Filson Mac Cruiser vs Double Mac Cruiser

[OneEyeMan]

OK, I've been eyeing these coats for years but just couldn't justify the price.
I finally realize that I need a warm coat for those days my vintage Pea Coat doesn't cut it so I might just bite the bullet.
But I'm undecided between the 2.
To make matters worse, the Mac comes in both Alaska fit and the slimmer San Francisco fit (which would
probably fit me better.
But I do like the look of the Double Mac, besides it being warmer.
So, I welcome all comments on these 3 versions of the coat.
I'd especially like to hear what size you bought, your size/build, the coat's measurements (pit to pit, shoulders), and pics of you
wearing the coat if possible.
I have heard that these coats run small, so that's also a concern of mine.
I probably won't layer under it as they're already warm enough.
Finally, I'd most likely buy the grey color because it looks the most dressy.
Any comments on that?
Thanks all.
Lenny

 

[KyleK]

I've had a single mack cruiser for five years or so - it's a great coat! Very warm and durable for daily winter wear on the East Coast. Breathes really well, probably because they're unlined and still blocks wind. That said, I tried on a Seattle Fit at a shop the other day and the fit is MUCH better, looks-wise. Still has decent room around the trunk, but the armholes are higher and tighter. Cuts a much more refined silhouette without sacrificing too much functionality. I'm secretly hoping my current Cruiser gets shredded somehow (without me wearing it) so I can justify buying a new SF. I wear a 48 jacket, 17x34 shirt and the XL SF was a perfect, almost tailored fit for me in the shoulders and arms.

The one I own is a slightly heavier wool than what the new coats are made with. Filson phased out the 26oz. wool and replaced with 24oz. a couple of years back, I think. Not a huge difference, but I did recognize it almost immediately.

Never worn a double mack, but my guess is that it would be overkill in temps over freezing. Especially if you're doing anything active.

 

[Grayland]

Filson will send you measurements upon request. I'm a 40 R and the Single Mackinaw in size 38 fits me perfectly. I think they run large to accommodate layers. It is a spectacular jacket. It isn't lined at all, so it is basically a "heavy-duty wool shirt", but it is quite warm - although not as warm as my vintage peacoat.

 

[IXL]

I've worn the Double Mac, in the charcoal color, for a number of years. Comparing the two versions against each other in the store, the regular Mac seemed much less of a coat and more of a heavy-ish jacket.
I'm 5'11" and 160lbs (around 170-173 when I bought the coat), and purchased a size 42. I could have gotten a 40 but I still wanted a bit of layering room, which I now have plenty of... The coat, while roomy, doesn't appear overly large on my frame, even now. The only "fit" available at the time was what is now called the "Alaska" fit, which I imagine I would still want. I often pair it with a Filson heavy wool guide sweater when the temps get really low. The rear map pocket turns out to be a great place to stow ones scarf and gloves.
It is an expensive garment and well worth the money, in my opinion. I get compliments on it just about every time I wear it.

 

[OneEyeMan]

Great comments guys.
So, I can draw the following conclusions from these posts;
- the double Mac is probably over kill for NJ
- size down for the Alaska Fit Mac
- buy your reg size for the Seattle Fit (not San Fran like my first post)
Keep the comments coming and thanks.
Lenny

 

[IXL]

I didn't provide a temperature range in which I wear my coat as comfort is a very individual thing. Look at what people wear in a football stadium: some look ready for a blizzard while others appear bound for a beach in Hawaii, and all are comfortable.
Good luck with your choice!

 

[bretron]

My sz 40 single mac cruiser (Alaskan fit) has seen more mileage than all the leather jackets I've ever owned combined! An absolute wardrobe staple for me. And yes, I'm ok with the Brawny Guy and Elmer Fudd references

 

[pak]

I have had both and wore the single much more. The double is heavy. If you wear a sweater or fleece under either I find the friction between fabrics annoying. I wish Filson would at least line the sleeves with a smooth liner. Same applies to Ibex jackets. I was in Filson the other day and tried on several coats and the fit seemed to vary quite a bit with the different styles. By all means call the main store the people in the store were so very willing to help. I have lots of Filson stuff and it is all high quality. I wish they would bring back the original cruiser in the whipcord wool.

 

[Grayland]

My sz 40 single mac cruiser (Alaskan fit) has seen more mileage than all the leather jackets I've ever owned combined! An absolute wardrobe staple for me. And yes, I'm ok with the Brawny Guy and Elmer Fudd references

Mine too. The Filson Mackinaw is an easy wear.

 

[wquiles]

I only have a 1965 Navy Peacoat, but I am considering a Filson Mackinaw Cruiser - I would of course expect the Peacoat to be thicker, and probably warmer than the standard cruiser, but how about the Peacoat compared to the double mackinaw? How do these 3 compare (Mackinaw, Double Mackinaw, 1965 Peacoat?

 

[Nyah]

I only have a 1965 Navy Peacoat, but I am considering a Filson Mackinaw Cruiser - I would of course expect the Peacoat to be thicker, and probably warmer than the standard cruiser, but how about the Peacoat compared to the double mackinaw? How do these 3 compare (Mackinaw, Double Mackinaw, 1965 Peacoat?

Even the standard cruiser could have an advantage over the peacoat, considering that one is lined and the other isn't. Both of these comparisons interest me.