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

// Home > The Filson Journal > filson 101

The Filson Journal
  • Profiles
  • How-To’s
  • Signature Materials
  • Food & Recipes
  • Field Notes
Search Close
36 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)

filson 101

a close up of a man showing a snake shed
How-To's

Dos and Don’ts of Traveling in Rattlesnake Country

Local outdoors expert & lifelong Texan, Cory Emerson, helped us navigate the desolate limestone hills and canyons of Texas Hill County to put our new gear to the test. The most important piece being the dos and don’ts of traveling in rattlesnake country.

Read more

3 Min
top down view of a green dry fishing waist pack, open full fly lure box, fly fishing rod and the completed wooden landing net
How-To's

DIY Wooden Landing Net

A wooden landing net is not only one of the angler’s best tools to ensure the swift catch—and, where necessary, release—of a fish, but also a durable part of the kit that can be passed down from generation to generation.

Read more

6 Min
black button with gold lettering on knitted wool
Signature Materials

Filson Expert Picks: Geoff Samples

Expert Filson gear advice from our own, and the extended Filson community—breaking down each product plain and simple.

Read more

3 Min
worn filson patch on tan cloth with patch text reads: A genuine Filson Garment CC Filson CO. Seattle
Signature Materials

Tin Cloth Cruiser History

While the design of the Tin Cloth Cruiser has changed little over the decades, it has undergone some minor variations to meet demands beyond the forests. Over the years, the “cruiser” name has become synonymous with ruggedness and dependability—qualities that apply both to the Filson jackets themselves and to those who wear them.

Read more

3 Min
Allagash Cruiser Axe_1200x628
Signature Materials

Filson x Allagash Cruiser Axe: Hand Forged in Maine, USA

Brant & Cochran’s goal was to create an heirloom-quality axe that could also be put to unrelenting work. That starts with the steel—U.S.-made 1050 carbon steel. The “1050” refers to a steel made up of only two components: iron and .5% carbon. When tempered to 56 Rockwell hardness, the Allagash Cruiser bites deep and keeps an edge. A world-class axe also needs a world-class handle. The Amish-turned hickory handles hafted on the Allagash Cruiser are blemish-free, with superior grain orientation guaranteeing strength and durability.

Read more

3 Min
Responsible Down_1200x628_2
Signature Materials

Signature Materials: 
Responsibly Sourced Down

Down, the soft under-plumage that lies beneath the tougher exterior feathers of birds, provides outstanding insulation that protects them from icy weather. Goose down, in particular, has long been regarded as the warmest, lightest and most-compressible insulation available to keep humans warm in those same frigid conditions. This article examines why Filson goose down works so well, where it comes from, and what we mean when we say we use only “responsible down.”

Read more

5 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.

History of Denim in North America_1200x628
Field Notes

A Brief Look at the Origin of Denim in North America

The history of denim in America dates back to the 1840s, when the durability of the warp-faced, twill textile was a proven choice for workwear clothing, with pants and overalls much in demand. The blue threads of woven cotton were dyed with indigo through a process known as “rope dying” or “chain dying,” while the weft threads were left white and visible only on the reverse side. Over time, other weights of denim were made available, along with different colors: tan, black, and gray. For laborers in the fields, coal mines, forests, and mills, denim was an inexpensive clothing option that was widely available and came in all sizes. During the California Gold Rush of 1848 to 1855, the prospector dressed in his denim work clothing, field jacket, and hip waders was a common sight.

Read more

3 Min
denim-blog-link-preview
Signature Materials

Filson Denim

Filson Denim is the latest chapter in a legacy that spans over a century of outfitting customers for the most demanding conditions.

Read more

5 Min
a collection of fixed blade buck knives on a table, detailing the handle materials
Field Notes

History of Buck Knives: Made in America

Buck Knives is a historic American brand with a legacy that spans four generations. For 118 years, they’ve been dedicated to crafting quality, handmade knives, and tools designed for a life lived outdoors. While they’re a global leader in the sports cutlery industry, the journey began humbly at the turn of the 20th century.

Read more

5 Min
machine parts in a tan filson duffel bag hanging from a hook in the middle of a shop
Signature Materials

Signature Materials: Rugged Twill

Filson’s 120-plus year legacy is outfitting miners, loggers, ranchers, and sportsmen with durable apparel and goods that provide unfailing protection. For more than two decades, we’ve applied more than a century of manufacturing experience to build luggage and bags to transport their gear there and back, without fail. Our Rugged Twill fabric is a large part of why our bags are so dependable – this article examines what it is and where it comes from.

Read more

5 Min
Piece of leather attached to a metal mesh with white lettering on it reading
Signature Materials

Wickett & Craig x Filson – American Made Leather

Mankind has used leather for clothing, footwear, armor, and tools for centuries, and since 1867, Pennsylvania’s Wickett & Craig has specialized in tanning the most durable and beautiful leathers available. Their long heritage of quality makes them the perfect partner to supply Filson with the leathers to continue our 123-year legacy of manufacturing Unfailing Goods.

Read more

3 Min
The Filson Story_Featured_V2
Featured

Original Alaska Outfitter Since 1897 | The Filson Story

Since 1897 we’ve had the same mission: To create best-in-class products that outsmart the elements, outperform expectations, and outlast you. Our Founder, Clinton C. Filson put it best, “Your satisfaction is the sole purpose of our transaction.” Read about our legacy and history on the Filson Journal.

Read more

10 Min
person with long hair in green and tan quilted jacket stands in an open field with a lone pine tree and sage brush at the foot of large mountains in distance
Signature Materials

Signature Materials: Ripstop Nylon

Our newly-introduced collection of ripstop nylon luggage and bags captures that same rugged reliability, in a lighter and more flexible form. Ripstop nylon, with its crosshatch pattern of reinforcing threads, was instrumental to the allies during WWII, and later revolutionized backpacking gear. This article looks at what ripstop nylon is, how it came to be, and why it works so well.

Read more

5 Min
woman wearing a surgical face mask holding a stack of fabric facemasks in a textile shop
Signature Materials

Legacy Seattle Manufacturers Team Up to Address PPE Shortage

When our neighbors at Outdoor Research came to us with a chance to join their efforts in manufacturing personal protective equipment, we got right to work. This relief project marks a rare collaboration opportunity for manufacturers in our city. Fellow Seattle-based outdoor company Feathered Friends was also tapped for the project, taking the count to three legacy manufacturers working together for one shared mission.

Read more

8 Min
man in waxed cotton vest sitting in forest
Signature Materials

Signature Materials: Waxed Cotton

What worked then still works today. While science and chemistry have produced some amazing options for raingear in recent years, sometimes the best option for wet-weather protection has existed for over a century. There are certainly situations when technical waterproof fabrics are a must, but there are also times when traditional waxed cotton is the preferred option. This article examines what waxed cotton is, how it came to be, and why we like it so much.

Read more

5 Min
two partially laced boots sitting next to a chair
How-To's

Filson 101: How to Care For Your Leather Boots

Every now and then, your trusty boots will need a little TLC to keep them ready for any weather. This is not the fanciest method, but it’s simple, straightforward, and will do the job.

Read more

3 Min
conifer forest rising away on a steep mountainside
Field Notes

How to Filson’s Guide to Conifers of the Cascades

Washington’s forests are home to more than 25 unique species of trees. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide on how to quickly identify the 5 key varieties in the North Cascades.

Read more

4 Min
Man with rifle slung over his shoulder standing on rocky outcropping looking through field glasses wearing NeoShell Reliance Jacket
Signature Materials

Signature Materials: Technical Rainwear Pt. 2

When looking at pictures of rain jackets on a web page, they all kind of look the same. How does one choose? Simple: honestly prioritize your needs as a user and choose the jacket that best fits those needs.

Read more

5 Min
filson rain proof jackets laid out on cloth surface various colorways olive green, tan, navy, brown, etc.
Signature Materials

Signature Materials: Technical Rainwear Pt. 1

When you’re outdoors and can’t escape wet weather, staying dry is a very real need. Quality rain gear not only keeps you more comfortable—in cold temperatures, it can prevent life-threatening hypothermia. Rain gear that strikes a balance between conflicting criteria such as water resistance vs. breathability, mobility vs. simplicity, and packability vs. durability solves problems for the outdoorsman. This article takes a look at some of the modern technologies available to keep us dry, and how they work.

Read more

5 Min
a lay down of a black, white and red flannel pattern Filson Mackinaw Wool Cape Coat on rustic wood
Signature Materials

Signature Materials: Which Filson Wool?

For as long as history has been recorded, wool has protected people from exposure to the elements, and today it works just as well as it always has. No other material, natural or synthetic, performs as well in as many conditions as wool. Other articles in this series examine wool’s history, the science behind its performance, and differences in quality of different wools. This article will take a closer look at some of the specific wools used to make Filson goods.

Read more

3 Min
a man holding up a whole sheering in a barn that hangs from his hands at his shoulders to his feet
Signature Materials

Signature Materials: Why Filson Wool?

Filson has been a wool expert for over 122 years. In fact, our original name in 1897 was Seattle Woolen Manufacturing Company, Pioneer Alaska Clothing and Blanket Manufacturers. We got our start making woolen goods to outfit the adventurous prospectors heading north seeking fortunes in the Alaskan Gold Rush.

Read more

4 Min
an archival black and white image from behind the sewer working on sewing two pieces of fabric together on an old sewing machine with the original Filson logo already sewn on the bottom right corner.
Profiles

The Filson Restoration Department & Workshop

We’ve taken pride in the quality of our craftsmanship for over a century, and in keeping with that tradition, the Filson Restoration Department and Filson Workshop were formed. We caught up with Jeremy Bennett, Jon Duce, and Marissa Barnard from the workshop team to find out what goes into restoring a Filson original and creating a one-of-a-kind piece from salvaged resources.

Read more

5 Min
cast iron pot on a metal surface with wood fire in foreground
How-To's

How to Choose & Care for Cast Iron Pans

One of the most basic and versatile pieces of equipment that every kitchen must have is a large cast-iron pan. The beauty of this piece is its simplicity. With all the technology that can be found in modern cookware, the cast-iron pan, which has been around for generations, still produces some of the best food. When properly cared for, a cast-iron pan will improve with use and be something that you can pass down to the next generation.

Read more

6 Min
vintage green United States Forest Service and Filson jacket with department patch on brown canvas backdrop
Field Notes

Filson and The Forest Service

Because of our shared history in the wildlands of America and mutual need for tough gear in remote places, Filson and the U.S. Forest Service have been likely partners since we were both founded (1897 and 1905, respectively). As the Klondike Gold Rush ended, Filson found new customers in the loggers and workers of the Pacific Northwest, many of whom would become or were members of the Forest Service.

Read more

2 Min
boots on tailgate of truck
Signature Materials

Filson x Danner Grouse Bottomland Boot

When two Pacific Northwest brands team up to create a hunting boot, the result is a rugged piece of craftsmanship. Constructed from full-grain leather and oil-finish Tin Cloth, the Grouse boot combines unique elements that have set both Filson and Danner apart for nearly a century—two brands synonymous with quality and durability. The Filson x Danner® Grouse Boots are built in Portland, OR  and made to last a lifetime.

Read more

3 Min
upland hunting gear
Signature Materials

Upland Essentials

What gear does an upland hunter need? That question covers an enormous variety of habitat, weather, birds, and preferences. While gear requirements vary for hunting quail in Texas, grouse in New England, chukar on the Snake River, or pheasant in the Dakotas, the following items go with me on all of my hunts, regardless of where or when.

Read more

7 Min
drawing of coiled rattlesnake with head and tail highlighted
How-To's

Snakebite Prevention and First Aid

While snakebites are a relatively rare occurrence, knowing how to prevent or treat one is a potentially lifesaving skill. This is especially true for those of us who spend a lot of our time outdoors, whether for work or recreation. The more you know, the better you can prepare if something should ever happen to

Read more

5 Min
bbq sauce smothered ribs salt and pepper and plate of hash
Food & Recipes

Filson Food: Texas Style Bourbon BBQ Sauce

This sticky, spicy, bourbon-infused sauce is designed to add zing to a barbeque brisket or slow-cooked meat dish – works great on ribs, chicken, salmon, or pork.

Read more

2 Min
salmon filet with herbs and citrus and salt on cutting board
Food & Recipes

Filson Food: Campfire Grilled Citrus Salmon

During the summer salmon season, I work with my partner Michael onboard a small commercial fishing boat in Southcentral Alaska. Tuned into the tides, weather, and ocean currents that pull the fish back to the rivers, we chase the harvest of abundant wild salmon swimming through Alaska’s cold, clean water. The daylight lasts forever and when there is a moment with a break from fishing, you’ll find us with the boat pulled up on some beach starting a fire with driftwood, a slab of fresh salmon on hand. As the fish slows cooks over the coals, fingers burn sampling bites of the brilliant red fillet. The fish flakes apart and melts on your tongue with a salty, smoky flavor.

Read more

finished dish in cast iron skillet on glowing grill grates
Food & Recipes

Filson Food: Venison and Licorice Pie

Connor Gabbott spent the first 20 years of his career in various restaurant kitchens across British Columbia. Since picking up a rifle and harvesting his first deer in 2010, Connor has set out to combine his love for food and wild places by sharing the stories of his adventures and how they provide meals for

Read more

8 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.