Long before folks strolled to coffee shops in waterproof Arc'teryx shells, sailors used oiled sailcloth to keep dry. They fashioned it from actual sails, which sailors realized caught the wind better once wet. Wet sails, however, were heavy — and weight slowed the ship down. Realizing the oil made the fabric impermeable, both to wind and rain (even waves), they manufactured clothing out of it. These designs were primitive, sure, but they set the standard for styles to come, like in-house Huckberry brand Flint and Tinder's Waxed Trucker Jacket, a modern rendition that's $100 less than options from established outdoors brands.
As such, folks might unfairly call it a fashion jacket, rather than something more functional. It is, however, plenty practical in the kind of weather it's supposed to withstand; the waxed coating isn't just for aesthetics. Outside the center of a blustering storm, the jacket works well with a number of outfits, adding a rugged edge to a pair of broken-in chinos. It also ages well, like selvedge denim or leather.
So, is Flint and Tinder's iteration good enough — or is a pricier pick the best bet?
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Flint and Tinder Waxed Trucker Jacket: What We Think
Flint and Tinder's Waxed Trucker Jacket is, well, worth it, especially when you consider its price. For just $298, you get a flattering jacket with impressive functionality — and it really fits, at least me and the numerous folks that've reviewed it on Huckberry's site. Where other trucker jackets fall short (literally), this one delivers. Plus, it's still plenty practical. It's perfect for fall, even if it doesn't work well into winter. But that's when you can wear your precious parkas.
- Country of Manufacture: United States
- Weight: 7-ounce waxed Martexin sailcloth cotton
- Lining Material: Striped polyester blanket lining
- Pockets: 4 (interior media pocket, button chest pocket and two side slant hip pockets)
It fits like a glove
Even for taller folks with longer arms, the Flint and Tinder Waxed Trucker Jacket fits like a glove. The armholes aren't too tight, but they're high enough to profile the shoulders and arms. As such, the cuffs right where they should — at least on my wrists — and shoulders still provide plenty of mobility.
It's the right length, too. Some trucker jackets are too cropped, often leaving the belt line exposed. This one, at least on my torso, sits just past it — for context, you can see half of my keys if I hang them from a belt loop.
It's wearable fresh from the box
Most waxed jackets are stiff at first and soften with wear. That's just how it is. Flint and Tinder's, however, is fairly flexible even at first wear. That's partly because of the jacket's weight — seven ounces versus Filson's 14-ounce oil-finish tin cloth — but it doesn't feel flimsy.
Sure, a heavier jacket guarantees better protection, both from the weather but also brush or branches, but most heritage workwear designs feel suffocating to the modern wearer.
It's lightweight but warm
As mentioned before, this waxed jacket is far from overweight. It's the right weight for early fall — think late September — and a little further, but I think its practicality stops short of the dead of winter, at least if you're located somewhere where temperatures drop below freezing with regularity.
When worn when it's anywhere from 36 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit outside (late summer through early winter), it's perfect, especially if it's wet — and it often is during this window.
It gets a little sweaty
The flannel liner inside is barely thicker, if at all, then your regular flannel shirt. As such, it's warm but not quite sweltering. It's really the wax membrane that warms you up most, the flannel just provides softness. Moisture is trapped within, especially if you're working up a sweat with what you're doing.
During an on-and-off rain shower I walked briskly through my neighborhood to catch a business before it closed — it was humid, and I was a little sweaty by the time I arrived.
It's water-resistant.
Sure, this seems self explanatory — "it's waxed, shouldn't it be?" one might ask — but there's a little more to it. No, you couldn't stand beneath a waterfall in this jacket, but it's made from Martexin 7.0-oz sailcloth that's waxed on both sides, which means it'll keep you dry in light to medium rain and dry for a little while in a torrential downpour.
For me, in a city like Pittsburgh, it's helpful to have a jacket that looks more casual than an Arc'teryx shell. To be honest, I don't really dress too GORP-y — Arc'teryx shells, fleece jackets, hiking sneakers — and this trucker jacket looks more like the jackets I usually wear.
It's not quite (cold) weatherproof.
While Flint and Tinder's Waxed Trucker Jacket is a sensible option in milder weather, it isn't the ideal outerwear choice when it drops below freezing. The flannel helps, but it's hardly enough to keep you warm on its own. It helps if you get the relaxed fit, which is a fuller cut that allows room for sweater, hoodie or heartier long-sleeve shirt (like a thermal).
Flint and Tinder Waxed Trucker Jacket: Alternatives
If you dig the style of the Flint and Tinder jacket but would prefer an unlined alternative, Rogue Territory's Supply Jacket ($325) is made in Los Angeles from 10-ounce Martexin waxed canvas. The slim silhouette has a button front, three front pockets and an internal chest pocket.
But if you want something a bit more substantial, go for Filson's Tin Cloth Short Lined Cruiser Jacket ($350). Made from the brand's signature 14-ounce Tin Cloth — substantially heavier than other options — the jacket is also lined with 6-ounce unwaxed cotton and features a button front and four front pockets.
If money isn't an issue, and you want to upgrade both style and weight, check out the Freenote Cloth Riders Jacket ($450). Made in the USA with a 10-ounce Martexin waxed canvas outer, this pleated riders jacket includes shoulder gussets in the back secured with hidden elastic bands.
