THE THICKEST SKIN: Originally sewn for the timber survey crews of the Pacific Northwest in 1914, the nearly indestructible Filson Tin Cruiser was so novel for its day that the U.S. government awarded it a patent. Hunters realized the jacketﾕs benefits immediately: The oil finish is waterproof, and the 12 1/2-ounce double-layered Tin Cloth is strong enough to offer protection from anything you can brush against in the woods. Every part of the garment is utilitarian, right down to the compass compartment and the four pencil slots inside the upper pocket. Things do change; hand-warming pockets and buttons for a removable hood were added in the 1990s.