Filson Bag Thread: With Pictures

Download a 50% off coupon from Michaels and buy a punch there. I just bought one for the same purpose. $5!

Originally Posted by Master Squirrel

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A leather craft store should have a punch or someone who is willing to punch it for you. For the more adventurous: you can googles "Renaissance Fair" and find tons of weirdos to do it for exchange of mead, money or have group sex with.

thanks for also answering my planned follow-up question

Figured this thread is probably the most appropriate.

I need some help. I think a pen leaked in my filson bag causing a stain in the corner.

It's pretty much dry. Just wondering if there's anyway of removing or at least reducing the stain?

Thanks for your help!

Rather than punching more adjustment holes, I took a more laborious route and physically shortened the strap on my Filson bag. It turned out really well...



It is quite simple if you have the tools and a brass "Chicago screw," which essentially is a rivot that is held with a screw rather than permanently pressed in with a tool. You can get them on eBay.

1) Cut the strap piece shown in the pic to the estimated length desired. I cut off around 5 inches from the end that attaches to the bag (again see pic). I used a razor blade to make a clean cut and a black Sharpie to recolor the cut end.
2) Drill two holes using a conventional drill and bit. I used a drill bit which was slightly smaller in diameter than the Chicago screw. I then used a Dremel tool to enlarge the holes until the screw just fits through.
3) Fold the strap end over and secured it with a Chicago screw. I used epoxy inside the screw to make sure it never comes unscrewed.

The result is a shorter strap that doesn't have a foot of "excess" strap flapping around as you would have if you just poked more adjustment holes. Just looks cleaner and looks almost completely stock, IMO. I was even anal enough to repeat the process on the other end just for visual symmetry.

I guess I could have punched more adjustment holes and simply just cut off the excess strap. However, I think it will be hard to replicate the original rounded end.

Anyways, just an alternative way to shorten the strap for those brave enough to try, have the necessary tools, and don't ever plan on reselling their bag.

I just love my 232 medium field bag. It is the perfect bag for me. Here is a pic (before the strap shortening, showing all the excess strap)...

GREAT color on that bag.

found a stashed away dremel and some drill bits in the house last night. it did the job

Originally Posted by Master Squirrel

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A leather craft store should have a punch or someone who is willing to punch it for you. For the more adventurous: you can googles "Renaissance Fair" and find tons of weirdos to do it for exchange of mead, money or have group sex with.


I was in a 3rd world country and went to a small shoe repair shop to have 5 new holes punched. It cost equivalent of $0.50

but the option to go to a medieval fair and have it done while banging hairy wenches sounds funner.

Originally Posted by LawrenceMD

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I was in a 3rd world country and went to a small shoe repair shop to have 5 new holes punched. It cost equivalent of $0.50

but the option to go to a medieval fair and have it done while banging hairy wenches sounds funner.


3rd world - tut tut. That description is way old and non-pc. Why not just mention the country's name or refer it as developing world (still not right). Not trying to insult anyone but I used this same phrase not so long ago and was given a good verbal dress down.

The Filson look and style is growing on me now that I see darker colors of canvas. I think the classic light tan/khaki just showed too much dirt for my taste. The darker colors seem to be more forgiving and appeal to me.

Originally Posted by kontai69

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Rather than punching more adjustment holes, I took a more laborious route and physically shortened the strap on my Filson bag. It turned out really well...

I remember when my bag looked like that back in 1993.

Originally Posted by alladin

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3rd world - tut tut. That description is way old and non-pc. Why not just mention the country's name or refer it as developing world (still not right). Not trying to insult anyone but I used this same phrase not so long ago and was given a good verbal dress down.

whoa there PC police

Originally Posted by alladin

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3rd world - tut tut. That description is way old and non-pc. Why not just mention the country's name or refer it as developing world (still not right). Not trying to insult anyone but I used this same phrase not so long ago and was given a good verbal dress down.

... and still haven't thought of a witty retort to your down-dresser yet, apparently.

Originally Posted by Master Squirrel

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I remember when my bag looked like that back in 1993.

the third world (and all other curious) requests pix of the 1993 patina-ed bag please! i'll buy you two wenches if you do!

Originally Posted by patagoniacommunity

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I don't own the green (I have the 258 in tan) but it's a nice color. Frankly though out of the three colors, it would be third on my list. I love the way the tan ages and the contrast with the dark brown leather straps.

The brown, from what I've seen in pictures posted, really looks great. In addition, people who have the brown keep raving about it. If I was going to get a Filson that I would check in when flying, I would take the brown route.

The green ones I've seen that are older look a little too green (lighter green) when they age. Again, totally just one man's humble opinion and I'm sure there are green devotees out there who would differ. That's the beauty of having different color options I guess.

I'm still on the fence with this, sometimes too much choice is a bad thing. Green's definitely out of my lineup (just not for me). I like tan the most for visual appeal, but I want something that's really versatile and I can carry into a boardroom and on vacation. Is tan going to look a little "unprofessional" with a suit as opposed to brown? Would you be caught dead carrying any of these colors this to meet clients or go to an interview?

These are fantastic bags for casual use, but frankly if I am going to drop nearly $200 for a bag/briefcase, I wouldn't want to have to get another one to go to the office with to replace my Targus

I did notice a lawyer posting earlier on how he uses it to carry documents... would be nice if he could post a pic.

Tan was my last choice when I was deciding which bag to get, but I fell in love w/ it when I saw one in person! It's a very classy looking bag, and I have had no reservations about carrying it into meetings with me. It's a versatile color and the leather contrasts nicely w/ the tan. I also think it works very well with a suit. That being said, you can't go wrong with any color! For me, tan was the best choice!

Originally Posted by Master Squirrel

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I remember when my bag looked like that back in 1993.

I don't think they made a brown 232 in 1993. If they did, I would love to see pics of it