Filson Western vest modern quality

[JB442]

I've been on a weight loss journey and now that I am getting closer to my goal I am finally going to start thinking about ordering the Filson wool Western vest I've been looking at for years.

I've heard differing opinions on the quality of their products in recent years though.

It is my understanding that their wool garments are still made in the USA and still quality and my vest would fall in that category.

I guess my question to those more knowledgeable is if the modern Filson wool is still a buy it for life item or if I should hunt for a vintage one.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Canuck Panda]

I have Filson wool stuff new to vintage, 24 oz to 30 plus oz. The vintage stuff always has holes that are beyond repair and imo overpriced. The vest only comes in the 24oz now if I am not mistaken. It's plenty enough. I don't actually feel the warmth difference between my 30oz macks and my 24oz macks. They are single layer only, no lining, and the wind can cut through them. No matter the era, the construction is top notch. Most seams are quadruple stitched. There is first a locking loop stitch that prevents the wool edge from fraying, then one blind stitch to put together the pieces, then two topstitch for the finishing. I've never had a seam failure on any of my filson wool jackets or vest. But the wool can develop holes from insects and wears.

 

[Al 916]

I have Filson wool stuff new to vintage, 24 oz to 30 plus oz. The vintage stuff always has holes that are beyond repair and imo overpriced. The vest only comes in the 24oz now if I am not mistaken. It's plenty enough. I don't actually feel the warmth difference between my 30oz macks and my 24oz macks. They are single layer only, no lining, and the wind can cut through them. No matter the era, the construction is top notch. Most seams are quadruple stitched. There is first a locking loop stitch that prevents the wool edge from fraying, then one blind stitch to put together the pieces, then two topstitch for the finishing. I've never had a seam failure on any of my filson wool jackets or vest. But the wool can develop holes from insects and wears.

....reckon he knows

 

[JB442]

I have Filson wool stuff new to vintage, 24 oz to 30 plus oz. The vintage stuff always has holes that are beyond repair and imo overpriced. The vest only comes in the 24oz now if I am not mistaken. It's plenty enough. I don't actually feel the warmth difference between my 30oz macks and my 24oz macks. They are single layer only, no lining, and the wind can cut through them. No matter the era, the construction is top notch. Most seams are quadruple stitched. There is first a locking loop stitch that prevents the wool edge from fraying, then one blind stitch to put together the pieces, then two topstitch for the finishing. I've never had a seam failure on any of my filson wool jackets or vest. But the wool can develop holes from insects and wears.

Thank you very much for the helpful response. I think I will go with a new one to avoid holes instead of taking a chance on eBay.

 

[Aloysius]

I own one of the vests. The quality in terms of construction and the same as before.

The main issue is their simplified (one might say cheapened) sizing since 2017.

Filson used to have numbered sizes with regular and tall options, but has switched to alpha sizing. These sizes aren’t consistent either.

My Filson western vest in medium fits like a 40, whereas my mackinaw (packer) in medium has sleeves way longer than my old 40 Tall Filson stuff.

 

[belfastboy]

Thank you very much for the helpful response. I think I will go with a new one to avoid holes instead of taking a chance on eBay.

I have a modern Filson vest. Very good quality, like new, hardly worn picked up on Ebay for better than half price new. It took a while to find one but I have patience.

 

[El Marro]

I have a few Filson vests, a few Mackinaws, and two double mackinaws as well. I would say that the quality of these wool items is still quite good and I usually wait until they have a sale or something pops up on eBay.

 

[Aloysius]

I have a few Filson vests, a few Mackinaws, and two double mackinaws as well. I would say that the quality of these wool items is still quite good and I usually wait until they have a sale or something pops up on eBay.

How useful do you find them? I’d been assuming I’d need to sell mine off before the move to the Bay…

 

[El Marro]

How useful do you find them? I’d been assuming I’d need to sell mine off before the move to the Bay…

The vests are really nice for layering on what us Bay Area folks consider freezing cold days (high 30s to low 40s). A mackinaw by itself is more than up for that weather as well, as long as you are moving around. I think what I really like about wool is that it seems to breathe and so I don’t always have to take off just because the weather warms up 10° or so. I think you should keep a couple vests and you will wear them here for sure.

 

[Aloysius]

The vests are really nice for layering on what us Bay Area folks consider freezing cold days (high 30s to low 40s). A mackinaw by itself is more than up for that weather as well, as long as you are moving around. I think what I really like about wool is that it seems to breathe and so I don’t always have to take off just because the weather warms up 10° or so. I think you should keep a couple vests and you will wear them here for sure.

I have the packer, which is a double mackinaw with a huge shearling collar.

 

[El Marro]

Ohhhh! I’m very jealous. I almost bought one a few years ago but I thought they were too expensive. And they’ve gotten more expensive every year since.then! That is a beautiful jacket and it is probably going to be more than you need around here, but I would keep it anyway.

 

[Aloysius]

Ohhhh! I’m very jealous. I almost bought one a few years ago but I thought they were too expensive. And they’ve gotten more expensive every year since.then! That is a beautiful jacket and it is probably going to be more than you need around here, but I would keep it anyway.

I got it at a huge discount so luckily I was able to pay pre-hike Filson prices, although the downside was I was stuck with alpha sizing.

 

[El Marro]

I got it at a huge discount so luckily I was able to pay pre-hike Filson prices, although the downside was I was stuck with alpha sizing.

That’s my hope as well, to find one for a good price someday. And that’s why I think you should hold yours, you may not ever find as good a deal again.

 

[Peacoat]

I have a Filson wool vest and a Filson Mackinaw. Both are 24 oz. I also have an old Woolrich hunting coat in the 30 oz. shell. There is no comparison, in my opinion. The Filsons aren't particular warm compared to the Woorich, which is one of the warmest jackets I have. I got it off ebay several years ago. No moth holes or damage anywhere.

 

[JB442]

Well even though I didn't quite hit my target weight yet I am close enough I was comfortable ordering my vest last night to take advantage of the spring 30% sale. Now to just wait for it to show up....