Agreed! Can’t blame the original founders for selling out for the security of their personal future, but I hate what corporate greed does to the original quality of the product.
I wanted the Journeymen backpack after I saw one in "Jack Ryan." They decided to have it made in China but still want to charge the made in the USA price of $395. For that kind of money, I'll support some real made in the USA brands.
Yea I just bought the journeyman backpack and it was made in Vietnam . Not happy about it . No drain holes on the outside pocket and no webbing were the zippers end when you open the pack.
Bought one not long ago, without knowing it is now made in Vietnam instead of US. I bough it ASAP after seeing the colour I want is back in stock and knowing the quanitity of made in US stuff is limited. Although the quaility is still good, I should have waited for some discount if I knew it is not made in US.
I agree with almost everything you said here, I would add one concern: most of the tin cloth items are no longer made in the USA. With that being the case, the price tag is simply too high in my opinion. I think their longevity and durability is also in question given that they just started outsourcing the tin cloth items this year and their QC has been questionable at best for imported items.
I thought I agreed until I took a look at the comparable waxed cotton garments from red cloud collective that Carl recommended…..a pair of Filson single tins are $195, a similar pair from red cloud(USA made) are $255. Seems to me that’s the labor difference right there. Now I get wanting made in the USA and being willing to pay for it, but at least they are passing along some of the savings apparently.
I wear a pair of single tin unwaxed pants every single day as an electrician. I just bought a brand new pair and was disappointed when it arrived because that's when I realized it was no longer USA made. The new pants are still durable as hell, but ide rather support an American brand with American workers.
I bought a pair of red clouds waxed double front pants in Havana and I liked them but blew a knee out on the 2nd wear just raking and bagging leaves. I hear you’re supposed to re-wax them for durability and they give you a small tin of wax but for $255 I shouldnt have to wax them in between each wear. Sad to talk badly about a small USA company but I was a little disappointed. I bought a pair of work jeans from Greasepoint Workwear and absolutely love them, pricey for work jeans but you can see where the money goes.
Father purchased his Filson Makinaw Cruiser in 1977 and passed it to me and I have since passed to my son. Couple years ago purchased the Stormy Kromer Cruiser and love it minus the pocket configuration.
I own ZERO Filson products. My life hasn't suffered. Filson sounds like a miserable company today. L.L. Bean quality has dropped significantly in the last 15 years. I've had buttons fall off in the first washing on several shirts. That never used to happen. I no longer spend my $$$ at L.L. Bean. I would have rather seen a 12 minute video about your cute dog! Stay healthy Carl!
As someone who was in corporate America for decades, I recognized the filson trend immediately and it seems to have accelerated in recent years. The company has been taken over by the numbers guys whose goal is strictly to "maximize value for investors" which translates to exploiting the brand value for as much as possible, as long as possible, and when all the financial juice is squeezed out of it, discard the husk to go after another "undervalued" company. This approach is the very definition of "hedge fund."
Yeah I have a double mackinaw wool packer coat with shearling collar, from when you could buy the packer coat for $400, I bought it new for $200 lol I’ve been so disappointed in their price gouging lately. I still wear my great grand father’s mackinaw cruiser, I’m told it’s about 70 years old.
I like what Nick's boots is doing. Showcasing their craftsmen (and women) making their products on TH-cam videos, showing off the high quality construction. It makes a person want to spend that extra money knowing they're getting a quality product that also pays wages to their fellow Americans.
Carl, first off: long time fan, first time caller. It's 2024 and in my opinion, I'd love to see you do another "Mackinaw Alternative" video. It's a shame, this is the first time in my life that I can afford a Filson but for the price and the move to international production has turned me away from dropping $550 on a new one. I'm one of the folks who likes to buy new but with the intention that every shift, mile, ding and tear are mine and mine alone. Beyond that, I'll keep tuning in for all of your unbiased and unwavering videos.
Looks like a Pendleton board shirt you’re wearing there. I would love it if you took a dive on Pendleton in a future video. Their History and catalogoue and suchlike. Thanks!
I agree with all Carl's comments. In my humble opinion, the best upland coat ever was their shelter cloth game coat. They do not make it or the heavier tin cloth version anymore. Their merino lined goatskin gloves are excellent, but have more than doubled in price in the last few years.
I have owned Filson jackets, pants and bags since the mid-90s. Their products were never that affordable. I bought a tin cloth "suit" consisting of dry tin pants and a dry tin wool lined packer coat. I wore it during the winter when my band toured. It was great stuff and I have very fond memories of how rugged and comfortable it was. I have had a bunch of jackets since then and have worn out the elbows and cuffs on all of them. Very satisfying. But times have changed and I don't use my stuff much anymore. I did buy a Ciano Farmer Denim work jacket last year that replaced my short Cruiser jacket. That recaptured the magic for me. Filson lost me when they started selling dog gear and corny t shirts and hats. And now the price is 2.5 times what they once were. Times change I guess. Filson changed and I did not change with them. It happens. Thanks for the video.
I do get frustrated when people say that the quality automatically has gone down when it moves overseas. They have no clue how advanced overseas factories are compared to US factories.
I am a 72 year old retired lineman the power company in upstate New York. ……my last three years, I was a transmission line and distribution line inspector. I have approximately 40 pieces of Filson. My Mackinaw cruisers are sacred to me. I just gave my double mac to my youngest son (37 ) . It looks brand new still. Another point …is that their wool ( 28 oz) is extremely spark resistant a good shield from heat.
As a big Filson fan I agree with a lot of what’s said here. In 2016 I bought a Mackinaw cruiser, and it’s gone up over $100 in price since then, crazy! They still make good items but agree that it’s mostly their legacy items that have been made for decades. Which is a shame because I love the form and function of much of their line.
My favorite item is my Guide sweater. It’s so warm and soft. I think I paid $225 for it. It’s now like twice that! Crazy. Their tags used to have comments to send in with the warranty. I always said keep the manufacturing in the US. But they are selling more and more imported. Sad.
Those prices all shot up at least 15% about 3 months ago,. not to be a Richard or anything, but those crappy Chelan tables are pronounced "Shuh-lann" by locals just in case you're out here in Warshington state...keep this content comin we like it! P.S. Lake Chelan is beautiful by the way, good vacation spot, and not that far from your favorite Nicks shop.
I never thought I would love a jacket as much as I do my cruiser. Filsons mackinaw wool is magical! I also love my mackinaw vest. I pulled the trigger on a merino wool Henley guide sweater. VERY expensive! Worth every penny. Made in the USA. Filson hasn't let me down yet. Thanks for your videos...
@@timfurlong1451 Yes I believe it still , at least that is what I was told this week by the lady at Pendleton when I bought my new wool Jack shirt. Thanks...
Funny that you mention Filson branded watches. I waited until the Filson watch I wanted was on sale for $400. Still a lot on money for a quartz watch. They do not even have watches listed in the catalog these days.
good video. I believe the pressure of giving ROI to investors pushes all these companies to increased the price. It is unfortunate that the value for our buck kind a get lost. I buy the products based on where it is made. I don't mind paying for the price as long as I know that hands that built is was paid fairly. I just bought a used Mackinaw cruiser from a friend at half the price and I am glad to pay him for it. I owned other down jackets and never owned a wool jacket till now. This. is now my go to jacket for the winter and I will pass this on to my oldest.
I have a closet full of Filson gear , all purchased in the 90s. Their wool goods are truly a great product. My LG duffle is better than new with the patina. Not mentioned here, the shelter cloth is really good, including my fly fishing vest. Customer service was top notch. In 1998 my recently purchased hunting coat was a bit too big, talked with Peter in CS explaining my plight and a hunting trip in less than a week. Pete said he was shipping to me the next size down coat and when I got back from my trip to ship back original coat. This was done without any charges or refund s, simply an honor system over the phone. I will never forget that@
Anyone in Europe buying Filson bags on the European Filson website note that those bags are made in Romania; they don't hide this fact, it's in the product descriptions...
I own the Filson 'tincloth game bags', I bought them 2 years ago and as mentioned in your video, the tincloth remains a quality product. Also, I should note, I bought these for the simple and utilitarian design; they have 3 bags, one bag for shells, one for spent shells (leave it better than you found it), and one for birds. God bless simple design.
I purchased a set of tin pants and was shocked to find that they are no longer made in the USA. If they aren’t made here they aren’t filson. Absolutely pointless to spend that much on imported clothes. I would pay the premium for USA made, not imported.
Bradley Mountain is a great alternative for some stuff. i have some old Filson bag that i love , including the Vans X Filson backpack but i wont buy any of their new releases
At first you would think it’s inflation, but when you compare their price increases in comparison to similar brands, it becomes obvious it’s probably a little more greed than it is inflation.
I know this trend very well. Fjällraven and Barbour are two good examples of similiar behaviour. The only Fjällraven that I would buy anymore is a t-shirt or such if it was on a serious -80% discount (and it would probably still cost a lot). Granted, Fjällraven doesn't cost anywhere near as much as Filson, but they still tend to be overpriced and they are focusing in modern slim fitting cuts these days, rather than thinking about quality and practicality. I like their G-1000 fabric because it dries very quickly and it is rather durable, yet thin, but I'd rather have 100% cotton or wool than cotton/polyester mix. Speaking of Barbour, when I bought my Barbour jacket, I made sure that it was made in England. The prices have come up since then, but the jacket was very expensive at the time. I thought that I'd invest in one good jacket that I could wear for decades - and I'm hoping that I can - but the funny thing is that while Barbour made in England line wax jackets could be good enough for kings and queens in the UK, it's still usually cheaper than Filson tin cloth jackets. And even Filson isn't by any means the most expensive one on market. That's crazy.
I still think the deer island jac shirts are good value ,as an over shirt they are good quality compared to similar price alternatives on the market ,not cheap but still better materials than most and hard wearing
Great review video, Carl! Unfortunately, we can thank the show Yellowstone for some of the “corporate squeeze” you’re talking about, which is rather ironic considering the message in the show (regardless, it’s a show worth checking out IMO). A positive outlook from this situation is that it provides us the opportunity to look outside the Filson box and support new companies that have filled the void - like Buffalo Jackson Trading Co. for me (check out their ruck-sack bag when you get a chance).
You are spot on... used to be a Filson customer but now cannot afford many of the products. It has become a boutique fashion statement mostly made overseas and appealing to who ? Sort of like what happened to Abercrombie....... might as well buy Gucci.
Sad, but true. I have to agree with you Carl. I have a few of their rugged twill and tin cloth products, and I am certain these will pass on for generations, plus I take care of them. But the pricing vs value today, makes me look around to other brands, smaller but with a very interesting offer... Take for example Bradley Mountain, Vermilyea Pelle or Treesizeverse (if you don't mind buying non US Made products). Anyway, thanks Carl as always interesting video
Thank you 👍. Spot on. Checkout “Bradley Mountain” for handmade back packs & bags, and casual coat. Handmade by 5 or 6 guys in a their shop in California.
I've always wanted a Filson wool packer coat and 6 years ago I dropped the hammer and got one. At the price of $495, it was expensive for me. I'm am so glad I did as $875 is a deal breaker. I can tell the difference between shit and shinola. Nice Pendleton Surf shirt.
Yeah, it's a sad thing that Filson has degraded itself over the past twenty years or so. I lucked out and managed to acquire all my Filson gear- four coats, vest, sweaters, hat, cap and briefcase- over a period of a couple years in the early 2000s. All American made and absolutely heirloom quality stuff. Saved my life from exposure in Central Asia years ago. Was saddened to see they had been taken over by some anonymous "manufacturing firm" and walked away from the quality that made them great. All I can say is "I gots mines!"
Wanted to get their Mackinaw Cruiser a couple of years ago and then they went and raised the price by $100 (Canadian that is). I'm out, there are other wool jacket makers that I can purchase from. Same or better quality and around the same price.
Forget filson and carhartt as well. Yes the old products were good but the prices are way to high for what you get. And their wax cotton coats shred their cuffs after a short time.
LandsEnd came to the UK 30 years ago. It was first class…..the products were properly made in the USA; just like Filson. However, about 20 years ago, in a desperate bid to stay competitive they cut the quality and moved to China. Today it’s an utter embarrassment sadly…..🇬🇧
Their quality has really gone downhill as well. I have bought shirts where the sleeves were cut too short or the cuffs were sewn on crooked. Also I have seen a number of their wool jackets where the bottom hem was not sewn straight. That’s unacceptable workmanship and quality control to me regardless of price.
You weren't being mean enough. I have no idea who's buying their new stuff in 2022 when there's cheaper, better made, US products only a Google search away? This is a great example of not understanding the company you're buying.
I’m not happy with Folsom either! Once again , messing with something that worked, was well made decent prices. Bringing in slim cuts and designers is so stupid and the price increases are beyond. Don’t buy it anymore. If everyone complained they might listen. Cheaper quality with higher prices never worked for my hard earned money.
Just discovered Filson a few months ago. Somehow I never heard of them. Maybe because clothing and heritage boots are a somewhat new interest of mine. I went to their website and experienced quite a sticker shock on just about every product. So I’m thinking these items must be USA made. Nope, almost everything made overseas. From what I hear this is a brand that lost it’s way like many other classic Americana companies. Such a shame.
Got a bunch of Gilsonite luggage,a fifty year old jacket and two belts. Then I lost weight and bought two new belts two years ago. Inferior to the Hh old belts in every way.lastfilson I will ever buy.
I have a few of Filson’s items and they’re great but the recent price increases have put their stuff out of my range. The Guide sweater is now $550. Insane.
@@jerrybartlett273 to be fair, Levi’s are nowhere near the quality of a nice pair of jeans. I spend $100+ on a pair of jeans and they’ll barely last a year. I want to spend more and get a 14+ oz denim pair and see how they hold up being like twice as heavy
Because you should support a company that shares your best interest. I wouldnt want to buy a product from a company that pays hundreds of thousands of dollars to the anti-gun lobby.
When I was in my 20’s, I loved the look and quality of Filson products, but was bouncing around jobs, and had no disposable income to get them. Now I’m almost 40, with job stability and regular income, and my disposable cash isn’t even enough for Filson products. I agree with you on LL Bean. I’ve gravitated more to their stuff lately, because it’s still well made and affordable. I have their Continental Rucksack from years ago. Still my favorite backpack ever!
I used to have a Filson budget that I carved out of my struggling early years' earnings. I purchased a number of their tin cloth and wool items in the 90's and they continue to serve me well today. The Highlander boots were and still are a dream. Every year I look forward to the return of cold weather so I can see my old friends again. My computer bag and I have logged over 1.5 million miles together with the commute and travel. But just as my favorite Carhartt B01's (moss & gravel) have gone, so have the things that attracted me to Filson. After the sale, could see the "Eddie Bauer" effect take hold and after awhile the tradition/quality/price calculus no longer works for me. It's sad but it is also evolutionary. When the old forget what got them there, the new will take the opportunity, just like the Filsons,Carhartts, and Levys in their day.
I love Carl's emphasis on buying fewer, better things. Also, the right type of patina just makes them look so more cool. Patina is so great on anything waxed canvas, denim and PNW boots, among many others. You have to earn that look. You can't just buy it.
I remember LLBean when they were a reputable company forty years ago. As the company was sold and resold to marketing types the quality went down the latrine. I had a 350.00 Maine Warden's Parka zipper fail, leaving me with a completely opened parka, fastened tightly around my neck by the junk zipper. Nearly impossible to remove. How hard my friends laughed! I went on the net and purchased a heavy brass zipper for the parka and had it installed by a professional tailor. You should not have to work that hard to end up with a decent product. And yet that is where we are today.
I just stopped by the Flagship Filson in Seattle this past weekend. And everything you say about the brand is spot on. You feel every bit of that when walking around looking at their products that are priced at INSANE prices. Even the workers don’t embody the brand. I stopped in to see the fit of one of their upland bird vests, and as I’m trying it on, a worker tells me that he has one and that it works great for around town and carrying his laptop and snacks….
These are fashion items, no hunter is going to buy and ruin a vest like that in the wilderness. You can get one that looks bad but functions fine for $30.
@@PaulAndBiscuit you must not keep up w the price of hunting gear. Vest systems are all around $300 for upland birds. And just look up the brands, stone glacier, Sitka, kuiu to see what hunters spend money on lol
I admit that I am/was a Filson fanatic. I love their wool products, leather, bags and tin cloth. But not anymore. They have turned me off with their constant price increases and their products being made overseas or with imported materials. The wool products just dont feel the same anymore. The fit is a concern as well. I will keep all the wool coats and twill bags and tin cloth items I have, but I dont see myself spending anymore money with Filson in the near future. Its a shame.
Sad days for Filson. Got my Med. Duffle and Mackinaw Cruiser a while ago and after seeing their prices skyrocket, I feel what I got from them is enough for me. Bradley Mountain makes an awesome looking briefcase that’s worth looking into. North End Bag Company from Virginia is another great maker that’s on pair with Bradley Mountain.
Very good video! You're 100% right on the great LL Bean flannel shirts! The "quality fade" you mentioned has been going on for quite a while; in autos, groceries (seen an actual 1 pound pkg of kielbasa lately?), appliances, shoes/boots, etc. Buying used is not just a money-saver these days, it's the ONLY way to get a quality product that once-upon-a-time, was built to last! (not to mention the benefits of recycling!) If you could put up links to some of those other companies you mentioned it would be great! Thanks for ALL your work!
Along with "quality fade" and perhaps parallel to it is the question of whether there's really a Filson's there, that is a Filson's HQ with Filson's factories making Filson stuff. We need to give that a name too, something along the lines of "virtual company" or something like that. That would be the point where the Company as defined by trademarks etc. become owned by something akin to a law firm who buy up all those things, basically the company that fits into the computer. They, of course, can now contract out that manufacturing to third party manufacturers. Note that the company in China is NOT a Filson factory, it is contracted to make articles according to the intellectual property owened of that law firm. Note that the law firm is neither Filson either, they just own the right t stamp articles with the Filson name, tin cloth etc. Likewise, there is no atelier where guys who have been outdoors design outdoors clothing anymore. There may still be a Filson's in some respect as I have described, I am familier with Mountain Khaki which is pretty much a name only these days, they used to make what I call one of those perfect things these solid 100% cotton twill khacki shorts. One of the problems with overseas (read: China) is they don't really do 100% khacki cotton so they are now trapped by those manufacturers to make things with what they ahve available, MH can't really choose what materials to make things anymore, long story short they have to sell the same things that thos manufactures make for every other company in that market. Ergo, MK is now a name with some value and little else.
I bought my filson Mac cruiser when I got out of the Navy in 1976 for $58.00 and I thought it was really expensive. After 45 years it's like new with a lot of wear.
Similar story here in Canada when Tilley Endurables, hatmakers whose products came with a lifetime guarantee, were bought out by a US investment firm. Only a few lines are still made here and the rest is Chinese-made, with quality suffering. I cherish my Tilley hats as well as my Filson 100% wool vest with the classic red/black pattern which is known here as ‘lumberjack’ attire.
Totally agree, I own more then a few FILSON garments, it’s is a shame to see their tin cloth lines go over seas. With the price hike they need a reality check. Very sad to see and the thumbnail for this video says it all.
So disappointed in the direction Filson is going. No doubt this company will see it's demise if they continue the trend they're setting for the work wear posers. This Filson company is not same as when our parents swore by the quality but still affordable for the average working man. I have completely given up on Filson when there are so many better alternatives when comparing value and price per wear. Another company that I think is starting to fall under this same scenario is Duluth Trading Company. I've been using there clothing for the better part of ten years but recently noticed a lot of the gear I use and depend on has sadly disappeared from their store or currently clearanced.
Private equity is on a mission to kill every good company in the US. Its frustrating.
Bunch of leeches
*china
Agreed! Can’t blame the original founders for selling out for the security of their personal future, but I hate what corporate greed does to the original quality of the product.
I wanted the Journeymen backpack after I saw one in "Jack Ryan." They decided to have it made in China but still want to charge the made in the USA price of $395. For that kind of money, I'll support some real made in the USA brands.
For real! For under 400 bucks you can get real made in America bags from Bradley mountain and they are a bit more rugged looking
Yea I just bought the journeyman backpack and it was made in Vietnam . Not happy about it .
No drain holes on the outside pocket and no webbing were the zippers end when you open the pack.
@@homerhowzit2587 it doesn’t have the gusset anymore and it doesn’t have the little drain holes on the bottom of that big pocket on the back.
Red Oxx!!! Made in Montana and my godfather just gave me his duffel bag from them he’s had forever. Fantastic warranty too.
Bought one not long ago, without knowing it is now made in Vietnam instead of US. I bough it ASAP after seeing the colour I want is back in stock and knowing the quanitity of made in US stuff is limited. Although the quaility is still good, I should have waited for some discount if I knew it is not made in US.
The Filson duffle now being $575 is ridiculous. Even at $395 it was tough selll
I was looking at getting a medium duffle for the last 6 months, not a chance now with the new price hike.
I got the LL Bean waxed canvas duffle in the khaki and I love it. Only $150 I think.
Still better than Woolrich.
It is now a fashion icon! You won't complain when you sell your duffle for twice the price you paid!
@@nlibby.268 It won't go up in value like the Filson would.
I agree with almost everything you said here, I would add one concern: most of the tin cloth items are no longer made in the USA. With that being the case, the price tag is simply too high in my opinion. I think their longevity and durability is also in question given that they just started outsourcing the tin cloth items this year and their QC has been questionable at best for imported items.
I thought I agreed until I took a look at the comparable waxed cotton garments from red cloud collective that Carl recommended…..a pair of Filson single tins are $195, a similar pair from red cloud(USA made) are $255. Seems to me that’s the labor difference right there. Now I get wanting made in the USA and being willing to pay for it, but at least they are passing along some of the savings apparently.
I wear a pair of single tin unwaxed pants every single day as an electrician. I just bought a brand new pair and was disappointed when it arrived because that's when I realized it was no longer USA made. The new pants are still durable as hell, but ide rather support an American brand with American workers.
I bought a pair of red clouds waxed double front pants in Havana and I liked them but blew a knee out on the 2nd wear just raking and bagging leaves. I hear you’re supposed to re-wax them for durability and they give you a small tin of wax but for $255 I shouldnt have to wax them in between each wear. Sad to talk badly about a small USA company but I was a little disappointed. I bought a pair of work jeans from Greasepoint Workwear and absolutely love them, pricey for work jeans but you can see where the money goes.
@@nlibby.268 you aren’t supposed to wax them between each wear lmao.
More like 1-2 times a year
What about the 24 hour tin cloth briefcase?
Father purchased his Filson Makinaw Cruiser in 1977 and passed it to me and I have since passed to my son. Couple years ago purchased the Stormy Kromer Cruiser and love it minus the pocket configuration.
Filson went from substance and utility to fashion and hipsters.
Rich hipsters ..lol
@@skoffco That is not a bad thing, the brand is a fashion icon and values of these items are appreciating!
I own ZERO Filson products. My life hasn't suffered. Filson sounds like a miserable company today. L.L. Bean quality has dropped significantly in the last 15 years. I've had buttons fall off in the first washing on several shirts. That never used to happen. I no longer spend my $$$ at L.L. Bean. I would have rather seen a 12 minute video about your cute dog! Stay healthy Carl!
Hahahaha she will be a regular fixture for sure!
As someone who was in corporate America for decades, I recognized the filson trend immediately and it seems to have accelerated in recent years. The company has been taken over by the numbers guys whose goal is strictly to "maximize value for investors" which translates to exploiting the brand value for as much as possible, as long as possible, and when all the financial juice is squeezed out of it, discard the husk to go after another "undervalued" company. This approach is the very definition of "hedge fund."
Its terrible, and youre absolutely right - standard operating procedure.
reminds me of Cabela's
Yeah I have a double mackinaw wool packer coat with shearling collar, from when you could buy the packer coat for $400, I bought it new for $200 lol
I’ve been so disappointed in their price gouging lately. I still wear my great grand father’s mackinaw cruiser, I’m told it’s about 70 years old.
I like what Nick's boots is doing. Showcasing their craftsmen (and women) making their products on TH-cam videos, showing off the high quality construction. It makes a person want to spend that extra money knowing they're getting a quality product that also pays wages to their fellow Americans.
Filson can’t do that because their workers are indentured servants fresh out of a shipping container
Carl, first off: long time fan, first time caller.
It's 2024 and in my opinion, I'd love to see you do another "Mackinaw Alternative" video. It's a shame, this is the first time in my life that I can afford a Filson but for the price and the move to international production has turned me away from dropping $550 on a new one. I'm one of the folks who likes to buy new but with the intention that every shift, mile, ding and tear are mine and mine alone.
Beyond that, I'll keep tuning in for all of your unbiased and unwavering videos.
Something is coming soon on Filson, so please stay tuned! Dont be a stranger!
Looks like a Pendleton board shirt you’re wearing there. I would love it if you took a dive on Pendleton in a future video. Their History and catalogoue and suchlike. Thanks!
Great suggestion!
I agree with all Carl's comments. In my humble opinion, the best upland coat ever was their shelter cloth game coat. They do not make it or the heavier tin cloth version anymore. Their merino lined goatskin gloves are excellent, but have more than doubled in price in the last few years.
Bought my Double Mackinaw Cruiser for $350 about 10 years ago. Thought it was a lot back then, but man...what a deal.
Agree, these jackets are well priced, it is also not hard to get 20% off coupons.
I have owned Filson jackets, pants and bags since the mid-90s. Their products were never that affordable. I bought a tin cloth "suit" consisting of dry tin pants and a dry tin wool lined packer coat. I wore it during the winter when my band toured. It was great stuff and I have very fond memories of how rugged and comfortable it was. I have had a bunch of jackets since then and have worn out the elbows and cuffs on all of them. Very satisfying. But times have changed and I don't use my stuff much anymore. I did buy a Ciano Farmer Denim work jacket last year that replaced my short Cruiser jacket. That recaptured the magic for me. Filson lost me when they started selling dog gear and corny t shirts and hats. And now the price is 2.5 times what they once were. Times change I guess. Filson changed and I did not change with them. It happens. Thanks for the video.
The dog gear looks pretty interesting, made of bridle leather, I am thinking of buying a collar for Biscuit. He will be ready for the catwalk.
I do get frustrated when people say that the quality automatically has gone down when it moves overseas. They have no clue how advanced overseas factories are compared to US factories.
I am a 72 year old retired lineman the power company in upstate New York. ……my last three years, I was a transmission line and distribution line inspector. I have approximately 40 pieces of Filson. My Mackinaw cruisers are sacred to me. I just gave my double mac to my youngest son (37 ) . It looks brand new still. Another point …is that their wool ( 28 oz) is extremely spark resistant a good shield from heat.
As a big Filson fan I agree with a lot of what’s said here. In 2016 I bought a Mackinaw cruiser, and it’s gone up over $100 in price since then, crazy! They still make good items but agree that it’s mostly their legacy items that have been made for decades. Which is a shame because I love the form and function of much of their line.
Same here man, its like watching your home burn down or something... Such a shame to see what was once a great company destroy themselves.
My favorite item is my Guide sweater. It’s so warm and soft. I think I paid $225 for it. It’s now like twice that! Crazy. Their tags used to have comments to send in with the warranty. I always said keep the manufacturing in the US. But they are selling more and more imported. Sad.
Those prices all shot up at least 15% about 3 months ago,. not to be a Richard or anything, but those crappy Chelan tables are pronounced "Shuh-lann" by locals just in case you're out here in Warshington state...keep this content comin we like it! P.S. Lake Chelan is beautiful by the way, good vacation spot, and not that far from your favorite Nicks shop.
I never thought I would love a jacket as much as I do my cruiser. Filsons mackinaw wool is magical! I also love my mackinaw vest. I pulled the trigger on a merino wool Henley guide sweater. VERY expensive! Worth every penny. Made in the USA. Filson hasn't let me down yet. Thanks for your videos...
I agree, that Mackinaw cruiser is timeless and one of the pillars of the brand. If they mess that one up, they're going to be in real trouble.
Did you know the mackinaw wool used to be made at pendleton woolen mills?
@@timfurlong1451 Yes I believe it still , at least that is what I was told this week by the lady at Pendleton when I bought my new wool Jack shirt. Thanks...
Funny that you mention Filson branded watches. I waited until the Filson watch I wanted was on sale for $400. Still a lot on money for a quartz watch. They do not even have watches listed in the catalog these days.
good video. I believe the pressure of giving ROI to investors pushes all these companies to increased the price. It is unfortunate that the value for our buck kind a get lost. I buy the products based on where it is made. I don't mind paying for the price as long as I know that hands that built is was paid fairly. I just bought a used Mackinaw cruiser from a friend at half the price and I am glad to pay him for it. I owned other down jackets and never owned a wool jacket till now. This. is now my go to jacket for the winter and I will pass this on to my oldest.
Levi's went down in a similar way too. From jeans of rugged gold miners to the young crowd of today's fashion.
Yes, exactly!
I have a closet full of Filson gear , all purchased in the 90s. Their wool goods are truly a great product. My LG duffle is better than new with the patina. Not mentioned here, the shelter cloth is really good, including my fly fishing vest.
Customer service was top notch. In 1998 my recently purchased hunting coat was a bit too big, talked with Peter in CS explaining my plight and a hunting trip in less than a week. Pete said he was shipping to me the next size down coat and when I got back from my trip to ship back original coat. This was done without any charges or refund s, simply an honor system over the phone. I will never forget that@
I own Filson garments and love them. However I think think hipsters have ruined the company.
Check out the prices in the UK - rugged twill briefcase is £525, so $665
Anyone in Europe buying Filson bags on the European Filson website note that those bags are made in Romania; they don't hide this fact, it's in the product descriptions...
Chelan= shuh-LAN. It's a Lake and county in eastern Washington State.
I own the Filson 'tincloth game bags', I bought them 2 years ago and as mentioned in your video, the tincloth remains a quality product. Also, I should note, I bought these for the simple and utilitarian design; they have 3 bags, one bag for shells, one for spent shells (leave it better than you found it), and one for birds. God bless simple design.
What a bummer. Excellent video though. Sad to see a brand with great stuff go downhill very quickly.
I purchased a set of tin pants and was shocked to find that they are no longer made in the USA. If they aren’t made here they aren’t filson. Absolutely pointless to spend that much on imported clothes. I would pay the premium for USA made, not imported.
I’m so glad I got a few of their tote bags while in Seattle. I thought their stuff was pricey back then. 😮
Bradley Mountain is a great alternative for some stuff. i have some old Filson bag that i love , including the Vans X Filson backpack but i wont buy any of their new releases
At first you would think it’s inflation, but when you compare their price increases in comparison to similar brands, it becomes obvious it’s probably a little more greed than it is inflation.
I know this trend very well. Fjällraven and Barbour are two good examples of similiar behaviour. The only Fjällraven that I would buy anymore is a t-shirt or such if it was on a serious -80% discount (and it would probably still cost a lot). Granted, Fjällraven doesn't cost anywhere near as much as Filson, but they still tend to be overpriced and they are focusing in modern slim fitting cuts these days, rather than thinking about quality and practicality. I like their G-1000 fabric because it dries very quickly and it is rather durable, yet thin, but I'd rather have 100% cotton or wool than cotton/polyester mix.
Speaking of Barbour, when I bought my Barbour jacket, I made sure that it was made in England. The prices have come up since then, but the jacket was very expensive at the time. I thought that I'd invest in one good jacket that I could wear for decades - and I'm hoping that I can - but the funny thing is that while Barbour made in England line wax jackets could be good enough for kings and queens in the UK, it's still usually cheaper than Filson tin cloth jackets. And even Filson isn't by any means the most expensive one on market. That's crazy.
Add the term planned obsolescence. After they stopped doing quality
Great content in your video, enjoyed your perspective.
I appreciate that!
Guys! Check out Johnston wool mills in Vermont! Mackinaw cruiser clones at half filson price.
I went with Stormy Kromer wool gear.
Thanks For your Review. Very Helpful. I like to Buy American Made Products.
Who else wants to see the original list Carl had in mind before the recent price increase?
Antique tin cloth in Filson is the way to go for casual, long, long-lasting jeans and jackets.
I still think the deer island jac shirts are good value ,as an over shirt they are good quality compared to similar price alternatives on the market ,not cheap but still better materials than most and hard wearing
“They have become the Land Rover of clothing brands”
💯
Bernadoodle tail at 7:58
Great review video, Carl! Unfortunately, we can thank the show Yellowstone for some of the “corporate squeeze” you’re talking about, which is rather ironic considering the message in the show (regardless, it’s a show worth checking out IMO).
A positive outlook from this situation is that it provides us the opportunity to look outside the Filson box and support new companies that have filled the void - like Buffalo Jackson Trading Co. for me (check out their ruck-sack bag when you get a chance).
Good call! Yellowstone certainly made this style of dress more popular than ever.
You are spot on... used to be a Filson customer but now cannot afford many of the products. It has become a boutique fashion statement mostly made overseas and appealing to who ? Sort of like what happened to Abercrombie....... might as well buy Gucci.
Sad, but true. I have to agree with you Carl. I have a few of their rugged twill and tin cloth products, and I am certain these will pass on for generations, plus I take care of them. But the pricing vs value today, makes me look around to other brands, smaller but with a very interesting offer... Take for example Bradley Mountain, Vermilyea Pelle or Treesizeverse (if you don't mind buying non US Made products).
Anyway, thanks Carl as always interesting video
bought some wool sweaters and vests when they were still us made
You are so right.
I agree, it's really sad what has happened to Filson. I've been snagging up what I can when I can.
Thank you 👍. Spot on. Checkout “Bradley Mountain” for handmade back packs & bags, and casual coat. Handmade by 5 or 6 guys in a their shop in California.
I had the Filson x Levi's trucker jacket oil finished. Ended up selling it for about $100 more than I bought it with a few wears.
Local guy does amazing tin work... Tin Duck Denim. A PNW company that does what Filson used to do in tin cloth.
Any Filson product made in Asia isn’t worth the ten year old gum underneath the subway rails in NYC.
Nice Pendleton board shirt…
I've always wanted a Filson wool packer coat and 6 years ago I dropped the hammer and got one. At the price of $495, it was expensive for me. I'm am so glad I did as $875 is a deal breaker. I can tell the difference between shit and shinola. Nice Pendleton Surf shirt.
Yeah, it's a sad thing that Filson has degraded itself over the past twenty years or so. I lucked out and managed to acquire all my Filson gear- four coats, vest, sweaters, hat, cap and briefcase- over a period of a couple years in the early 2000s. All American made and absolutely heirloom quality stuff. Saved my life from exposure in Central Asia years ago. Was saddened to see they had been taken over by some anonymous "manufacturing firm" and walked away from the quality that made them great. All I can say is "I gots mines!"
Great video Carl.
Thank you!!!
Great video Carl. Thank you 🤙😎
What are your thoughts on Orvis.
Are their rugged twill pants any good? Tryna get more info before buying
Wanted to get their Mackinaw Cruiser a couple of years ago and then they went and raised the price by $100 (Canadian that is). I'm out, there are other wool jacket makers that I can purchase from. Same or better quality and around the same price.
Don’t bother buying the tin cloth hat anymore. It’s about 1/2 the quality it was 10 years ago.
I’ve bought a few filson items 2nd hand gets you half the price and sometimes better quality than new
Great program. Keep at it.
Forget filson and carhartt as well. Yes the old products were good but the prices are way to high for what you get. And their wax cotton coats shred their cuffs after a short time.
Second hand is the only way I will buy Filson. It’s good stuff, but for the price I just can’t justify it.
LandsEnd came to the UK 30 years ago. It was first class…..the products were properly made in the USA; just like Filson. However, about 20 years ago, in a desperate bid to stay competitive they cut the quality and moved to China. Today it’s an utter embarrassment sadly…..🇬🇧
Their quality has really gone downhill as well. I have bought shirts where the sleeves were cut too short or the cuffs were sewn on crooked. Also I have seen a number of their wool jackets where the bottom hem was not sewn straight. That’s unacceptable workmanship and quality control to me regardless of price.
You weren't being mean enough. I have no idea who's buying their new stuff in 2022 when there's cheaper, better made, US products only a Google search away? This is a great example of not understanding the company you're buying.
I went to their Seattle flagship store years ago and they were selling flannel shirts made in Indonesia for $125. Hard pass.
I’m not happy with Folsom either! Once again , messing with something that worked, was well made decent prices. Bringing in slim cuts and designers is so stupid and the price increases are beyond. Don’t buy it anymore. If everyone complained they might listen. Cheaper quality with higher prices never worked for my hard earned money.
Filson outsources everything now days.. but they outsource to VERY good manufacturers here in the US.
What about Tin Cloth 24 Bag?
Just discovered Filson a few months ago. Somehow I never heard of them. Maybe because clothing and heritage boots are a somewhat new interest of mine. I went to their website and experienced quite a sticker shock on just about every product. So I’m thinking these items must be USA made. Nope, almost everything made overseas. From what I hear this is a brand that lost it’s way like many other classic Americana companies. Such a shame.
Filson, Thursday, or FnT waxed jacket? Can't decide
For my money, I'd say Freenote Cloth or the new Devium looks promising too.
Love my Journeyman Backpack.
Found a Journeyman on eBay for $350....🤔🤔🤔🤔
God, private equity will ruin all the good things we still have
Got a bunch of Gilsonite luggage,a fifty year old jacket and two belts. Then I lost weight and bought two new belts two years ago. Inferior to the Hh old belts in every way.lastfilson I will ever buy.
Thanks for calling Filson out! I hate that this is happening to once great American companies. Very Sad.
I have a few of Filson’s items and they’re great but the recent price increases have put their stuff out of my range.
The Guide sweater is now $550. Insane.
And over 2 hundred dollars for a pair of jeans. I could buy 3 pair of Levi's for that price
@@jerrybartlett273 to be fair, Levi’s are nowhere near the quality of a nice pair of jeans. I spend $100+ on a pair of jeans and they’ll barely last a year. I want to spend more and get a 14+ oz denim pair and see how they hold up being like twice as heavy
@@KimballPrecision Filson make great jeans ,but are so expensive. I have 2 pair and they are so much thicker and bettet made than Levi jeans.
I’ve never really understood brand loyalty (at least to large companies), so I try to judge every single product I’m interested in on it’s own terms.
I am like that with Bean boots; everything else is mainly
oveseas products.
I agree, every company has huge hits and misses. That's what makes the hunt so fun. lol
It’s nice when a brand can be trusted so it takes less research and leaving things to chance.
Because you should support a company that shares your best interest. I wouldnt want to buy a product from a company that pays hundreds of thousands of dollars to the anti-gun lobby.
When I was in my 20’s, I loved the look and quality of Filson products, but was bouncing around jobs, and had no disposable income to get them. Now I’m almost 40, with job stability and regular income, and my disposable cash isn’t even enough for Filson products. I agree with you on LL Bean. I’ve gravitated more to their stuff lately, because it’s still well made and affordable. I have their Continental Rucksack from years ago. Still my favorite backpack ever!
Same here man, I've never been disappointed with an LL Bean purchase. Their shirts are REALLY big though, even in their slim cut.
I used to have a Filson budget that I carved out of my struggling early years' earnings. I purchased a number of their tin cloth and wool items in the 90's and they continue to serve me well today. The Highlander boots were and still are a dream. Every year I look forward to the return of cold weather so I can see my old friends again. My computer bag and I have logged over 1.5 million miles together with the commute and travel. But just as my favorite Carhartt B01's (moss & gravel) have gone, so have the things that attracted me to Filson. After the sale, could see the "Eddie Bauer" effect take hold and after awhile the tradition/quality/price calculus no longer works for me. It's sad but it is also evolutionary. When the old forget what got them there, the new will take the opportunity, just like the Filsons,Carhartts, and Levys in their day.
What brand of jeans would you recommend that are not made of stretchy fabric?
BUY HERE: Alt links might be cheaper!
Mackinaw Wool
- Mackinaw Cruiser: bit.ly/3CAdtau
- Mackinaw Wool Vest: bit.ly/3CqU3Vq
- Mackinaw Wool Packer Hat: bit.ly/43FGkWR
- Mackinaw Jac-Shirt: bit.ly/3qR87VJ
- Mackinaw Wool Bibs: bit.ly/3NeiP05
Rugged Twill
- Original Briefcase: bit.ly/3qzNPzP
- Original Briefcase alt: bit.ly/2IvNyEV
- Small Duffle Bag: bit.ly/3NCzGLj
- Medium Duffle Bag: bit.ly/3NrwdPR
- Large Duffle Bag: bit.ly/3JifEn2
- Pullman Suitcase: bit.ly/3qPcWPo
Tin Cloth
- Tin Cloth Cruiser: bit.ly/43MNUPC
- Tin Cloth Vest: bit.ly/3JmwCRd
- Tin Cloth Pants: bit.ly/3NiyP0V
Bridle Leather
- Shoulder Strap: bit.ly/3A3ndtQ
- Belt: bit.ly/3NF4NpR
- Puppy Collar: bit.ly/46eTqw4
- Wallet: bit.ly/3PrBOHn
What about those links to other companies?
I love Carl's emphasis on buying fewer, better things. Also, the right type of patina just makes them look so more cool. Patina is so great on anything waxed canvas, denim and PNW boots, among many others. You have to earn that look. You can't just buy it.
Totally agree!
It’s called buy once cry once.
I remember LLBean when they were a reputable company forty years ago. As the company was sold and resold to marketing types the quality went down the latrine. I had a 350.00 Maine Warden's Parka zipper fail, leaving me with a completely opened parka, fastened tightly around my neck by the junk zipper. Nearly impossible to remove. How hard my friends laughed!
I went on the net and purchased a heavy brass zipper for the parka and had it installed by a professional tailor. You should not have to work that hard to end up with a decent product. And yet that is where we are today.
I just stopped by the Flagship Filson in Seattle this past weekend. And everything you say about the brand is spot on. You feel every bit of that when walking around looking at their products that are priced at INSANE prices.
Even the workers don’t embody the brand. I stopped in to see the fit of one of their upland bird vests, and as I’m trying it on, a worker tells me that he has one and that it works great for around town and carrying his laptop and snacks….
These are fashion items, no hunter is going to buy and ruin a vest like that in the wilderness. You can get one that looks bad but functions fine for $30.
@@PaulAndBiscuit you must not keep up w the price of hunting gear. Vest systems are all around $300 for upland birds. And just look up the brands, stone glacier, Sitka, kuiu to see what hunters spend money on lol
That’s absolutely pitiful
I admit that I am/was a Filson fanatic. I love their wool products, leather, bags and tin cloth. But not anymore. They have turned me off with their constant price increases and their products being made overseas or with imported materials. The wool products just dont feel the same anymore. The fit is a concern as well. I will keep all the wool coats and twill bags and tin cloth items I have, but I dont see myself spending anymore money with Filson in the near future. Its a shame.
Agreed, it feels like theyre directly offending their most loyal of customer.
Sad days for Filson. Got my Med. Duffle and Mackinaw Cruiser a while ago and after seeing their prices skyrocket, I feel what I got from them is enough for me. Bradley Mountain makes an awesome looking briefcase that’s worth looking into. North End Bag Company from Virginia is another great maker that’s on pair with Bradley Mountain.
Very good video!
You're 100% right on the great LL Bean flannel shirts!
The "quality fade" you mentioned has been going on for quite a while; in autos, groceries (seen an actual 1 pound pkg of kielbasa lately?), appliances, shoes/boots, etc. Buying used is not just a money-saver these days, it's the ONLY way to get a quality product that once-upon-a-time, was built to last! (not to mention the benefits of recycling!)
If you could put up links to some of those other companies you mentioned it would be great!
Thanks for ALL your work!
Along with "quality fade" and perhaps parallel to it is the question of whether there's really a Filson's there, that is a Filson's HQ with Filson's factories making Filson stuff. We need to give that a name too, something along the lines of "virtual company" or something like that. That would be the point where the Company as defined by trademarks etc. become owned by something akin to a law firm who buy up all those things, basically the company that fits into the computer. They, of course, can now contract out that manufacturing to third party manufacturers. Note that the company in China is NOT a Filson factory, it is contracted to make articles according to the intellectual property owened of that law firm. Note that the law firm is neither Filson either, they just own the right t stamp articles with the Filson name, tin cloth etc. Likewise, there is no atelier where guys who have been outdoors design outdoors clothing anymore.
There may still be a Filson's in some respect as I have described, I am familier with Mountain Khaki which is pretty much a name only these days, they used to make what I call one of those perfect things these solid 100% cotton twill khacki shorts. One of the problems with overseas (read: China) is they don't really do 100% khacki cotton so they are now trapped by those manufacturers to make things with what they ahve available, MH can't really choose what materials to make things anymore, long story short they have to sell the same things that thos manufactures make for every other company in that market. Ergo, MK is now a name with some value and little else.
I bought my filson Mac cruiser when I got out of the Navy in 1976 for $58.00 and I thought it was really expensive. After 45 years it's like new with a lot of wear.
Overcritical? Not even close.
Similar story here in Canada when Tilley Endurables, hatmakers whose products came with a lifetime guarantee, were bought out by a US investment firm. Only a few lines are still made here and the rest is Chinese-made, with quality suffering. I cherish my Tilley hats as well as my Filson 100% wool vest with the classic red/black pattern which is known here as ‘lumberjack’ attire.
Totally agree, I own more then a few FILSON garments, it’s is a shame to see their tin cloth lines go over seas. With the price hike they need a reality check. Very sad to see and the thumbnail for this video says it all.
So disappointed in the direction Filson is going. No doubt this company will see it's demise if they continue the trend they're setting for the work wear posers. This Filson company is not same as when our parents swore by the quality but still affordable for the average working man. I have completely given up on Filson when there are so many better alternatives when comparing value and price per wear. Another company that I think is starting to fall under this same scenario is Duluth Trading Company. I've been using there clothing for the better part of ten years but recently noticed a lot of the gear I use and depend on has sadly disappeared from their store or currently clearanced.