Spring doesn’t look the same everywhere, especially when assignments take you from mild cities into mountain towns, alpine terrain or northern regions still holding onto March cold.
This round-up reflects that reality. Damp Midwest chill, lingering snow at elevation in places like Park City, and urban wind that cuts just as sharply as any ridgeline. As an outdoor media professional, you don’t wait for perfect conditions. You go where the story leads. That means packing gear that transitions seamlessly from trail to town, from fieldwork to travel days.
Wool earns its place in that system. It’s reliable, adaptable and built for the unpredictable cold that continues to define early spring across the Mountain West and beyond.
The wool pieces in this round-up were primarily worn in Chicago during the Midwest winter, with a couple of appearances in the beautiful peaks of Park City, Utah and the streets of New York City. These pieces were tested on forest hikes, apres-ski, city commutes and many other venues.
This is a review of field-tested classic and contemporary wool pieces, from heritage Mackinaw to alpaca blends and insulated hybrids. There is a lot of variety in this round-up and I have found wool products to do very well in many settings. I liked all of these products, so you can’t go wrong with any of them. I detail what each is best for so you can match it to your needs.
Field-tested Wool Outerwear
Robert W. Stolz – Loden Field Coat (Olive)
The Loden Field Coat is equal parts piece of art, and trusty all-winter jacket. This piece is cut from authentic Austrian loden wool and it embodies what the brand calls “traditional craftsmanship” and “timeless alpine design.” Loden’s tightly woven, naturally water-resistant wool did well in Chicago’s wet snow and its long cut helps with wind gusts. From the well-stitched seams to the soft fabric, this piece is expertly crafted. The coat has a smart look that holds up during field work (its namesake), giving this coat an amazing versatility. This piece is an investment, but you are getting what you pay for as it is heirloom quality.
Filson – Mackinaw Wool Work Jacket
Filson’s Mackinaw Wool is renowned, and it holds that distinction deservedly. The Work Jacket, built from 100% virgin Mackinaw wool, delivers what the company has described as highly durable and simply functional. In regions where there is humid cold, keeping warm when you’re wet is a huge leg up, and this jacket does that. This jacket is shorter and trimmer than the Cruiser, but the Work Jacket is easy to maneuver in (for outside work or physical activity) and comfortable for daily wear.
Filson – Mackinaw Wool Cruiser Jacket
Sharing some qualities with the Work Jacket, this piece has been iconic for more than a century. It was originally crafted for foresters and it features many utility pockets and a hip-length cut. There is even a pocket that goes across your back (which I learned is called a game pouch), which was a new feature that I enjoyed.
This piece is substantial (24oz of Mackinaw wool) without being cumbersome. It is simply a very warm jacket that has a century-worth of field testing by outdoors professionals. They have honed in this jacket and I can only say good things about it.
Johnson Woolen Mills – 100% Wool Traditional Mackinaw
Johnson Woolen Mills has been crafting wool garments in Vermont since 1842, so again these coats have stood the test of time. This Traditional Mackinaw is cut larger for layering and is exceptionally warm and dense. With loads of pockets and reinforced construction, this is an excellent all-winter jacket that will last you years, sometimes decades according to some folks. If you find yourself visiting Vermont, you can stop by the factory store. I would love to see it myself!
Johnson Woolen Mills – Double Cape Jac-Shirt (Red/Gray Muted Plaid)
This Double Cape Jac-Shirt is another heritage piece. The double-layer shoulder cape adds warmth and durability, and I think it is just a cool look. The piece toes the line between shirt and jacket very well. I love wearing this piece on cool morning walks, as it is still breathable and layers well. This piece is blended with nylon to have a comfortable feel against skin. These Jac-Shirts come in many colors, so you have your pick at what style you’re going for.
Buffalo Jackson – Wesley Wool Jacket
Right off the bat, I love the look of this jacket, and it is remarkably comfortable. Buffalo Jackson describes the Wesley as a refined, everyday wool jacket that is form-fitting and timeless in style. Its tailored profile is robust enough to wear out in cold weather conditions and still fit layers beneath. You can tell there was careful construction with getting the fit right in regards to length and snugness, and it really worked for me.
Sweaters and Mid-layers
Overland – Mitchell Alpaca Wool Sweater
Alpaca brings a softness that is noticeable at first wear. It even looks like it’s soft, and has no itchiness that is sometimes complained about with wool products. The Mitchell Alpaca Wool Sweater is very lightweight and has a high cut in the neck that gives it a distinguished look that I love. This piece can be worn right against skin, and as a mid-layer, this piece can heat your right up. On its own, it is quite breathable.
Barbour – Pateley Striped Crew Neck Jumper
This sweater is a nod to British sweater tradition. The Pateley Striped Crew Neck Jumper is a classic crew length with a blended-style striping and a weight that is perfect as a mid-layer outside, and on its own indoors. This sweater is 83% Wool, 17% Polyester and is also comfortable against skin. The stripes are gently textured, giving a comfortable, smart look.
L.L.Bean – Bean’s Classic Ragg Wool Sweater, Rollneck
Ragg wool is a coarser knit than some other wool blends, and its rich texture offers a heavy-weight sweater. This sweater feels like getting a hug, and you don’t have to be particularly careful with the piece, as it is quite durable. This piece is a wonderful middle layer, and the rollneck is a look that is well complemented with ragg wool. This heritage sweater offers insulation with its bulkier weave, and kept me plenty warm.
L.L.Bean – Waterfowl Sweater with WINDSTOPPER by GORE-TEX LABS
This piece, as it says in the name, is second to none for stopping wind. The inside lining blocks even the strongest gusts, while the wool exterior maintains a classic look. From looking at the piece on the outside, you wouldn’t know that it has a robust warmth from the lining. While the piece keeps wind out, it also keeps heat in. It is a slightly less breathable option, but incredibly warm, which is sometimes entirely necessary. This piece can also be worn as an outer-layer.
Technical wool and hybrids
Smartwool – Men’s Smartloft Hooded Jacket
Smartwool is very good when it comes to blending wool into more technical products, from specialized socks to athletic wear. This piece blends merino wool with targeted insulation and wind-resistant panels. This innovative approach creates a highly breathable jacket that regulates temperatures well during intense physical activity.