Filson coats - anyone?

Ernest P Shackleton · Feb 18, 2020

Peter Mackin said:
Had the misfortune to purchase a Folsom tin cloth packer from the forum a couple of years ago.Useless to be honest not warm ,not waterproof,not breathable & poorly constructed.It was unused but I treated it with filson proofing to try get some wear out of it,,in the end it had to go,,the most uncomfortable jacket I have ever owned,drizabone,Barbour etc knock it out the park,,just my opinion,have never tried their wool clothing but it’s got to be better than tin cloth ,

Having read a few responses to similar reviews by people using them in their home range of the Pacific northwest, their tin cloth, and maybe all tin cloth(?), is intended for a specific use in working/walking in dense thickets and heavy underbrush as a means to both stay dry and more importantly to avoid scratching. I don't have much experience in such conditions, but I do remember backpacking in Oregon on old logging trails in only a longsleeve undergarment and my arms getting stuck and scratched and soaked with all the leaves holding dew. I've assumed that type of situation was their intended use. Early logger technology. Never seen a Drizabone, but I do have a little experience with Barbour. Even their heavyweight material is prone to poke holes and tearing. I get the impression the Filson tin cloth is tougher than that.

Peter Mackin · Feb 18, 2020

Ernest P Shackleton said:
Having read a few responses to similar reviews by people using them in their home range of the Pacific northwest, their tin cloth, and maybe all tin cloth(?), is intended for a specific use in working/walking in dense thickets and heavy underbrush as a means to both stay dry and more importantly to avoid scratching. I don't have much experience in such conditions, but I do remember backpacking in Oregon on old logging trails in only a longsleeve undergarment and my arms getting stuck and scratched and soaked with all the leaves holding dew. I've assumed that type of situation was their intended use. Early logger technology. Never seen a Drizabone, but I do have a little experience with Barbour. Even their heavyweight material is prone to poke holes and tearing. I get the impression the Filson tin cloth is tougher than that.

I have no doubt Tin cloth would stop scratches ,but it’s too stiff to ever be comfortable,,not warm ,waterproof & poorly constructed,makes you sweat ,get cold & it isn’t anywhere near as good as modern textiles,,,trust me I gave it many outings to see if it could live up to the filson hype,,it couldn’t.its also vastly overpriced.

Seb Lucas · Feb 18, 2020

Ernest P Shackleton said:
Having read a few responses to similar reviews by people using them in their home range of the Pacific northwest, their tin cloth, and maybe all tin cloth(?), is intended for a specific use in working/walking in dense thickets and heavy underbrush as a means to both stay dry and more importantly to avoid scratching. I don't have much experience in such conditions, but I do remember backpacking in Oregon on old logging trails in only a longsleeve undergarment and my arms getting stuck and scratched and soaked with all the leaves holding dew. I've assumed that type of situation was their intended use. Early logger technology. Never seen a Drizabone, but I do have a little experience with Barbour. Even their heavyweight material is prone to poke holes and tearing. I get the impression the Filson tin cloth is tougher than that.

Filson tin cloth seems to be a marketing thing - the special name does not alter the fact that it is just a thick waxed cotton. All thicker waxed cotton should be robust, which is the point of it. I haven't put my Filson to any test, but it doesn't seem to be among the best waxed cotton I have seen. I wouldn't count the thin fashion stuff by Belstaff or even Barbour.

Ernest P Shackleton · Feb 18, 2020

Peter Mackin said:
& it isn’t anywhere near as good as modern textiles

I have no doubt about that.

Peter Mackin said:
its also vastly overpriced.

For sure. I can't believe how much these places charge for even the tins of re-proofing. Unless there was some significant sentimental value, I'd take a chance making my own proofing. Though, I bet in 1890 or 1915 or whenever it was first put to industrial use, like for logging, a person would have been very happy to have it.

Michael R. · Feb 18, 2020

Filson isn't made for girl scouts, and I've seen a lot of cheaper made with cheaper materials and they don't last. I would agree with the old slogan "Filson Might As Well Have The Best". The weave of the cotton is incredibly tight, and still breathable. Wax Cloth AKA Tin Cloth is water repellant and meant to be an outer layer. Filson garments look great but a person looking to be "trendy" probably will whine about more than just the price.

Peter Mackin · Feb 18, 2020

Michael R. said:
Filson isn't made for girl scouts, and I've seen a lot of cheaper made with cheaper materials and they don't last. I would agree with the old slogan "Filson Might As Well Have The Best". The weave of the cotton is incredibly tight, and still breathable. Wax Cloth AKA Tin Cloth is water repellant and meant to be an outer layer. Filson garments look great but a person looking to be "trendy" probably will whine about more than just the price.

Did you read my post,?i worked outdoors for 34 years,,logging etc,,no girl guides here ,,wasn’t interested in wearing it to the wine bar,,it wasn’t breathable & it wasn’t waterproof,,if it was I would have kept it.

Fifty150 · Feb 19, 2020

Filson is good, if you like wool. I am on The Left Coast, and I favor Pendleton. Personal bias. Grew up wearing it. Nothing wrong with Filson. The trend has been to use synthetic products in the outdoors. But it all depends on you. Wool is still, and will always be, a great natural textile. And if you look around, there are plenty of very good clothing options still made with wool.

Fifty150 · Feb 19, 2020

Peter Mackin said:
wasn’t interested in wearing it to the wine bar,,

That's a very relevant retail market. Not everybody buying outdoors clothing, will do anything except wear it for fashion. For anyone needing performance in the outdoors, you will need to be more selective.

Peter Mackin said:
i worked outdoors for 34 years,,logging etc,,

Peter Mackin said:
it wasn’t breathable & it wasn’t waterproof

Your findings are appreciated. Always refreshing to find that someone like you, with your experience, is willing to share that kind of "research". A lot of people should be interested in your findings. I know that I think about clothing being breathable and waterproof, because I've been out there, wet from rain & sweating under the layers. End result is that I was soaked & cold from the wind blowing on the wet clothes.

Fifty150 · Feb 19, 2020

BobJ said:
instead of focusing on being a small niche manufacturer of rugged, vintage outdoor gear, they have begun targeting the young urban professional crowd with slimmer fits and updated fashions

People want to look good. None of those buyers are doing anything outdoors. And there is money to be made.

Ernest P Shackleton · Feb 19, 2020

Michael R. said:
Filson isn't made for girl scouts, and I've seen a lot of cheaper made with cheaper materials and they don't last. I would agree with the old slogan "Filson Might As Well Have The Best". The weave of the cotton is incredibly tight, and still breathable. Wax Cloth AKA Tin Cloth is water repellant and meant to be an outer layer. Filson garments look great but a person looking to be "trendy" probably will whine about more than just the price.

strange post

So33 · Feb 25, 2020

Poor picture quality showing my 10 year old Westlake shelter cloth jacket. Showing lots of patina from daily wear 6 months out of year for several years. Made in USA. Picture shows lining, for a better finished product. Nine pockets.

So33 · Feb 25, 2020

Went to my wood lot to spend the weekend. It's Winter here. Caught a weekend that wasn't raining. Was mid 30's at night and mid 40's daytime. 2nd picture show what I have to go through, about 1/3 mile to get to river/other side of property.
I like to walk property line yearly.
The underbrush is over my head and very prickley.
If it was Spring I can't see 20 feet and will be covered new foliage.
Last picture is of my Outfitter Tin Cloth Jacket, wool zip in liner, Double Tin overalls.
This in conjunction with wool cap that covers the ears, safety glasses to protect the eyes and ears from getting poked, gloves.
I also wear Long Johns under the tin pants for warmth and decrease condensation/sweating.
Of course I'm swinging a machete with every step.

So33 · May 31, 2020

Memorial Day weekend road trip in Town of Sulton, WA.
Sought out this 1900's roadside advertisement, was uncovered during remodel couple years ago.
Wearing Filson Beartooth Shirt-Jac.

AeroFan_07 · May 31, 2020

^^ That's really neat. I have a Black-bear Filson shirt too (At least I believe it is) a 100% wool 44L shirt-jac, nice & heavy.

Filson coats - anyone?

Ernest P Shackleton

One Too Many

Peter Mackin

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Seb Lucas

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Ernest P Shackleton

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Michael R.

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Peter Mackin

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Ernest P Shackleton

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So33

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So33

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So33

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Filson coats - anyone?

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