Saturday, July 6, 2013

The Story Of Filson

By Robert Greenfield


When C.C. Filson's Pioneer Alaska Clothing and Blanket Manufacturers first opened its doors in 1897, the Great Klondike Gold Rush was on, and thousands upon thousands of gold seekers and fortune hunters were swarming the Pacific Northwest before heading north. C.C. Filson took advantage of this opportunity and founded the company known today as Filson in Seattle, Washington. C.C. Filson was a born outdoorsmen and he used his pioneer spirit to open a shop that would cater to Gold Rush prospectors.

Filson's mission was to design and manufacture high quality goods and apparel using the best materials attainable. He used his prior experience running a loggers outfitting store to open the C.C. Filson's Pioneer Alaska Clothing and Blanket Manufacturers storefront. His timing couldn't have been more perfect, as there was a great need for quality clothing and goods that would protect and assist the pioneers heading North in search of gold and fortune.

It was because of the harsh and extreme weather conditions experienced by the Gold Rush pioneers that Filson designed and made his goods. During that time and era, clothing was a matter of survival, not choice. C.C. Filson owned a mill and made Mackinaw goods such as clothing and blankets. He also sold sleeping bags, boots and shoes that were designed for the cold temperatures in the North.

Another step Filson took was keeping in close contact with anyone who purchased his goods. He did this so he could take feedback on what did and didn't work and so he could tailor his goods to meet the needs and desires of his customers. Filson realized that the Gold Rush pioneers were relying on him and his goods, and so he designed and made everything to be the absolute best in terms of quality and durability.

After the Gold Rush ended, Filson had gained a solid base of customers and outdoorsmen that loved the company's rugged goods and clothes. C.C. Filson drew from his years of experience running a loggers outfitting store, and soon added a line of clothing for those who worked in the timber industry. One piece of clothing was the Filson Cruiser, named and designed by Mr. Filson. The Cruiser quickly became and has remained Filson's best-selling item, with over 500,000 jackets sold to date.

The Filson name soon became synonymous with honest values, customer satisfaction, and reliability. If a customer wanted something that Filson did not make, Mr. Filson would custom make if for him. Mr. Filson also continued to make all his clothes and goods from the absolute best materials, as well as guaranteeing everything 100%. By the time of the 1960's, Filson had a hallowed reputation with outdoorsmen across the world.

When Filson entered the 1960's and 70's, the company had built a reputation as the premier supplier to outdoorsmen around the globe. Filson clothing and apparel could be found everywhere premium outdoor wear was sold, and the companies clothing and goods were mail-ordered from far off places such as Greenland. In the 1990's, the company introduced vests for fly-fishing, as well as re-introducing their classic Rugged Twill and Bridle Leather Luggage Line.

For over 100 years, Filson's slogan has been "Might as Well Have the Best". Durability, comfort and protection never go out of style, which is why some Filson items have remained virtually unchanged in over 100 years. Filson designs and makes everything to be really good in terms of quality and longevity, which is also why they 100% guarantee everything they make. Today, Filson makes everything from bags to luggage, clothes and apparel, as well as a variety of hunting, fishing, and outdoor goods and accessories.




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