Go USA...

[Bob Marino]

I'm on Filson USA's email list - darn well should with the amount of stuff I've bought over the years! Today's email was about their new USA made boots. Now, these boots were previously made here, but about 5 years or so ago, Filson outsourced these boots to China (IIRC). I'm guessing that customer complaints/comments had something to do with having them manufactured here again. Some months back, many of their imported shirts and other clothing items appeared with the MADE IN THE USA label attached.
http://www.filson.com/event/filson-made-in-usa/-ev20/
Orvis, another venerable USA clothing/fishing/hunting supplier have also increased the number of USA manufactured items.
I think that's a good sign - for more reason's than one!

Bob

 

[Jmaichel]

Cool! Thanks for the info. I am a sucker for high quality made in USA products. I also believe that Danner and Irish Setter make some of their boots here in the US as well. I am going to get a new pair of hunting boots this season and I may have to give the Filson's a look.
James

 

[johninthecamper]

best boots you can buy are whites and wesco,both hand made in the usa,been wearing whites for over twenty years

 

[Sparktrician]

Excellent!!!  Filson wool is unparalleled for warmth. 

[smile]

 

[Bob Marino]

best boots you can buy are whites and wesco,both hand made in the usa,been wearing whites for over twenty years

Could be right on that John. And it's great to see that White's have never outsourced their boots. The point I was (happily) making was that for whatever reason/reasons (pride, customer satisfaction, good sales pitch, increased bottom line, etc.) the Prodigal Son is coming  home.

Bob

 

[Bob Marino]

Excellent!!!  Filson wool is unparalleled for warmth.  

[smile]

Willy,

Good point about the quality wool Filson uses. But I would always point out about Filson products - more particularly their coats, is that there are far warmer, less bulky, more ergonomic coats available - most good down jackets come to mind, and far more water resistant, breathable coats - think GoreTex, than Filson's Tin and Cover cloth jackets.  What you are getting with  a Filson, more particularly with the wool coats and jackets, is a breathable, natural fiber, extremely durable, never goes out of style, item  that is USA made and can literally be passed down to your children. Perhaps, it's a step back in time.

 This Filson coat........uhm, well, some love it; others, including my wife and daughter think otherwise.
Bob

 

[awdriven]

I really like the Filson items I own. Glad to hear that more of it is coming back to USA production. The Double Mackinaw cruiser is probably my favorite.

On the topic of boots, some but not all Red Wings are still USA made.

 

[Sparktrician]

I've been out shooting skeet in a driving snowstorm wearing the Double Mac over a sweater, and when we all returned to the range house, I was the only one that was dry and warm, and some were wearing GoreTex and some were wearing downwear. 

[smile]

 

[Bob Marino]

The Double Mackinaw cruiser is probably my favorite.

Mine too!

Bob

 

[Bob Marino]

I've been out shooting skeet in a driving snowstorm wearing the Double Mac over a sweater, and when we all returned to the range house, I was the only one that was dry and warm, and some were wearing GoreTex and some were wearing downwear. 

[smile]

Got a question for you. Was it that the sweater prevented the rain from getting through? Is the natural oil in the wool that protective from rain? Or is it that the other guys had no sweater to absorb water that got through?

Bob

 

[Sparktrician]

I've been out shooting skeet in a driving snowstorm wearing the Double Mac over a sweater, and when we all returned to the range house, I was the only one that was dry and warm, and some were wearing GoreTex and some were wearing downwear. 

[smile]

Got a question for you. Was it that the sweater prevented the rain from getting through? Is the natural oil in the wool that protective from rain? Or is it that the other guys had no sweater to absorb water that got through?

Bob

My sweater was dry, as was the inner layer of the Double Mac.  I suspect that it was the outer wool's natural oils that kept me quite dry.  (Either that or my natural cussedness...) 

[smile]

 

[johninthecamper]

wiggy's is little known company,check out the fossil ridge jacket,all made in usa,white does out source their unresolable boots,by danner

 

[Bob Marino]

I've been out shooting skeet in a driving snowstorm wearing the Double Mac over a sweater, and when we all returned to the range house, I was the only one that was dry and warm, and some were wearing GoreTex and some were wearing downwear. 

[smile]

Got a question for you. Was it that the sweater prevented the rain from getting through? Is the natural oil in the wool that protective from rain? Or is it that the other guys had no sweater to absorb water that got through?

Bob

My sweater was dry, as was the inner layer of the Double Mac.  I suspect that it was the outer wool's natural oils that kept me quite dry.  (Either that or my natural cussedness...) 

[smile]

Nah, weve spoken enough that you don't have any cussedness - at least not towards me (that I know about) ;D0.
But that's good to know about the repellency. I'm also betting its because of that double layer of wool on the arms and shoulders.

http://www.filson.com/products/double-mackinaw-cruiser.10041.html?fromCat=true&fvalsProduct=mens/coats-jackets/made-in-usa/wool&fmetaProduct=10111514

  Bob

 

[rmwarren]

Bob, I have a similar affinity for Fislon and I was really down when they were sold, the product line expanded and they started importing a bunch of stuff. I was really expecting it to to be a steady cheapening of the brand.

I did notice on their website a while ago an "explanation" of the reasons they started off-shoring, basically I recall them saying they had trouble finding factories in the US that produced clothing (shirts/pants) while their own production capacity was more geared towards leather and canvas, i.e. bags, boots and coats. I was skeptical since the importing started with expanding their product line. In any case I am really glad to hear they are bringing more production back to the US.

One of the main reasons I like Filson is the absence of Velcro, when I am out in the woods the last thing I want to hear is sssccchhuuuuukkkkk when I open the flap of my bag to pull out a camera or binoculars. Tends to spook the game.

As far as favorites, hands down for me it is the medium field bag. This one has more hard miles on it than the average Jeep Willys...

[attachthumb=#]

This bag is perpetually stocked with binocs, cigars/lighter/flask, a couple bandannas, pencil & journal, a water flask & cup, knives and cord. Never know when an interesting trailhead will pop up.  [big grin]

Thanks for starting the thread.

RMW

PS - I tend to agree with your wife/daughter on the coat... that tends to spook the game too.  [poke]

 

[Bob Marino]

wiggy's is little known company,check out the fossil ridge jacket,all made in usa,white does out source their unresolable boots,by danner

Thanks for the link. Very nice jcacket, but at  this point in time, I'd have an easier time from my wife if I brought home a 20 year old college girl than bringing home another coat.

Bob

 

[Sparktrician]

Bob, I have a similar affinity for Fislon and I was really down when they were sold, the product line expanded and they started importing a bunch of stuff. I was really expecting it to to be a steady cheapening of the brand.

I did notice on their website a while ago an "explanation" of the reasons they started off-shoring, basically I recall them saying they had trouble finding factories in the US that produced clothing (shirts/pants) while their own production capacity was more geared towards leather and canvas, i.e. bags, boots and coats. I was skeptical since the importing started with expanding their product line. In any case I am really glad to hear they are bringing more production back to the US.

One of the main reasons I like Filson is the absence of Velcro, when I am out in the woods the last thing I want to hear is sssccchhuuuuukkkkk when I open the flap of my bag to pull out a camera or binoculars. Tends to spook the game.

As far as favorites, hands down for me it is the medium field bag. This one has more hard miles on it than the average Jeep Willys...

[attachthumb=#]

This bag is perpetually stocked with binocs, cigars/lighter/flask, a couple bandannas, pencil & journal, a water flask & cup, knives and cord. Never know when an interesting trailhead will pop up.  [big grin]

Thanks for starting the thread.

RMW

PS - I tend to agree with your wife/daughter on the coat... that tends to spook the game too.  [poke]

Frankly, I like the Wool Packer Coat, and wish they hadn't discontinued the green version.  I bought one for a former girlfriend many years ago, and she continually remarked about how it kept her toasty.  The Shelter Cloth Duster is great when I'm walking the critters in the rain. 

RMW, I agree with you regarding the Velcro.  LL Bean put out a camo parka years ago that had, of all things, Velcro on the pockets and a flame orange lining in places that showed when one wanted to be stealthy; it was made in China and it showed.  It went back most wiki-wiki. 

I've never had a problem with Filson quality. 

 

[Bob Marino]

Bob, I have a similar affinity for Fislon and I was really down when they were sold, the product line expanded and they started importing a bunch of stuff. I was really expecting it to to be a steady cheapening of the brand.

I did notice on their website a while ago an "explanation" of the reasons they started off-shoring, basically I recall them saying they had trouble finding factories in the US that produced clothing (shirts/pants) while their own production capacity was more geared towards leather and canvas, i.e. bags, boots and coats. I was skeptical since the importing started with expanding their product line. In any case I am really glad to hear they are bringing more production back to the US.

One of the main reasons I like Filson is the absence of Velcro, when I am out in the woods the last thing I want to hear is sssccchhuuuuukkkkk when I open the flap of my bag to pull out a camera or binoculars. Tends to spook the game.

As far as favorites, hands down for me it is the medium field bag. This one has more hard miles on it than the average Jeep Willys...

[attachthumb=#]

This bag is perpetually stocked with binocs, cigars/lighter/flask, a couple bandannas, pencil & journal, a water flask & cup, knives and cord. Never know when an interesting trailhead will pop up.  [big grin]

Thanks for starting the thread.

RMW

PS - I tend to agree with your wife/daughter on the coat... that tends to spook the game too.  [poke]

I think I remember hearing something about them being sold  a while back. I do remember that explanation though. About 3- 4 years ago, I  called and asked why they introduced a new (and pricey) leather jacket that was made in China, not here and their answer was that they were unable to find a USA manufacturer cable of meeting their quality demands. Did not believe it for a second then and not for a second now. It was their margins they were looking at. Anyway, it's encouraging to see them getting back to manufacturing more of their items here.

Their twill babs and luggage are superb; just can't wear them out.

As regards that black and red jacket with the HUGE shearling collar  ;D, well it obviates the need for a scarve and hat. But as mentioned, you either love it or hate it. [eek]

Bob

 

[Bob Marino]

Frankly, I like the Wool Packer Coat, and wish they hadn't discontinued the green version.  I bought one for a former girlfriend many years ago, and she continually remarked about how it kept her toasty.  The Shelter Cloth Duster is great when I'm walking the critters in the rain.  

RMW, I agree with you regarding the Velcro.  LL Bean put out a camo parka years ago that had, of all things, Velcro on the pockets and a flame orange lining in places that showed when one wanted to be stealthy; it was made in China and it showed.  It went back most wiki-wiki.  

I've never had a problem with Filson quality.    

The wool double packer - the one I'm wearing, is quite a bit warmer than the Double Mackinaw - sorry if this is too much hinside baseball for some readrers. It's longerr, a bit snugger and that collar blocks the wind like crazy. BTW, it is also available in charcol grey for those....uhm..... with more traditional tastes.

Bob

 

[greg mann]

wiggy's is little known company,check out the fossil ridge jacket,all made in usa,white does out source their unresolable boots,by danner

Wiggy's makes the only synthetic sleeping bags I have ever found to be worth using. They can be washed as often as socks and still perform like the day they were bought. The insulation dries extremely fast and you can compress them almost as easily as down yet they decompress quickly and without fail. I have several bags and our greyhounds prefer them to any of their dogbeds. I think it is the instant warmth they feel that hooks them. They also make sleeping pads that are without equal. They are not particularly compact so one wouldn't want to backpack with them but they sleep great. Did I mention there products are bombproof? And reasonably priced.

 

[rmwarren]

wiggy's is little known company,check out the fossil ridge jacket,all made in usa,white does out source their unresolable boots,by danner

Wiggy's makes the only synthetic sleeping bags I have ever found to be worth using. They can be washed as often as socks and still perform like the day they were bought. The insulation dries extremely fast and you can compress them almost as easily as down yet they decompress quickly and without fail. I have several bags and our greyhounds prefer them to any of their dogbeds. I think it is the instant warmth they feel that hooks them. They also make sleeping pads that are without equal. They are not particularly compact so one wouldn't want to backpack with them but they sleep great. Did I mention there products are bombproof? And reasonably priced.

I never heard of Wiggy's before so of course I had to Google them.

Dang, 20% off sleeping bags + free shipping AND they have fire-retardant underwear... What more can a guy ask for?

This is going to be 'spensive, Lucy.

RMW