How to Choose the Best Farm Jacket in 2025

Overview

If there’s one piece of gear that every farmer, fencer, or outdoor worker swears by, it’s a good farm jacket. From the pre-dawn milking sessions to long days shifting stock in sideways rain, your farm jacket is your shield against the elements and the mud and muck of rural life. Unlike regular raincoats, farm jackets need to be tough as nails, weatherproof, breathable, and built for hard graft.

In this guide, I’ll run through everything you need to know about choosing the best farm jacket in 2025. We’ll look at the different types of farm jackets, what features matter most on the land, and how to make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.

The Right Farm Jacket for Your Workday

Farm jackets aren’t a one-size-fits-all bit of kit. The right one depends on your climate, the type of work you do most often, and your personal comfort preferences. Here are the main styles to consider.

Lightweight Shells

Think of these as your breathable shield against summer showers or unpredictable spring weather. They’re designed to keep you dry without weighing you down or overheating you. Most modern shells use technical waterproof-breathable membranes that stop rain getting in while allowing sweat to escape.

Best for: Spring and summer farm work, fencing, mustering, and high-output jobs where overheating is a bigger concern than cold.

Pros:

Lightweight and packable.
Excellent breathability.
Ideal for layering over merino or fleece.

Cons:

Minimal warmth.
Less durable than heavy-duty jackets.

Best option: Bushbuck Statshlite Rain Anorak

Midweight Farm Jackets

Bushbuck Alpine Jacket: Best Farm Jackets

_{The Bushbuck Alpine Jacket is designed for comfort, breathability and freedom of movement.}

These are your everyday workhorses – tough enough for daily use, waterproof enough for rain, and breathable enough to wear for hours. They usually come with a balance of features: adjustable hoods, storm flaps, and reinforced sections.

Best for: Daily use in mixed conditions. A good “grab and go” option for year-round work.

Pros:

Versatile in most conditions.
Good durability for farm use.
Comfortable balance between warmth and breathability.

Cons:

Not as packable as lightweight shells.
May not be warm enough for sub-zero mornings without layers.

Best options: Bushbuck Defender Jacket, Bushbuck Alpine Jacket

Heavy-Duty Waterproof Farm Jackets

If you farm in wet, rugged country – this is the category you want to be looking at. Heavy-duty jackets use reinforced fabrics (often 300D+ nylon or polyester), storm-proof construction, and serious waterproof membranes. They’re bulkier than lighter shells but built to last through years of abuse.

Best for: Winter work, exposed hill farms, wet climates like the West Coast.

Pros:

Extremely durable and abrasion-resistant.
High waterproof ratings (20,000mm+).
Features like storm flaps, double stitching, reinforced panels.

Cons:

Heavier and bulkier.
Less breathable than lightweight options.

Best options: Bushbuck Defender Jacket, Bushbuck Typhoon Jacket

Waterproof Puffer Jackets

When the mercury drops and the frost is biting, nothing beats a properly insulated jacket. Traditionally, farmers have relied on synthetic insulation because it keeps working even when damp, while down was seen as a “no-go” for wet conditions. But that’s all changed.

Bushbuck has pioneered fully waterproof down puffer jackets, meaning you get the unbeatable warmth-to-weight ratio of premium down insulation combined with full weather protection. No more worrying about your down jacket soaking through in steady rain – Bushbuck’s Igloo and Furnace puffers are seam-sealed, waterproof, and built tough from durable canvas and ripstop nylon.

Best for: South Island winters, alpine farms, long hours outdoors in the cold.

Pros:

Fully waterproof and seam-sealed.
Insulated for warmth in sub-zero temps.
Designed tough for farm and hunting use.
Saves the hassle of multiple layers.

Cons:

Heavier and bulkier than standard shells.
Can be too warm for mild conditions.

Best options: Bushbuck Igloo, Bushbuck Furnace

Quick Comparison Table

Jacket Type	Best For	Pros	Cons	Example Bushbuck Jacket
Lightweight Shell	Summer, high-output farm work	Breathable, packable, waterproof farm jacket	Less warmth, less durable	Bushbuck Statshlite Rain Anorak
Midweight Jacket	Everyday all-round use	Balanced durability, comfort, and performance	Need to layer clothes underneath in cold conditions	Bushbuck Defender Jacket, Bushbuck Alpine Jacket
Heavy-Duty Jacket	Winter, rugged farm conditions	Extremely tough and waterproof	Heavier, bulkier, less freedom of movement	Bushbuck Defender Jacket, Bushbuck Typhoon Jacket
Waterproof Puffer	Cold, wet climates, all-in-one use	Warm, dry, and fully waterproof	Heavier, bulkier, can run hot	Bushbuck Igloo, Bushbuck Furnace

What to Look For in a Farm Jacket

Bushbuck Defender Jacket: Best Farm Jackets

_{The Bushbuck Defender Jacket is a solid all-rounder on the farm.} The difference between a jacket that lasts one season and one that lasts five-plus comes down to the details. Here’s what to keep in mind when shopping for a farm-ready jacket.

Materials and Durability

Farm jackets take abuse – it’s unavoidable. Look for jackets made with:

Tough, abrasion-resistant fabrics: Oxford nylon, ripstop fabrics, canvas, 300D+.
Cordura reinforcements: Often used in high-wear zones like elbows and shoulders.
Heavy-duty zips and buttons: YKK zippers are a good benchmark.
Three-layer construction: For waterproof, windproof, and breathability performance.

Bushbuck’s Defender range, for example, uses reinforced fabrics in high-wear areas – a big plus for anyone leaning over fences or working with stock gates all day.

Waterproof Ratings

Waterproof jackets are measured in millimetres (mm). This refers to how much water pressure a fabric can withstand before leaking.

5,000mm: Fine for light rain and short spells.
10,000mm: Standard for all-round farm use. Keeps you dry in steady rain.
20,000mm+: Heavy rain, all-day exposure. Ideal for wet climates and winter.
Sealed seams: Make sure the jacket's fully seam sealed as some are only sealed in the most exposed areas.

The waterproof rating is an important consideration when choosing a farm jacket as it also determines how well it stands up to mud, muck, and other fluids that come your way during the course of a typical day on the farm.

Breathability

If you’re chasing sheep up a hill, the last thing you want is to be stewing in your own sweat. Look for jackets rated at 5,000–10,000g/m² breathability or higher. Features that help:

Pit zips or side vents.
Lightweight, breathable inner lining.
Two- or three-layer fabrics that let heat and moisture escape.

Fit and Comfort

Comfort is king. A jacket that rides up, pulls at the shoulders, or restricts movement will end up hanging in the shed instead of being worn.

Look for:

Articulated elbows and gusseted underarms.
Drop-tail hem for bending and lifting.
Adjustable cuffs, hem, and hood.
Enough room to layer underneath without being baggy.

Farm Jacket Extra Features

The little details often make the biggest difference:

Storm hood: Adjustable, hat-compatible, and structured so it doesn’t flop into your face.
Kangaroo and chest pockets: Deep enough for gloves, notebook, phone, and other essentials.
Storm flaps and waterproof zips: Prevents water from getting in exposed areas.
Silent outer fabric: Ideal if you’re hunting in the same jacket.
Reflective details: Handy for road work or night shifts around the farm.
Extra length: A longer length farm jacket provides waterproof protection for your behind, which comes in handy when you're using the four-wheeler or side-by-side (check out the Bushbuck Typhoon Jacket)

Farm Jacket FAQ

What’s the difference between a farm jacket and a hunting jacket?

Farm jackets focus on durability and weatherproofing for daily use. Hunting jackets often prioritise quieter fabrics and camo, but many cross over. Bushbuck’s Defender Jacket is a good example – equally at home in the paddock or the bush.

Are farm jackets waterproof or just water-resistant?

The best farm jackets are fully waterproof, rated at least 10,000mm. Water-resistant jackets might handle a shower but won’t cut it in sustained rain.

Do I need an insulated jacket?

If you’re in the South Island or anywhere with frosty winters, yes. In milder climates, a shell with layers underneath is usually enough.

How long should a farm jacket last?

With hard daily use, 2–5 years is realistic. Jackets with reinforced seams and heavy-duty fabrics can last longer if well cared for. With the right care (occasional washing and re-waterproofing), you can get even longer out of a good quality farm jacket.

What’s the best summer farm jacket?

A lightweight shell that’s breathable, waterproof, and easy to stash when not needed. A summer farm jacket is there to protect against showers and rain in warm conditions so the lighter, the better.

Can I use my farm jacket for hunting or hiking?

Absolutely. Many farmers double their farm gear as hunting kit. Just check for fabric noise if you’re stalking deer. Most Bushbuck jackets are designed to for crossover use.

How do I maintain a farm jacket?

Wash occasionally with a gear-specific cleaner (not standard detergent). Reapply DWR (Durable Water Repellent) when water stops beading. Always hang dry – never chuck it in the dryer.

The Right Jacket for the Job

Bushbuck Typhoon Jacket: Best farm jackets

_{The Bushbuck Typhoon Jacket has extra length for more waterproof protection}

A farm jacket isn’t just another layer – it’s a tool. The right one will keep you working longer, harder, and more comfortably in whatever weather gets thrown your way. From lightweight shells to heavy-duty beasts, the key is finding the balance of durability, waterproofing, breathability, and comfort that matches your day-to-day work.

At the end of the day, don’t overthink it. Get yourself a jacket that can take a hammering, shrug off the weather, and keep you comfortable.

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