If you’re in the trades, you’ve probably seen BRUNT on social media. I’ve got to admit, I’ve been a bit skeptical since I grew up in a family where everyone wore Carhartt. It’s been around forever, and whether it was my dad, uncles, or cousins, Carhartt hoodies were practically a uniform. But recently, some buddies have been raving about BRUNT, saying “they’re changing the game.” That got me curious, so I decided to put the Carhartt Rain Defender up against the BRUNT Shevlin to see if this newer brand really lives up to the hype. Here's what I found out.
Comfort
Starting with comfort, the BRUNT Shevlin hoodie has an immediate advantage. It has a super soft yet durable feel, and I noticed it’s not as stiff as some other hoodies I’ve tried. It feels really flexible. On the other hand, the Carhartt Rain Defender is heavyweight, so while it’s warm, it can feel a bit heavy and stiff, which is not ideal when I’m on the jobsite. For long shifts, the Shevlin’s lighter material and more flexible fit make it the more comfortable option between the two.
BRUNT
Both hoodies do a great job of repelling water. The Carhartt Rain Defender has a reliable water-repellent finish that works well in the rain, while the BRUNT Shevlin also stands strong in wet conditions. Both offer solid protection against the elements, keeping you dry when you need it most. Whether you’re facing light showers or heavier downpours, these hoodies are designed to hold up and keep water out, making them both solid choices for staying dry on the job.
Utility
Utility is key when you’re working in these hoodies. The Carhartt Hoodie has a classic kangaroo pocket which is great, but it’s second inner pocket is really small and couldn’t fit my phone. The BRUNT Shevlin steps it up a notch with it’s pockets. It also has a large kangaroo pocket, but it’s inner tech pocket was much larger and fit my phone which is an awesome feature.
While both have hoods, the Carhartt one couldn’t fit fully over my hardhat, where the BRUNT Shevlin was large enough to fit and comfortable enough to not feel stiff.
Also, the Carhartt hoodie has standard pull-strings which can be a bit dangerous as they can get caught in equipment. The Shevlin has neck snaps, which is nice for keeping out the cold and also for safety. With way more functionality, this one definitely goes to the Shevlin.
Durability
Both hoodies seem to be built tough and held up on the jobsite, but I’ve only tried them out for a few weeks so far so I can’t speak too much about the longevity. I will say that the Carhartt was a bit thicker, so it’s possible that it might hold up longer but I can’t say for sure. Plus, I enjoy wearing the Shevlin a lot more on a day-to-day basis, so I’ll chalk this one up to a tie.
Value for Money
These hoodies are actually the same price. However, when you compare the features—comfort, water resistance, utility, and durability—it’s clear that the BRUNT Shevlin offers better overall value. While the Carhartt Rain Defender is still a solid hoodie, you’re getting more versatility and a more comfortable product with the Shevlin.
Final Verdict
Both the BRUNT Shevlin and the Carhartt Rain Defender have their strengths, but if you’re looking for a hoodie that can handle wet conditions, keep you comfortable all day, and last through tough jobs, the BRUNT Shevlin is the clear winner. Its superior comfort, flexibility, and utility make it the better investment for anyone who needs reliable workwear that won’t let them down.
