Filson Bag Thread: With Pictures - Page 135

Sorry for double post.

Thanks Brooks. Yea. I guess I am more inclined on getting the 256 now. As to Tan or OG, I will get the Tan since it will be my first Filson. Something more classic n casual looking than the OG.

Has anyone used any of their Filson bags for back-packing type trips abroad? Going to be doing a week long trip to Eurasia later this spring and am in the market for a new bag. The rucksack would be nice but seems too small for a weeks worth of clothes, even packing as lightly as I plan to. Years ago I knocked around Italy for a week with a duffel but I remember that being hard on my shoulder after a while. A larger rucksack seems to be a big hole in their lineup. Just looking for thoughts and experiences.

 

p.s. anyone else notice that the entire "Passage" collection has been purged from their website. Good riddance...

To be honest if you're planning on a back-packing trip holding a weeks worth of clothes, I don't recommend Filson. The weight of a Filson bag with gear is going to take its toll after a while. I'd look into maybe a 75L (or 60 since you say you don't pack much) multi-day backpack to handle that kind of work. Although you won't be as stylish, you'll be a hell lot more comfortable.

I don't have any of the larger Filson luggage but I would agree with Jean. If you really want to keep some Filson on you maybe also grab a 230.

You could try one of the Frost packs if you want that old rustic look. They've got some pretty big bags but I don't know if they are that comfortable. This guy doesn't seem to mind using it to carry a bunch of his things:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVndQ17-W-o

Don't use anything Filson, it's way too heavy. You should look into a brand that makes more technical gear designed for what you're going to do.

There are a lot of brands that can provide you with a good backpack, but the only personal experience I've had is with a Tom Bihn Brainbag (I think that's the model), that has compression straps across the chest and waist, and elsewhere. You'll want really good support. I've had it since 2007, and although it doesn't get a lot of use, I don't see any reason why I won't still be using it for another 10 years.

Oh, it's also made in the US if you're into that kinda thing.

People above already said it. Heritage brands are heritage for a reason ; they seem to fall back in some aspects. If you're backpacking don't go with heavyweight canvas but go with something light like ballistic nylon. Tumi, NorthFace and samsonite make hard wearing (no spear-proof) travel bags.

gonna answer 2 unanswered questions here

denim stains: you can try spotwashing the stains with a soapy rag, but basically, I'd say don't bother. The bag is there to be used. Embrace that stain. My bag has seen 2 pairs of jeans worth of indigo and it'll see many, many more.

plastic stuck in my zipper: this happened to me too. I plucked what plastic I could from the teeth--often when you can only see a little on the top, there's a lot more grabable on the underside. I used needlenose pliers to grab the plastic forcefully. It only came out bit by bit, but eventually, a lot came out. You can try pushing individual teeth around to see if it allows more plastic to come free. As you try to get it all out, you can (lightly) check to see if the slider will pass through the spot, but if you get it jammed on there, it'll take a good bit of force to get it back off, and I don't recommend it. I've also read that "soap works well on stuck zippers" but that may make the plastic too slippery to pull out either so that may not be the best choice here. Once all of it was out and I could zip the bag normally again, I did find that the zipper was a bit catchy at that spot for a few days. You can try nudging individual teeth around to see if you can ease that problem up. You'll probably be able to see which ones are a little out of line.

Sportsco pending order for a whole week Each time I call them they say "we are sending it out today." Lady, just gimme a correct date.

^ Weird. I ordered off the menu from them and received my bags three days before scheduled.

My daily workhorse (257):

This is my experience as well.
Same. Do you find it gets a bit heavy when you fill it up?

^ Not heavy at all compared to my large Saddleback

I think Filson Guy charges pretty close to retail. I think the retail on this bag is about $700 - $800.

Frankly, yes. I think I just have used backpacks so long that any shoulder bag gets a bit uncomfortable for me. Not to mention I have a heavy laptop, notebooks, umbrella, and generally put my gym clothes/shoes in there as well.

Can't say that it would necessarily be much heavier than any other bag though, plus it's bulletproof.