Filson -- as good as they used to be?

**Girardian** · 05-23-2012, 01:37 AM

The recent Tumi thread got me wondering if there are those here with long term Filson experience. If so, what's the assessment on current production quality vs. older goods. Are they still up to snuff?

I'm looking at replacing some bags and am considering a Filson in the line up -- it's casual, to be sure, but classic in it's own right.

**oakeshott** · 05-23-2012, 05:21 AM

I'm a hunter and a fisherman and have been wearing Filson for over 20 years. I only have a few recent items (socks, wool longjohns, a heavy denim shirt) and by recent I mean in the last five years. I've been happy with them, but have heard complaints from others. Personally, I have not seen the decline.

Used to own one of the Filson briefcases and used it for about 5 years. While I love the look, it's simply not an intelligently made bag for the road warrior. Not enough pockets, not enough structure in the design, inadequate for rainy days and somewhat heavy once loaded up. The worst part, however, is that they're now "fashionable". The best part of owning one 15 years ago was the uniqueness and rarity of carrying what I felt then and still feel today is a ruggedly handsome piece of luggage. Now, one sees them all over the streets of NYC carried by young men in skinny pants and spiked hair. I know, I know, I know that:

1. That shouldn't make a difference.
2. What's wrong with skinny pants and spiked hair.
3. Style is timeless, ignore fashion.
4. To thine own self be true.

I can't help it though. If the Filson bag were more functional, more intelligently designed for my purposes then I would ignore it's au courant status. The Tumi backpack I use today is ugly and boring, but just so damn useful that I haven't found a replacement. The Filson sacrifices all sorts of usefulness for a particular look and I'm not willing to make that trade off. Ended up giving mine to a friend as a gift. He was thrilled.

You'll spend between 2 and 3 hundred dollars for the Filson and in that price range there's a lot of choice. All that said, sometimes you just gotta have the Filson.

**petr** · 05-23-2012, 07:03 AM

Filson's quality is the same. Tough as nails. My Dads field coat is 55 years old and I think it is finally breaking in. I have the same model in a new coat and it's the same.

**professorchaos** · 05-23-2012, 08:34 AM

Their luggage is excellent. I have a couple of pieces.

**DukeGrad** · 05-23-2012, 09:04 AM

My friend

Filson all clothing is imported, made elsewhere. Unless posted. That is shirts, sweaters, socks etc. Gloves, unless it states this.
Their bags, luggage, and boots are made in the US.And is posted.

Their outdoor coats are made overseas as well, unless posted.
I, like most here know Filson from 50 plus years ago.
IMO, I am a fan of Made in the USA>
Filson was known for their hunting coats, the wool makinaw etc.
And boots, shoes.
There are many others, but not here.
About several months ago, looked into getting their coats, and some leather stuff.
And found out made elsewhere
They, out of most other places I have shopped, advertise where their goods are made, though.
I respect that being upfront with customers.
Good luck

Jimmy

**Bruce Wayne** · 05-23-2012, 11:40 AM

I have one of their all leather packer wallets. I bought it in April of 2010. It's holding up great!!! It hasn't even broken in yet.

**Hirsute** · 05-23-2012, 01:14 PM

Yes, their luggage and leather goods are excellent. My packer wallet is ~ 8 years old and still looks great. I love their duffel bags--they'll last forever. There's a reason that even used bags command ~80% of the retail price on ebay. :-)

**Doc4** · 05-24-2012, 10:29 AM

Most production has been outsources to ... well, they won't say where on their website, but it ain't the Good Ol' You Ess of Eh!

Some "flagship" products are still made in the US. Those are identified on the website. (IIRC, most luggage, the 'traditional' lumberman's clothing of tin cloth &c, is US-made.)

The general consensus is that quality of the outsourced stuff has declined, and that the US-made stuff is still good as always.

**maxman** · 05-24-2012, 10:33 AM

I can't speak to their luggage/bags but my filson belt is the best I've ever owned.
It has the horrible job of holding me in place.
Think of the Hoover Dam holding back all that water......

**Miles** · 05-24-2012, 10:51 AM

I'm glad to hear that 1: they are still USA made, and 2: the USA made quality is still up there, and 3: the Filson cover cloth bomber I ordered is made in USA.

Looking forward to trying out such a well-respected brand, and unfortunately if they continue to outsource, maybe a sample of the best before they decline.