Filson Bag Thread: With Pictures

[OtterMeanGreen]

OMG,

Any new thoughts on the large carry-on, 70081? For me the 70081 seems to hold more than the MTB. Certainly not as much as the LTB. The Pullman is absolutely a nice piece but I prefer the strap attached to the middle of the bag versus just one side.

Here is a nice looking tan 70081 currently for sale:

Filson Large Twill Carry On Style 70081 Vintage Tan, Brand New | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Filson Large Twill Carry On Style 70081 Vintage Tan, Brand New at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Thanks for the suggestion mate! Those are some good points and you're right; having the strap mounting points in the middle like any other Filson bag will certainly disperse the weight more evenly. The only reason why I wasn't considering it was not having a large enough zippered pocket on the front for a laptop. One of the things that drew me to the Pullman and the LTB, was the amount of exterior organization. However, if a Build Tag Navy #70081 should ever come up for a good price I might just pull the trigger and try it out. In these crazy times, I know I'll get my money back and quick, should the need to sell arise.

Seems ridiculous removing the internal pockets for pens and cards.

I imagine the bloke who decided that change will eventually have a similar fate as the Anheuser Busch marketing team. What a short-sided decision that was to remove the little organization the current Original Briefcase had.

 

[FlithyButler]

I imagine the bloke who decided that change will eventually have a similar fate as the Anheuser Busch marketing team. What a short-sided decision that was to remove the little organization the current Original Briefcase had.

cHaNgE = gOoD

 

[OtterMeanGreen]

So what's happening with this maker:
I see that there currently are no longer full-leather briefcases or duffle bags in their product line.
The bridle leather from Wickett & Craig is apparently now Italian leather.
Is it any good?

I also see a lot of Filson bags in rugged twill have been discontinued.

I wonder what the plans are.

I've been asking myself this question for the last 2 years now. Personally I think overall this is a good thing, I have faith that Filson will one day get the message and we won't see ridiculous items like Chilean Snack Tables, Custom Baseball Bats, Pricey Christmas Ornaments and embroidered patches that state this: "painstakingly crafted one-at-a-time in the USA on an antique embroidery machine from 1910"....as if stating the year would make any difference or would justify charging people $115 for a freakin patch .

Stick to time tested strategies and ditch this adaptation mentality and focus more on quality over quantity. I seriously doubt the true brand loyalists will object to paying more of a premium if they are in fact paying for premium products...OMG certainly wouldn't.

 

[TinMan3]

I've been asking myself this question for the last 2 years now. Personally I think overall this is a good thing, I have faith that Filson will one day get the message and we won't see ridiculous items like Chilean Snack Tables, Custom Baseball Bats, Pricey Christmas Ornaments and embroidered patches that state this: "painstakingly crafted one-at-a-time in the USA on an antique embroidery machine from 1910"....as if stating the year would make any difference or would justify charging people $115 for a freakin patch .

View attachment 1945973

Stick to time tested strategies and ditch this adaptation mentality and focus more on quality over quantity. I seriously doubt the true brand loyalists will object to paying more of a premium if they are in fact paying for premium products...OMG certainly wouldn't.

Interesting choice of things to pick on. I mean, I don’t know how much talent it takes to be able to chainstitch a custom patch like that, but I can’t imagine there are too many folks out there who have the skill set to do it. I also don’t have a gauge at all for whether $115 is way out there, but I do see these as works of art. Filson is doing a lot of things wrong (see $300 wool mallard duck- not sure that ugly thing could be considered a work of art 😂) but I’m not sure this is the worst of them.

I actually admire the arm of the business that goes out into America and finds small makers of unique things that align with the brand image. Handmade and painted Christmas ornaments are a stretch, but they were made right here in illinois! Filson branded axes from Brant & Cochran were another example- however the markup was insane. I bought both sizes from B&C on discount, but Filson still turned me on to them.

I understand your sentiment and agree in many ways that Clinton Cloraneer would likely turn over in his grave if he knew about the ornaments, I’m more likely to blame the importing of the tin cloth gear (and so much more) for the downfall of Filson. I think also the boots imported from Portugal bother me, not because Portugal can’t make great boots, but they’re a LOT of incredible US made boot makers that would align with the ethos of Filson. Finally, the price increases are to the point of nauseating in the not-yet-imported goods. Don’t get me wrong, the bags are great. They got me turned on to the brand. I bought my first 256 brand new from brooks brothers with 20% off for $190 I think? That was a LOT for a canvas bag. $450 is simply too much for what it is.

 

[LA Guy]

Filson - www.filson.com - Friends and Family Sale continues. 30% off selected items. No code needed: https://www.filson.com/sale.html

 

[OtterMeanGreen]

Filson - www.filson.com - Friends and Family Sale continues. 30% off selected items. No code needed: https://www.filson.com/sale.html

I saw that recently and went on a search to see if I needed anything...in the end I didn't find a single thing that inspired a purchase, but that is what I love about the secondary market. Besides the Large Pullman I have something else I'm waiting to materialize...once it does I will share it. Hint: the opposite of shorts.

 

[LA Guy]

I saw that recently and went on a search to see if I needed anything...in the end I didn't find a single thing that inspired a purchase, but that is what I love about the secondary market. Besides the Large Pullman I have something else I'm waiting to materialize...once it does I will share it. Hint: the opposite of shorts.

I didn't get anything this round, but there was a really nice leather duffle the last round that was 50% off... Not practical for anything but car travel, really, but so, so, nice.

 

[LA Guy]

And though I'm over budget for them month anyway, I really do like this: https://www.filson.com/sale/lined-mackinaw-wool-packer-coat.html#sku=20253828-fco-019976433

 

[OtterMeanGreen]

Interesting choice of things to pick on. I mean, I don’t know how much talent it takes to be able to chainstitch a custom patch like that, but I can’t imagine there are too many folks out there who have the skill set to do it. I also don’t have a gauge at all for whether $115 is way out there, but I do see these as works of art. Filson is doing a lot of things wrong (see $300 wool mallard duck- not sure that ugly thing could be considered a work of art 😂) but I’m not sure this is the worst of them.

I actually admire the arm of the business that goes out into America and finds small makers of unique things that align with the brand image. Handmade and painted Christmas ornaments are a stretch, but they were made right here in illinois! Filson branded axes from Brant & Cochran were another example- however the markup was insane. I bought both sizes from B&C on discount, but Filson still turned me on to them.

I understand your sentiment and agree in many ways that Clinton Cloraneer would likely turn over in his grave if he knew about the ornaments, I’m more likely to blame the importing of the tin cloth gear (and so much more) for the downfall of Filson. I think also the boots imported from Portugal bother me, not because Portugal can’t make great boots, but they’re a LOT of incredible US made boot makers that would align with the ethos of Filson. Finally, the price increases are to the point of nauseating in the not-yet-imported goods. Don’t get me wrong, the bags are great. They got me turned on to the brand. I bought my first 256 brand new from brooks brothers with 20% off for $190 I think? That was a LOT for a canvas bag. $450 is simply too much for what it is.

I selected those 4 because they are the most polarizing and easy to pick on, even comedically so. The problem I have is that Filson could've gave us a bit more to go on to help justify the cost of the patches. For instance, giving us the name of the company that made them in the description somewhere, which they did not. There's a reason why Filson sold out of the Jacob Bromwell Flasks and Buck Knife Collaborations, it was brand awareness, we knew who really made them, even if Filson just stamped on their branding. In this case we are just to assume Filson found some local small patch company or maybe they used an old 1910 sewing machine they had laying around in the warehouse collecting dust and did it themselves...we have no idea.

They are very nice patches btw. My landlord is a Greek third generation furrier and leather creator. He hand stitches everything he makes. I do know the value of the skill it took to create such a thing. However without information on the company that they hired (if such a thing exists), then I can only assume it's marketing gobbledygook.

At the current trajectory of Filson, I wouldn't be surprised if they sold off their inhouse YKK Zipper machine and outsourced for cheaper labor....I'm only half kidding.

My wallet and some cigar accessory cases my friend and landlord made for me. Emerald Veg Tanned leather and Maduro hand stitching. Everything he makes is made to order and takes about a week. He's the best in the business for handmade leather cigar goods and his prices are crazy good given the times.

Nikos Handmade Leather Goods

Specializing in custom leather cases for cigar accessories. I design and hand make unique, high quality cases for Xikar, Colibri, DuPont, Les Fines Lames, etc.

nikosleather.com

Had any Cigars lately @TinMan3

Missing the case for my IM Corona Old Boy...

 

[jck22903]

And though I'm over budget for them month anyway, I really do like this: https://www.filson.com/sale/lined-mackinaw-wool-packer-coat.html#sku=20253828-fco-019976433

I have that coat, and it's the only article of clothing that I've bought in ages that I paid full-price for. It's fantastic.

Sadly, I didn't think that it might ever be on sale.

 

[OtterMeanGreen]

I'll admit, even if it was machine stitched, the size alone would warrant a similar price...unless they are mistaken. 10.5" by 12"...other then the back of a jacket or sewn to the side of a sizeable luggage piece, where would you place such a patch?
Too gaudy for me, but to each their own.

 

[TinMan3]

I selected those 4 because they are the most polarizing and easy to pick on, even comedically so. The problem I have is that Filson could've gave us a bit more to go on to help justify the cost of the patches. For instance, giving us the name of the company that made them in the description somewhere, which they did not. There's a reason why Filson sold out of the Jacob Bromwell Flasks and Buck Knife Collaborations, it was brand awareness, we knew who really made them, even if Filson just stamped on their branding. In this case we are just to assume Filson found some local small patch company or maybe they used an old 1910 sewing machine they had laying around in the warehouse collecting dust and did it themselves...we have no idea.

They are very nice patches btw. My landlord is a Greek third generation furrier and leather creator. He hand stitches everything he makes. I do know the value of the skill it took to create such a thing. However without information on the company that they hired (if such a thing exists), then I can only assume it's marketing gobbledygook.

At the current trajectory of Filson, I wouldn't be surprised if they sold off their inhouse YKK Zipper machine and outsourced for cheaper labor....I'm only half kidding.

My wallet and some cigar accessory cases my friend and landlord made for me. Emerald Veg Tanned leather and Maduro hand stitching. Everything he makes is made to order and takes about a week. He's the best in the business for handmade leather cigar goods and his prices are crazy good given the times.

Nikos Handmade Leather Goods

Specializing in custom leather cases for cigar accessories. I design and hand make unique, high quality cases for Xikar, Colibri, DuPont, Les Fines Lames, etc.

nikosleather.com

View attachment 1946481

Had any Cigars lately @TinMan3

View attachment 1946503

Missing the case for my IM Corona Old Boy...

View attachment 1946501

Beautiful leatherwork OMG. Gorgeous patina on that emerald color.

On the patches, I hear you, and I don’t know who made them. I bought the Smokey bear one a couple of years ago and it’s really very cool. I agree also that it would be too big to put on most things without it being a statement piece. Mine will be displayed rather than worth, but they do look alright on a jacket. I’ve seen it done nicely.

Oh— and no cigars for me lately. I had one in the golf course a couple of years ago after having Covid a few months earlier and my lungs were quite unhappy even though I wasn’t purposefully inhaling. I haven’t had one since.

 

[OtterMeanGreen]

Beautiful leatherwork OMG. Gorgeous patina on that emerald color.

On the patches, I hear you, and I don’t know who made them. I bought the Smokey bear one a couple of years ago and it’s really very cool. I agree also that it would be too big to put on most things without it being a statement piece. Mine will be displayed rather than worth, but they do look alright on a jacket. I’ve seen it done nicely.

Oh— and no cigars for me lately. I had one in the golf course a couple of years ago after having Covid a few months earlier and my lungs were quite unhappy even though I wasn’t purposefully inhaling. I haven’t had one since.

Feels good to have a back and forth discussion on this thread like the old days…feels good!

Thank you! I’m a sucker for all things green, what can I say. They are nice patches but most of the ones offered really don’t appeal to me, but your Smokey patch sounds right up my alley. If they were smaller I’d probably go for the Mallard and fix it to my eventual #243 Pullman.

If I ever make it back to Chicago we should have a cigar. It’s far too relaxing of a hobby in the chaos of life to pass up.

 

[OtterMeanGreen]

It’s a grainy photo but damn this thing is gorgeous!! The Pullman is something I’ve always wanted but never pulled the trigger on. One day soon I will get mine!

 

[Chris445]

Hi all,

I purchased a new original briefcase from a company in Europe last week, I was suprised to see the inside tag with 'Made in Romania' ?

I contacted the company and they said Filson no longer have production in the US?

Apparently the twill is now made in Romania and the leather from Italy...

This is the first ever Filson product I've purchased, however I feel so dissapointed I'm thinking of returning it.

Has anyone had any experience comparing the quality between the Romania and US versions?

Happy to show pics

Thanks