Filson Bag Thread: With Pictures

[TinMan3]

I am really pissed off. The Filson Wax Work Vest (Item 20087430) in Faded Black was advertised as Made in USA with imported material came today in the mail. Open it up, and on the label it says “Made in Vietnam”. And I know the last version of this was made in USA too as I tried it on at a Filson Store. It’s going back as I hate the misrepresentation. View attachment 1240516 View attachment 1240517

Yes, not even remotely acceptable. Many of us, myself included, justify the price of Filson because the labor cost of US manufacturing. That’s some serious deception there, purposeful or otherwise.

 

[bucky0486]

I am really pissed off. The Filson Wax Work Vest (Item 20087430) in Faded Black was advertised as Made in USA with imported material came today in the mail. Open it up, and on the label it says “Made in Vietnam”. And I know the last version of this was made in USA too as I tried it on at a Filson Store. It’s going back as I hate the misrepresentation. View attachment 1240516 View attachment 1240517

Is there any irregularity or are there any flaws in the workmanship or quality? Traditionally East Asian garments and such aren't quite as consistent and doesn't have as much attention to detail as many US-made items. But, I am familiar with using East Asian suppliers, and you very much get what you pay for. It's entirely possible that a product from Vietnam is better made than a US-sourced product.

But, the Asian sourced garments from Filson I have received have been lower quality than what I expect from a "high-end" brand such as Filson. Still good, but I don't know that the garments would demand the premium that Filson lists for MSRP.

 

[Soletrane]

Yes, not even remotely acceptable. Many of us, myself included, justify the price of Filson because the labor cost of US manufacturing. That’s some serious deception there, purposeful or otherwise.

Exactly. I am not against overseas made products, I just want my Filson products to be made in the US and I am willing to pay a premium for this.

 

[Soletrane]

Is there any irregularity or are there any flaws in the workmanship or quality? Traditionally East Asian garments and such aren't quite as consistent and doesn't have as much attention to detail as many US-made items. But, I am familiar with using East Asian suppliers, and you very much get what you pay for. It's entirely possible that a product from Vietnam is better made than a US-sourced product.

But, the Asian sourced garments from Filson I have received have been lower quality than what I expect from a "high-end" brand such as Filson. Still good, but I don't know that the garments would demand the premium that Filson lists for MSRP.

Until a month ago or so, they were selling the nearly identical 17oz Work Vest, Made in USA for $195. They stopped selling that and started selling the Wax Work Vest also at $195. I am sure they are making significantly more on the new version.

At these prices - and more importantly - given all that heritage/Americana branding, it seems disingenuous to me (not to mention the inaccuracy on their online description). Actually, one of the reasons I posted my experience on this thread as I wanted an enduring description of what happened so other Filson fans are aware. Complaining to Customer Service will just have them tell me to send it back.

 

[Canuckle]

Filson is not the only company moving to Vietnam. I recently noticed that GoRuck (probably the last company you would have expected) has moved most of its manufacturing to Vietnam too. I can't say I am super surprised but it makes me wonder how much longer any US made company can hold off. I mean, how are companies like Red Oxx producing US-made beautiful products like the Air Boss for $285, when GoRuck can't produce a much simpler product like the GR1 for $299 and be profitable. If companies like Filson are successful in Vietnam then it is only a matter of time before all products are moved there.

 

[GzStudio]

another miss-representation :

Filson Padded Briefcase 258 Laptop Bag Restoration Department RARE | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Filson Padded Briefcase 258 Laptop Bag Restoration Department RARE at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

The part about the note is beyond hilarious.

 

[Soletrane]

Filson is not the only company moving to Vietnam. I recently noticed that GoRuck (probably the last company you would have expected) has moved most of its manufacturing to Vietnam too. I can't say I am super surprised but it makes me wonder how much longer any US made company can hold off. I mean, how are companies like Red Oxx producing US-made beautiful products like the Air Boss for $285, when GoRuck can't produce a much simpler product like the GR1 for $299 and be profitable. If companies like Filson are successful in Vietnam then it is only a matter of time before all products are moved there.

Interesting. GoRuck particularly surprises me. I figure two reasons must explain it. As the company grows, there is an increased focus on profitability and overseas labor (once the brand is established) is an extremely effective way to cut costs. You may lose some customers but you can attract many others through greater marketing resources that can be deployed.

The other reason is that I have read that it is hard to source the skilled labor to sew garments and bags. Thirty years ago, the majority of clothing worn by Americans was made domestically so there was a much larger supply of skilled workers in the garment trade.

On a personal note, I returned my wax work vest at a Filson store for the discontinued but nearly identical 17oz work vest (US made). All’s well that ends well.

 

[FilsonDude]

What’s the story behind the Black Label items?
Were they only sold overseas?

 

[speedy611]

Interesting. GoRuck particularly surprises me. I figure two reasons must explain it. As the company grows, there is an increased focus on profitability and overseas labor (once the brand is established) is an extremely effective way to cut costs. You may lose some customers but you can attract many others through greater marketing resources that can be deployed.

The other reason is that I have read that it is hard to source the skilled labor to sew garments and bags. Thirty years ago, the majority of clothing worn by Americans was made domestically so there was a much larger supply of skilled workers in the garment trade.

On a personal note, I returned my wax work vest at a Filson store for the discontinued but nearly identical 17oz work vest (US made). All’s well that ends well.

I agree with all of this. If your brand isn’t massively dependent on a MiUSA story then offshoring production makes a lot of sense.
Another factor is the incredibly cheap mass scale transport and logistics. If your stuff can be shipped back and forth for pennies then there is even less downside to offshore production.

To be slightly controversial for a moment - the “made locally” thing has always been a bit of an illusion hasn’t it? Before cheap flights were normal and people tended to be less mobile, didn’t immigrant populations often undertake skilled sewing - eg Italians in the Garment district? At what point is made in (wherever) more or less important that made BY (whom ever).
I think it’s a tremendously complex debate and not a one size fits all answer. Overseas production may indicate lower quality. Or perhaps not. Anyone for Honda vs Harley in the AMF years..?!

 

[speedy611]

What’s the story behind the Black Label items?
Were they only sold overseas?

As far as I’ve ever seen it was done by Filson Italy who seemed to have approval to do higher end and different material variants of Filson designs. Now closed and only operated for 3 or 4 years I think.

 

[McRiz]

I wanted to share this story, as I think I finally found the holy grail of Filson bags (at least for me). I've been collecting these bags for about 8 years and have always wanted an Outfitter bag, and have kicked myself ever since I passed on the sale years ago. About 2 weeks ago, one popped up on ebay, mislabeled and unnoticed. I was the only bidder at $250 shipped. It's in used, barely used, condition, with black marks on the bottom that I scrubbed off with a toothbrush, water and liquid soap. The strap looks unused. This bag is awesome, although I doubt I will ever use it as it is a beast.

 

[Canuckle]

I wanted to share this story, as I think I finally found the holy grail of Filson bags (at least for me). I've been collecting these bags for about 8 years and have always wanted an Outfitter bag, and have kicked myself ever since I passed on the sale years ago. About 2 weeks ago, one popped up on ebay, mislabeled and unnoticed. I was the only bidder at $250 shipped. It's in used, barely used, condition, with black marks on the bottom that I scrubbed off with a toothbrush, water and liquid soap. The strap looks unused. This bag is awesome, although I doubt I will ever use it as it is a beast.

Nice score. That looks freaking massive though. I can't imagine carrying that around. Even a large duffle would probably be easier because of the shape. Fully packed I imagine it would be like a 246 on steroids just a giant cube lol

 

[Soletrane]

Nice score, McRiz. There is something about a long hunt that makes it that much sweeter when you finally get it. To Canuckle’s point, I am not sure it’s the ultimate modern airline carry-on ;-) but it is an awesome piece from a bygone day when Filson made some tough, rugged gear for harsh use. Regardless, it would still be more than fine for the back of my SUV on my next camping trip where muddy or wet clothes or footwear are a given.

 

[Soletrane]

I agree with all of this. If your brand isn’t massively dependent on a MiUSA story then offshoring production makes a lot of sense.
Another factor is the incredibly cheap mass scale transport and logistics. If your stuff can be shipped back and forth for pennies then there is even less downside to offshore production.

To be slightly controversial for a moment - the “made locally” thing has always been a bit of an illusion hasn’t it? Before cheap flights were normal and people tended to be less mobile, didn’t immigrant populations often undertake skilled sewing - eg Italians in the Garment district? At what point is made in (wherever) more or less important that made BY (whom ever).
I think it’s a tremendously complex debate and not a one size fits all answer. Overseas production may indicate lower quality. Or perhaps not. Anyone for Honda vs Harley in the AMF years..?!

I figure about 60-70% of the reason I buy Filson is the high quality of the materials and workmanship. I look through racks of brand name stuff at most stores and so much of the outerwear looks cheaply made even if the MSRP is relatively high and the brand is considered upmarket. There are a few exceptions like Patagonia which makes some nice workwear style stuff, for example. But overall, it’s pretty dismal for traditional, non-technical garments.

In contrast, you go to a Filson store, and lumbersexual decor aside, almost everything seems extremely well made with thick wool or waxed canvas. Even most of the stuff made overseas like the current mackinaw jac-shirt I will gladly admit are top notch.

But there is another 30-40% part of me that just likes the idea of buying something made in the US at a Filson factory. There’s no real logic to it. Maybe it’s an illusion, as I realize there’s no magic pixie dust that makes Made in America items inherently better (though they often are, in my anecdotal experience, as the flagship or iconic items in the catalog). So I am curious what will happen to their brand if they go nearly fully to overseas manufacturing.

 

[pnwprice]

I wanted to share this story, as I think I finally found the holy grail of Filson bags (at least for me). I've been collecting these bags for about 8 years and have always wanted an Outfitter bag, and have kicked myself ever since I passed on the sale years ago. About 2 weeks ago, one popped up on ebay, mislabeled and unnoticed. I was the only bidder at $250 shipped. It's in used, barely used, condition, with black marks on the bottom that I scrubbed off with a toothbrush, water and liquid soap. The strap looks unused. This bag is awesome, although I doubt I will ever use it as it is a beast.

Niiiice. I have a talon XL outfitter and love it. I’ve checked it on flights, taken on numerous camping trips, etc. it’s a tank.