Carhartt
Rain Defender® Zip-Up Hoodie
The Carhartt Rain Defender Zip-Up Hoodie is a heavyweight (13 oz.) cotton-blend fleece hooded sweatshirt with a durable water-repellent finish designed to shed light rain. It features triple-stitched main seams, a drawcord hood, stretch ribbed edging, and fleece-lined handwarmer pockets for cold-weather work and everyday wear. Note that the DWR coating degrades with washing, the fit runs large, and it is not windproof; it performs best as a warm layering piece in dry or lightly wet conditions.
- Material
- cotton-blend fleece
- Gender
- unisex
- Style
- casual, utilitarian, streetwear
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Outerwear > Coats & Jackets
Color
Size
Specifications
Heavyweight cotton-blend fleece hoodie with water repellent finish and loose fit for comfort.
Rain Defender DWR water repellent, triple-stitched seams, drawcord hood, fleece-lined pockets.
- Material
- cotton-blend fleece
- Style
- casual, utilitarian, streetwear
- Occasion
- casual, everyday, weekend
- Gender
- unisex
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Outerwear > Coats & Jackets
Additional Attributes
- heavyweight 13 oz cotton-blend fleece
- Rain Defender durable water repellent (DWR) finish
- triple-stitched main seams for durability
- adjustable drawcord hood
- stretch ribbed edging at cuffs and hem
- fleece-lined handwarmer pockets
- loose fit for layering
- full-zip front closure
- zip-up hoodie style
Product Insights
The Carhartt Rain Defender® Zip-Up Hoodie ($125 CAD, in stock, 4 stars) is an unlined 13-oz fleece with a DWR coating that repels light rain but degrades with washing (restorable via tumble drying or reapplication). It does not block wind and is best suited as a midlayer or standalone in 50–65°F, as it's too warm above near-freezing. Triple-stitched seams and a brass zipper extend durability to about 3 years of daily wear, costing roughly $0.11 per day. The fleece is lighter and more breathable than lined Carhartt jackets, offering better mobility. However, recent versions may run larger and feel lighter, inconsistent with the brand's heritage.
Verified claims
- DWR
- DWR effectiveness degrades with washing; reapplication or tumble drying restores it.
- Water resistance
- DWR repels light rain but wets out in moderate rain; preserves insulation when dry.
- Wind resistance
- The fleece does not block wind effectively.
- Temperature range
- 13-oz fleece is too hot above near-freezing; comfortable standalone in 50-65°F.
- Layering
- Buyers recommend using it as a midlayer due to loose cut and unlined design.
- Sizing
- Size down one size for a trimmer fit or stay with true size for layering, as recent versions run larger.
- Fabric bulk
- Buyers report heavyweight fleece adds bulk, making it too warm unless near freezing.
- Material
- Lighter 55/45 cotton-polyester blend than 'heavyweight' label suggests.
- Seams
- Triple-stitched seams add 6–12 months of life versus double-stitched jackets.
- Service life
- Typical lifespan is about 3 years of daily workwear before lining or elastic wear.
- Value per year
- $125 CAD is about $0.11 per day over a 3-year daily-use lifespan.
- Rain resistance
- Effective only for light rain; keeps fleece dry and warm.
- Mobility
- At 2.14 lbs in medium, it is lighter and more breathable than Carhartt's lined DWR hoodies, ideal for active use.
- Warmth
- Best for 50-65°F alone; requires layering below that, while lined versions provide standalone warmth for colder conditions.
- Construction
- Same triple-stitched seams, brass zipper, and DWR coating as lined versions, without the fray-prone interior lining.
- Weight
- Unlined 13 oz fleece is lighter than lined Carhartts and heavier than Dickies' duck
- Heritage
- Carhartt's 136-year workwear history exceeds Dickies (1922) and DeWalt (2000s)
- Zipper
- Brass zipper resists jamming and tooth breakage better than nylon.
- Elastic care
- Wash without fabric softener and dry on low heat to preserve elastic and DWR.
- Quality consistency
- Some longtime users report recent versions feel lighter and looser, inconsistent with the brand's heritage.
- Weather resistance
- DWR handles light drizzle but not sustained rain; does not block wind.
Product record
- Title
- Rain Defender® Zip-Up Hoodie
- Brand
- Carhartt
- Price
- 125 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
- Rating
- 4 stars, 1 reviews
Image Analysis
2 images- 01
Product
Front view of a black zip-up hooded sweatshirt worn by a model; visible features include a full-length metal zipper with pull, adjustable hood with drawstrings and metal aglets, a kangaroo pocket with a small square brand patch, ribbed cuffs, and visible seam stitching.
- Overall garmentBlack zip-up hoodie shown from the front worn by a model, occupying the central area of the image with the zipper closed to mid-chest and the hood resting around the neck.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.08 · w 0.90 · h 0.70 (high) - Hood and drawstringsAttached hood with two black round drawstrings ending in small metal aglets; drawstrings hang down the chest on either side of the zipper.
3 regions
x 0.28 · y 0.05 · w 0.44 · h 0.20 (high); x 0.40 · y 0.15 · w 0.10 · h 0.12 (medium); x 0.52 · y 0.15 · w 0.10 · h 0.12 (medium) - Zipper and pullFull-length centered metal zipper with a rectangular metal zipper pull visible at mid-chest.
1 region
x 0.46 · y 0.30 · w 0.08 · h 0.12 (high) - Kangaroo pocketFront kangaroo pocket with visible top-stitched pocket openings on both sides meeting at the zipper seam.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.52 · w 0.60 · h 0.22 (high) - Logo patchSmall square stitched brand patch located on the right side of the kangaroo pocket near its outer edge.
1 region
x 0.55 · y 0.57 · w 0.08 · h 0.08 (high) - Ribbed cuffsRibbed knit cuffs at the sleeve ends, visible on the right wrist where the sleeve meets the hand.
1 region
x 0.78 · y 0.68 · w 0.16 · h 0.15 (high) - Visible stitching and seamsTop-stitched seams around the pocket openings, along the zipper, and raglan-style sleeve seams visible against the fabric.
1 region
x 0.15 · y 0.24 · w 0.70 · h 0.50 (high) - Patch text“Carhartt”
1 region
x 0.55 · y 0.57 · w 0.08 · h 0.08 (high)
Other
Studio-style product shot showing a model wearing the hoodie against a dark black background; cropped mid-thigh with soft directional lighting from the left creating subtle shadows and highlights.
- Model poseMale model is posed looking left with left arm raised behind head and right arm relaxed, hoodie worn over a white ribbed tank visible at the neckline and hem.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high) - Background and lightingEven black background with soft studio lighting that highlights texture and creates mild shadowing on the garment and model.
- Visible additional garmentsWhite ribbed tank top visible under the hoodie and grey drawstring sweatpants visible at the lower edge of the frame.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.60 · w 0.44 · h 0.30 (high) - Image crop and framingVertical crop showing the upper body to mid-thigh of the model; slight tilt to the framing so the model appears angled within the frame.
Colors
deep black· hoodie fabric#201F25warm orange· logo patch backgroundwhite· logo patch details- Overall garmentBlack zip-up hoodie shown from the front worn by a model, occupying the central area of the image with the zipper closed to mid-chest and the hood resting around the neck.
- 02
Product
Rear view of a dark hooded zip-up sweatshirt worn by a model; visible features include a three-panel hood, ribbed hem and cuffs, dropped shoulder seams, and smooth matte knit fabric with visible topstitching. No logos or printed text are visible on the garment.
- Overall rear silhouetteBack of a relaxed-fit hooded sweatshirt shown on a model from mid-shoulder to waist, with the body hanging slightly loose and subtle drape folds at the lower back.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.08 · w 0.86 · h 0.74 (high) - Hood constructionThree-panel hood with visible center seam and topstitched joining seams; hood is pulled up slightly by the model's hand and folded so the inner hood fabric is partly visible.
1 region
x 0.52 · y 0.02 · w 0.36 · h 0.26 (high) - Ribbed hemWide ribbed band at the sweatshirt hem with horizontal knit texture, causing the lower edge to sit snug against the hips.
1 region
x 0.10 · y 0.71 · w 0.80 · h 0.14 (high) - Ribbed cuffsRibbed cuff visible on the left sleeve where the model's arm is raised; cuff is fitted and shows the same knit texture as the hem.
1 region
x 0.02 · y 0.00 · w 0.30 · h 0.22 (high) - Shoulder and sleeve seamDropped shoulder seam with visible topstitching; sleeve has relaxed, slightly voluminous cut with smooth rounded fold at the elbow area.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.06 · w 0.42 · h 0.38 (high) - Fabric surface and finishSmooth, dense knit with matte finish and minimal surface texture; fabric drapes with soft folds and shows subtle highlights from studio lighting.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.22 · w 0.62 · h 0.56 (high) - Absence of visible brandingNo printed or embroidered logos, labels, or visible hardware are present on the visible back or hood panels.
- Model interactionModel's right hand lifts the hood near the neckline, revealing part of the nape and ear; two rings are visible on the hand.
1 region
x 0.44 · y 0.00 · w 0.26 · h 0.18 (high)
Other
Studio shot showing a model from the rear against a solid black background; grey sweatpants and part of the model's head and hand are visible. Even studio lighting creates soft highlights and mild shadowing on the garment.
- Shot compositionRear three-quarter crop of a standing model centered in frame, showing from the top of the head to just below the waist.
- BackgroundUniform deep black background with no props or additional elements.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high) - Visible non-product clothingLight grey sweatpants visible from the waist down and another hand resting by the side; these are not part of the hoodie.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.77 · w 0.44 · h 0.20 (high) - Lighting and shadowSoft directional studio lighting from above and slightly left produces gentle highlights along curved surfaces and mild shadows in garment folds.
Colors
very dark navy· hood and body#201F25very dark navy (ribbed)· ribbed hem and cuffs#201F25- Overall rear silhouetteBack of a relaxed-fit hooded sweatshirt shown on a model from mid-shoulder to waist, with the body hanging slightly loose and subtle drape folds at the lower back.
Brand PDP Lookup
- Brand
- Carhartt
Men's Paxton Water Repellent Heavyweight Full-Zip Hoodie
Documents & Data
Customer Reviews
1 total1 reviews · out of 5
Good quality, but hoodie has no warm lining so best for early fall or layering
I was expecting a slightly better fit as it was a Medium size even for a loose fit. . overall satisfied
Reddit Insights
5 threads · r/IBEW, r/BuyItForLife, r/CarharttReddit users generally find the Carhartt Rain Defender zip-up hoodie to be a thick, warm, and durable garment for cold weather, but its water repellency fades quickly and recent versions have seen a decline in material quality.
Positive feedback on warmth and durability is offset by widespread disappointment in the short-lived water resistance and recent cost-cutting that reduced the hoodie's heft.
Themes
Use Cases
- Workwear in cold and wet conditions
- Everyday winter hoodie
- Layering piece under jackets
Watch Out For
Community Q&A
- How long does the Rain Defender coating last?
- It typically fades after a few months of use or several washes; you may need to re-treat it.
- Are the new models as good as the old ones?
- No, recent versions have lighter material and a different cotton-polyester blend, making them feel cheaper.
- What size should I get?
- They run large; size down if you prefer a trimmer fit or plan to wear alone, but stick to your usual size for layering.
- Is it suitable for heavy rain?
- No, it only offers mild water repellency for light rain or short exposure; for sustained rain, use dedicated rain gear.
- How warm is it?
- Very warm, often too hot unless temperatures are near freezing; it is not windproof, so cold wind can penetrate.
Compared To
vs Older Carhartt Rain Defender hoodies
Newer versions are lighter weight with a looser fit and different material blend, perceived as a downgrade.
vs Other hoodie brands
More durable than typical hoodies, but not considered Buy-It-For-Life.
vs Sherpa vs Thermal lining
Both warm; thermal allows more room for layering, but neither blocks wind well.
Source Threads
Rain Defender hoodie loses water proof capability after a few months
I have this exact same hoodie and it was incredible the first few months but has since lost pretty much all of its water proof capability, especially the hood and shoulders. I probably didnt wash it properly.
u/Cowsxforxcheeser/IBEWView thread →
Rain Defender is not a substitute for real rain gear and only delays soaking
I wear one of their black quarter zips literally every day for work. It held up for about 3 years before the interior lining started to unravel. Bought 2 more ($70 is good nuff for me if they last multiple years) one in black and one in green and they honestly feel really different so far as fit and flexibility. Idk why, theyre the same size, bought from the same place at the same time. "Rain defender" just means you dont get immediately soaked to your base layer walking through heavy rain to your car or something. Still gets wet and cold. Not BIFL. But more durable than every other hoodie I've got that the wrists stretch out and start to get holes after a year and a half, if I'm lucky. And they dont tear as easily if you walk by and the arm gets caught or something.
u/snrtenr/BuyItForLifeView thread →
Heavyweight zip hoodies run large and are extremely warm
The heavyweight zip hoodies are seriously too hot unless it's near freezing. I don't think they make the midweight zips anymore. I only have 2 old ones. They are on the bigger size. Meant for layering.
u/Steiney1r/CarharttView thread →
Rain Defender hoodie is warm and comfy but does not block wind
Have the sherpa and love it. Never had the thermal but would imagine it’s warm, too. One thing with thermal is a little more room for layering. I’m 6’, 170-ish and the Medium fits well. I would probably get a large if buying again, but it’s still warm and comfy and has room inside. They both have extended necks which helps with the cold. It does not block wind very well. Good luck!
u/NotSureNotRobotr/CarharttView thread →