About Us

Since 1897, Filson has been committed to outfitting those who venture into the wildest parts of the world. The company was founded in that pivotal year to supply prospectors and explorers heading into the Alaska Gold Rush. Back then, durable and high-quality clothing was not a luxury but a necessity for survival against extreme weather and rough terrain. C.C. Filson’s products quickly became the benchmark for excellence, and that legacy remains alive today. Based in Seattle, Filson continues to produce best-in-class clothing and gear made for utility and durability, trusted by those who live and work outdoors.

Filson manufactures unfailing goods, knowing that a person’s safety in the backcountry often depends on the reliability of their equipment. Loggers, hunters, anglers, ranchers, and even the U.S. Forest Service have placed their trust in Filson’s products over the years. This trust has been earned through a steadfast refusal to compromise on quality, which often results in Filson items being passed down from one generation to the next. Clinton C. Filson’s quality-first mindset was the foundation of his business, and it continues to guide every decision the company makes, from material sourcing to construction and after-sales support. His words still hold true: “Your satisfaction is the sole purpose of our transaction.”

Filson’s mission is straightforward: to create products that outsmart the elements, outperform expectations, and outlast the user. This mission is rooted in a deep history. Clinton Clarence Filson was born on January 27, 1850, in Columbiana County, Ohio, as the oldest of seven children. In the early 1870s, the Filson family moved to Humboldt, Nebraska. Seeking adventure, Clinton worked as a railroad conductor on the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad. Known for his integrity, he was elected mayor of Humboldt in 1880 and soon after founded the successful Filson House hotel. He married Winnifred C. Egbert in 1887.

Over the years, Filson’s dedication to crafting quality goods from exceptional materials has produced many iconic products. These are generational items made from materials that withstand hard use and the passage of time. One customer shared how his father, a U.S. Forest Service employee, bought a Cruiser Vest in 1972 and used it for marking timber and fighting fires. Thirty-four years later, the son still uses that same vest while hunting, fishing, and hiking. Stories like this reflect the enduring value of Filson’s work.

Filson also believes in giving back to the outdoors, which is where the company’s customers work, camp, hike, and explore. The company supports organizations that help keep natural habitats and wildlife healthy and accessible. Its partners are committed to preserving the wild for generations to come. One such partner is the National Forest Foundation, a nonprofit that works with the U.S. Forest Service and thousands of Americans each year to promote the health and enjoyment of national forests and grasslands. Through Filson’s donation portal, customers have helped the foundation plant thousands of trees.

Another key partner is The Conservation Alliance, which brings together businesses and outdoor communities to protect North America’s wild places. Members from a range of industries support solutions that balance the needs of land, water, wildlife, and people. Filson employees themselves take part in restoration and cleanup efforts, including rebuilding fire lookout towers with the National Forest Foundation and cleaning local beaches and parks with the Backyard Collective. The company encourages everyone to seek out and support organizations dedicated to preserving the places and causes they care about.

Responsibility has been part of Filson’s approach since 1897. In a market filled with disposable products, Filson continues to make goods for lasting service. Sustainability is not just a modern concept for the company; it is the way things have always been done. Filson products are crafted in factories that are safe, clean, and efficient, and its manufacturing partners are carefully vetted to ensure high standards of quality and human welfare. The company prioritizes responsible sourcing, using wool from humanely treated sheep and down from waterfowl that are never force-fed or live-plucked. Many synthetic fabrics contain recycled content or responsibly extruded natural materials. Filson’s operations reflect the understanding that how a business operates affects people and the environment, and that today’s actions determine tomorrow’s world.