Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

110 years later, Filson’s Mackinaw Cruiser is still the jacket every man needs

Pick up this century old jacket

Filson Mackinaw Wool
Recommended Videos
America is built on the spirit of adventure. We are the kinds of people who see obstacles and charge forward, never backward. We love a good challenge and the opportunity to show just how resilient we can be. Of course, we are only as strong as our gear and our clothing, and that is where brands like Filson come along.
Filson clothing embodies the spirit of American adventure through quality toughness, and some of its legacy pieces are as resilient as they are storied. One of the most beloved and time-honored garments in their selection is the Mackinaw Wool Cruiser. While a coat is just a coat in some places, the Mackinaw is a staple in warmth, rugged outdoorsiness, and lifelong quality. Why are we talking about the Filson Mackinaw Cruiser today? This year marks 110 years since its arrival. After over a century of excellence, it proves that it is the same as Filson and America itself: unwavering and everlasting.

Filson’s rise

Filson Jacket and Hat
Filson

You know about the gold rush that took place in the 1840s and 1850s. If you watch NFL football, you are absolutely aware of the time since the San Francisco team took their name from the adventurers flocking to the area in 1849. But do you know of the Alaska gold rush half a century later? When the SS Portland docks in Seattle became loaded down with gold from the Yukon, adventure seekers and gold lusters flocked to the area.

Filson started out by equipping the masses in search of wealth and prosperity with gear and clothing warm enough for the frozen north. Because these items could become a matter of life and death, Filson was able to make a name for itself by providing quality garments that stood the test of time and never wavered in the face of harsh temperatures. They continued their excellence by creating many iconic pieces over the years and landing the

Today, the brand has a legacy of quality and endurance, even landing the honor of officially equipping the National Forest Service in 1945. That wasn’t the start; they had been the agency’s favorite brand for twenty years unofficially.

The Iconic Mackinaw

Filson Charcoal Mackinaw
Filson

While their first big drop came in 1912 with the Original Hunting Jacket, 1914 gave us what may be the most iconic piece in the Filson jacket line-up. The iconic Mackinaw Cruiser launched in a pullover (which today would be a warmer and more stylish henley on steroids) and a jacket version. With its unparalleled warmth, four utility pockets in the front, and a map pocket in the back, the Mackinaw quickly became a favorite for the U.S. Forest Service, loggers, hunters, and virtually every outdoorsman in the Pacific Northwest.

But the warmth, the pockets, and the general stylish look weren’t why these rugged outdoorsmen loved the Mackinaw. The dense wool weave makes the Mackinaw water-resistant and breathable, both of which are massive must-haves in the unpredictable weather of the Pacific Northwest.

The endurance of an icon

Filson Charcoal Mackinaw
Filson

110 years is a long time for anything. It’s a lifetime. Closer to two lifetimes when the jacket was first introduced. But the Mackinaw sports a legacy of excellence not only because it is high quality and effective in the harshest weather the Pacific Northwest has but also because it is made in America. Every single one of the jackets is made in the home factory in Seattle, making this icon something you want to wear because of its usefulness and because you can feel good that, like you, it is the pinnacle of American ingenuity, spirit, and adventure.

In celebration of the anniversary, Filson created 110 limited edition Mackinaws that embody the spirit of the jacket’s history. Unfortunately, they are all gone (we can hope for another drop for those of us late to the party), but the original is still available in a handful of colorways. Charcoal, Navy, Forest Green, Black and Red Plaid, Black and White Plaid, and Hunter’s Orange for all the sporting gentlemen. It may not be the limited edition, but just like the great white shark, this jacket never had to evolve.

Styling it a century later

Filson Charcoal Mackinaw
Filson

Styling this iconic coat is pretty straightforward. Of course, the orange option should be kept in the woods most of the time, but a brilliant use of color can make you the talk of the town. If you decide to wear the bright orange color, pairing it with neutrals, especially blues, will make you look fantastic.

The plaid versions will be your ultra-casual pieces for warmth. Layer these over denim and sweaters in the colder months and henleys in the transition months to ensure you look your best. While you’re at it, you should definitely make sure you are sporting your best-rugged boots to finish off your looks.

Finally, the charcoal, navy, and green options may look great with casual outfits but don’t overlook the ability to dress these up. Use these in place of your wool peacoats and overcoats. Scarves and leather gloves will take these from woodland warmth to Seattle and Portland style in no time. No matter how you decide to wear the Filson Mackinaw Wool Cruiser, know that you are supporting a legacy of American adventure and American craftsmanship.

Mark McKee
Mark is a full-time freelance writer and men's coach. He spent time as a style consultant and bespoke suit salesman before…
Travel like a secret agent with 5.11’s industry defining Founder’s Jacket
Always Be Ready even when dressed for the boardroom
5.11 Founders Jacket

We have all seen James Bond travel the world and carry out missions of the utmost importance while looking stylish as Hell. The one thing that should baffle anyone in the clothing or travel industry is how he did it with not a wrinkle in sight. Of course, there are all kinds of tricks for you to get to your destination and take care of wrinkles. But then there is another problem: how do you look amazing while having everything you need? The experts in the mindset of Always Be Ready remedied both problems with the drop of the 5.11 Founder's Jacket. While it will be your best friend in everyday carry preparedness, it doesn't sacrifice the style you need either.

The jacket has been a pet project of co-founder, former CEO, and current Executive Chairman Francisco J. Morales, for years. “As someone who has been deeply involved in the design and innovation process throughout my years at 5.11, the release of the 5.11 Founder’s Jacket is incredibly special. It represents the culmination of our dedication to crafting quality gear but also tells the story of our brand's journey. I'm excited to share it with our community of professionals and enthusiasts who inspire everything we do as a brand.”
Perfect for the man on the go

Read more
I wore Men’s Wearhouse every day for a week — here’s what I discovered
Here are my thoughts on one of the biggest menswear destinations on the market
Man in Men's Wearhouse Blue Suit

I have always been a guy that loved a good suit. As a matter of fact, at one point, I was only comfortable in suits, and I had to get out of my comfort zone to elevate my streetwear and casual looks. I recognize that is the opposite of most people; welcome to my world. Virtually everything I do is the opposite of the rest of the population. So, when I needed to buy a new suit, I started researching, and one place kept coming up in the recommendations and the Google searches: Men's Wearhouse. I wanted something upscale, something with a little more punch. And if I am being honest, I always felt like Men's Wearhouse was that place you went to if you needed to rent a tux for prom or a wedding or if you needed a suit really quick. But now that I have spent over a decade in the industry, I gave it another chance and decided to wear the brand every day for a week to discover once and for all if Men's Wearhouse is worth it.
Tailored clothing

When considering , you almost always go right to their tailored offerings. Of course, as a man who loves suits, I love to wear them as often as possible, so I am going to wear a suit or some kind of tailored garment every day to work. Something about them simply makes me feel better. Here is how they looked during my week.
Custom Monday

Read more
The Normal Released the best blazer of the fall and you can still get it
Elevate your tailored wardrobe with the ultimate casual blazer of 2025
The Normal Brand Corduroy Blazer

You know us, we LOVE a good suit and a good sport coat. When they are done right, they are the best kind of garment, tailored perfectly, elevated, and stylish; the job is almost done for you. Whether you are looking for the best suit on the market or whether you need an excellent sport coat for the office, certain styles are classic. The navy and blue options are never going out of style; the tweed look is the perfect fall and winter variety. But The Normal Brand had a different idea this season, and it ended up being the best option of the fall, and people noticed. The Normal Brand Hawthorne Cord Blazer shakes up your tailored wardrobe in the best way possible.
Reinvent your tailored wardrobe

If you think back to 2021, a trend made a brief appearance and then slipped away quietly without much fanfare. Daniel Craig appeared in his final turn as James Bond in No Time to Die and rocked a three-piece corduroy suit in the opening salvo. While the look didn't blow up how it should have, the image still sears four years later. The Normal Brand piggybacked on that idea and offered a double-breasted blazer option that elevates your tailored wardrobe with a casual look that makes you look as sleek as James Bond without the stylist. It is extra warm, making it perfect for winter. It was popular enough that it is going quickly, but if you're lucky enough to get your hands on one, it will be your go-to all winter long.

Read more