Hey, Filson owners

[budrichard]

"The only reason I'm not into the techy stuff is their lack of durability when put to rough field use. Probably OK when stand hunting or hiking cleared trails but when I used to hunt, I was usually on the move and usually hike without benefit of cleared trails."

I have two sets of Arcteryx, at least 4 Patagonia techy jackets for hiking, kayaking and fishing.
If either Patagonia or Arcteryx made jackets for hunting, I would be using them and would not be worried in the least in their durability. But they don't, so it's un-oiled Tin Cloth for Upland with Filson Camo(not made anymore) and Orvis Gore Tex Camo parka and long parka for waterfowl and ll Bean techy Blaze Orange set for deer hunting.
(heavy polyester outer fabric and then Thinsulate with a Gore TeX membrane sandwich between.
I have sat out in snow and watched a 2" coating settle on this coat without melting, the insulation properties are so good and at 25F, I was perfectly comfortable.)
Both types of garments have their uses and if you want to try to stay warm and dry in various conditions then you need garments to match the conditions.-Dick

 

[too much coffee]

"The only reason I'm not into the techy stuff is their lack of durability when put to rough field use. Probably OK when stand hunting or hiking cleared trails but when I used to hunt, I was usually on the move and usually hike without benefit of cleared trails."

I have two sets of Arcteryx, at least 4 Patagonia techy jackets for hiking, kayaking and fishing.
If either Patagonia or Arcteryx made jackets for hunting, I would be using them and would not be worried in the least in their durability. But they don't, so it's un-oiled Tin Cloth for Upland with Filson Camo(not made anymore) and Orvis Gore Tex Camo parka and long parka for waterfowl and ll Bean techy Blaze Orange set for deer hunting.
(heavy polyester outer fabric and then Thinsulate with a Gore TeX membrane sandwich between.
I have sat out in snow and watched a 2" coating settle on this coat without melting, the insulation properties are so good and at 25F, I was perfectly comfortable.)
Both types of garments have their uses and if you want to try to stay warm and dry in various conditions then you need garments to match the conditions.-Dick

Good for you Dick!

Regards,
coffee

 

[bobm]

"The only reason I'm not into the techy stuff is their lack of durability when put to rough field use. Probably OK when stand hunting or hiking cleared trails but when I used to hunt, I was usually on the move and usually hike without benefit of cleared trails."

I have two sets of Arcteryx, at least 4 Patagonia techy jackets for hiking, kayaking and fishing.
If either Patagonia or Arcteryx made jackets for hunting, I would be using them and would not be worried in the least in their durability. But they don't, so it's un-oiled Tin Cloth for Upland with Filson Camo(not made anymore) and Orvis Gore Tex Camo parka and long parka for waterfowl and ll Bean techy Blaze Orange set for deer hunting.
(heavy polyester outer fabric and then Thinsulate with a Gore TeX membrane sandwich between.
I have sat out in snow and watched a 2" coating settle on this coat without melting, the insulation properties are so good and at 25F, I was perfectly comfortable.)
Both types of garments have their uses and if you want to try to stay warm and dry in various conditions then you need garments to match the conditions.-Dick

Agree with coffee - well said. I do so love the look - and maybe "nostalgic romance' of some of the Filson products, that in a way, sometimes blinds you to the actual practicality of a product. I was wearing a pair of Duluth Trading Company "firehose" pants today - on my knees on concrete pavers and can't imagine a tougher pair of pants ---and can be washed when dirty, not hosed off like oiled tin cloth. BTW, just sold my Tin cloth jacket today - to a neighbor of all people.

Bob

 

[too much coffee]

Agree with coffee - well said. I do so love the look - and maybe "nostalgic romance' of some of the Filson products, that in a way, sometimes blinds you to the actual practicality of a product. I was wearing a pair of Duluth Trading Company "firehose" pants today - on my knees on concrete pavers and can't imagine a tougher pair of pants ---and can be washed when dirty, not hosed off like oiled tin cloth. BTW, just sold my Tin cloth jacket today - to a neighbor of all people.

Bob

Hello Bob!

Yes, you are correct about the Duluth TC firehose work pants (actually the complete firehose line). Very tough, smart looking, practical and probably the most comfortable pair of pants I've ever worn. Not counting the Army issued, back in the day, OG 107 jungle poplins of course!
Those Duluth firehose pants don't wear out as quickly as Carhartts either. And if one does manage to wear them out, Duluth TC supposedly will replace them for free.

I should have bought your Tin cloth jacket..........can't get enough of that Filson stuff!

 

[bobm]

Yep, two things; the Duluth pants are very very tough, fit is always big and floppy on me, but hey, they are work type pants. I do think the waist size runs a tad small. I think I will start incorporating a pair into my cold weather hiking.
About 6-7 years ago, I bought the "Grab Jacket" - maybe $60.00. It is a nylon shell with fleece lining - good for weather between 40-60 f, without layering with sweaters, perhaps down to 25 with a sweater. It also is pretty water proof until you get into a steady, heavy rain. It is not bullet proof like the Filson tin and cover cloths and does not have the "charm" of the Filson jackets, but by far the most comfortable comfortable jacket I have worn and the best bang for the buck too.

Bob

 

[ctforman]

I have been wearing a variety of the shelter cloth coats in lousy weather for years-- no problems. If you are 5 years into the garment without issue it sounds like a
re-finishing problem. Every year or two I send my oil cloth stuff to New England Reproofing in New Hampshire. For a few $$ plus shipping costs they professionally reproof garments and they do a bang up job.

 

[bobm]

I have been wearing a variety of the shelter cloth coats in lousy weather for years-- no problems. If you are 5 years into the garment without issue it sounds like a
re-finishing problem. Every year or two I send my oil cloth stuff to New England Reproofing in New Hampshire. For a few $$ plus shipping costs they professionally reproof garments and they do a bang up job.

Well, I had just finished rewaxing the coat weeks before - even using a hair dryer to make it really seep into the jacket. Maybe I am asking too much - be fairly water resistant and breathable at the same time. It seems to me that oil/wax will help with the water resistance but it surely must reduce breathability. Or am I wrong?


Bob

 

[IXL]

I have been wearing a variety of the shelter cloth coats in lousy weather for years-- no problems. If you are 5 years into the garment without issue it sounds like a
re-finishing problem. Every year or two I send my oil cloth stuff to New England Reproofing in New Hampshire. For a few $$ plus shipping costs they professionally reproof garments and they do a bang up job.

Well, that's handy info to have. Thanks for the tip!!

 

[ctforman]

You are absolutely right Bob, re-proofing the coat will reduce breathability. If you go high tech with a Goretex fabric you lose the abrasion resistance and that old school oil cloth look. I prefer to go with the high tech (Cabela's Goretex Guidewear) in warmer weather where no brush busting is required. But most of the time I would prefer the oil cloth, it just feels right. I tried re-proofing my shelter cloth packer hat once with Filson wax. Made a mess of it and it did not work right. Sent it out to New England Re-Proofing and its fine but YMMV. I don't wear the tin cloth. it's just overkill for a desk jockey like me.

 

[lewisskimonster]

I own the Filson Tin Cruiser jacket, and live in Western Washington. I am usually out in the woods on a daily basis, and it can get wet up here. I keep my jacket waxed, which is key. You don't want to let them dry out. The Tin Cruiser style has a full extra layer of material on the back and shoulders to create a map pocket, and also a double layer of material on the top of the sleeves. My contention is for really wet conditions, one needs to have the double material.

 

[too much coffee]

Hi lewisskimonster;

Yep, the Tin Cruiser is a great jacket. Have you met anything in the woods that Filson could not handle, meaning brush, thorns and the like?

Welcome to the Lounge!

Regards,
coffee

 

[andy richards]

Filson makes great garments.
I have some outdoor clothing from North Face, Arc'teryx and Patagonia but these "technical clothing" for me is no good when working, sleeping in the wet and wild... Especially during freezing temperatures and when rain and snow mix. After a long hike in freezing temperatures the moist build up in technical jackets tend to freeze during a rest. I even got cold in these expensive sets! Last winter I bought a Double Mackinaw Cruiser and this jacket kept me warm all nights outside. Of course I layered ( a wool military long shirt and a wool Swanndri shirt) under it. Also during camp fires I do not have to be afraid for sparks ruin my wool jacket, so it is safe as well. Another great thing about wool (and tin cloth) materials is that is does not make noise during a hike.

Again, Filson is great. I have jackets, vests pants, bags and hats. Made to last.

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?53174-The-Filson-Thread&highlight=

Cheers,
Andy