
Fantastic!
By far the best coat I've owned. Well, the best piece of clothing period that I have owned. I was wearing it out on the lake ice fishing in 0 degree [-18C] weather with 12-20 mph [19-32 kph] wind and was very comfortable with just a wool shirt and undershirt underneath. Although I don't ride snow machines much, the film crew uses them so I got to test the coat out while riding and it was very nice for that thanks to the double hood and tall collar that protects the cheeks. So it blocks wind well, but most important for me is that it breathes well too. So when I got to hike back to camp, getting sweaty wasn't a concern. It's easy to just throw on a million layers and stay warm of course, but getting just the right balance between warmth and breathability is what I think makes this coat so valuable, especially for somebody doing exercise in the extreme cold.
Besides the raw functionality of the coat, I appreciated all the little thoughtful details. Buttons being sewn on with a heavy duty strap - I doubt those will ever come off. Heavy duty zippers, extra big hood that fits over arctic hats. A tall collar that covers your cheeks. A very well thought out coat that makes a big difference in comfort and survivability in extreme cold conditions.
And last but not least, there is the fact that the coat looks beautiful. It's well fitted, the wool itself is thick and plush, it feels nice on your skin. It has a certain quality just like when you see a nice wolf ruff or other animal fur - it looks very natural and real. The Lynx pattern functions well as camouflage, but also has a real majestic beauty to it just like the animal it is named after. Everywhere I went in town people remarked about the coat, usually saying something about how nice the quality looked.
2021-03-08 ... Jim Bonney of Washington State gave me the green light to use his email:
I have no words for how nice this jacket is. The improvements to the design are as well thought out as I’d expect a WeatherWool product to be. The wool interior pockets are an awesome design change. This is like if Batman had a jacket instead of a belt. Just wow.
My best jacket to date has been a [Very well-known brand, their flagship item]. It’s a great jacket. Comparing them it’s remarkable how much nicer yours is. Not to mention the Lynx Pattern makes me feel sexy.
You guys really make the best. Not the best wool, just the best. I can’t wait to get some mileage on this bad boy. The cut is fantastic, I like the offset zip and the huge collar is actually useful.
I could go on and on, but suffice it to say out of the box I’ve never been more impressed with any piece of clothing. I love my [Hooded Jacket] and anorak but this is another level.
Thanks all!
2021-03-05, from Chris Paine of New Jersey:
"Wow, received my AAJ.....beat all expectations. Selling all my [Other Brand] now...... Thanks for the best jacket ever."
2021-03-02, From Diego Madrid of New Mexico:
Hey Ralph! I just got my AAJ from y'all and am absolutely in love with the design, but the fabric is the true winner for me. So much so I'm already considering ordering something for summer. I'd love to chat with you sometime about some options and your thoughts. I know you said to call you anytime, but you are a busy man with more on your plate with everything going on then I'm sure you want. If you get time to call me, please do!
2021-02-28: Here is a comment from Scott Heid of NYC, who ordered AAJ and Double Hood in both Lynx and Drab. Scott wrote us not long after he received the Lynx AAJ.
Hello Ralph. I received the lynx pattern all around jacket and words cannot express the warmth, breathability, and craftsmanship. It’s truly an awesome coat I will hand down to my son if I choose not to be buried in it down the road. Lol. I can’t wait to receive the other garments I have ordered from you whenever they arrive. I am sure to be as pleased as I am with this one. Thanks again, Great Work!
2020-05-08 ... Here is some feedback from Sam Matte:
I’ve been loving my All-Around jacket, I’ve used it literally everywhere. It really is a functional piece both in the presentation room and outdoors. They were presentations for my college classes where I was required to wear business casual clothing. The AAJ is particularly handsome over a button down shirt and vest. I’ve also used the ShirtJac in the Lynx Pattern for multiple presentations last school year and this school year. At the end of this week I will graduate from the University of Houston with a bachelors degree in public relations!
My friends and co-workers could not resist the urge to touch and comment on both garments. I also used both on a recent trip in December to Big Bend National Park and the McDonald Observatory. I wore both the ShirtJac and AAJ over a Merino Henley Sweater at the Observatory where the temperatures were just above freezing, around 38F/3C. Everyone around me was freezing, I was extremely comfortable and warm. I’ve never been that warm in wool without using any synthetic insulation!
When temps creeped up to 78F/26C at Big Bend National Park, I wore just the ShirtJac and did not expect to be comfortable in wool at such heat. Weather wool is incredibly versatile stuff, and I can not believe I can wear it next to my skin. Please feel free to quote anything I say, these garments are worth every penny.
4 June 2019
"BN" from Iowa has had an AAJ for 3 winters. We mostly avoid publishing anonymous reviews, but BN has had a lot of WeatherWool for quite a while, and he has professional reasons to keep his name out of cyberspace ... Here is his review, just as he sent the email to me: "I use all around jac all winter for professional work, social outings, chores in the cattle lot and basically every day - it has never been cleaned and I have wore it to a 5 star steak house."
This is probably my favorite review ... it's a little long but kind of a funny and extreme story ... It's how Advisor Mike Dean and I got to know each other.
9 March 2019
Hi! This is Arnie [Dr Cohen] from Spokane. I bought your All Rounder [All-Around Jacket] and it has become my go to jacket for just about everything. I can't tell you how the drape, cut, hand, styling, breathability and warmth are perfect for me.
30 January 2019
I've been remiss in posting the reviews people have been sending. Here is a review from Charles Crosman, who lives in the Pacific Northwest region of the USA:
I have direct experience with four WeatherWool products. First, Al's Anorak and Neck Gaiter. Following that, the ShirtJac. Finally, the All Around Jacket came my way. I've found each of these items to be first class in every respect. This Rambouillet wool ~ cool beans. It's the nuts. What a nonpareil fabric. Particularly so if you just happen to be a wool lover in the first place and pay attention to the differences in varying companies offerings. Very soft (yet seemingly tougher than other wool ~ due to it's greater density and manner of weave?,) anything but scratchy, indulgently warm and impressive in offering such a broad latitude of temperature control. - General at all times comfort. Fit-wise... everything lands on me as if it was tailor made. Each of these items displays the highest quality of thoughtfulness in design detail, built for a lifetime quality and dead on accuracy in sewing and assembly. It's offered elsewhere plenty I'm sure, but I too will reinforce my takeaway. There's really no beating what a high level of product that WW offers. It's obvious to the eye and palpable in all respects that these are top shelf garments. Customer Service? Wow. Here's a company that truly aims high and impresses with their best intentions that you're well taken care of. That bit's entirely transparent. Thank you Ralph and family. --- Charles Crosman
16 May 2018
Advisor Don Nguyen just posted a WeatherWool All-Around Jacket vs Filson Double Mackinaw video on Youtube.
May 2018
The following material is from a customer who did not want us to use his name, just initials. Usually, we don't publish material without full identification, but I really love this review. Anyone who might question whether it is really true can check in with Advisor Mike Dean, who has had more than one more-or-less identical experience ...
Our customer "BN" is an All-Around Outdoorsman who for many years has enjoyed an early spring Walleye fishing trip to Lake Erie. The weather on the Great Lakes is famously difficult, and BN has been experimenting over the years with different clothing systems in hopes of finding a single set of clothing that can handle whatever Nature dishes out.
This (2018) year, BN wore his WeatherWool All-Around Jacket with Double Hood and FullWeight Pants over wool long johns and a wool sweater. Some days, the conditions on Erie were simply too dangerous to leave port. The worst day they did get out on the water, the temperature was about 28F/-2C, with heavy rain and wind speeds of 25-35mph (40-56kph). BN said no matter what the weather did, he was fine … warm and dry … wearing nothing but wool, even on the toughest day.
BN's companions all wore well-known synthetics, and brought duffel bags with extra clothes, but were still cold, somewhat wet and uncomfortable, even though the walleyes were really biting.
BN stressed that although the wool did get wet and heavy, the water and the cold did not reach him. He has ordered some additional WeatherWool for the fall season, when he makes a similar fishing trip to Canada. We will see if we can add a 2nd layer of wool to the thighs of his Pants. The idea behind the 2nd layer of wool is an experiment to see if it will act like the Double Yoke on the All-Around Jacket.
February 2018
OK ... we are used to customers coming up with new ideas ... but still, this one caught us by surprise. Robert bought his AAJ to wear over a tuxedo, and believes heavy rain creates a great fit. ... And Robert grew up working in the family haberdashery, so he speaks from experience.
"My All Around Jacket is working out great. I have worn it in several hard rains and it has begun to drape to the contour of my torso quite nicely. I [will] probably be getting a shirt or [Hooded Jacket] sometime soon for milder weather. Nothing like a good rain to bring out the qualities in a well made wool coat. I'm off to my grand niece's Christening. If I have a chance to snap a [picture] in my jacket I'll send you one. Nephew's wedding is next week. I'll get y'all a shot with my tux for sure." --- From Robert Jarrell of South Carolina
And, here is the tuxedo pic, as promised!
January 2018
"I continue to love both my AAJ and my Anorak. I know I owe you some urban photos of the AAJ in action, and I promise to get those done soon. It’s not my lack of wearing the coat certainly. I’m a total outerwear geek, and own tons of coats for all kinds of weather, at all kinds of price points. With all that to choose from, I find myself going for the AAJ in almost any circumstance this winter: early AM taking the dog outside, walking to work, wearing to a meeting, train trips to the city, and on. This winter it’s proven to be the All Around Jacket it claims to be!" --- Rob Miller of Chicago area, Illinois
October 2017
"This thing is working out better than I ever imagined it could. Will continue my research!". Outdoor media professional Ron Spomer, after spending a couple of weeks testing the All-Around Jacket.
May 2017
Bottom Line: He really likes it! Of all the people who have given us feedback on the AAJ, Mike Dean's was easily the most detailed, and Mike performed the most severe and methodical testing. He spent February, 2017 living completely off-grid in Northern Maine, and his review is lengthy, so we gave it a dedicated page.
Read Mike's review of some serious testing!
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March 2016
Josh wore WeatherWool through the winter of 2015-2016. Josh's company, The Brothers Crisp, makes some beautiful custom boots and we have the first pair he made with our Fabric.
"As a bootmaker and guy who has a great appreciation for tough garments, I spotted the quality of WeatherWool at a trade show from about 100 feet away. I couldn't go home without a whole suit! Everywhere I go in my WeatherWool, all kinds of people instantly recognize the quality and ask me about it. This is the best gear money can buy, worth every cent."
Truly,
Josh Westbrook
Founder/Shoemaker
The Brothers Crisp
860.874.3861
TheBrothersCrisp.com
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Randy Dewing in Indiana:
February 2015
"These guys are great: quality product and awesome people. I am serious about wool, and I don't praise it lightly. I work in customer service, and I know good service when I see it. I had a problem with one of their jackets that was entirely of my own creation, and they hooked me up with an 'above and beyond' solution."
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Advisor Dwight Smith of Michigan:
November 2014
"Variant weather for my recent hunt for whitetail in up north Michigan. As I sat with cold north wind in my face on 25 degree morning in the AAJ and Mouton Hat waiting for the trophy or at least something that would allow me to feed my family of 5 to walk by, I was snug as a bug in a rug. I sat for 12 hours still. I stayed warm with a few mid layers (no wind penetration). I could have stayed longer, but the sun told me it was time to get down. A couple days later it was a high of 53 with rain and wind gusts around 17mph and I dropped a couple mid layers and the Mouton Hat and was equally as comfortable. I highly recommend this as I have been using various garments from all major sporting stores for the past 7 years and have finally found the perfect assembly. I was concerned the rain with the wool would create a scent, but to my surprise, it was minimal and undetected when I stalked and got within 60 yards of a buck on day 4 of my hunt. The squirrels chirped and the deer got up and walked away...probably thinking not today buddy. Will have to bring nuts to keep the squirrels quiet next time. I can't wait to try out the Boonie Hat with the big brim. Thanks again WeatherWool for keeping me warm and dry in the up north cold and wet weather. Will keep you posted on late season January hunt in Ohio. I don't want to mention how much money I have spent on trying to find the perfect blend. Yours takes the cake. It really does a great job from below freezing to various degrees above. I'm very thankful and feel fortunate I found you guys."
THANK YOU HUGE, DWIGHT!! --- Ralph
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Michael Heckman of Maryland:
October 2014,
"I am SO anxious to find the appropriate forum for me to post a glowing article or review of the AAJ. I've been wearing it as the temperature dips here in MD and in the mountains of Virginia. You'll notice that I just ordered the hood because I know the jacket will be even better with it.
The jacket certainly lives up to all of the great reviews it has received. I think I expected it to be great in cold weather. But here's what I did not expect:
1. The jacket replaces more than a heavy winter coat. It's exceptionally comfortable between 50 and 65 degrees— territory normally reserved for one of my synthetic 'fleece. The fact that this one garment actually can do triple duty makes it exceptionally good for traveling. It replaces a fleece, winter coat, and medium rain shell. For those hesitant about the price, I would argue that it's actually a bargain compared to the cost of comparable quality in the three garments it actually replaces.
2. And the biggest surprise came two weeks ago. You may remember that I was concerned about Lynx looking like camo. Recently, we had a corporate dinner cruise. The wind was blowing about 30 knots and I knew it would be freezing on deck. I didn't know what reaction would come, but compliments on my 'GQ look' were definitely not among my expectations. Women in particular wanted to know who the 'designer' was and what the fabric was. I have been called many things in my life, but 'fashionable' has not been one of them.
In short, I LOVE this jacket! I may not work in extreme environments like your other reviewers, but I'm anxious to share my enthusiasm for WeatherWool from a 'regular guy' perspective. I'd be glad to write that review now and then update when I go on my photo adventure [the Andes in Chile] if you'd like."
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Lee Hagan of Florida:
November 2014
"I am back from my Montana elk hunt and I have to say the All Around Jacket performed nicely. We didn't have any severely cold weather (like they are having this week). Our temps were in the 30's and 40's but we had winds constantly in the 25-40 mph range all week. I took a nice 6x6 bull (my first) on the second day of the hunt. I had several people comment on the AAJ. With the winds we had the hood was a real life saver while we were glassing. Thanks for a great product and great customer service.
Under the AAJ I wore a Smartwool mid-weight (250 I think) zip neck base layer and an LL Bean Chamois shirt. The shirt was a little heavy. It is also cotton and did get a little damp from sweat. Most of the time it was unbuttoned for ventilation. I would have been better wearing a vest or lighter weight shirt (wool or similar). Walking uphill I did get a little overheated but I just unzipped the AAJ. Just an observation on my part-what about "pit zips" to aid in ventilation? I wore a Stormy Kromer original hat. When we stopped to glass the ear flaps came down and the AAJ hood would come up. I generally don't like hoods but this one was great."
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Randy Peukert, Utah
December 2014
"Your wool material is just awesome. I've never encountered something so sturdy and supple at the same time. For me, I will put it through hard paces/work as I am 'outdoors' quite a bit. And I can see fashion conscious New Yorkers wearing your wool around Manhattan :-). I must also add that your AAJ's are the best ever wool jacket that I've ever come across. You and your family certainly make an outstanding product. I totally appreciate your dedication to making the AAJ the best jacket possible."
Randy has at least two All-Around Jackets, and his Mrs wears WeatherWool also.
Each entry has its own date, with newest entries at top. --- Ralph