120 years strong, Filson.
The Story Behind The Adventure
Filson, it all started 120 years ago in Nebraska. CC Filson was the adventurous type, people said that he truly inherited his fathers adventurous and pioneering spirit. He loved the outdoors and all it had to offer. After living and working off the land, he eventually moved to settle in the small city of Seattle. The move gave him a new perspective and opened his eyes to what else the world had to offer. This big move happened in the 1890s, which little did he know at the time, was the best timing he could have ever picked. This is because by 97’, the gold rush hit. When this gold rush hit, people flocked up North, but the North came with some hurdles… The weather up North was cold, tough and would test even the most experienced hunters and pioneers. This is where CC Filson made the decision to use his past experiences, his love for the outdoors and his drive for success to create something that no one had done before. Filson was born. Filson used his pioneering personality to trail blaze the clothing industry – to create clothes to not only survive in the harsh weathers, but to thrive. Launching as Alaska clothing and blanket manufacturers, their market was simple it was to target the ‘stampeders to the Klondike Gold Rush.’ The brand became a household name as stories from the North started to be heard.
The Stories Of The North
Men recalled their expeditions as the worst cold you have ever known, the worst ice blasts that would pierce your whole being and the unbearable cold winds. This stories added to the USPs of the Filson brand, that their products were built to help you withstand these trips and to help you have a successful expedition. As the popularity grew, so did the product line. The Filson brand was soon selling boots, shoes, moccasins and sleeping bags all specially designed for the North. He even owned his own mill and manufactured Mackinaw Wool clothing and blankets, knit goods & more. It is said that ‘The stampeders depended on Filson. In that era, clothing wasn’t a matter of choice, but of survival.’
Your Voice Behind Each Stitch
As time went by, the gold rush began to fade. It could have been easy for the Filson brand to also fade, with the reduced demand.. However, CC Filson was not one to give up or stop pioneering. He ensured that at the heart of the company and the driving force for all decisions was the customer’s voice. By putting their customer’s voice at the forefront of all decisions, he continued to craft clothing for workers. Focusing on the mining, hunting, fishing, engineer and timber industry, he helped create armour that customers loved. This even included the Filson Cruiser, which is arguably the most iconic garment from Filson. Filson’s reputation as the premier outfitter for outdoorsmen had spread around the globe. In addition to being stocked by retailers of quality outdoor wear, Filson garments were being ordered by mail from places as far away as Greenland.
The Filson Way
“The goods we quote must not be confounded with the cheap and vastly inferior grade with which the market is over-run. Such goods are not only useless for the purpose for which they are intended, but the person wearing them would be better off without them.” — Clinton C. Filson, 1914 catalog. Over the years, Filson’s philosophy has never changed: Make sure it’s the absolute best. Clinton Filson spent a lot of time talking to his customers and refining his designs to their specifications. So it’s not surprising that the items that worked then still work today, over 120 years later. Comfort, protection and durability never go out of style. However, it is not just the product that has created such an iconic heritage brand, it is far bigger than that…
Heritage At It’s Finest
What makes Filson the embodiment of Heritage is not just the story, the sheer quality of each and every piece – but it is the lifestyle it inspires. Even through the brands imagery, you get a feeling of adventure and story telling. This ability for a brand to story tell through clothing should never be overlooked and is a legendary tactic. We have stocked Filson for many many seasons, one thing is for sure – the story of this brand has never aged or dated – a true reflection of the garments and accessories it has on offer. At Stuarts, we stock both Filson apparel and accessories. Whether it is the iconic Cruiser jacket or the best selling Filson bags – we have it all online and instore.
With a 43L capacity, their Medium Rugged Twill Duffle is sized to meet standard airline carry-on requirements. Made in USA, from 100% Rugged Twill, this iconic duffle is as dependable as a loyal gun dog.
Originally patented in 1914, Filson’s Mackinaw Wool Cruiser Jacket has a storied history as one of the earliest coats trusted by outdoorsmen—including the U.S. Forest Service, Department of Interior, and the U.S. Coast Guard. That legacy continues unchanged more than a century later.
Their versatile 46-liter Ducks Unlimited Duffle Pack pulls double-duty for hands-free carry to the blind, field, or tarmac (meeting airline carry-on requirements). Haul your essential gear—including up to a 15″ laptop…
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