History of the Field Watch

Nearly every casual wrist watch has evolved from the classic military field watch. The history of these watches began with WWI pocket watches. During WWI, many countries issued their officers...

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The Origins of the Anorak

What we know of the anorak can be traced back generations with the peoples of the Arctic, from the Iglulik who inhabited Melville Peninsula and northwestern Baffin Island, those Inuit...

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The Evolution of Hockey Gear

When a modern NHL team takes to the ice, players are protected from head to toe, the focal point of which is their large colorful sweater. The need and developments...

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Extreme Cold Vapor Barrier Boots

The U.S. Army’s first cold weather boots were called “Mickey Mouse Boots” for their oversize appearance. Officially designated the "Type I" & "Type II" footwear model, it was first worn...

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Gear We Recommend

First-hand recommendations & reviews of the gear we trust.

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Signature Materials

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...

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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...

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Boots on the Ground: The History of the Combat Boot

“A-ten-hut!” Cue the sound of many warrior feet coming together at once. One of the most important pieces of gear in a soldier’s arsenal today, the U.S. Army’s combat boot...

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Food & Recipes

You Take What You Can Get: Or Suffer the Consequences

The stampede for gold into the Klondike of the Yukon territory reached a peak in 1898. In that same year, 1,200 other miners set out for other regions of the...

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How To's

How to Repair a Ripped Sail at Sea

You hear a sound you shouldn’t. Standing at the helm, getting a good look forward is tricky through rigging, mast, and mainsail. But that long ripping sound was not a...

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How To's

How to Tie 5 Sailing Knots Recommended by US Sailing

“Tie me a figure 8”, “grab that cleat hitch”, “fasten a bowline” – next time you’re aboard or at the docks, make yourself useful to the captain and crew and...

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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...

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The Evolution of Mountaineering Gear

Humans have climbed mountains since they first crossed the Alps or left religious offerings in the highest heights. But it wasn’t until the mid-18th century that Europeans turned their gaze...

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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...

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Food & Recipes

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...

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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...

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Remarkable Skills of an Avalanche Rescue Dog

When it comes to mountain life, 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,...

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The History of the Cowboy Hat

If there is one piece of Western wear that has become the ultimate symbol of the American Cowboy, it’s the cowboy hat. Like all Western wear, hats were made to...

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Access to Fishing, Illinois' Tackle Loaner Program

Imagine if there was a special library made for young anglers; but instead of borrowing books, they could check out fishing rods, reels and other gear. Well there is and...

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Banking on Bailey: Introducing the Filson x Merrell Sandall

Head an hour north of Boise, and you’ll find a stretch of the Payette river that contains some of the world’s most notorious class five rapids. Not many people dare...

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The First Filson Store, 1897

In 1897, the original Filson store was opened. C.C. Filson's Pioneer Alaska Clothing and Blanket Manufacturers specialized in goods made to outfit the stampede of laborers to the Klondike Gold...

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In Your Words: Ralph, 12 Years Later

‘In Your Words’ explores the incredible stories we’ve received from Filson fans across the globe.  Send us your own experiences with our clothing or product here for a chance to be...

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Guest Blog, Peter Fiduccia, Dressed to Kill

Peter Fiduccia, aka the Deer Doctor, is truly an expert in the field when it comes to hunting. In his first blog with Filson Life, Peter explains a vital aspect...

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How To's

What to Pack for a Backpack Fly Fishing Trip

Backpacking is a great way to re-familiarize yourself with the often-elusive feeling of spare time. With a little extra planning, you can turn a backpacking trip into a fly-fishing trip....

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Filson + Fender: Chris Stapleton Brings Two of His Favorite Brands Together

Filson NYC’s marketing manager, Joey Holman, recounts the beginning of Filson’s relationship with country artist and songwriter, Chris Stapleton. “Joey, it’s Clay. I’m gonna be in Seattle on Wednesday and...

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Traditional Bowhunting Q and A with Hunter Rung

Hunter Rung is a hunting guide and traditional bowhunter from Montana. We caught up with him before he got into the mountains for fall hunting season to ask him about...

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A Fool's Errand

At times, shed hunting can seem a fool's errand. It can make you wonder why in the hell you’d ever thought it was a reasonable idea. Other times it is...

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Secret of the Sandhills: The Niobrara National Scenic River

Growing up in Nebraska, I quickly became privy to the longstanding joke that my home state offered nothing more than cornfields and pivots. Like clockwork, anytime I ventured outside the...

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A Yellowstone Coexistence

Four generations have lived here. The old schoolhouse stands where it has for nearly a century, a totem of those who came, laid roots, and grew families deep in the...

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Knocking on Doors to Find Ducks in Idaho

In Idaho, some things are still done the old way. Hunting in this state is a rite of passage, an important part of conservation and land management in the region,...

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In the Company of Wolves

Look across the valley and you’ll see old fence posts that mark the corners of properties, they collect the bleached skulls of field mice left by hawks who see fence...

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Way of Life: Westcott Bay Shellfish Co.

Erik and Andrea Anderson greet us like old friends as we walk onto their dock stretching out into Westcott Bay off San Juan Island in Washington. As at any family-run...

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How To's, Food & Recipes

How to Shuck an Oyster with Taylor Shellfish

The 4 easy steps to open an oyster from the 120-year old shelfish farm

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Field Guide: Winter Steelheading on the Olympic Peninsula

Winter Steelhead are some of the most difficult and rewarding fish to search for, as weather conditions and swollen rivers with low visibility all stand between the angler and their...

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To The Top of Texas with Photographer Philip Anderson Edsel

Amidst the vast, monochromatic plains of West Texas, there rises up from of the arid earth a mountain range, seemingly out of nowhere. The Guadalupe Mountains span the border of...

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Filson Field Guide: Exploring Glacier National Park

Eric Bowley & Ben Schuyler are explorers of the Pacific Northwest. Eric currently devotes most of his time indoors to handcrafting silver spoon rings. Ben manages a coffee shop in...

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Filson + Magnum Photos Contest Winners

After carefully reviewing the multitude of impressive photo entries we received, we are pleased to announce the winners of the Filson + Magnum Outdoor Photography Contest. We couldn't have been...

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In Your Words: Filson in the Central Andes

‘In Your Words’ explores the incredible stories we’ve received from Filson fans across the globe, and it's safe to say that Dale Burns has become a Filson fan for life....

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Traveling the Trans-America Trail with Jonathan Gallegos

Jonathan Gallegos encompasses a diverse and technical skill set. When not found working as a tax accountant for a "Big Four" firm, he enjoys moonlighting as a writer and photographer...

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In Your Words: Shelter Cloth Jacket Travels 2 Million Miles

‘In Your Words’ explores the incredible stories we’ve received from Filson fans across the globe. Send us your own experiences with our clothing or product here for a chance to...

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From The Archives: The Trucker Jacket

After four years of constant use, intrepid excursions around the world, and endless encounters with the bottom of truck beds, duffle bags, and carry-ons, this trucker jacket speaks for itself.  Displayed...

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From The Archive: Ray Johnson, 1920s

Constantly searching through the past for Filson stories, we discovered this photograph hidden among past catalogs, antique letterpress equipment, and advertisements long gone from print.  In the picture stands a...

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From The Archives: Vintage 1920's Mackinaw Cruiser

This 1920's era Mackinaw Cruiser, crafted in a classic green and black check pattern, was returned to our Seattle store yesterday. After living a colorful history spanning multiple generations, numerous...

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Double Tin Legacy

Riley Dabling shares an incredible story of how Filson became a part of his life through his grandfather’s family traditions and outdoor way of life. Now, Riley carries one of...

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