1850
Clinton Cloraneer Filson is born in Ohio, his family soon becoming early pioneers in Nebraska. His early adulthood was spent as a railway conductor for the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad. C.C. Filson marries Winifred C. Egbert in 1887.
1891
The SS Portland docks in Seattle loaded with gold from the Yukon, triggering a frenetic rush of fortune-seekers through Seattle on their way to the gold fields. C.C. Filson opens our first store on Seattle’s First Avenue to equip those bound for the Klondike, where quality clothing was a matter of survival.
1897
C.C. Filson ventures west to the Seattle region. He initially operates a dry goods store on the east side of Lake Washington before moving north to equip miners in the short-lived gold rush near Monte Cristo, Washington.
1912
Filson introduced the Original Hunting Coat, a waxed-cotton jacket valued by sportsmen for the next 90 years. By 1920 the Filson product line included goose-down sleeping bags, backpacks, and other sporting gear.
1914
Our Cruising Shirt receives U.S. patent #1088891, being offered in both pullover and jacket versions. Originally engineered for foresters, the Cruiser soon became a favorite of hunters and outdoorsmen.
While this icon has featured different fabrics throughout its history, the Mackinaw Wool Cruiser remains a bestselling jacket today.
1945
After two decades of deploying Filson products in the field, the U.S. Forest Service adopts custom Filson jackets as official uniform attire. Our relationship with the stewards of our public lands continues, with Filson Mackinaw Wool remaining in USFS service as field wear.
1991
The introduction of Rugged Twill bags expands Filson’s offerings beyond products for field use. Made with industrial-strength fabric from British Millerain and vegetable-tanned Bridle Leather from Wickett & Craig, these bags are built to withstand decades of hard use.
2006
Filson’s first store outside of Seattle opens, signaling retail expansion that greatly increases opportunities to experience Filson products first-hand. Filson retail stores regularly host private parties and public events, bringing together our teams and communities.
2013
Filson renovates the historic Star Manufacturing building to become the home of our World Headquarters and two years later, our Flagship Retail Store. The space features unique Pacific Northwest art and industrial artifacts, as well as a dedicated workshop where skilled craftsmen create unique and one-off products.
2021
The Seattle Kraken hockey team competes in its inaugural season, with Filson a staunch supporter and sponsor. Seattle has a long hockey history, with the Metropolitans winning the 1917 Stanley Cup, but never had an NHL team prior to the Kraken. Exclusive Filson x Kraken gear can be found only in the Kraken team store.