We’re pleased to announce the opening of our London store, the first ever stand-alone Filson location outside the Northwest United States.  The 550 square-foot store is located in Soho, one of Central London’s best burgeoning neighborhoods.  Here, we’ll focus mainly on field jackets, small leather goods, bags, and luggage.  There will also be an assortment of authentic worn-in Filson luggage — a great option for collectors  — and special edition bags available only in this store.

Filson London Location:
9 Newburgh St.
London, UK W1F 7RL

Store Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 11 am – 7 pm
Sunday: 12 pm – 6 pm

Kelly James is a long-time friend of Filson and an inspiring photographer based in the Pacific Northwest.  At the age of 13, Kelly was drawn to photography for reasons he couldn’t yet explain, but by 15 could already be found working in the darkroom of the local newspaper.  Now, he has operated a commercial photography studio for over 20 years.  An avid and passionate explorer, Kelly has captured images of views, vistas, and extraordinary experiences that many people will never see with their own eyes.

Photos courtesy of Kelly James.  All rights reserved.

The road up Green Ridge snakes through dense forests until you reach a place near the top where it makes a hairpin switchback and breaks into the open. From that spot there is a view of the east side of the Central Oregon Cascades.  I had driven to that spot in the middle of January. There was about five inches of snow covering the gravel, and mine were the only tracks in the snow. I parked at the hairpin and scrambled up a very steep embankment to try and get some photographs of the sun setting behind the peaks.

I had spent the day shooting images of snow covered forests for a client. For most of the day I had bright sunshine to make my images more interesting. That was not the case when I reached my vantage point on Green Ridge. A bank of clouds had formed on the Western horizon and it looked like the sweet light was going to be blocked. The best shot I could get was of the clouds rolling over the top of Three Fingered Jack. I shot what I could until I was left to scramble down the embankment in the dark.

I loaded up my gear, turned the rig around, and drove through the hairpin heading back down the ridge. Immediately after rounding the curve, a set of tracks came onto the road from the down hill side. They were not there when I came through before. Coyote was my first thought. I followed them down the road until the next switchback where they continued straight into the forest. I stopped the rig and got out to investigate.  Not coyote. I went back to the rig and positioned it so the headlights were lighting the tracks then grabbed my camera and tripod. These were cougar tracks and I could see some potential for an interesting image. Cougar populations have been on the rise in Oregon and this wasn’t the first time I had crossed trails with one of the mountain predators. Still, these were the biggest tracks I had ever seen. I set up my camera and took my shots. At one point I reached down with my hand to measure the track. The paw print was way bigger than my fist.  This is one big cat. I turned around to check the tree line to make sure I was not being stalked. Now, cougars have several names and I always wondered about that.  But at that moment I had the realization that if the animal weighs more than I do — as this one undoubtedly did — that is when a cougar becomes a mountain lion.

As I was packing my camera back into the rig, I thought of just how close that animal had passed. My next thought, might want to start packing my pistol.

All Rights Reserved – Kelly James

Kelly James is a long-time friend of Filson and an inspiring photographer based in the Pacific Northwest.  At the age of 13, Kelly was drawn to photography for reasons he couldn’t yet explain, but by 15 could already be found working in the darkroom of the local newspaper.  Now, he has operated a commercial photography studio for over 20 years.  An avid and passionate explorer, Kelly has captured images of views, vistas, and extraordinary experiences that many people will never see with their own eyes.

Solitude is a rare experience these days. I am fortunate in that I get to experience it more than most people. At least that was what I was telling my self as I trudged through the snow with a heavy pack on my back, snowshoes strapped to my boots, and only my moon shadow to keep me company. My destination was the west side of Crater Lake and I was about four miles in. The parking lot at the lodge had held three vehicles other than mine and I had one by one passed their owners heading out. The last being a young couple on skis I met just as the sun was going down. So I knew I was the only soul within many miles.

My intent was to find a good vantage point on the west side of the caldera, sleep in the snow and get up before dawn to photograph the sunrise.

Conventional wisdom has it that backcountry adventures should not be done alone but the nature of my work has always made it difficult to include anyone else. I had just had a meeting with one of my clients on Friday. I was going to be shooting their 2014 calendar. Crater Lake is to be featured on the January page. Of course that means a snow shot. I knew the weather conditions we were experiencing potentially could create some beautiful sunrise images. I had to deliver my daughter back to college in Ashland on Monday so I would be in the area, and Monday being MLK day entrance to the park would be FREE! Holy Cow! Rarely do the stars align like that. It seemed I’d be a fool not to give it a shot. Of course this was decided on Sunday. Hard to find anyone available on such short notice and willing to endure the conditions of such an assignment. So of course like always I was on my own.

Not quite to the peak called The Watchman I veered off the main trail and headed for the rim of the caldera. It was a steep climb and the snow was soft but not too difficult to manage. I only had a few hundred yards to cover. I passed though the tree line and emerged on a vantage point looking over the lake. Standing on the edge of the caldera the moonlit vista across the lake was incredible. I was still breathing a little hard from the climb as I stood there taking it in. As often happens after sundown the wind had stilled. The silence was profound. I was very excited.

A little hiking to the South found me a spot that I thought would make for some good images. Of course by this time it was quite dark and I was in the shadow of the trees. I pulled off my pack and made a simple camp. I anticipated the stillness so had left my tent back in my rig bringing just a ground cloth, a Thermarest, and a very good sleeping bag. Using a technique we taught ourselves snow camping in boy scouts I built a very small fire in the snow and ate my dinner.

Sitting there in the snow looking out across that moonlit lake, an occasional gust of wind whistling the tree tops, I experienced the most complete feeling of solitude that I had ever experienced on all of my solo adventures. An absolute calm and peacefulness, like I was meant to be there.  My life has been filled with many such adventures and I realized long ago that not everyone was meant to do such things. I was thinking about that and how at that moment I was so thankful that I was.

Filson in the Field:WILDLIFE PRESERVATION FROM A HUNTER’S PERSPECTIVE, WYOMING from Filson on Vimeo.

Jeff Short, a wildlife biologist and survey coordinator with the Wyoming Game & Fish Department, heads the Southwest Wyoming Radio Collaring Project to study the seasonal habitats, movement and fawn survival of Mule Deer. Since the last Mule Deer study in the mid-80s, southwest Wyoming has suffered a decline in deer, much like other areas of the western United States. The information collected from this project will help determine necessary habitat treatments, set hunting seasons and overall deer herd management. Through family hunting traditions, Jeff’s love of the outdoors and deep respect for the land’s resources guides the work he does today.

At Filson, “Might as Well Have the Best” doesn’t stop at the product– we’ve got the most talented team of employees around that live and breathe  Filson in and out of the offices. Today we chat with Michael Rands, VP of Finance. If there’s a department you’d like to see interviewed, leave us a comment below!

How long have you been with Filson: 5 Years

What do you do on a typical work day: Work with all departments to make sure they have what they need to keep Filson moving.  Coordinate between departments to help things move smoothly and of course watch the finances.

What makes working at Filson different than other places: The desire to make Filson and its products the best in the industry helps unify the team, which makes it a fun place to work.  You don’t have to have a mission statement when everyone’s mission is to make the best product possible and make customers happy.

What is your favorite product: The 1.5″ double belt (style 63215) because its incredibly burly and quite frankly over built.  Just wearing makes you feel rugged.  The Highlander boots are a close second.

What is one of your most memorable stories in your Filson gear: There isn’t one story that stands out but I can’t begin to tell you how many days and miles I’ve slogged through mud and snow in my highlander boots.  I love them – always comfortable and always dry.

What’s your favorite thing to do in Seattle or the Pacific Northwest region?  I love the mountains.  Whether its skiing, hiking, cycling, or climbing – the Cascades are a tough place to beat.  Nothing better than being able to be alpine climbing or back country skiing within an hour of leaving the office.

Dear Mr. Filson,

You have asked for my life story. I am a blue checked cruiser. You made me about 1950 and shipped me by Alaska Steam ship to the O. Kraft and Son store in Kodiak, Alaska. I was purchased by Peggy Sutliff. Even then I was expensive, but as you will see, I was a good value. Our life together began on the Flying H ranch where she spent summers with her young children. We cut hay and wood, mended fences, branded calves and herded cattle. Peggy drove a 49 Plymouth station wagon in those days. That was before studded tires so many times we lay in the wet snow installing tire chains. No worries, I’m tough. Mr. Sutliff had a Piper Super cub. I spent about 1000 hours sitting the back seat of that cub. No rear heater! Damn it was noisy. They fished rainbow trout and silver salmon. She killed a deer every year for over 30 years. The freezer was always full and I never missed a trip. Peggy was a Red Cross volunteer starting with injured World War II soldiers. On March 27, 1964 the great Alaska earthquake hit. The ensuing tsunami destroyed the town of Kodiak. She spent the next month full time helping people with food, clothing and housing. There were no phones of any kind so all communication was in person or by radio. Do you know how bad the weather is in Kodiak in March? It rains sideways! You made me of the finest wool so I kept her warm and dry. Speaking of the Red Cross, Peggy was presented the Harriman award for volunteer service. I was NOT invited to the ceremony with Elizabeth Dole in San Diego, California. When Peggy died as age 87, I moved in with her daughter in law. She is a life long Alaskan outdoors woman with her own Piper on floats. No heater at all and still noisy. But, at least now I’m on the pilot in the front seat. My cuffs have been reinforced and buttons re-sewn. I’m good for another 60 years.

Sincerely, Blue Checked Cruiser

P. S. I don’t have hand warmer pockets

I titled my story Current Occupant because that best describes the life of this Mackinaw Cruiser. My dad originally purchased it many years ago, but as soon as I was big enough to fill it out (or at least come close enough to filling it out) I have been grabbing it at every opportunity. That’s pretty much the life this garment has lived. Staying in one closet for the briefest of time until reclaimed by the other. My dad and I go back and forth “borrowing” it. Its become a fun and entertaining tradition. I hope to be the majority owner this winter, but somehow I imagine my dad has other plans!

At Filson, “Might as Well Have the Best” doesn’t stop at the product– we’ve got the most talented team of employees around that live and breathe  Filson in and out of the offices. Today we chat with one of our newest employees,  Engineer Assistant, Theresa (Terry) Olson. If there’s a department you’d like to see interviewed, leave us a comment below!

How long have you been with Filson:

Terry Olson, Filson Engineer Assistant

4.5 months

What do you do on a typical work day:

I work with operators on problems they are having sewing garments.  That can range from what they may see as an issue with a pattern to a question about how to sew something together. I also work with Pattern makers on how they can make the patterns so they can best be sewn by the operators.   I am sort of an in-between person between the production workers and the designers. I also work on the technical documents that are necessary for production.  I rarely sit at my desk – I am usually out on the floor, measuring something or cutting things up.

What makes working at Filson different than other places: 

This place is constantly in motion. I NEVER am at a loss for what to do.  In a way it is like my previous career as a public defender.  I have different people coming at me (operators, pattern makers, cutters . . . just like my clients, prosecutors, judges) and I try to find a way to get everybody to find a place where they can meet. It may mean the pattern needs to change or the operators have to learn a new skill. I try to find the place where that can be done while achieving the objective to keep Filson goods high quality and delivered on time.

What is your favorite product:

So far, the oil cloth denim. I have my eye on the jacket we are getting ready to bring to production because one of them will end up in my closet!

What is one of your most memorable stories in your Filson gear: 

Many years ago I was dating a guy who had a Filson jacket. He was a big fan of the Austin Powers movies and he had been given a mini-me doll as a gift. I came down here and asked for some extra fabric and Filson was nice enough to give me some. I made a mini version of a Filson jacket for Mini me. It is so good it is creepy. When my boyfriend was not around and just the doll was, it was like a mini clone of him.

What’s your favorite thing to do in Seattle or the Pacific Northwest region?

Outside, I ride my bike. I am on a bike racing team and I ride all over the place.

What’s coming up at Filson that you’re excited about: 

Continuing to assist in the process of designing and manufacturing things in the USA.  My apparel design background is mostly in overseas production and it is great to have the folks who are making what we design yards away. But there are also unique problems that come with that.

Thanks, Terry!

I grew up in the upper peninsula of Michigan, 40 miles from the straits of Mackinaw. For those of you who don’t know, the U.P. is that peninsula of Michigan that looks as if it should be Wisconsin. It is a place special to itself with its own distinct culture, language, and people. Growing up there were two outdoor items I wanted. One was a Filson Mackinaw, the other a Marble’s knife. The men who I looked up too had these items, they still do. As my family wasn’t in the economic position to have these things, I had to wait.

I purchased my first Filson item shortly after college, a belt. Fifty dollars was a lot to spend on a belt, but ten years later it’s still in use. After a few years, I had acquired a few Filson items, but wasn’t able to afford a Mackinaw yet. Then I was deployed. Anyone who has deployed with the military can tell you, you are really either super busy or not at all. During those slow times we would all dream about life back home. We would look at pictures, tell stories, and dream. I would look at the Mackinaw in the catalog, and dream of wearing it once I was home.

Once back, I made the purchase. My Mackinaw has been on moose hunts in my adoptive state of Alaska. It has been worn over shirt and tie to the symphony. It has crossed the straits of Mackinaw while I was home visiting family. When I wear it, it reminds me of where I come from and what I’ve been through. And being a Filson Mackinaw, I know that it will see the rest of the adventures to come.

Share your own memories about your Filson Mackinaw Cruiser. We want to hear who wore it, where it’s been and how it performed for you. You can include photos or not. If you just want to send a photo, that’s OK, too. We will go through all the stories and select the best. The winner will receive a free new Mackinaw Cruiser. Click here to enter.

Filson Life guest blogger, Tom Slaughter, is a year-round hunter – both a planner and an executer. Whether it’s traveling to Alaska, Colorado or Montana, this hunter is always prepared for the journey, especially when he has his Filson gear with him. In this post, Slaughter lends insight to packing for an out-of-state hunt.

I look forward to every year’s hunting draw results to see where I will be heading out west to.  Each year, I take a few trips across country that requires air transportation.  Every few months the airlines/TSA change regulations regarding traveling with a firearm and the amount of baggage you can travel with.  Always check with your airline to see what the new rules are.

Filson Carry-On

Fortunately, I have been able to avoid serious excess baggage fees over the past few years by finding the best way to minimize fees and still bring what I need.  I am heading out to Wyoming in about two weeks for a Mule deer hunt.  For this flight, I am flying an airline that allows me two checked bags, one carry on, and one personal item.   For the outgoing flight, I always plan on only checked bag, one carry on, and one personal item. This way, I reserve the second checked bag allowance in anticipation of bringing a cooler on the return trip filled with the reward of a successful hunt.

In my Filson “carry on,” I pack all of my under garments, pants, shirts, socks, hats, gloves, and outer protective clothing.  In my “personal bag,” for which I use my day back, I pack my optics which include a spotting scope, binoculars, range finder, and camera equipment. I also include my Boots in my carry on as they are not something I am willing to wait for should be luggage be delayed.  The majority of the other checked equipment can be borrowed in a worst case scenario.  Boots also take up to 10% of the permissible weight so this helps economize weight, as well.

A well-packed carry-on

Finally, my gun case, is my checked back and in it I include my firearm, vacuum sealer, first aid kit, field dressing kit and game bags, and a gun case to use in camp.  I know that my gun case weighs exactly 49lbs and include an index card (with a list of the contents) in it so that I know to pack the same way on the return trip to avoid shuffling equipment at the ticket counter.

If I am fortunate enough to harvest a Mule Deer, I will purchase the necessary coolers and pack it with the meat.  Most airlines allow 2lbs of dry ice with the vented coolers (take the drain plug out).  This is more than enough to keep your meat cool to get it home.
I would also recommend keeping the dry ice on top with a piece of cardboard separating the meat and the dry ice.

Tom Slaughter Packing Tips: Gun Case

Currently, with Delta, you can ship antlers for $100 or less; this is a less expensive option than going to a shipping center or having a taxidermist ship them.  The baggage fees for this airline after 2 checked bags  is $50.  A Mule deer will take up two coolers.

Learning to pack efficiently was one lesson I learned the hard way.  I went out west for an elk hunt and ended up spending $300 in excess baggage fees to get my stuff and 1 full elk home.  Luckily, this was not as bad as another hunter in camp that spent $1,100 shipping his meat home from a processor plus his excess baggage fees.  I highly recommend spending a little extra time packing and talking to the airlines about the limitations.  Not only will it save you money, but you will be better organized.