Skip to main content
Menu
Filson - Since 1897
Close
  • Outerwear
  • Shirts
  • Pants
  • Accessories
  • Bags & Luggage
  • Hunting & Fishing
  • Home & Dog

// Home > The Filson Journal > backcountry

The Filson Journal
  • Profiles
  • How-To’s
  • Signature Materials
  • Food & Recipes
  • Field Notes
Search Close
22 Stories
Or Select a Topic of Interest
  • hunting (116)
  • fishing (115)
  • ranching (17)
  • camping (37)
  • hiking (21)
  • travel (111)
  • gear (44)
  • filson 101 (36)
  • trade stories (104)
  • conservation (60)
  • history (80)
  • how to (100)
  • recipe (57)
  • video (27)
  • alaska (86)
  • dogs (40)
  • USFS (46)

backcountry

a blonde haired woman wearing hiking gear standing in a forest looking off into the distance
Field Notes

A Sea Change in Southeast Alaska

The USDA’s proposed Southeast Alaska Sustainability Strategy charts new management direction for the Tongass, centered on the responsible stewardship of public land and water. Learn more about the initiatives taking place and how you can support the Tongass.

Read more

9 Min
a dark haired man sitting down wearing a white t-shirt under a black wool coat holding a dog in front of him
Profiles

Alaskan Musher: Lauro Eklund

With his father, Neil Eklund, Lauro spends long days working with his dogs and exploring Alaska’s remote and rugged interior. With hopes his dogs will one day soon lead the 25-year-old musher to the start line of the biggest races of all, the Yukon Quest and the Iditarod.

Read more

2 Min
a blurry image of two sled dogs running across the snow with read harnesses and lines in front of and behind them
Field Notes

The Dynamic of the Line: the anatomy of a dog team

Sled dog teams consist of 12-16 dogs to traverse difficult terrain, while following specific commands from a musher. Learn the anatomy of a sled dog team and what it takes to build a good team.

Read more

4 Min
a muskox standing stoiclyon rocky snow covered ground looking off into the distance
Field Notes

The Survivors: Alaskan Arctic Musk Oxen

With no reason to fear mankind, the muskox was almost driven to extinction by the advent of guns that ripped through the slow-moving herds. In Alaska and on the rest of the planet, they simply disappeared by the late 1800s. All that was left of an animal that had been around since the time of the caveman were fuzzy stories passed down through Indigenous communities.

Read more

4 Min
four people on snow machines in the early light of day driving across an ice sheet in Alaska
Field Notes

Filson in the Field: Searching for Muskox in the Alaskan Arctic

As a company founded on equipping folks headed into the frozen desolation of the Klondike goldfields in 1897, we knew that we needed to do something that was a bit off the beaten path. With this in mind, we decided to head to the western edge of Alaska, above the Arctic Circle to tell the tale of the remarkable rebirth of an animal that was hunted to extinction in North America over a century ago, the musk ox.

Read more

4 Min
black and white of a woman on the deck of a lookout towner looking out at something through binoculars
Profiles

The Woman on the Mountain: Christine Estrada

Christine Estrada, a fire lookout, having visited 93 of the remaining lookouts across Washington State, works tirelessly during fire season to spot, report and communicate with fire teams on the ground, reducing the impact of wildfires in the Methow Valley.

Read more

4 Min

Sign up to receive the latest news about Filson products, events & stories.

FILSON — Outfitting the world's pioneers with innovative #UnfailingGoods for another 100 years.

an areal photo of a yellow and red forest service plane dropping water on a raging fire above the treelike
Field Notes

We Helped Restore a Forest Service Lookout Tower That Was Almost Consumed by Flames

A team of eager and passionate Filson employees, together with the National Forest Foundation, were wrapping up a restoration project at First Butte lookout tower, the fourth tower our team has volunteered to help restore. As we were putting the final touches on the tower, we received the news that a new wildfire had started near the site.

Read more

4 Min
a middle aged bearded white man wearing a yellow flannel shirt, dark jeans and a green hat holding a block of wood and a chainsaw looking up at a tree to assess it
Profiles

Zach LaPerrière: The Sage

Living in a small cabin immersed in the virgin old-growth with his family for the last twenty-five years, LaPerrière is a part of the wilderness. There is no television or road into it. Visitors park off the nearby road and walk in. As a result, they spend as much time outdoors as indoors. He spends long hours in his woodshop under the cabin, and he will spend months working on the creations that come from a single tree, turning it on his lathe, peeling back layers, and discovering the story in the wood.

Read more

4 Min
Group 39
Field Notes

Train Like a Wildland Firefighter, Workout 6: “THE DEVIL’s 55”

If you could only do one workout with limited equipment this MTNTOUGH workout would be at the top of the list. It is 55 minutes of total-body work, making it an extraordinary challenge to finish, but with continued dedication this can become an ordinary workout you can do anytime, anywhere with only a weighted pack.

Read more

5 Min
man holding oars while standing in boat
Profiles

Lael Johnson – Olympic Peninsula Fly Guide

Lael Johnson is a fly fisherman and guide on the Olympic Peninsula. His passion for the anadromous fish of Washington’s coastal rivers is contagious. He loves these fish, these rivers, and the people he is lucky enough to experience them with. Filson Contributor Ben Matthews spent a few days on the river with Lael to ask a few questions about guiding, steelhead, and life in general. If you’re interested in heading out on the river with Lael yourself, check out his website and book a trip. You won’t regret it.

Read more

5 Min
man wearing backpack with dumbbells over shoulders doing lunge squat
Field Notes

Train Like a Wildland Firefighter, Workout 5: “Brick by Brick”

MTNTOUGH’s “Brick by Brick” Workout is designed to help you become a more balanced athlete. The repeated pendulum lunges will make you want to throw in the towel, but they will test you psychologically. Stick with it.

Read more

5 Min
man lifting a backpack above his head in a black filson hat
Field Notes

Train Like a Wildland Firefighter, Workout 4: “Gone In 12 Minutes”

MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab believes eliminating psychological barriers is the key to reaching our goals. Their team knows the most important muscle you can train sits between your ears… the brain. Your mind, just like your body, can be trained. Mental toughness and perseverance can be cultivated through proper training, specifically training above the neck. Dustin Diefenderfer, lifelong backcountry hunter & founder of MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab, shares a straightforward workout to boost your grit that you can do anytime, anywhere with only a pack, backpack or rucksack.

Read more

3 Min
man holding backpack on biceps doing deep squat lunge
Field Notes

Train Like a Wildland Firefighter, Workout 3: “The Pack Challenge”

We worked with the guys at MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab to bring those simple but effective routines to you and whatever space you occupy to help you keep physically fit and mentally sharp. In the second installment of our series with MTNTOUGH, they walk us through their leg-day routine dubbed “The Mother of Quad.” Be warned, it’s not for the faint of heart.

Read more

3 Min
man performing
Field Notes

Train Like a Wildland Firefighter, Workout 2: “Mother of Quad”

In the second installment of our series with MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab, they walk us through their leg-day routine dubbed “the Mother of Quad.” Be warned, it’s not for the faint of heart.

Read more

2 Min
man driving atv splashing through puddle on dirt road in a mossy forest
How-To's

A Guide to Overlanding the North Cascades

The North Cascade Mountains of Washington attract all types of recreationists during the spring and summer months, from locals to tourists, from hikers and climbers to high mountain anglers and bird watchers. But one type of recreationist gets overlooked and even sometimes gets a bad rap: the overlanders.

Read more

4 Min
Illustration of three large bears walking through an arctic field
How-To's

How to Avoid Attacks in Bear & Cougar Territory

Consciously or unconsciously, humans, bears, and mountain lions, along with many other large mammals, all speak the same language with their bodies. The body language of an unleashed dog on the porch lazily lifting its head to watch you pass tells you it is no threat.

Read more

2 Min
boot in improvised snowshoe made out of lashed pine boughs
How-To's

How to Build Backcountry Snowshoes

Traveling into the backcountry can be filled with fun, excitement, and adventure; however, it can also be very dangerous. Mother Nature can quickly turn an enjoyable afternoon hike into a life-threatening situation. An unexpected snowstorm in the mountains can bring a host of problems. With cold temperatures and low visibility, travel can become extremely difficult, if not impossible, due to deep snow.

Read more

3 Min
a black and white image of a snowy mountain peak landscape
How-To's

How to Stay Safe in Avalanche Terrain – Tips from NWAC

Every year in the mountains of North America, avalanches kill an average of 45 people and injure many more. Nearly all these incidents involve people recreating. If you’re planning to get into the mountains this winter, there are a few things you should consider regarding avalanches prior to heading out.

Read more

7 Min
912, location, sundance, resort, mountain, rescue
Profiles

Avalanche Dog Noses: Your Best Chance of Survival

Up in the mountains, avalanches are part of the territory. If you’re lucky, you might only see or hear one. But on the off chance you get caught, there’s little even the most experienced can do to escape. Bright gear, and a beacon, shovel and probe are key to survival.

Read more

5 Min
black and white image of muscular man kneeling on grass outside in gray shirt with tattoos
Field Notes

Train Like a Wildland Firefighter, Workout 1: “FRIDLEY”

First responders and wildland firefighters don’t have the option to work from home. They need to be in top physical and mental shape or else lives could be lost. If they can’t make it to the gym, they bring the gym home or find a way to use whatever space they have to hit their daily goals. We worked with the guys at MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab to bring those simple but effective routines to you and whatever space you occupy to help you keep physically fit and mentally sharp.

Read more

7 Min
two men shirtless in a gym, the one in front bent over with his hands on his knees tired while the other adjusts the rowing machine behind him
Field Notes

Train Like a Wildland Firefighter with Mountain Tough Fitness Lab

The day-to-day rigors of a wildland firefighter require supreme mental and physical strength. These folks hump 45-pound packs up and down steep, rugged terrain for three to five miles a day — usually in the intense heat of a wildfire. If you want what it takes to be a wildland firefighter, you have to train like one. That’s where MTNTOUGH comes in.

Read more

2 Min
person warming hands behind burning kindling
How-To's

3 tips for Backcountry Preparedness with Coalcracker Bushcraft

Outdoor recreation provides an opportunity for people to learn and explore. It allows people to spend time with family and friends, view wildlife, and experience nature. These experiences however, could potentially become life-threatening. Be prepared by utilizing the following steps to prevent any mishaps. Preplan. Preplanning is the key to a safe and memorable outing.

Read more

3 Min
  Back to Top
  • Free Shipping

    All orders of $75 or more qualify for free economy shipping. No promotional code needed.

  • Free Returns

    We stand behind our products 100%. Shipping is free on all returns shipped from within the United States.

  • Secure Shopping

    We use industry standard encryption to keep your personal information secure when placing an order.

  • Unfailing Goods

    We guarantee the lifetime of each item made by Filson against failure or damage in its intended usage.

Sending
Find A Local Retail Store
  • Customer Service
  • Monday - Friday: 6 am - 3 pm PT
    Saturday: 7 a.m - 3 p.m PT
  • 1-800-624-0201
  • Help Center

SUPPORT

  • Customer Care
  • Shipping Info
  • Returns
  • Repairs & Exchanges

ABOUT US

  • Our History
  • Our Guarantee
  • Careers
  • Find a Store

FILSON LIFE

  • Request a Catalog
  • The Filson Journal
C.C. Filson Co. Manufacturers. 1741 First Ave S. Seattle, Wash. Complete outfitter for miners, prospectors, lumbermen
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Site Map
  • © 2023 C.C. FILSON CO. All Rights Reserved

If you are using a screen-reader and are having problems using this website, please call 1-800-624-0201 or email us for assistance.