Former filson employee here! Just so you know, only the plaid mackinaw wools are produced by pendleton. The solid colors are made by a mill in western Canada, though the name of the mill is slipping my mind.
Actually this is sort of incorrect, everything is produced at Pendleton however certain types of wool are sourced from the Pacific Northwest including Canada. Tags that say produced in USA of imported materials is an example. Check the tags if you want the u.s. sourced wool though Canadian wool is just as good.
@@hashtigerwoods I’m very sure that that’s incorrect. My source was the person in charge of fabric sourcing at the Filson headquarters. Unless something has changed since I left there 2 years ago.
I’ve wanted a Filson wool vest for thirty-five years. I never felt like I could afford one. I bought one last fall as a retirement gift to myself. Now, I’m pissed off at myself for waiting so long. I love it and I think I’m going to add a western style next fall. Don’t deny yourself for decades like I did. By once, cry once. You won’t regret it.
James, Great story! Get the western vest. It is more than style. That collar flips up to make you bullet proof in cool spring and fall winds. it has more field value for me than the hand warmer pockets that pants provide.
I have had my green filson vest for nearly 20 years now. I couldn’t imagine winter, hunting season, and early spring trout fishing without it. So much utility, warmth, and durability. I found it on sale for $68 including shipping and have never looked back.
Been waiting on this video for a while now! Glad to see you giving Stormy Kromer a shout out, I'd really like to see you get your hands on some of their products, especially their hats. Plus the history of Stormy Kromer is a fun video segment just by itself
Couldn’t agree more. As a northern Michigan guy I’ve always worn stormy. I think im up to 6 hats now both wool and the waxed cotton versions. My next purchase will be a waxed cotton vest after loving the wool one so much.
I bought one but didn't like the way it fit. I am on the slender side. So I sent it back. I then sent picture of the same vest to Luxire Clothing with my personal measurements and they made a near perfect replica 100% wool and fits me like a glove. Cost about the same $150. I love it. Utilitary, warm & bullet proof custom made for me. I wear it every where.
Just got the Filson Mackinaw Cruiser at the beginning of winter. It's incredibly comfortable to move and drive in, unlike most coats that restrict movement. It's breathable enough so you don't sweat, but it keeps you very warm as long as you layer properly underneath.
I bough a filson on vest a few years ago. It is comfortable and keeps me warm. I wear it with a flannel or use it for layering when hunting. It will last a lifetime!
I bought the charcoal Filson vest almost 20 years ago for $80 and it still looks brand new. It will outlast me and is the most used cold weather item I have. It looks good underneath a tweed sportcoat as well.
@@itsobvious5835 These vests have supernatural wear resistance. I have put holes in them by accident, snagging them on barbed wire, but they are like iron for the most part.
Love Filson, also Schaefer Outfitters, although mostly western cuts, Schaefer vests are made in Texas and priced about the same as Filson. They look outstanding too!
I have a Big Bill wool vest and wool pants with suspenders. The pants are so durable. I wear them all winter. Cutting firewood, working construction hunting
I've owned one for the better part of 6 years and gets around 300 days of use every year barring the hottest parts of New Mexico Summer. Weight has come and gone as well, so I got mine tailored and so many compliments still come my way! If and when this vest finally gives on me, I'll be looking towards Boreal Mountain Anoraks for a replacement vest as they seem to me to be the absolute best bang for buck in wool clothing without bumping up in price for WeatherWool.
Thats gonna be determined by who and where you go to. I have a great honest tailor in my relative small town area, and it was somewhere around 20 bucks.
Hi Carl, I'm a big fan of Stormy Kromer. I've got their mackinaw jacket, it's great. They make everything in Michigan. Great company and they do tours!
I have two of those vests... charcoal and forest green. The green one I wear for working - have gotten paint and chalk on it but was able to clean those off. The charcoal is my walking around vest. I’ve had them for about 18-19 years and they are still in fine condition.
Just got mine in the mail about 2 weeks ago! And got a pair of Nick's Builder Pros on order....this channel is costing alot of money Carl! Haha Love the vest though, great stuff!
I can’t agree enough, I wear this vest more than anything else and it goes with everything. I bought mine used but in nearly new condition. Also a good option if you can wait it out and don’t mind the hunt.
I'm glad that you feel Filson still has some good product lines. I have a few Filson items in my wardrobe; but, not a lot. As you said Filson is not the same as it used to be. I agree that the vest is a very good product; and, I like your suggestion about a back, or sides cinch option. Since you asked about other sources for similar products, I would like to suggest checking out the coats, and vests from Johnson Woolen Mills in Johnson VT. My experience with their products has been positive. When I was growing up my mom, dad, and I all had jackets from Johnson. I outgrew mine; but, didn't wear it out. When my dad died I inherited his jacket, which is still in excellent condition. But, for the sake of proper consideration, I haven't purchased anything from Johnson for a long time. So I can't speak to what they're current level of quality may be.
I've been a Filson customer for 25-30 years (maybe more) and I love Filson Vests - I have a lot of Filson items, and I STILL love their Tin Cloth and wool...but anymore that’s all I think is worth the costs. We own a horse farm, so we use our items. I recently bought a few Stormy Kromer Vests...LOVE them!!!!! Take a look.
As usually happens with carl's videos lol I just bought a pair of Jim Green Razorbacks.... Thanks Carl 😂 actually the least expensive boots I've ever ordered so it may be a blessing in disguise 😁
I have only owned the western vest. That collar is much more than style. In Spring and Fall when I wear the vest without a jacket, that collar flips up to offer bullet proof warmth when the wind kicks up. It's like wearing a vest-and-a-half. While it lacks the handwarmer pockets, that is what pants pockets were made for. My filson takes a beating in the field and still looks sharp for the plane ride home.
I bought the Big Bill wool jacket and I love it. I didn’t like the branding so I cut off the patch and sewed on some horn buttons. The hours worth of work was exactly what it needed and I would absolutely buy it again
Worth the money 100% I cannot recommend them enough! I own 2 myself, and am going to be buying one for my dad. They are especially good if you live in the South and the coldest it ever gets is in the 20s.
Carl, I have the same feeling towards Filson. I will buy their hats and jackets but everything else can be found with the same or better quality and cheaper. The Mackinaw line is bulletproof. My coworker has the mackinaw vest. He has had the vest working construction about 4 years and holding up.
Pendleton mills are located here in Oregon. The famous Pendelton Round Up every year. I found a like new Filson vest at a thrift store for for $4.95. This was 18 years ago.
The wool vest is great, but they ride a bit short fort taller guys. Hence the extra long versions, but they don't even offer that in Navy which is so strange. I agree the wool vest is hands down best bang for buck, but the offerings (green, charcoal, blk) are a bit old and tired. The only offer Western style in one single color too. Blows my mind... great review as always, thank you.
Thanks for the great videos. I also love vests and have a Gostwear Big Bill wool vest that I love. It is warm, and really well made. Not saying it is better than a Filson, just another option. I love your comment about cost per wear. I think I am approaching a few pennies per wear on my Big Bill wool vest.
Would like to purchase a Filson but, living in Canada, I went with the Big Bill. No regrets. Great Vest and it didn’t cost me shipping from the States which can cost half the price of the vest itself or more! I recently bought a Schott Jacket and it was 90 USD to ship that from the States. I really do love this channel and Carl is the best!
Nice shirt man! ;) I just bought one farrier shirt and the hemp ranch jacket, they r both breathing quality. I thank u for making me discover the workwear line! 🔨🧰🧑🏻🏭
I had a mackinaw cruiser for only a few weeks and in this short time fell utterly in love with it. summer should arrive anytime soon now, so I wanted something more adapted to higher temperatures. I live in the foothills of the french Pyrénées and it can get damp and cool at altitude here in the early and the late season. A vest seemed like a good option here, so I got one of these mackinaw vests in charcoal. Very happy with it sofar. It should be great when the evening chill comes in and a jacket is too much...thanks very much for your informative review!
I love vests too. By the way, the Gostwear wool vest is only $90 CDN - that's less than half price compared to the Filson. And free shipping on orders over $100, at least that's the case here in Canada.
i actually like some of the experimental stuff filson is doing. i love those Irish and Scottish sweaters they carry for layering under leather for fall and winter riding. just wait till thehalf off winter sale. i also like the usa made deck chair, usa made smokey the bear mug, and currently some quirky usa made popeye the sailor gear.
I'm a vest guy. Living in east Tennessee, we don't get those crazy cold winters so for highs in the 40s and 50s, a vest is all I need. I'm looking for a good wool vest, hoping to find a older, used Filson in the olive green or maybe I just need to buy a new one. I just think they look classy. I have a couple Orvis vests and a LL Bean but neither are wool.
My brother in law got me into vests. He has a couple Carhartt duck vests that he wears constantly over a hoodie because pairing a vest over a hoodie is a lot less bulky than a sweater under a winter jacket and is just as warm. I myself prefer sherpa linings so I have a Departwest canvas ripstop vest in OD green and a Wolverine Porter duck vest in Chestnut brown. Both are zip up and about half the price of a Filson or LL Bean.
I have 3 filson vest love all of them, they will most definitely outlast me... I bought the first 25 years ago and have lived in it every winter under my uniform jackets. It still looks like the day I bought it. Maybe even better as it aged. If you buy the cowboy one they run a little bit small. And the liner one with the zipper has drawn strings at the bottom, so far no problem with the zipper or the string. Yes I would buy one again if necessary. But probably not going to happen...
Bought a used Filson vest shipped from Canada to Europe a couple months ago. Cost me 64eur including shipping, now that's a bargain. I see them goin for 90-100usd used online all the time and occasionally cheaper than that.
THE BEARD!!!!!! Also I've been just getting into the vest game, I think I'm going sherpa or down though, I want to layer them on the outside of my outfit
Right on man. As you know, it really depends on your build and usage. Do you remember the weird trend of down vests layered under suit jackets? They even made sportcoats with a faux vest sewn into it. But I digress...
100% agree Filson isn’t what it used to be, but their wool products and bags/luggage still great. The Mackinaw Vest and Cruiser are both superb and so versatile to just throw on when needed. Can’t wait till the Wool Packer Coat comes back in stock as that will be my next large investment piece.
I have had the Big Bill vest for a little over 18 months and have worn it almost daily for three seasons. It is tough, is great as an insulating layer and I would never part with it.
I have been looking at getting their western vest for a long time. Finally, I ordered one in charcoal it should be delivered tomorrow. I have a feeling i might be buying another in a different color soon. I can't wait!
As a big Filson fan with over 30 pieces in my collection, including the Mackinaw vest, I have to admit the Stormy Kromer vest is as well built and softer touch. I grab the SK much more.
I absolutely love mine. I live in it. No collar makes it very easy to layer. it adds very little bulk, but much wind block and heat retention for the core without being hot or bundled. I disagree about the back ties since they always bother me when I sit or layer, no straps was a big plus for me, but side ties would do.. However I completely agree about a touch of leather. I somewhat did this already.- - The slotted pocket was also a plus for me since I usually have a small pocket knife and a single aa or aaa flashlight on me. I decided that using the pocket clips in one place for years on end may wear on the wool.. What I did is make some small leather teathers that just peek out from the pockets. One set is just 1/3" wide red leather with a knot at the end, just the knots stick out. The other pair is a fancy braid that comes out of the pocket and dangles an inch or two. Sounds a but funky writing it here, but just those two small bits of leather pull it together enough to make a very noticeable difference in how often people ask or comment on it. Wool vests should not have liners anyways, especially for outdoor gear. A simple cotton or synthetic liner can completely change or even kill its wet warmth properties. I practically live outdoors, I have learned a few things the hard way. Wool is my #1 choice and this vest was worth the diet of rice & beans. My income is just under my cost of living, but this was worth the budgeting and I have no regret whatsoever. way more versatile than a sweater, shirt or jacket. I can wear it splitting wood or fishing and its right at home; or I can wear it to an event under a suit jacket and look very dressed up in the same vest.
They are $225 now (no tax for in-store purchase). Filson employees told me all new wool products since 2024 are sourced a bit differently resulting in a softer but less rugged wool. Both the old and new felt equally thick, but the old stuff is definitely scratchier and firmer.
Just bought one used online for $95, looks good, will be here in a couple days. Might also pick up the tin cloth version, I’m an electrician so the extra pockets could be super useful.
I have several filson vest ,all over 15 years old brown wool, grey wool , a green and a blue moleskin and a canvas . I have worn them hunting and then under a sports coat as dress wear
I picked me up the cowboy looking vest during as black friday sale and I've been wearing the heck out of it when I travel to cold states. Can't say enough good things about it. Yes it scratches my neck but I either wear a scarf or turtleneck underneath and I'm good to go.
Hi Carl, have you tried the Australian boots made by R.M. Williams? They are a cultural icon here in Australia. Grandparents are known to pass their boots onto their grandchildren who gratefully accept them.
Filson's investors seem to be pushing the company in a "lifestyle" direction similar to YETI, which means a lot of useless products for us old-timers like stickers and mugs. 20 years ago, the vast majority of Filson products were made in the US; not so much nowadays. I bought my size 42 forest green vest in 2006 and it still looks great; a bit of wear along the hem from a tool belt and a carry pistol. Like others here, many products seemed out of my price range but I was able to purchase the Dry Tin Cloth Cruiser, Cape Coat, and the Pro Guide Strap Vest through their outlet stores outside Seattle and in Minnesota. I wish the US-made Shelter Cloth shirts were still available; I'm on my last one.
Got the western version a few months back for $100 on eBay, it doesn’t get too cold here in Texas for quite some time, but it’s still a nice piece to have.
LOVE Filson for Wool, Twill Bags, Tin Waxed Jackets. Danner for boots. Still experimenting on work shirts and pants. Duluth seems a front runner for shirts and pants right now but mind open. Will give your Patagonia 2021 work shirt recommend a try. GREAT CHANNEL
Perfect timing for the video, I'm going to buy one. In Tokyo. A bit undecided about the size, that's tricky with mild weather here and not much layering.
Cool, another good vid Carl! I'm always anxious to watch new stuff from you sir, good job! I have always liked Filson's stuff but they are generally overpriced. They could definitely use help in their leadership department. Personally I've bought a lot of stuff from Outback trading company for my work wear around the ranch and it has done a good job and held up well. I have one of their Full length oilskin dusters, a Brandt oil dual entry vests, a Kodiak brown oil hat and a green mesh hat. I recently bought a Walker and Hawkes padded wax jacket in green and it's fantastic. I also recently bought an Akubra felt hat which is awesome for those that like a wide brimmed hat option. I bought the "snowy river". I think I'm going to buy 2 more, the Coober Pedy and the Territory. Yes, they are all going to get worn for work around the ranch. I like nice styling but my stuff has to earn it's keep in the field around livestock (hair sheep and cattle) and crop production. I like the all weather gear, I don't have to worry about having to work in the rain, snow, sleet...whatever. Winter sucks but it sucks a lot less if you're not wet and chilled to the bone.
Hey man! Please make a vid similar too the one with the ‘how to dress for fall’ but for winter:) And not like a lame ‘oh it’s zero celcus’ winter, but like a real Canadian/Norwegian winter 🥶
I know what you mean, mate. Carl talks about cost per wear of quality, well made items, and i totally agree. However, nobody mentions the ‘cost per view’ of his videos!! ;) The man is costing me a fortune!!!!!!
Hi. Like your reviews. Honest and straight to the point. I don’t own any Filson, but I am in the market for a wool vest. My Woolrich “Pennsylvania Tuxedo” is way too heavy for most of the things I do, so I think a vest would be a better idea. I’ll check their website and see if they have long or tall sizes. Keep these videos coming, brother.
@@CarlMurawski I don’t know where you are, but there’s another great company in Vermont called, Johnsons Woolen Mills. Check them out. Maybe they will send you stuff to review. I’d watch. Good stuff.
You guys are lucky, im from Scotland UK - these cost $329 haha none the less i own 4 Vests 1)forest green 2)grey 3) tin cloth 4)wool vest liner I love the American brands, costs me a fortune tho. Might aswell have the best 😊
Had this vest in navy and ended up selling it because Guillermo from What We Do In The Shadows wears it on the show. As a bigger guy Im not tryin to cosplay Gizmo every day.
I own 4 Filson vests (I live in AK), 2 button front wool, 1 button moleskin, and one wool zip, plus a mackinaw wool coat. Except for the zip front, all of my vests came in chest sizes, something I guess they've discontinued. Too bad. One of my vests is over 20 years old, and it looks new. They're indestructible. If I could only keep one though, it would be the zip front., which I bought used on Ebay. It has a drawstring waist, and it zips into my Filson Mile Marker coat. If you can't afford new, look on Ebay. They don't wear out.
I'm holding out for a vintage Filson 26oz vest rather than the currently manufactured 24oz vest. Did they go down in weight for cost saving? Or maybe the difference is negligible and just a little lighter? Food for thought
Go to Arnold's vienna and look around at the online shop. They have a huge selection of filson products and many more brands that have very good quality just like Filson.
Button upgrade (bone?) and leather trim on high-exposure areas. Cheers. p.s. Other vests? Austrian suede vests; I bought a top-tier vest in Salzburg a decade ago. 👍👍👍👍👍
After years of being disappointed with the look and utility of fleece vests, I purchased a Filson Mackinaw vest. Overal, I live the vest. My only desire is for an interior pocket for a phone.
Leave it alone! Only item left that hasn't been adulterated by the yuppy management at Filson. Multitool of the warmth world. Easily layered, tough (I've gutted elk at -10 degrees in mine, hang it outside the wall tent at night and let the snow and cold do its job and the gore crumbles and brushes right off in the morning, good to go again). I don't usually abuse the vest, but do routine welding and torch work in mine as well, and it does equally well in protecting me from heat and shop exposure. Retains warmth when wet. I have had great luck with their moleskin vest too - but it wont wear as long or last like their wool vests do.
A note on the Filson western vest: The pockets are SHALLOW. Another option for that style in wool would be the Powder River western vest, which has a few points over the Filson IMO, at half the price: Satin lined for less drag and bunching, a slightly fuller cut for us thicc gentlemen, metal buttons (one spare included), and 4 DEEP pockets. I keep the following items in mine, with no hint of pocket bulge: Gigantic phone with protective case, glasses, folded hanky, notepad. Last time they went on sale, I bought another in my size, and one each of the next sizes up and down. Bring on the seasonal weight fluctuations!
Have you ever noticed that Carl has his regular voice and then he has his much sexier, more manly Filson voice? What he failed to tell you you is that the Canadian $90 vest is really $70.69 for you Americans.
