Finding a great fall jacket is easier said than done, especially when you live somewhere the weather fluctuates often. As a New Englander, I need something that will keep me warm on days when the temperatures are in the mid-40s, but I don’t want it big and bulky like a winter coat. I always keep my eye out for outerwear that could work in New England’s chilly autumn months, and the Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket looked to be a stylish and well-made option.
These waxed canvas jackets soared in popularity when they were seen on the HBO post-apocalyptic drama The Last of Us, and I wanted to try one out for myself to see if the outerwear is as comfortable as it looks. Here’s what my boyfriend and I thought of the Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jackets after several weeks of testing around our farm.
Each Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket is cut, sewn, and finished in Los Angeles, and the exterior is made from a durable canvas sailcloth that’s waxed on both sides for weather-resistance. The inside of the body and sleeves are lined with a soft striped polyester flannel, and the jacket closes via a line of metal buttons. It has three pockets on the exterior, as well as a media pocket on the inside for your phone, and the brand notes that the outside of the jacket can actually be re-waxed as needed to preserve its water-resistance.
This Flint and Tinder jacket is available for both men and women, and there are slight differences between the two styles. For men, there are four colors to choose from — three shades of brown and black — as well as both regular and tall sizes ranging from extra-small to 4XL. It has a more boxy cut and a longer hem. The women’s version of the coat is slightly shorter with a more fitted silhouette, and it comes in two different shades of brown and sizes extra-small to XXL.
When I first tried on the Flint and Tinder jacket, which I got in a women’s size medium, I was surprised at the weight of the material. I’m used to my Carhartt jacket, which is thick and bulky — in comparison, the Flint and Tinder felt much lighter and less cumbersome. The flannel lining inside the jacket is soft, but the waxed canvas exterior was stiff at first. I had to stretch out and move my arms around to loosen up the material, and it got more subtle every time I wore it, developing the signature creases that you’d expect from waxed canvas.
Despite being lightweight, this jacket proved to be the perfect option for chilly New England days. I often wore it while walking my dogs, and the flannel helped to keep my torso and arms warm, while the waxed canvas kept the wind out. The material also held up well in inclement weather — one day we got caught in a passing shower, and the water simply beaded up and ran off the waxed fabric.
My boyfriend had similar thoughts about the men’s version of the jacket, which he wore in a size small. As a skinnier guy, he appreciated that this trucker jacket comes in not just small, but also extra-small options. Many men’s work jackets don’t come in smaller sizes, so this jacket’s size range is a definite plus! He wore it while working in his woodshop and riding his motorcycle, and he said it was great for tossing on over a T-shirt to provide a little extra warmth on cooler days.
Barn jackets are very trendy this year, and the Flint and Tinder Trucker Jacket fits the aesthetic perfectly, thanks to its slightly rugged yet still tailored appearance. While the fabric is designed to have a worn-in look, the jacket has neat seams and a sharp collar, making the design quite versatile. You could just as easily wear it out to dinner as you could for a walk in the woods.
However, after a few weeks of wearing our jackets, my boyfriend and I both came to the same conclusion: The design is meant to be a fashion piece, not a true work jacket. While our jackets fit well through the body, we both noticed that the shoulders have a tighter fit that inhibits your range of motion. When I tried to shovel out the chicken coop while wearing mine, I quickly became frustrated that it was pinching my upper arms. The button-up front isn’t practical for working around the farm, either, as it takes a minute to close all the buttons. I much prefer a zip-up work jacket that I can quickly toss on and off as I do my chores.
The Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket retails for $298, and while the price is on the higher side, it reflects the premium materials, quality construction and USA-made design. The jacket is a lightweight yet warm option for fall and beyond, and after weeks of testing, it proved to be a comfortable and versatile option for both men and women. This waxed canvas jacket is definitely going to be a key part of my transitional wardrobe for years to come, and it’s a worthwhile investment if you’re looking for well-made seasonal outerwear.
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