Filson Bag Thread: With Pictures

[mgrennier]

I concur with Tinman’s observations. If nylon is acceptable to you, the Dryden is nice. I recently got one on sale and I was pleasantly surprised by it. I can look more closely at it if you tell me what you are trying to accomplish. EDC is different for each of us.

The traditional Rucksak shown above in Tinman’s picture is always classic. How big are you? I’m a big guy (6’ and 220#) and the Rucksack shown above is kind of small on me. Still, it‘s so classic looking, I won’t let myself part with it. The Tin Cloth Backpack is tiny on me. It’s still a great looking piece though. I have one of those I’m going to have to let go. I need to see if my daughter might want to rock it before I do so. Looking at the current backpack selection, I can sort of see your conundrum, especially if you’ve already eliminated the Journeyman. The Journeyman is one of the only bags I haven’t owned. Well, in rugged twill. I have one in leather and I realize it is smaller than the twill version.

I understand wanting something larger. But, don’t discount the beauty of having your hands free. I commute on a train and then walk several blocks to work (normally). I don’t carry briefcases. I’m much better off with a backpack. It keeps my hands free and allows me to carry a tote or other packages. I can see wanting to go larger. For me, larger is preferred generally so long as it has a laptop sleeve and at least two pockets, preferably one outside and one small one inside. More than that is acceptable too.

Wow, this has been quite the ramble. I’m sorry I’m not more concise this morning. Let us know how we can help.

I'm 6'0 and about 205 (Give or take based on steak, pasta, whiskey and wine consumed in previous week).

I worry that the Dryden is too much of a me-too backpack as they compete with all the nylon bags out there (doesn't stand out at all). That said, I've never seen one in person so I may change my mind if I did. And the 'doen't stand out' could be a benefit.

I drive to and from work every day which makes the 257 the PERFECT EDC for me. If I had to walk through NYC or catch subways or whatever, my opinion would differ. Backpacks rule the world in those urban environments. My commute is covered-garage to covered-garage (when I DO go to the office).

I am going to be in NYC in a couple weeks so I'll have a chance to stop by the NYC flagship - and maybe check out a few bags there. I guess I'm overall a bit disappointed in Filson's backpack offerings (notwithstanding the fantastic Journeyman). Maybe I shouldn't have as high of expectations with their backpacks.

 

[IVIozartsGhost]

On the backpack front, I currently have the following:

Rucksack
Vans rucksack
Ranger backpack
Dry backpack
Tin cloth backpack
Bandera backpack

Granted, I am not the primary user of all of these (gotta spread the Filson love with the family), but my go-to is the Vans Rucksack because of the compartments it has and still having space for coffee thermoses and larger items. I realize that isn’t necessarily helpful because it’s not a readily available bag to find, but to me it does highlight the gap in Filson bags to offer a more “executive-style” backpack that is more like a briefcase than duffle bag, similar to the trend I’ve been seeing elsewhere.

I’m also a big fan of my 257s for the same reason: compartments and still space for coffee (in contrast to a 256 where it’s a tight fit for a laptop, accessory bags, and my coffee…).

The rest of the bags are all pretty much a verticals duffle bag: lots of space to shove stuff in. That’s great for a lot of purposes, but not for my more frequent use of a backpack.

I’m pretty keen on finding a journeyman backpack, thanks in part to Mr. Hall’s incredible FRD one.

As for the Dryden bags, I gave one to my dad for Father’s Day, and he has seemed to like it so far. He has used Tumi bags for years (as well as Filson), and says the quality felt very similar. While that is second hand, but he’s a pretty well-informed about bags. Though I’m not sure how much interest I have in the Dryden products (at least not at full retail price)

 

[A JEDI IM]

I agree with all that both of you have said about bags/backpacks. The Dryden does not have that “it” factor we all know and love from Filson. It does have some styling cues from the “it” factor we see in other bags. But, that is not the same thing at all. I look forward to hearing what you think after you visit the store, mgrennier. I agree about the interest in Dryden products at full price…pass. That Van’s Rucksack would be great if it was produced on the regular. Consider it a large vs the current medium rucksack. If we could convince them to make that and the mythical Twill 48 hour we keep talking about, this thread and FB would lose their collective minds! I would love to see that.

 

[FilsonDude]

Hey all, anyone know where I can buy a NOS tan 256? Nothing super vintage or anything, I just dislike the softer/thinner twill that is used on the current versions. I had one that I bought in 2011 that was much thicker and robust feeling, so would like to get one from around that timeframe if possible

Thanks!

PM you

 

[thefringthing]

What's the story with the bicycle panniers? A quick google tells me A) they don't sell them anymore, and B) it looks like they probably only came in tan.

 

[A JEDI IM]

I believe they only came with a bike too. $$$. I don’t know the details though. Maybe someone else does.

 

[IVIozartsGhost]

I recall seeing a post where the panniers were available for a limited time for $325 or something like that. Probably around the same time that they introduced the Filson/Shinola bike. I've never seen the panniers alone come up for sale...so I may be mistaken that they were sold separately.

 

[speedy611]

I recall seeing a post where the panniers were available for a limited time for $325 or something like that. Probably around the same time that they introduced the Filson/Shinola bike. I've never seen the panniers alone come up for sale...so I may be mistaken that they were sold separately.

Not wishing to rain on anyone’s parade, but as a cyclist that uses panniers, the filson ones were pretty fashion first. Good for short grocery hauls perhaps, but not serious touring gear given their closure, weight and attachment method.

 

[nevadabob]

Ooh! New backpack up for your consideration. Very interesting...

Oil Finish Rucksack

Generous capacity with wax-cotton weather protection.

www.filson.com

 

[IVIozartsGhost]

(edit: the link directs to eBay, but the listing is on Grailed…but whenever I post the correct link, it ends up appearing as an eBay link…any ideas??)

Filson The rarest Filson ever. NANAMICA RED LABEL 257 briefcase!!! | Grailed

Searching for The rarest Filson ever. NANAMICA RED LABEL 257 briefcase!!!? We’ve got Filson Men's Accessories starting at $486 and plenty of other Men's Accessories. Shop our selection of Filson today!

www.grailed.com

(not my bag…and apologies if I’m violating any forum rules)

It’s always exciting to me to see bags like this pop up from time-to-time.This is, in my opinion, pretty darn overpriced, but who knows. Looks to be in good shape, and if someone was interested then maybe some haggling could be worthwhile ?

“rarest Filson ever made” is also kinda funny.

 

[FilsonDude]

(edit: the link directs to eBay, but the listing is on Grailed…but whenever I post the correct link, it ends up appearing as an eBay link…any ideas??)

https://www.ebay.com/listings/22931...-filson-ever-nanamica-red-label-257-briefcase

(not my bag…and apologies if I’m violating any forum rules)

It’s always exciting to me to see bags like this pop up from time-to-time.This is, in my opinion, pretty darn overpriced, but who knows. Looks to be in good shape, and if someone was interested then maybe some haggling could be worthwhile ?

“rarest Filson ever made” is also kinda funny.

Rare eh?
At least two of us in here own one and probably a few more.

 

[beardedbeerrunner]

Went to the Boston store yesterday. They had a lot of interesting one of repaired and redone totes and a few other types as well.

 

[Iskander]

How is best way to clean a stain off a Filson bag (rugged twill)? I know some are loving the patina (I as well) but this stain quite unsightly

 

[speedy611]

How is best way to clean a stain off a Filson bag (rugged twill)? I know some are loving the patina (I as well) but this stain quite unsightly

What is the stain? Dish soap, water and gentle scrubbing for water soluble stuff like mud. Mineral spirits for oil or grease. Touch up with small amount of wax afterwards if needed.

 

[ap10046]

Rare eh?
At least two of us in here own one and probably a few more.

“Rarest” as in I looked for one for years and couldn’t find one.
Have you seen another come up for sale?