Duluth Trading Co. Fire Hose Work Pants

[lumbajac]

I've seen numerous threads on workwear over the years and now feel inclined to start my own. I've been hesitant to purchase a pair of Duluth Trading Co. Fire Hose Work Pants over the years because i assumed they'd be stiff and heavy.  I just received a pair as a Christmas gift and must say they are surprisingly soft and comfortable to the point that they feel like they'd rip very easily; yet they are advertised as being rip, abrasion, moisture, and stain resistant.  Given these advertised qualities and their initial comfort, they have a seemingly fair list price - better yet is that I'm told mine were purchased through a significant sale promotion not too long ago

I received the original work pants, but if I were a daily carpenter, I'd be inclined to try the Ultimate fire hose work pants with tool pouch accessory system - they seem to have improved upon features seen on the European brands that have been reviewed here on the FOG (in addition to the incredibly comfortable and tough fire hose material).  Note: nothing against the other brands as I've never tried them.

Check out the video overview embedded on this page: 
http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/mens/duluth-ingenuity/fire-hose-workwear/mens-fire-hose-pants/18107.aspx#

I will put mine to the test out in the woods within the next few days harvesting and milling up some spruce and report back if I'm still as excited then as I am initially now.

 

[johninthecamper]

I've been looking at those for years,I wear a size that they don't make, as soon as I fit ,I'll have some.my friend abuses his and they hang tough,another pair I have been looking at is" stretch air" by pfanner ,in germany,the have a N.A. distributer in,in Ohio,I think

 

[Jonhilgen]

I have four pairs of these jeans.  I wear them every day to work, and much to the chagrin of the mrs, on the weekends as well.  They really are comfortable, and they last.   If they ever do fail, you can just ship them back and they will replace them since they have a lifetime warranty.  Can't beat that.

Edit:  by jeans, I mean firehose.

Jon

 

[Brice Burrell]

Thanks for posting this Corey.  I didn't know they made them with the knee pads now.  I think I'll try a pair soon.

 

[rnt80]

I don't have the pants but I have used their apron for a couple of years and love it.

 

[tjbier]

Ha. I've been eyeballing them too. I got the fleece with the hood and another windproof jacket from them too. Top notch stuff.
Very happy with the purchase and worth the money so far.

 

[Jalvis]

Looks like I will be getting a pair as well.....they seem too good to be true....but I didnt know they had knee pads so there on the list.

 

[Frank Pellow]

I would like to know where these are manufactured before I purchase a pair, but I was unable to find this information on the web site.  If anyone knows the answer, please tell me.

Frank

 

[Brice Burrell]

I would like to know where these are manufactured before I purchase a pair, but I was unable to find this information on the web site.  If anyone knows the answer, please tell me.

Frank

Frank, I don't know but I'd be willing to bet they are overseas.  I bought a lot of their clothing years ago when almost everything they sold was still made in the USA.

 

[RONWEN]

I would like to know where these are manufactured before I purchase a pair, but I was unable to find this information on the web site.  If anyone knows the answer, please tell me.

Frank

Frank, I don't know but I'd be willing to bet they are overseas.  I bought a lot of their clothing years ago when almost everything they sold was still made in the USA.

According to their customer service the pants are made all over the world with the exception of the U.S. because the fire hose material isn't made in the U.S.  [blink]

 

[DaveZ]

According to the tag in mine, they are made in China.  As someone previously mentioned, I would imagine that could shift to anywhere in the world depending on who can produce them at the required cost / quality standards at any given time.

For those thinking about buying them, I've found the waist sizes are close to reality vs. other manufacturers who sometimes use "vanity sizing" where they label it down a size or so, just to make the consumer think they're not really as big as they are.  For example, I would typically take a 34 inch waist in Levis where I am a measured 35 inch waist.  A 35 is what fit for me w/ Duluth.

Dave

 

[Frank Pellow]

According to the tag in mine, they are made in China.  As someone previously mentioned, I would imagine that could shift to anywhere in the world depending on who can produce them at the required cost / quality standards at any given time.

For those thinking about buying them, I've found the waist sizes are close to reality vs. other manufacturers who sometimes use "vanity sizing" where they label it down a size or so, just to make the consumer think they're not really as big as they are.  For example, I would typically take a 34 inch waist in Levis where I am a measured 35 inch waist.  A 35 is what fit for me w/ Duluth.

Dave

Oh well, I guess that I will give them a miss then.

 

[harry_]

Is there something wrong with Carhartt that I am unaware of? Aside from the fading of the brown ones to a sandy color, the double fronts seem to wear very well and fit (me) decently.

~$50

Of the 5 pairs that I have:

1 is made in the USA,....from foreign components.
2 are assembled in Mexico from US components
1 is made in Nicaragua
1 the tag is no longer readable

[edit] All of these pants are the same style #

 

[johninthecamper]

im on the consumer board for carhart,the core of their line is union made ,with usa materials ,hats and some items come from elsewhere

 

[Frank Pellow]

Is there something wrong with Carhartt that I am unaware of? Aside from the fading of the brown ones to a sandy color, the double fronts seem to wear very well and fit (me) decently.

~$50

Of the 5 pairs that I have:

1 is made in the USA,....from foreign components.
2 are assembled in Mexico from US components
1 is made in Nicaragua
1 the tag is no longer readable

I do have a pair of (USA made) Carhartt overalls and they have stood up well to over 10 years of use and abuse.  [smile]

 

[Tinker]

I used to wear Carhart white work pants designed for masons.  They were very light weight, but reasonably tough.  Pockets, loops and sheaths all over the place.  I called them 'Wearable Tool Kits'.  dark pants would look dirty within five minutes on the job.  The white pants would look clean (from a distance) all day when using lime mortar. 
Tinker
BTW: In those days, they were "Made in USA"

 

[builderbob]

I wear the Bjornklader Ace Carpenter pants...they're made in Sweden and tough as nails. They have attached pockets and knee pad slots!  They're not cheap but worth every penny in my opinion!

Bob

 

[lumbajac]

Well, the verdict is in for me - I'm sold on the Duluth Fire Hose Work Pants.  I spent the past couple of days in temperatures not getting out of the teens (Fahrenheit), getting on and off a bulldozer, lugging a chainsaw, and burning brush all in the name of clearing a small acre or two area to relocate my sawmilling operation to.  It was a lot of activity that required that I bundle up pretty well - I mention this because the Duluth pants were never stiff nor restrictive with the unexpected bonus that they never got wet cuffs from the snow whereas my other work pants would typically be soaked.  They also didn't stain as advertised even though I was consistenly in contact with grease and diesel fuel wight the bulldozer and ash and smoke with burning the brush.  I washed the Duluth pants once to see if that'd have any affect on their softness and it was not to be... They cleaned up to like new, did not stiffen, nor did they temporarily tighten up in fit like my other work pants.

The one unfortunate thing that stood out is the stiffness and tightness in arm/shoulder movement of my 10 year old winter work jacket.  It's been trusty and with me over many years now, but with it's left pocket wore through and zipper poorly functioning it's near the end of it's life.  When the time comes and the funds become replenished, I'd like to try the Duluth work coats in fire hose material - I'm thinking either the Iron Range Chore Jacket or the Superior Work Jacket.  Although, since the fire hose material so far seems tough and washes so well, and to serve all my needs from outdoor work in the woods & with the sawmill to downhill skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing, I may have to just go with the Whaleback Snorkel Parka & Whaleback Cargo Pants to get the most bang for my buck for all my winter needs.  I also have my sights set on the fire hose framers vest for Spring/Fall.  And again, if I were a daily carpenter I'd have to go for the Ultimate Work Pants w/ Tool Accessory System - to me it sure seems like it'd beat having to take out your pockets, fill the pockets, then again empty your pockets of tools, fasteners, or what not... I think I'd much prefer just taking off the whole tool/fastener tool bag system and reattaching it quickly again when ready to work.  Although, I have no experience with either so can't say for sure.

Though I have 12+ workwear items from pants, to bibs, to several jackets and hats from one of the other major brands, I believe I'll be going with Duluth Trading, in particular the fire hose material, for all my future workwear purchases.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Thanks for the update Corey. [thumbs up]

 

[James Metcalf]

Brice
I know you do some floors. I have had the fire hose pants with knee pads built in from Duluth for at least a year. After testing the first pair I bought the second pair. I am 72 and the knee pads allow me to do floors I could not do without the knee pads. If you go the pad route, buy the lightest type you can find. The pads go in from the bottom. No problem. I wash them and leave pads in. Again no problem. Duluth also sells suspenders and  rivet type buttons that you hammer on to hold the keeps for suspenders. Clips for suspenders will not hold for me. For me buttons work when you get the extra weight in all the pockets. We won't talk about the belly [cool] The pockets have Velcro flaps. The flaps can go in the pocket or over the pocket. The front pockets are two in one, again with Velcro on the inside pocket also. Also heavy Velcro loops on each side at the belt. They are still strong after a year and many washings. You hang what you want on them.