Filson Bag Thread: With Pictures

[speedy611]

I was just getting ready to mention the same point that nevadabob made. My guess is that Filson has a YKK machine that automates the custom cutting of different length zippers.
Who knew how much work went into making a zipper?

YKK apparently does EVERYTHING it can in-house. Including smelting its own brass and making the boxes that the zippers ship in.
https://ykknorthamerica.com/the-ykk-difference/vertical-integration/

Why Do So Many Zippers Say YKK?

The zipper is one of those inventions—along with the bicycle—that seems as though it should have occurred much earlier in history. How complicated...

slate.com

Interesting video, thanks. I was wrong about the teeth being cast, so that was educational. Also that the zips are waxed. Often heard about that but never tried it, so now I know it’s ok to do it.

 

[nevadabob]

Sorry, but going to the source doesn't count as a legitimate argument. Although he did say that YKK supplied Filson with a machine, but that doesn't count either. **edit: actually upon re-read, he didn't say a machine, he said equipment.**

The more rational of you can consider this. Of course it’s still coming from customer support. But at least it’s been ‘documented’

It makes sense, though, from an earlier article about sweeping up teeth at the end of the day. I imagine Filson buys large rolls of zippers, knocks the teeth out where needed, then cuts, adds stops and installs on whatever.

 

[OtterMeanGreen]

Sorry, but going to the source doesn't count as a legitimate argument. Although he did say that YKK supplied Filson with a machine, but that doesn't count either. **edit: actually upon re-read, he didn't say a machine, he said equipment.**



It makes sense, though, from an earlier article about sweeping up teeth at the end of the day. I imagine Filson buys large rolls of zippers, knocks the teeth out where needed, then cuts, adds stops and installs on whatever.

It makes no mention of sweeping up teeth, but chocolate sprinkle sized brass from THE MAKER, which could come from anywhere, like the zipper pull and slider for instance. Also the latest article on the subject I provided (featured below) is with the factory manager Teresa Whittaker, and it says “crank out their own zippers”, makes no mention anywhere of cutting. Again I’m not arguing that Filson doesn’t cut their own zippers, but attempting at proving this rare “zipper machine” is used to create another component of the design, such as the custom stamped pull tabs.

And @Stratkat I do appreciate you sharing the conversation but as I’ve shared Filson’s customer service doesn’t count as a reliable source to me, they’ve made too many mistakes and contradictions in the past for me to think otherwise. Like I said if it came from the a factory manager or supervisor that would settle things on my end. Sorry to be so difficult but I enjoy pushing your buttons...kidding but seriously I enjoy finding and pushing for proof istead of emotion-based debating (which I'm not accusing you of here).

 

[TinMan3]

The more rational of you can consider this. Of course it’s still coming from customer support. But at least it’s been ‘documented’
View attachment 1197618 View attachment 1197619 View attachment 1197619

From all the evidence presented, I think it’s fair to say that the zipper teeth arrive at the Filson facility in rolls and are cut to length by a specialty machine provided by YKK that requires training and is unusual in its own right. I was the first person to suggest that they cut the teeth on site based on an article that I misinterpreted. While it’s possible that they manufacture the other parts of the zipper, that seems inefficient and unlikely to me, but can’t say for sure.

That said, this thread is about having fun and having mutual respect for each other and I take offense to you calling out people as irrational (no matter who you are referring to or whether you personally feel that way or not). That is straight rude. There’s no place for that here.

 

[OtterMeanGreen]

From all the evidence presented, I think it’s fair to say that the zipper teeth arrive at the Filson facility in rolls and are cut to length by a specialty machine provided by YKK that requires training and is unusual in its own right. I was the first person to suggest that they cut the teeth on site based on an article that I misinterpreted. While it’s possible that they manufacture the other parts of the zipper, that seems inefficient and unlikely to me, but can’t say for sure.

That said, this thread is about having fun and having mutual respect for each other and I take offense to you calling out people as irrational (no matter who you are referring to or whether you personally feel that way or not). That is straight rude. There’s no place for that here.

I bear equal criticism with my usual unrelenting replies lol. In my defense though I never once said anything about Filson not having a machine that cuts their own zipper teeth to length, as when i think of a zipper assembly as a whole, I also focus on the slider/pull tab. I still think based on evidence that i have provided, that this “zipper machine” as stated in the article is utilized with creating the custom stamped zipper tabs mated to the sliders. The article with the factory manager uses trigger words such as “crank out” and Zipper Maker”. I don’t extrapolate a machine that simply cuts the zipper to length from either examples, especially not for a still small niche company such as Filson. When you look at bags like the 24HR, 48HR & 70258, garment bag, it makes sense considering how many zipper sliders/pull tabs are needed with the custom stamped logos, multiple sizes too (24/48HR)

 

[FilsonDude]

So no one here has taken the factory tour?
I’m kind of surprised with all the Filson fanatics residing here.
I think I’ll try for a visit sometime this year and definitely be asking many “zipper questions”

 

[OtterMeanGreen]

So no one here has taken the factory tour?
I’m kind of surprised with all the Filson fanatics residing here.
I think I’ll try for a visit sometime this year and definitely be asking many “zipper questions”

Awesome! I'm not sure how in-depth the tour is but when I go back to Seattle, this time as a Filsonado, I will certainly take the full scheduled tour.

Also didn't realize we just hit 16,000 posts, congratulations to another 1,500 posts guys.

 

[Kwaker]

So while counting the number of teeth on my zippers ... I mean, how else do I follow up some 3 pages of zipper-talk ... I realized that my 70025 has both YYK (11 teeth per inch) and FILSON (8 teeth per inch) stamped pulls.

 

[speedy611]

So while counting the number of teeth on my zippers ... I mean, how else do I follow up some 3 pages of zipper-talk ... I realized that my 70025 has both YYK (11 teeth per inch) and FILSON (8 teeth per inch) stamped pulls.

You sir are truly blessed!

When @TinMan3 and I visited the London store we were told there that there is a big hopper of zippers. Allegedly they reach in and grab one as needed. It’s thought there might be a sort of strata - Talons at the bottom, YKK in the middle and Filson at the top. Potentially it’s the luck of the draw.

In reality that might have been true a while ago but given their brand awareness now I guess that sort of thing has stopped. Good story though!

 

[pnwprice]

Sorry to interrupt zipper-quest 2019. But I am really stoked on this find. Estate sale find from up in northern Washington state.

I know this is an outfitter bag. Have no idea what size this was sold as. I’m guessing this is a medium as the medium duffle is the closest size comparison I have. No date tags. Definitely old harness leather. BEAUTIFUL talon zips. I mean they look brand new. Leather is a bit dry in spots but it is also in top shape. The only thing I could spot wrong with it after taking it home is one of the button rivets inside the bottom compartment is starting to corrode. This makes sense as this is the dry bag portion of the bag, but otherwise the only sore spot on the piece.

P.S. What are those inside button rivets for? Was there a snap in liner of some kind with these bags?

 

[FilsonDude]

Beautiful specimen

 

[GzStudio]

That appears to be the 239 XL. Key giveaway it is the only outfitter with snaps in lower compartment for dividers.

 

[OtterMeanGreen]

Sorry to interrupt zipper-quest 2019. But I am really stoked on this find. Estate sale find from up in northern Washington state.

I know this is an outfitter bag. Have no idea what size this was sold as. I’m guessing this is a medium as the medium duffle is the closest size comparison I have. No date tags. Definitely old harness leather. BEAUTIFUL talon zips. I mean they look brand new. Leather is a bit dry in spots but it is also in top shape. The only thing I could spot wrong with it after taking it home is one of the button rivets inside the bottom compartment is starting to corrode. This makes sense as this is the dry bag portion of the bag, but otherwise the only sore spot on the piece.

P.S. What are those inside button rivets for? Was there a snap in liner of some kind with these bags?

Great barn find. The Outfitter Bags will actually share the dimensions & close appearances with the #248-LTB more then the Duffel's. Most will say that they are LTB's with an extra compartment sewn on the bottom and a zipper pocket on the side. It's like the #258 being closely compared to the #257 but with an extra pocket sewn on the front. There are obviously other differences on both Outfitters and on the #258, but this is just for reference sake.

How much did it go for at the Estate Sale? I've been attending more of these types of sales in my parents retirement village, but have found zero Filson's (bags or garments).

 

[OtterMeanGreen]

Noticed this on my eBay search and wanted to share it. Not trying to prove any points with this, I've never seen this happen before (to any generation)

Filson-YKK Era Zipper fail. Talk about having to jump the tracks

Filson Brand Computer Briefcase Bag Olive Color With Leather Carrying Strap. | eBay

<p>Filson Brand Computer Briefcase Bag Olive Color. Condition is Pre-owned. Bag has a broken zipper that needs to be repaired. Currently it does no zip up, but should be easily repairable. Bag shows a couple</p><p>Light areas of wear, but is worn in well and looks great.</p>

www.ebay.com

 

[OtterMeanGreen]

This is truly strange. It a vintage Mackinaw Cruiser (circa 1980's I think) and has a ZIPPER...and not a very good one it seems. Obviously this is a modification but caught my stare and wanted to share it with you guys:

FILSON Men’s Wool Mackinaw Green/Black Plaid Hunting Cruiser Jacket Sz 44 | eBay

Authentic FILSON Mackinaw Cruiser Jacket - Style 110 - Green/Black Plaid, 100% Wool. From Filson: "The Original and Genuine Cruiser. Under any other label it is simply an imitation. No fading - really strong color.

www.ebay.com