Filson

The slogan ‘’might as well have the best’’ describes exactly what the Original Alaskan Outfitter brand Filson is, namely, the best and most iconic supplier of rugged twill bags and luggage, tin cloth jackets, mackinaw wool cruisers, and durable workwear and menswear goods since 187.

Filson’s selection of bags, jackets, vests and menswear has been tested for over a century in real life applications, in some of the most tough, rugged, and unforgiving environments on the planet. It should come as no surprise that the hard working forest service adopted Filson Mackinaw Wool Cruisers as part of their official uniform. Or that the pioneers of the logging industry in the Pacific Northwest which have for decades, trusted nothing but Tin Cloth Jackets, to shield them from the brush and dangers of the logging industry.

Filson has since become synonymous with quality and style that is unbeatable in the field or in the city. In 1897 C.C. Filson promised to offer the best goods for those seeking fortunes in the Klondike Gold Rush. Filson today carries that promise, never compromising quality, and continues to embrace the mottos ‘’might as well have the best’’ and ‘’unfailing goods’’.

The Original Alaskan Outfitter

At the turn of the 19th century, Americans were heading west in search of new opportunities. Gold was calling from Alaska and Northwest Canada, and hundreds of thousands were flocking to the region hoping to strike their luck in the wet, rugged, and dangerous environment that is the Yukon. Charles C. Filson understood the opportunity, but in a different light. With these masses heading out into the harsh wilderness, then someone would need to equip them with sturdy and durable jackets and pants made from tough materials like mackinaw wool and tin cloth, as well as knitwear, sleeping bags, shoes, moccasins, and everything one needs to survive the frigid temperatures of Alaska’s frontier.

So it was to be, that C.C. Filson founded Filson's Pioneer Alaska Clothing and Blanket Manufacturers to equip and outfit the people flocking to the Klondike. After the rush died down, Filson realized there was a great opportunity to supply the same quality of goods to lumberjacks, fisherman, explorers, engineers, and outdoors enthusiasts throughout the territory and back in his home area of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.

A signature piece, the Cruiser Shirt, was born in 1914. Billed as the real service coat, it featured durable and water resistant mackinaw wool, double shoulder protection, and multiple pockets. The piece is still made today and is known as the Mackinaw Wool Cruiser. 

Customer service and relations were paramount to success. Filson kept close contact with his customers, listening for feedback and inventing new pieces based on the specific needs of his customers. This still stands for Filson’s reputation for quality goods and durability that is unmatched.

Today outdoorsmen, musicians, fisherman, ranchers, miners, welders, tradesmen, builders,heritage enthusiasts, and all walks of life flock to Filson for the same time honored traditions kept alive in their clothing. As Filson himself said back in 1914 ‘’The goods we quote must not be confounded with the cheap and vastly inferior grade with which the market is over-run. Such goods are not only useless for the purpose for which they are intended, but the person wearing them would be better off without them." And this remains true today.

Tough & Rugged Outdoor Clothing and Accessories

Since 1897, Filson has created and produced some of the most iconic and proven outdoors clothing goods the world has ever known. Key menswear styles include the Tin Cloth Cruiser and Short Lined Tin Cloth Cruiser Jacket, the Mackinaw Wool Cruiser Jacket, The Down Cruiser Jacket, Alaskan Guide Shirt, Vintage Flannel Work Shirt, Oil Tin Cloth Vest, Mackinaw Wool Vest, and the holy grail in jackets: The Double Mackinaw Wool Packer Coat. Not breaking from tradition, filson also offers high quality bags, travel bags, luggage, and backpacks. Iconic styles include the Original Rugged Twill Briefcase, Original Rugged Twill Duffle Bag, the 48-hour Tin Cloth Bag, the Journeyman Backpack, and the Rugged Twill Tote Bag.

Mackinaw Wool Cruiser Jacket

With its roots in the Upper midwest of Mackinac Island, where Mackinaw cloth gets its name, it is characterized by a blanket-like weave reminiscent to melton wool. It is extremely durable and doesn't fray or become unbound like wool knitwear, it is durable and waterproof, capable of retaining almost its entire weight in water, while providing unbeatable warmth. It is no wonder that filson has chosen this material to make its most iconic jacket, the Mackinaw Wool Cruiser. And of course trusting no other than Pendleton Woolen Mills of Oregon to produce the fabric specific to this jacket.

Patented in 1914, the piece remains nearly unchanged today. Some pocket adjustments here and there, but otherwise it is one of the best woolen jackets made. Featuring an oversize coat fit, it is meant to be layered, staying true to its workwear years and fit. With its array of pockets, pen pockets, branded snap buttons, full back-through pocket, it truly is a utilitarian piece that can not be beat.

Tin Cloth Cruiser & Short-Lined Cruiser Jackets

Based on the success of the woolen cruiser shirt, the Tin Cloth Jackets brought a new material in their construction, which would give different properties, and which today has been a global success in outerwear. Because of its super rugged and durable properties, these new jackets were dubbed, ‘’Tin Cloth’’ The fabric, actually is a heavily waxed cotton canvas from the world-famous textile producer British-Millerain. 

Marketed first as waterproof khaki, this combination of proven jacket design with water and abrasion resistant waxed canvas resulted in the quintessential outdoors jacket for lumberjacks, loggers, ranchers and outdoor enthusiasts of all types. The durable canvas and its waxed waterproofing make this jacket today a staple piece for those in the Pacific Northwest, as it shields the user from rainfall and won’t rip or get destroyed like comparable modern materials.

The name cruiser comes from those who were the first into the forests to scout for new timber to be felled. As their paths were uncharted and virgin territory, they were the harshest of all. Hence where the Tin Cloth Cruiser gets its name. Another historical detail that is still on the jackets today, is the full-through back pocket, which was originally used to store maps for such scouting missions. The fit hasn’t changed much, and the Tin Cloth Cruiser jacket is a boxy fitting workwear piece, ideal for movement in rugged terrain and for having the right layers underneath. 

A more modern approach is taken in the now famous Short-Lined Tin Cloth Cruiser. Fitting more like a denim jacket, this piece is more slimmed and cropped. Those with keen eyes will no doubt recognize these key Filson pieces on display in the TV hit, Yellowstone, as worn by the character Rip.

Filson Bags and Luggage

Filson bags and luggage combine heritage craftsmanship with rugged durability. Made from tough materials like Rugged Twill and Tin Cloth, they age beautifully while withstanding the elements. From the iconic Briefcases to the versatile Duffles, each piece is built for a lifetime of travel and adventure.

The Original Rugged Twill Briefcase

With a history in logging and outfitting, Filson takes this heritage and DNA to produce some of the finest in bags and luggage. A favorite style is the Filson Original Rugged Twill Briefcase. Made of Rugged Twill, which is woven in a 2x2 pattern with 2ply x 3ply yarns, this briefcase is designed to take you from the rugged landscapes into the urban environments. The fabric construction results in a weave which is more durable than canvas, and more importantly more workable and pliable. At the same time this construction makes it extremely durable, puncture resistant, water resistant, and above all a sleek yet rugged accessory for the modern man. For two decades now, Filson has produced these bags coupled with leather accents and sturdy zippers. Ask around and you’ll soon find out why this is such a beloved item for those on the move. You will find the same materials used on many of Filson Bags, like their Duffles in various sizing, Tote Bags, and Travel Kits.

The 48-Hour Tin Cloth Briefcase

As with the cruiser jackets, sometimes a new material is introduced for different needs. The Tin Cloth series of bags by Filson is no exception. By combining the spacious and sleek design of their bags, but done in Tin Cloth, Filson is able to make a bag which has rugged appeal, will develop a beautiful patina over time, and has further water resistance. This model, with outer pockets, and a spacious body, is the perfect weekend getaway bag. With shoulder straps, and luggage carrying strap, it is easy to hitch it to your rolling bags for airport travel. Look good, and be confident that your necessities are carried in function and style. This model is also available in a more compact day bag version, the lighter 24-hour Tin Cloth Briefcase in Otter Green and Tan.

The Original Rugged Twill Duffle Bag

Filson’s history as the Original Alaska Outfitter becomes apparent in this line of bags. The duffle bags from Filson are a no fuss, simple take on a classic bag, but with the robust and rugged details one would expect from a company that has its origins in equipping people trekking out into the harshest environments on the planet. The Rugged Twill Duffle Bags feature the durable 2ply x 3ply 2x2 rugged twill canvas that has water resistant properties, is abrasion resistant, and sturdy enough to be carried into the remote, or checked on to an overseas flight. The duffle is equipped with the leather accents and details as well as robust rust-proof brass zippers which Filson is known for. The adjustable shoulder strap is customizable for the individual. The leather carrying handles will form and mold to the unique carrying style of the user over time, ensuring the perfect grip on your bag. Available in three sizes, Small (33 liters), Medium (43 liters), and Large (75 liters), in an array of colorways, the Filson Original Duffle is the bag to trust when the going gets tough and you do not want to compromise on looks.