
Filson | Creators Of Iconic Luggage For 30 Years
C.C. Filson, founder –
“You can depend absolutely upon our goods, both as to material and workmanship.”

POV: You’re out in the wild, nothing but a canoe and the comforting sounds of nature around you for company. A calming ripple of the river as the oars glide through it, slowly moving you forward.
Peaceful, quiet, serene.
Something splashes gently in the water beside you. You pause, look around, and then carry on your way. Another splash. And another. Growing steadily faster and louder. Here comes the rain. You feel a rising panic – the sky was clear last time you looked up! All your gear is going to be ruined, and you’ll have no dry clothes to change into once you’ve found shelter.
Wait a moment.
The panic starts to subside and you realise you don’t need to worry about your belongings. They’re sitting snugly inside your trusty Filson dry duffle bag. You smile, relax, and lean back, letting the raindrops wash your cares away.

HOW IT STARTED
Filson was born in 1897 out of a need to equip labourers in the Pacific Northwest with clothing to protect against the demanding environments they worked in. Products needed to withstand abrasion from rocks, snags from thorny flora, as well as saturation from both the weather and bodies of water. Furthering this strive for durability, Filson’s products are designed to last, to be passed down through generations rather than simply thrown out. Only the toughest materials and best manufacturing will do in order to achieve this.
Filson bags and luggage began their chapter of the story in 1991 and are now world-renowned for their durability and functionality. With an extensive range of products from duffle bags to briefcases, there’s a Filson bag for every adventure.
1. Filson Dry Bags
Filson dry bags exemplify the brand’s commitment to produce unfailing gear for the most demanding conditions. The nylon tarpaulin TPU construction is resistant to abrasion and punctures, as well as the effects of UV light. Further to this, the seams are welded with the same technique used in the manufacture of whitewater rafts, creating a super strong and durable fabric. This combination of scientifically advanced materials and construction results in fully submergible waterproof products.
Roll-top closures seal the duffles, totes and backpacks, keeping water firmly out of the interior, while the waist pack features a zipped main compartment with the same result. Additionally, most of the bags employ D-rings, so you can be sure all of your gear is safely attached and accounted for, with instant access.
Adjustable and padded shoulder straps, grab handles and waist belts ensure load-carrying comfort for the very longest expeditions. However, it is primarily the design simplicity and versatile convenience of Filson’s dry bags that makes them the perfect investment for any excursion where you might encounter high levels of the wet stuff.



2. Filson Rugged Twill
Rugged twill is a huge part of why Filson bags are so dependable. It is known for its legendary toughness and durability, and therefore truly embodies Filson’s philosophy of creating long lasting and unfailing goods.

Twill is a very dense material, with yarns crossing over each other to create tightly woven layers. This results in excellent tear strength and a comfortably weighted fabric. On top of this, the material is given a wax treatment to harden the surface, increasing its abrasion resistance. As a result, bags made from rugged twill are perfect for use in tough and testing environments.
The secret to success for Filson’s rugged twill bags is all in the details. Tin cloth bindings on interior seams prevent fraying, while the light wax coating to the exterior results in a water resistant finish. Most bags have adjustable handles and shoulder straps, with padding to ensure comfort. As an added bonus, these are crafted from bridle leather, which is naturally processed, high quality, and durable.
Individual features include the double layer base of the Original Briefcase for extra strength, and the gusseted front pockets of the Filson Rucksack to allow them to expand. Finally, Filson’s iconic Medium Duffle Bag is created to fit carry-on requirements, so you never need to worry about being kicked off a flight. Just pack up, rock up, and off you travel!


3. Filson Tin Cloth
Tin cloth, perhaps better known as waxed cotton, has a long-standing reputation for durability. Its tight weave makes it highly resistant to abrasion and tears, creating a blend of proven materials with old-world craftsmanship inspired by manufacturers such as British Millerain.
Filson’s use of the long lasting waxed cotton fabric is known primarily because of the Filson Tin Cloth Field Jacket. However, the material proved so reliable that it made sense to transfer its use to luggage too. With proper care, waxed cotton becomes more hardy with age, eventually becoming a smooth leather-like surface which water can run straight off.
The Tin Cloth Briefcase meets all the requirements of a modern business traveller while retaining the lasting qualities of all Filson luggage. A fully lined interior combines with multiple secure pockets inside and out for the ultimate working bag. Meanwhile, the Tin Cloth Duffle Bag has a reinforced base for extra strength, making it perfect for travelling both near and far. Both pieces of luggage feature a trolley strap, designed to make your airport experience easy and stress-free.
In summary, the iconic range of Filson bags are a testament to the idea that if something is worth doing, it’s worth doing it right. Their unwavering philosophy of creating unfailing goods has endured for over 125 years, and there’s certainly no end in sight. Take a few moments to explore the history of this legendary brand.