By AGDAILY Staff Published: August 30, 2021

Other than taking an IV and mainlining hot coffee directly into your system, there’s nothing that can have a bigger impact on keeping you warm than a good, quality jacket. Whether you’re working in the cold, or the rain, or a combination of the two, there’s something in this list of the highest-rated and best Carhartt work jackets that will keep your core temperature up and make your outdoor work go a little more smoothly.

Plus, if you need a coat zipper strong enough to keep you from falling off a ladder, there might be an option in here for you.

Why choose Carhartt’s work jackets? Simple: The brand is synonymous with rural life, and for good reason. Not only are their coveralls, jackets, pants, and other clothing items well recognized as durable staples of farm life, but the company often takes the time to show its love for us in rural areas.

“Carhartt’s mission is to build product to serve and protect hardworking people; and it’s those very people we want to partner with,” the company says. “We don’t use models for any of our campaigns — in any of our content, you will find real people, fans of the brand. We strive to forge relationships with people who are authentic to Carhartt and have an interesting story to tell.”

We’ve worn lots and lots of different Carhartt items over the years (and we’ve written about many of them), so we know the brand inside and out.

Here are our picks for the six best Carhartt work jackets for 2021:

This is where that super warm fuzzy feeling comes into play when you put on a thick jacket. It’ll fight the chilly month, keep the wind out, and be perfect for those days when you might not otherwise want to brave the elements. It’s made of 100 percent heavyweight cotton duck that’s sanded and brushed to make it particularly soft.

This is what some of the reviews say:

I really love soft-shell jackets because the mobility is so nice, and I tend to run hot, so unless it’s really cold out, a soft-shell usually suffices for me. This one is great for everyday wear, and it’s just enough to keep some easy rains and winds away from your core while keeping you comfortable and mobile — and not overly bulky. It’s made of soft, textured fleece bonded to a stretch-fabric shell.

This is what some of the reviews say:

This one feels like a classic in so many ways — from the durable outer shell to the heavy stitching, this is the kind of jacket that has long set Carhartt apart. But, it’s not technically a classic; it’s an updated version of one of Carhartt’s most popular Active Jac, the J130. And we reap the benefits of this midweight piece.

What people have to say:

If waterproofing is your focus, then this is the jacket you need to zero in on. And while many good waterproofed jackets fail to breathe well, this jacket does a good job at trying to find that balance. It aims to keep the water from coming in but still allows the sweat to escape. The waterproof seams are fully taped to keep you dry, including the map pocket in the top left. It has a polyester mesh lining in body, and nylon taffeta lining in sleeves and hood.

This is what some of the reviews say:

This is another one that strikes gold in terms of waterproofing. Spring rains were in force the first time I put this jacket on to head out to feed the animals, and with a secure hood and real rain-stopping power, this jacket kept my torso 100 percent dry. The sizing runs just a bit larger than expected, but it’s less noticeable and more appropriate in the colder months when you may be layering your clothes underneath. The jacket cinches up at the waist if you so choose, but I run hot a lot, so leaving it looser aided breathability.

This is what some of the reviews say:

Capping off this list with some of the Carhartt heritage we love, because this jacket performs in the field but also looks like it fits in when something a little trendier is needed. And it’s heavyweight! This coat has a blanket-lined construction that’s water-repellent, wind-resistant, and warm. Also, according to Carhartt, “The signature corduroy collar is the same as it was in the late 1930s, and the rugged firm-hand duck fabric only gets better with time.”

This is what some of the reviews say:

Bottom line, nothing is more important than durability. Whether you’re life is on the farm or on a job site, you don’t want a jacket that’s going to fray or break apart at the seams. Carhartt has long been a classic in this area, and the company has largely maintained this quality even as aspects of its production moved offshore. 

We also want jackets that are going to provide protection against wind and precipitation (be it snow or rain). More and more Carhartt jackets are focusing on their “defender” features, such as “Rain Defender” or “Storm Defender,” knowing that these things are vitally important to keeping you running throughout a full day of work in one of their jackets. No matter how fluffy or insulated a jacket is, once it gets wet on the inside, things outdoors become a lot less fun.

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