June 05, 2018

Brand Spotlight: Filson

For over 120 years, Filson's heritage has remained the same, rugged yet refined. Extreme durability, protection, and comfort sets Filson apart when it comes to outdoor gear and apparel. Based in Seattle, the company is highly regarded for its commitment to produce goods with the absolute best materials possible.

In 1897, Clinton C. Filson started a clothing and blanket manufacturer, specializing in survival gear designed to withstand the rugged conditions of the Yukon for gold prospectors heading north during the Klondike Gold Rush. By listening to feedback from customers, Filson continued to provide outdoorsmen with products made from the finest quality material and durability to last generations. From his experience outfitting loggers, the iconic Filson Cruiser was introduced to the timber industry in 1914. The brand has since expanded to supplying laborers in the timber, mining, and agriculture industries, as well as customers with outdoor-sporting interests and avid travelers.

Filson Brand Highlight

One of the things that makes Filson so special is their signature materials that have been crafted in the United States for the past 120 years. With an emphasis on long-term durability, it is no wonder that so many people who spend a lot of time outdoors rely on Filson for their everyday needs. The price tag is high for a reason – here’s why.

1. Mackinaw Wool

As Filson’s original staple fabric since the beginning of the company’s existence, Mackinaw Wool is meant to keep you warm in the harshest conditions while maintaining extremely strong durability. C.C. Filson first utilized heavyweight Mackinaw Wool blankets to make wool coats for those headed to the Canadian frontier during the Gold Rush. In 1914, Filson patented the Mackinaw Cruiser to cater to men working outdoor jobs with rainy and cold conditions in mind.

The Mackinaw Cruiser Coat continues to be a legendary piece by Filson to this day because it repels water, insulates, and provides comfort with its classic, rustic style. Filson’s 24 oz. 100% Virgin Mackinaw Wool is both heavy-duty and water-repellent. The brand continually updates their collection with products using this invincible wool with field pants, bibs, and insulated boots that are guaranteed to get you through any winter.

Mackinaw Wool

2. Tin Cloth

After coming to the realization that explorers need to be far more protected from the harsh conditions of the Pacific Northwest forests, C.C. Filson developed a tightly woven wax cotton that shields the body from inclement weather, brush, limbs, and saw blades, amongst other natural obstacles. Over time, the fabric became known as “Tin Cloth” because of its ability to protect the outdoorsman like armor.

Tin cloth cotton is milled in Scotland and coated with a Filson proprietary oil-finish wax. Upon applying the wax, the cotton becomes, well, pretty much indestructible. 100 years later, a wide variety of durable, water-resistant tin cotton products are available to utilize outdoors on any occasion, whether it be work or an adventure. From tactical jackets and multi-purpose bags to hats and industrial pants, Filson Tin Cloth apparel and survival gear is meant to last for decades to come. After years of wear, you can re-apply a coating of the oil-finish wax to get the incomparable protection for even longer.

Fishing Filson

3. Rugged Twill

Rugged Twill is the most recent fabric addition to Filson’s Seattle factory. Since 1991, it has become the foundation for the brand's luggage, totes, duffel bags, and briefcases. With the traveler in mind, Filson sought out to create a line of everyday carry bags and luggage with high-quality craftsmanship and reliability. As a result, twill from Scotland and leather from Wickett & Craig in Pennsylvania are used to construct the beautifully crafted carriers.

The tightly woven, abrasion-resistant 22 oz. Rugged Twill is soaked in paraffin-based oil finish wax to make it water-repellent, meaning you will never have to worry about your inside belongings getting soaked. The twill’s diagonal weave makes the fabric stronger than canvas and much less likely to tear. Handcrafted to last, Rugged Twill bags remain stiff for a year or two before they start to fully break in. As a result, you can expect to get use out of products made with Filson’s rugged twill for decades.

Filson Luggage

"To our customers: if a man is going North, he should come to us for his outfit, because we have obtained our ideas of what is best to wear in that country from the experience of the man from the North -- not merely one -- but hundreds of them. Our materials are the very best obtainable, for we know that the best is none too good and that quality is of vital importance. You can depend absolutely upon our goods both as to material and workmanship."

-C. C. Filson

Filson Fishing with Aircraft

Filson: Bottom Line

If you’re looking for outdoor gear with the highest quality, Filson is the absolute best. You just can’t argue with over 120 years of brand history. Check out Sportique’s full Filson collection here.

1 comment

I will be ordering from you, Thanks

CB McMillan October 11, 2019