And speaking of First Frost -Filson - just love that company

[Bob Marino]

First things first - I am not  a hunter, except for still trying to hunt down good coffee when on the road. ;D but I do love the outdoors. However, the prior thread - "First Frost" reminded me of the upcoming cooler weather and how much I like my Filson  coats. I have the Double Mackinaw wool coat and another waxed cotton coat  - plus some other luggage. Just love that old fashioned workmanship andthe fact that they are still made here in the USA.  I know the products are heavy, stiff at first, not laden with extra amenities and costly compared to the competition  Maybe, it's the feel of wearing  classic, non-tech, all wool and cotton fabrics - in a 100 year old design that adds to the "enjoyment".
  I know, to remain competitive, Filson has designed a newer style of luggage and coats, butthey ain't for me; if I'm' going to buy a Filson  coat or luggage, I want it to be a USA Filson, not a Chinese Chilson.
Anyone else a Filson fan? Or not?

Bob

 

[Alaska Ranger]

Bob -

My Seattle in-laws gave me a gift certificate to for Filsons as a birthday present - I have been thinking of a double mackinaw but it will be more for style.  As far as function goes, the parka I'm wearing in my avatar - actually, it's an anorak, not a parka, since the zipper goes down only 1/3 of the way - is the warmest in existence.  I had it made last year in Fairbanks, at "Apocalypse Design". Made out of super-heavy canvas, a gazillion inches of insulation, and that's a wolverine and wolf ruff around my head......

I'm warm at 70 below.  Or at least my upperparts are.

 

[DavidCBaker]

I too love Filson stuff.

Check out Tilley stuff, too. If you like one, you'll like the other. Well made stuff.

 

[GPowers]

Filson apparel would be a hard sell  here in the Southern California Desert.

 

[Bob Marino]

Filson apparel would be a hard sell  here in the Southern California Desert.

Greg,

Uhmmm, maybe their "safari". items ...but that's not the real deal Filson.

Bob

 

[Bob Marino]

Bob -

My Seattle in-laws gave me a gift certificate to for Filsons as a birthday present - I have been thinking of a double mackinaw but it will be more for style.  As far as function goes, the parka I'm wearing in my avatar - actually, it's an anorak, not a parka, since the zipper goes down only 1/3 of the way - is the warmest in existence.  I had it made last year in Fairbanks, at "Apocalypse Design". Made out of super-heavy canvas, a gazillion inches of insulation, and that's a wolverine and wolf ruff around my head......

I'm warm at 70 below.  Or at least my upperparts are.

Well, maybe you can wear that 100% wool, Filson Double Mackinaw on those balmy Alaska summer days! ;D I couldn't imagine -70 weather. [eek]

Bob

 

[Bob Marino]

I too love Filson stuff.

Check out Tilley stuff, too. If you like one, you'll like the other. Well made stuff.

Dave,
 

I took a look at Tilley, looks well made but seems more  "travel" clothing clothing, rather than  "outdoors/work" clothing. Actually wish that I did more traveling; admire those that do - it takes me a week of planning just to go to Coney Island!

Bob

 

[DavidCBaker]

Yes, it's definitely more traveling/casual stuff.

 

[greg mann]

I wear a Tilley hat when I 'travel' in my kayak. Keeps the sun off and can be rigged with the second strap to keep it on my  head when the wind comes up. I have always admired the Filson stuff for its design and workmanship. Good stuff, I think.

 

[mouppe]

Tilley hat all the way. I can go 80 mph with the roof down and it won't fly off my head.

 

[Alaska Ranger]

....those balmy Alaska summer days! ;D I couldn't imagine -70 weather. [eek]

Bob

Heh.  Well, unlike the unnamed protagonist of Jack London's quintessential short story To Build A Fire, long, long ago I learned an old Native trick of how to stay alive at 60 below.... or 70 below.....

You stay inside.

I am the Nat'l Weather Service Observer for this part of the state.  To my everlasting irritation because of loss of bragging rights, my temperature gauge is sited in the warmest location in our area - usually three to five degrees colder at our rental cabins 50 yards away, five to ten degrees chillier across the way, and colder still a half-mile south.  The coldest I have seen at my station is -56?F/-49?C, but it has been in the minus 70s in the area.  Hey - but we did get up to +76?F this summer (just once, though) [scared]

 

[Bob Marino]

Tilley hat all the way. I can go 80 mph with the roof down and it won't fly off my head.

Hey Rich,

Why is that - proper fit, chin staps?

Bob

 

[greg mann]

The Tilley has 2 straps, one for the front and one for the back of your head. You would think a strap on the back is of no practical use but in buffetting winds they grip your nogin like Nolan Ryan's hold on a baseball. Well, maybe not that good.  [unsure]

 

[mouppe]

Bob, believe it or not I don't use the straps. It just fits nicely- not too tight and snug enough to stay on. They come in 1 cm (~1/3" increments (I think) so you can really get an accurate fit.

I hardly ever carry an umbrella unless it's really raining cats and dogs, just the hat. And I keep a $50 in the pocket inside the crown. But don't tell anyone!

I have had it for almost ten years now, it's still perfect.

 

[thinkingdog]

Bob

I am a big fan (and user) of Filson.  I use the tin cloth products when out in the field working (I'm a photographer), and have several of the shelter cloth jackets and moleskin vests for daily use during the fall and winter. Some of the luggage lines (not all!) are excellent and I travel with them weekly.  I dare say that many of the pieces will outlast me!

I agree with your sentiments; they are a great design and the pieces made in the USA are time-tested and seemingly bomb-proof.

-Ernie Scott

 

[Bob Marino]

Bob

I am a big fan (and user) of Filson.  I use the tin cloth products when out in the field working (I'm a photographer), and have several of the shelter cloth jackets and moleskin vests for daily use during the fall and winter. Some of the luggage lines (not all!) are excellent and I travel with them weekly.  I dare say that many of the pieces will outlast me!

I agree with your sentiments; they are a great design and the pieces made in the USA are time-tested and seemingly bomb-proof.

-Ernie Scott

Ernie,

Just ordered a tin cloth jacket - can be used with the liners and am waiting to see that tin cloth - just hope it isn't too stiff. I am about  to rewax my older foul weather jacket. Have you found the jackets to be waterproof enough to survive a good rain and keep you dry?
Are you referring to the new line of Filson nylon (imported) luggage? I won't buy it - there are plenty of other quality lines of imported luggage out there. To me, it not the real deal Filson; and if I am going to buy a Filson, I want a Filson. But the whole line of USA made cotton twill is tops. Have you found otherwise?

Bob

 

[thinkingdog]

Ernie,

Just ordered a tin cloth jacket - can be used with the liners and am waiting to see that tin cloth - just hope it isn't too stiff. I am about  to rewax my older foul weather jacket. Have you found the jackets to be waterproof enough to survive a good rain and keep you dry?
Are you referring to the new line of Filson nylon (imported) luggage? I won't buy it - there are plenty of other quality lines of imported luggage out there. To me, it not the real deal Filson; and if I am going to buy a Filson, I want a Filson. But the whole line of USA made cotton twill is tops. Have you found otherwise?

Bob

Bob

Which tin cloth jacket did you order?  The heavier ones (field jacket) can be quite stiff at first; but when broken in, man are they sweet!  The tin cloth ones are more waterproof than the lighter cloths...but still, all need rewaxing every few years depending on use.  A downside is that they are not goretex-like.  Perspiration will not wick through.  So, if you use 'em while undertaking lots of activity, it is a good idea to open them up and let the inside dry afterwards; rain or no rain.  I have been in some decent downpours with them and they (the tin cloths) have kept me dry.  And I have had some damp shoulders and backs with the lighter cloths, but usually those have needed rewaxing.

Yeah, the real good luggage are the twill pieces.  I did pick up one of the new style nylon ones, and don't use it. As a matter of fact, I have acquired many Filson pieces over the years and not once had to return one (lifetime warranty), until I picked up that nylon shoulder bag.  The stitching was coming undone.  So, I too, prefer and will stick with the USA lines....clothing AND luggage.

Now that I think about it, I probably have as many Filson pieces as I do Festools (of which many came from you!).  Like the tools, many of the Filson pieces serve a particular purpose.

-es

 

[Bob Marino]

[/quote]

Bob

Which tin cloth jacket did you order?  The heavier ones (field jacket) can be quite stiff at first; but when broken in, man are they sweet!  The tin cloth ones are more waterproof than the lighter cloths...but still, all need rewaxing every few years depending on use.  A downside is that they are not goretex-like.  Perspiration will not wick through.  So, if you use 'em while undertaking lots of activity, it is a good idea to open them up and let the inside dry afterwards; rain or no rain.  I have been in some decent downpours with them and they (the tin cloths) have kept me dry.  And I have had some damp shoulders and backs with the lighter cloths, but usually those have needed rewaxing.

Yeah, the real good luggage are the twill pieces.  I did pick up one of the new style nylon ones, and don't use it. As a matter of fact, I have acquired many Filson pieces over the years and not once had to return one (lifetime warranty), until I picked up that nylon shoulder bag.  The stitching was coming undone.  So, I too, prefer and will stick with the USA lines....clothing AND luggage.

Now that I think about it, I probably have as many Filson pieces as I do Festools (of which many came from you!).  Like the tools, many of the Filson pieces serve a particular purpose.

-es
[/quote]

  I ordered the tin cloth and the shelter cloth "jackets" - the shortest in length ~28" - sort of like jean jacket length, not the field coats. I have the "foul weather cover cloth" coat  and that's fairly long ~34" in the back'. But I am second guessing myself about not just getting their tin cloth packer coat or cruiser.
Yes, their twill luggage is not only the toughest around - it happens to be sharp looking  - in a rugged way.
Haven't bought many of their shirts - they are all made off shore - mostly China.

Glad you like your tools...and hopefully your salesman!

Bob

 

[Meatplow]

I own a Filson Red/Black (Double Mackinaw) and several hats to match, without a doubt the most durable clothing you can purchase. The only article of clothing I ever bought that came with an owners manual.  Pendleton stuff is not too shabby either...

Thanks for bringing it up 

 

[Sean_C_G]

I've got a lot of Filson gear, Single and Double Mack, vests, Shelter cloth foul weather coat, "weekender coat," etc. My "lucky" fly fishing shirt is a Filson. If anyone is into Barbour oil cloth, Filson's oil finished shelter cloth is far more durable, and still quite pliable for comfort. Worth it. I'm dismayed that they've since gone overseas to make some of their products.