The Filson Thread

[bobm]

Another Filson collaboration, this time with Sebago. It's a Tin cloth jacket.
What I do like about it is that this tin jacket is lined with a cotton lining. A week ago, I tried on a similar Filson jacket - the Tin Cloth Field jacket and my arms actually had oil on them when I removed the jacket. I know tradition is tradition, but I think the cotton cloth lining is a welcome feature.
On another note, the jacket does look nice!

http://www.filson.com/products/burl...uct=event/sebago-collection&fmetaProduct=ev20

Bob

 

[too much coffee]

You're right Bob; great looking and should be very functional as well.

You gonna spring for it?

Regards,
coffee

 

[bobm]

I just sold my Filson Tin jacket, soooooo I am very tempted. I do have the Shelter cloth Fowl Weather Coat, http://www.filson.com/products/foul...coats-jackets/cover-cloth&fmetaProduct=101114
which I do like a lot, but it is more a 3/4 length coat and most times I would prefer a shorter jacket. Actually, my coat is a brown and the pics do not do it justice. Looks so much better broken in. Also, I am normally a L, but in this coat I am almost swimming in it, and if/when, would get a M size.
To be honest, this would surely be a splurge, as I don't "need" it, but it sure does look nice and is, again, so tempting.

Bob

I know Filson is "pushin' the buttons" - getting close to the $400.00 mark on this one,

 

[bobm]

I am considering getting that coat over the standard Tin Cloth field jacket that the OP is wearing is because of the cotton lining in the new coat. I ain't thrilled with coating my arms or shirt with oil - until if kinda wears off a bit. But it is also quite a bit more costly and is surely aimed at a much younger crowd than the standard tin cloth hfield jacket.

Tough choice.

B

 

[Nigel]

I finally got myself a Filson Mackinaw Cruiser. Originally I was wanting a double Mack but this one became available but it was a size 36 and I am a 38. After a lot of pondering and reading I came to the conclusion that Filson tend to oversize so I took a chance (the auction was ending:eusa_doh: so not much time to waste). It arrived yesterday and thankfully it fits. It is a snug fit but there is room for my Mackinaw vest underneath when it gets cold. If a Double Mackinaw comes up in a 38 then I would be seriously tempted to buy that and sell on the single but for now I am a happy camper. Pics below, sorry no pics of me actually wearing it yet.

 

[Fanch]

I have also acquired a few Filson garments along the way, including a Weekender and Bomber jackets, both in cover cloth, and a mid-weight wool zipper vest that fits both. I also have a cover cloth hat, shelter cloth hat, and Mackinaw wool (Elmer Fudd) hat. My favorite is the cover cloth Weekended jacket that is the perfect all purpose jacket for all kinds of use, including travel, in moderate climates. Later this year i will be in Seattle and plan to visit the Filson flagship store.

 

[deuxcv]

new filson outlet store in burlington wa is awesome. they only have one outlet store so it is legit outlet in that it is seconds, pattern prototype runs, oddball remnants from past seasons that never got sold, and customer returns, not %*@& made for the outlet like most outlet stores. and staffed with knowledgeable employees. and the guy that does all of the repairs to defective merchandise is right there in the shop. worth a visit if you're ever in nw wa.

 

[ButteMT61]

One thing that surprises me from an outfit like Filson is unmatched plaids on pockets, etc. I can not cope with that. It is what I'd expect from crappy, third world production lines and stands out like a sore thumb...

 

[Don Tomaso]

One thing that surprises me from an outfit like Filson is unmatched plaids on pockets, etc. I can not cope with that. It is what I'd expect from crappy, third world production lines and stands out like a sore thumb...

Absolutely, my tailor in Hong Kong does better.

 

[GHQ1]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ET_4wz0heQs/TsaDa_fIKKI/AAAAAAAAN8c/r-S8HXeQiuc/s1600/5555347068_e7617a63d0_b.jpg

One thing that surprises me from an outfit like Filson is unmatched plaids on pockets, etc. I can not cope with that. It is what I'd expect from crappy, third world production lines and stands out like a sore thumb...

Agreed . . . it USED to be matching . . . Now they just don't wanna pattern block

 

[ButteMT61]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ET_4wz0he...r-S8HXeQiuc/s1600/5555347068_e7617a63d0_b.jpgAgreed . . . it USED to be matching . . . Now they just don't wanna pattern block

I won't buy from a company that can't be bothered to do that. Now, I understand sometimes they do this intentionally (which I don't get, but OK) like a Carhartt shirt I have where they placed the pocket plaids diagonally. I only have one and I kinda hate it

 

[bobm]

I won't buy from a company that can't be bothered to do that. Now, I understand sometimes they do this intentionally (which I don't get, but OK) like a Carhartt shirt I have where they placed the pocket plaids diagonally. I only have one and I kinda hate it

Wow, that is unacceptable for sure.
Bob

 

[Pushrod]

I just picked up a Filson wool hunting coat style 83 size 44, brand new and unused in the thrift store for $7.49 It's green and has a cape, man is that thing heavy. I passed on a new red plaid Filson vest in the same store for $7.49, I don't wear vest much.

 

[GHQ1]

I just picked up a Filson wool hunting coat style 83 size 44, brand new and unused in the thrift store for $7.49 It's green and has a cape, man is that thing heavy. I passed on a new red plaid Filson vest in the same store for $7.49, I don't wear vest much.

There's moolah there for you if you buy it and resell it . . Filson used to be good quality on everything . .and now as i stroll through the flagship store, IMO it's hit or miss witht their new "designer" stuff. If you stick with their heavy duty classics in virgin wool and tin cloth, then you're good to go. Plenty of solid wool colors if the plaid pocket misalignment is a deal breaker.

 

[IXL]

I think Filson is going the way of Willis and Geiger. It's too bad. I really enjoy my collection of Filson stuff, but I can tell that most of what I see now if just cheap junk with a used-to-be-good name and a high price.
I believe their downhill slide began with the introduction of the "Lodge collection", otherwise known as "cheap import", and they are still sliding.

 

[ButteMT61]

Yep, pretty common these days. But I no longer support companies like that. Eventually they will go under I bet. Nobody can rest in their reputation forever and sell crap.

 

[Jaxworx]

Late to the party and beating a dust pile that was a dead horse last summer, but here goes:

My "Filson resume" includes a chamois shirt (overpriced, but purchased at an employee discount to salve the pain), a BLUE plaid mackintosh cruiser (first one was stolen and QUICKLY replaced; can't buy this color new anymore), Yukon jacket (no longer made; sadly lost), work jacket with a wool liner, spare moleskin liner, charcoal Mackintosh Wool vest, Packer hat in "Shelter Cloth," tin cloth cruiser vest (New[old]! Improved!), and tin pants with suspenders. Maybe one or two that I forgot.

Couple of things, for those as may be interested:

A lot of the line's mainstays are still made in Seattle, which means I think you should run out and buy them, thus underwriting our next tax-built sports stadium. Note that "made in Seattle" doesn't mean "not built by Asians," as Filson's flagship store / domestic production facility is in the Sodo District, just off the International District, and a number of very nice Chinese ladies work back there.

I bought my old school ("1897 Collection") vest at their flagship store a few weeks ago and have hardly had it off since; it's durned useful for holding small work-y widgets and we've been doing a bit of finish carpentry around the house. While there, I pointedly mentioned that I'll never buy a Filson garment not built here in town. Personally, I wish every customer would mention that. We'll see how that goes...

Nits and details: do NOT wear tin pants on a wet duck hunting day if you forgot your liners. They gits clammy, they does! Very nice for keeping the damp out, though. My dad likes to sit in mud puddles when he's wearing his tin bibs. Dad's a little funny... I guess like runs to like in our family.

If you pick up a Packer hat (or any Filson tin cloth garment), size up one higher than you think you need. The hats are notorious shrinkers. It's cotton, after all, combined with heat and moisture.

For those who hold military/federal/gimposaurus ID cards and like the Yukon approach to outerwear, a bunch of Filson garments are available through the AAFES system at substantial discounts. Most appear to be the traditional garb that's still made here. As an example, the Wool Packer Coat that lists for $450 MSRP is $349 through the exchange... dang, I think I may need that one!

This little bit on Filson showed up in a local online news aggregator:

http://crosscut.com/2008/08/29/lifestyle/17207/The-Filson-my-dreams/

On the subject of imported exotica, a smart woodworker once wrote that you should be able to build what you need from the trees that grow in your neighborhood. I liked that idea, and I like the idea of buying top-quality, locally crafted clothing, too. We still have some of those options in the Pacific NW. Filson is, at least for now, one of those options. There are a couple of others, as well.

Langlitz Leathers, in Portland, Oregon, makes outstanding classic touring leathers for motorcyclists (mine are in goat hide):

http://www.langlitz.com/

http://www.langlitz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/columbia_2-150x150.jpg

One of these days, I'll own a pair of White's packers, too:

http://www.whitesboots.com/

Wesco makes super solid boots, too. They're in Oregon, right on the Columbia River:

http://www.westcoastshoe.com/

I'm fortunate -- not to say grateful -- to live where I do. Because of that, I like to support the local guys. One of these days, I hope to visit Art Fawcett for a spiffy fedora...

Cheers,

Jack (one o' the new guys)

 

[ButteMT61]

On the subject of imported exotica, a smart woodworker once wrote that you should be able to build what you need from the trees that grow in your neighborhood. I liked that idea, and I like the idea of buying top-quality, locally crafted clothing, too. We still have some of those options in the Pacific NW. Filson is, at least for now, one of those options. There are a couple of others, as well.Langlitz Leathers, in Portland, Oregon, makes outstanding classic touring leathers for motorcyclists (mine are in goat hide):http://www.langlitz.com/http://www.langlitz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/columbia_2-150x150.jpgOne of these days, I'll own a pair of White's packers, too:http://www.whitesboots.com/Wesco makes super solid boots, too. They're in Oregon, right on the Columbia River:http://www.westcoastshoe.com/I'm fortunate -- not to say grateful -- to live where I do. Because of that, I like to support the local guys. One of these days, I hope to visit Art Fawcett for a spiffy fedora...Cheers,Jack (one o' the new guys)

Hey Jack - is that your truck? Love it. Don't forget:Good Wear Leather (http://www.goodwearleather.com/pages/index.html) in Seattle.
And Chippewa Boots (http://chippewaboots.com/)
And some others like Schott, USWings, etc.
Welcome and I join you in your opinions. Been looking to replace a red plaid Schott (too large for me) with a Mackinaw. I know member Fanch was just up at Filson and is also a big fan.

Scott

 

[Jaxworx]

Hey Jack - is that your truck? Love it.

Well... it WAS my truck. The tale of its "demise" is here:

http://www.jaxworx.com/musings/college/

Don't forget:Good Wear Leather (http://www.goodwearleather.com/pages/index.html) in Seattle.

Thanks! I'll check them out... maybe around mid-spring, after my "go to heck" account recovers from Chrisannukah.

And Chippewa Boots (http://chippewaboots.com/)

I like Chips very well, but have a "hometown" preference for Danner Ft. Lewis boots. They're a Portland company, I'm a Portland son, and I used to train at Ft. Lewis from time to time.

And some others like Schott, USWings, etc.

Schott makes noble gear, alright, but I'm sticking with my Langlitz "homies" for now. My first Langlitz (a Cascade) lasted me 23 years before it was passed along to my little brother (who still works out religiously) in fine working order.

I do find myself tempted by Lewis Leathers, though...

Welcome and I join you in your opinions. Been looking to replace a red plaid Schott (too large for me) with a Mackinaw. I know member Fanch was just up at Filson and is also a big fan.

I've gotten a lot of good miles out of my ol' blue mack, and expect it to outlive me. A red plaid Wool Packer would go nicely next to it on the hanging bar, but I don't know how often I'd break it out. Double mackinaw wool amounts to self-contained global warming!

 

[Fanch]

Hey Jack - is that your truck? Love it.

Well... it WAS my truck. The tale of its "demise" is here:

http://www.jaxworx.com/musings/college/

Don't forget:Good Wear Leather (http://www.goodwearleather.com/pages/index.html) in Seattle.

Thanks! I'll check them out... maybe around mid-spring, after my "go to heck" account recovers from Chrisannukah.

And Chippewa Boots (http://chippewaboots.com/)

I like Chips very well, but have a "hometown" preference for Danner Ft. Lewis boots. They're a Portland company, I'm a Portland son, and I used to train at Ft. Lewis from time to time.

And some others like Schott, USWings, etc.

Schott makes noble gear, alright, but I'm sticking with my Langlitz "homies" for now. My first Langlitz (a Cascade) lasted me 23 years before it was passed along to my little brother (who still works out religiously) in fine working order.

I do find myself tempted by Lewis Leathers, though...

Welcome and I join you in your opinions. Been looking to replace a red plaid Schott (too large for me) with a Mackinaw. I know member Fanch was just up at Filson and is also a big fan.

I've gotten a lot of good miles out of my ol' blue mack, and expect it to outlive me. A red plaid Wool Packer would go nicely next to it on the hanging bar, but I don't know how often I'd break it out. Double mackinaw wool amounts to self-contained global warming!

I have lost count of the Filson gear that I have acquired. One of my favorite is this Filson Levi's trucker jacket and Original hat both with heavy waxed Tin Cloth.