Since 1897
Filson was founded in 1897 to outfit prospectors and explorers for the Alaska Gold Rush. High-quality, durable clothing was a matter of survival in that harsh weather and terrain, and C.C. Filson’s goods were the standard of excellence. That legacy continues as we remain committed to equipping all those who thrive outdoors.
Seattle-based Filson manufactures best-in-class products engineered for utility and longevity, clothing and gear that can be depended upon in severe conditions. We make Unfailing Goods knowing that our customers’ well-being in the backcountry depends on their gear. Filson goods have earned the trust of loggers, hunters, anglers, ranchers, and the U.S. Forest Service. Our steadfast refusal to compromise on quality often results in Filson products being passed on to the next generation.
Clinton C. Filson’s quality-first mindset earned customer trust in all aspects of his business. His ideals guide every decision we make, from materials sourcing to construction to after-sales support. We hold ourselves to his words: “Your satisfaction is the sole purpose of our transaction.”
Our Mission
To create best-in-class products that outsmart the elements, outperform expectation, and outlast you.
Our History
Clinton C. Filson was born in Ohio on January 27, 1850.
On January 27, 1850, Clinton Clarence Filson is born in Columbiana County, Ohio. He was the oldest of George H. and Rebecca M. Filson’s seven children.
In the early 1870’s the Filson family relocated to Humboldt, Nebraska. Craving adventure, Clinton Filson worked as a railroad conductor on the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad. Respected for his integrity, Clinton C. Filson was elected as Humboldt’s mayor in 1880 and soon after founded the successful Filson House hotel. He married Winnifred C. Egbert in 1887.
Seeking new frontiers, Clinton and Winnifred Filson venture to Washington state in 1890.
C.C. Filson opened two general stores with different business partners, the first in 1891 in Kirkland, Wash. The second was in Sauk City, selling clothing and supplies to prospectors after gold was discovered near the headwaters of the Sauk river in Monte Cristo, Wash. A railroad was built from Everette to Monte Cristo in 1893 that bypassed Sauk City, and its business dried up.
On July 27, 1897, the S.S. Portland docked in Elliott Bay loaded with gold from the Yukon region
They stampeded to Seattle for supplies and to board steamships bound for Alaska, the gateway to the gold fields. C.C. Filson opened our original store on Seattle’s First Avenue. He supplied the clothing and gear required to survive the Yukon’s unforgiving weather. Filson stood apart in that chaotic market, known for his high-quality products and satisfaction guarantee.
The Filson Cruising Shirt receives U.S. patent #1088891 on March 11, 1914.
The Cruiser was engineered for timber cruisers who would scout ahead of logging operations. These foresters needed to carry notepads, charts, a compass, and various tools to survey the forest and record the logging plan. Offered as a pullover or button-front jacket, this thick wool garment featured the pockets needed for cruisers to carry tools of the trade. The entire back was double-layered to form a full-width reach-through pocket for maps.
The U.S. Forest Service adopts customized Filson jackets as official uniform attire
Among the earliest records of Filson products being used by the U.S.F.S. is in the National Museum of Forest Service History. A 1925 letter written by a man on his first assignment describes the standard Forest Service attire at the Montana basecamp as “Filson water repellent pants, jackets and woolen underwear and sox.” Mackinaw Wool Cruiser Jackets, Vests, and Pants are still used by U.S.F.S. personnel today.
Filson introduces bags and luggage made from industrial-strength Rugged Twill and Bridle Leather
During the 1980s and 1990s Filson’s product assortment began expanding beyond the workwear-focused offerings that had dominated our catalogs for the previous three decades. A wider range of products for hunters, anglers, travel, and daily use significantly broadened our markets. Our heritage bags were a major element of that expansion.
Filson’s first store outside of Seattle opens in Denver, followed two years later by a store in Portland, Oregon
There is no substitute for seeing and feeling Filson products in person. Customers can now experience Filson first-hand in many U.S. and international retail stores. Filson is committed to opening more stores around the world to bring that experience to more customers.
Filson renovates the historic Star Manufacturing building for our headquarters, and Flagship retail store
Located in Seattle’s SODO neighborhood just a few blocks south of the stadiums, the space features unique Pacific Northwest art and industrial artifacts. Skilled employees can be seen sewing our Unfailing Goods through the First Avenue windows. Just inside the store, craftsmen in the Filson Workshop engineer and craft unique limited-edition products from rare and decommissioned materials.
The Seattle Kraken hockey team competes in its inaugural season, with Filson a staunch supporter and sponsor
Seattle has a long hockey history, with the Metropolitans winning the 1917 Stanley Cup, but never had an NHL team prior to the Kraken. Exclusive Filson x Kraken gear can be found only in the Kraken team store at Climate Pledge Arena. Filson supports One Roof Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Kraken dedicated to a brighter future for young people in the Pacific Northwest.
“My dad worked for the U.S. Forest Service and purchased a Cruiser Vest in 1972. He used the vest for marking timber and sometimes while fighting fires. 34 years later I still use the vest when hunting, fishing, and hiking in the woods.”
Partnerships
We are connected to the outdoors – it is where we work, camp, hike, and explore. Filson supports organizations focused on keeping natural habitat and wildlife healthy and accessible. Our partners are committed to preserving the wild for generations to come.
National Forest Foundation
A nonprofit partner of the U.S. Forest Service that works with the agency and thousands of Americans each year to promote the health and public enjoyment of our National Forests and Grasslands. Through our donation portal, Filson customers have helped the NFF plant thousands of trees in our National Forests.
The Conservation Alliance
The Conservation Alliance harnesses the power of businesses and outdoor communities to protect North America’s cherished wild places and outdoor spaces. Alliance members from a broad range of industries champion solutions that balance the best interests of the land, water, wildlife, and people.
Boots on the Ground
Filson employees have restored fire lookout towers with the NFF and cleaned local beaches and parks with the Backyard Collective. If there are organizations dedicated to preserving the places or causes that you care about, seek them out and give your support.
Responsibility
Since our 1897 start, Filson has produced high-quality goods. In a market full of disposable products, we make them for lasting service. Sustainability is more than a buzzword for Filson – it’s the way we have always done things. Filson products are expertly crafted in factories that are safe, clean, and efficient. Our manufacturing partners are carefully vetted and monitored to ensure high standards of quality and human welfare are maintained.
Filson prioritizes responsibility in sourcing materials. The sheep and waterfowl that provide our wool and down are treated humanely, with no mulesing, force-feeding, or live-plucking. Many of our synthetic fabrics are made with recycled content or responsibly extruded natural materials.
Filson operations reflect awareness that how we operate impacts people and the environment. Today’s actions determine our world tomorrow.
Unfailing Goods Since 1897
