--- title: "We Tested the Best Flannel Shirts for the Outdoors" description: "We tested some of the best flannels shirts for hiking, hunting, and spending time outside for durability, warmth, and comfort." date: "2023-12-07" modified: "2023-12-08" authors: - name: "Ashley Thess" job_title: "Contributor" link: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/authors/ashley-thess/" url: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-flannel-shirts/" categories: - "Camping Gear" - "Gear" - "Hunting Gear" tags: - "Evergreen" - "Gear Reviews" --- # We Tested the Best Flannel Shirts for the Outdoors ![We tested the best flannel shirts.]() *Ashley Thess* Flannels are a popular fall and spring outer layer and a winter mid-layer. While the original flannels were made of wool, now they come in cotton and synthetic materials, too. If you want a really warm flannel, look for fabric that has been brushed to open up the fibers to trap more warmth. The best flannel shirts are durable and attractive to add warmth and character to your cold weather layering system. I tried out some of the top flannels to help you narrow down your search, and start a collection. - **Best Overall:** [Icebreaker Merino 200 Dawnder Long Sleeve Flannel Shirt]() - **Best Insulated:** [Patagonia Insulated Organic Cotton Mid Weight Fjord Flannel Shirt]() - **Best Synthetic:** [Outdoor Research Feedback Flannel Twill Shirt]() - **Best for Women:** [Roark Amberley Shirt Jacket]() - **Best for Men:** [Kuiu Field Flannel Shirt]() - [Outerknown Blanket Shirt]() - [Roark Alpine Long Sleeve Flannel]() - [Filson Alaskan Guide Shirt]() - [Pladra Leon Workhorse Flannel Shirt]() - [Pladra Every Day Flannel Shirt]() ## How I Chose the Best Flannel Shirts I focused on outdoor-oriented brands making quality flannels from a range of materials for this test. Fashion-focused flannels might look good, but they won’t have the warmth or durability outdoors people expect from their apparel. But, the best thing about flannels is their ability to go from hiking or hunting to town. However aesthetic versatility can’t be compromised by the materials and construction. So find out which of the best flannels will fit your active lifestyle in the woods and around town below. ## Best Flannel Shirts: Reviews & Recommendations ### Best Overall: [Icebreaker Merino 200 Dawnder Long Sleeve Flannel Shirt]() This 100 percent merino wool flannel is the best overall because wool has natural temperature regulation, odor resistance, and flame resistance. It’s a great cut, and has a chest pocket just big enough for my iPhone 13. This machine washable wool button down is stylish and functional. It makes a great layer for hiking, working outside, or running around town in the cold. ### Best Insulated: [Patagonia Insulated Organic Cotton Mid Weight Fjord Flannel Shirt]() This organic cotton flannel is lined with 60 grams of recycled insulation. It’s an awesome shirt jacket that isn’t too hot indoors, yet still keeps you warm and cozy outdoors. In brisk and even windy conditions, this jacket will trap enough heat to keep you outside. I think the button closures and deep pockets are great features. If you’re looking for a lightweight [puffer jacket]() with the aesthetic and durability of a flannel, this is the best insulated flannel. ### Best Synthetic: [Outdoor Research Feedback Flannel Twill Shirt]() Outdoor Research’s Feedback flannel is an oversized layer with four pockets that works great as a loose shirt or a jacket. The Feedback is highly versatile and the fabric is wicking, breathable, and UPF 50. This flannel doesn’t only come in plaid, with solid options available, too. It’s best for shoulder season adventures and traveling. ### Best for Women: [Roark Amberley Shirt Jacket]() This is the best flannel jacket for women thanks to its perfect cut, wool blend, and four pockets. The cut isn’t too long and puts the slip-in pockets at a handy height. There are also two buttoned chest pockets and the front is snap closures, making it easy to take on and off, or wear open. The Amberly shirt jacket is made with wool for added warmth and brushed polyester for a cozy feel. The fabric is thin, but traps warmth and holds its shape without feeling stiff. It doesn’t keep wind out, but it's a versatile mid-layer or the ideal jacket on a mild day spent outdoors working, foraging, or walking. ### Best for Men: [Kuiu Field Flannel Shirt]() Kuiu’s organic cotton and wool blend Field flannel is utilitarian and comfortable. The cut is great, not too long, but long enough for good coverage. It has two buttoned chest pockets and the wearer’s left features a drop in pocket large enough for your phone. It’s closed with buttons and comes in a bunch of color ways, some stealthy enough for scouting. This shirt is functional, durable, and lightweight. If you want to layer underneath, I’d size up. The men’s medium fit me well and I usually wear a women’s medium. ### [Roark Alpine Long Sleeve Flannel]() Like the Amberly, Roark’s Alpine flannel is a perfect cut for women, and it’s made from eco-friendly materials. It’s extremely soft and made from organic cotton free of pesticides, herbicides, or other toxins harmful to farmers, makers, consumers, and surrounding ecosystems. The rest of the garment is made from Repreve which is a textile made from recycled water bottles. The Alpine is extremely soft and breathable with two buttoned chest pockets and snap front closures. Roark also makes flannels for men. While I didn’t test Roark’s men’s flannels, the women’s versions I tested have a superior fit and design for women. ### [Outerknown Blanket Shirt]() The Outerknown Blanket shirt has a unique, heavy knit giving it that blanket-like feel. It’s made from organic cotton with buttons made of tagua palm nuts gathered from the forest floor. The comforting heft makes this a great nighttime layer whether you’re by the water or sitting around a fire. It has two buttoned chest pockets and comes in a lot of colorways. ### [Filson Alaskan Guide Shirt]() Filson’s Alaskan Guide shirt is the thickest flannel on this list. It’s stiff and durable with a long cut. I got the small and as a women’s medium, it fits me more like a jacket only without the convenient pockets. There are two buttoned chest pockets and the fabric is brushed on both sides for added warmth and softness. This thick and durable shirt is great for breezier conditions and working or relaxing outdoors. ### [Pladra Leon Workhorse Flannel Shirt]() ![Pladra's flannels feature nature-inspired designs on the cuffs. ]() *Pladra's flannels feature nature-inspired designs on the cuffs. Pladra* Pladra’s flannels incorporate nature designs on the cuffs. The Workhorse is made of unbrushed cotton resulting in a stiff and durable garment that holds its shape. The thick material and long cut make this shirt feel more like a jacket, but without the convenient pockets. There are two small drop in pockets on the chest, but that’s it. The tailored fit and sleek look of the unbrushed material makes it great for working outside because it’s durable and less likely to catch on anything. ### [Pladra Every Day Flannel Shirt]() ![Pladra partnered with wildlife artist Ryan Kirby to design this whitetail deer design.]() *Pladra partnered with wildlife artist Ryan Kirby to design this whitetail deer design. Pladra* The Every Day flannel from Pladra is softer than the Workhorse thanks to cotton that’s brushed on both sides, but shares the long, fitted cut. Pladra partnered with artist Ryan Kirby to create one of the natural designs under the cuffs, collar, and back yoke. This pop of pattern adds a great aesthetic to the flannel, but the interlocking fell stitch on all side seams and triple-needle stitching on shoulder seams means it's also durable enough to withstand outdoor endeavors. ## Things to Consider Before Buying One of the Best Flannel Shirts When you’re deciding what flannel is best for you, consider where and when you’ll be wearing it. If you’re working outdoors, chopping wood, mowing the grass, etc. I’d recommend a durable flannel that won’t tear catching a branch like the Filson Alaskan Guide shirt or Pladra Workhorse. If you plan on doing some strenuous shoulder season hiking, I would recommend the Icebreaker Dawnder or Outdoor Research Feedback because the fabric is designed to wick moisture and protect you from the elements. If you plan on mostly wearing these in the front country, around the fire, or at the beach, the Pladra Every Day and Outerknown Blanket Shirt are the coziest. ## FAQs ## Final Thoughts on the Best Flannel Shirts Flannels are a versatile, durable, and warm layering option for any season. Treat them as jackets in the summer and shoulder season; wear them under a coat in the winter to trap heat. While wool will offer superior temperature regulation, cotton is also very breathable and the heavy knits mean the best flannels will withstand working or recreating outdoors. - **Best Overall:** [Icebreaker Merino 200 Dawnder Long Sleeve Flannel Shirt]() - **Best Insulated:** [Patagonia Insulated Organic Cotton Mid Weight Fjord Flannel Shirt]() - **Best Synthetic:** [Outdoor Research Feedback Flannel Twill Shirt]() - **Best for Women:** [Roark Amberley Shirt Jacket]() - **Best for Men:** [Kuiu Field Flannel Shirt]() - [Outerknown Blanket Shirt]() - [Roark Alpine Long Sleeve Flannel]() - [Filson Alaskan Guide Shirt]() - [Pladra Leon Workhorse Flannel Shirt]() - [Pladra Every Day Flannel Shirt]() ## Author Ashley Thess is a gear writer for Outdoor Life. Originally from Missouri, she now lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she keeps an unruly gear closet. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]()