Filson and the U.S. Forest Service share unbreakable ties to our wildlands and a relationship that dates to the early 1900s. When the U.S. Forest Service was established in 1905, the Klondike Gold Rush was winding down, and the Northwest’s logging industry was booming. Foresters in the rain-soaked Northwest wildlands required protective, durable clothing and Filson was their outfitter.
“It was on April 30, 1925, that I reported for duty with Edw. MacKay at Lolo Hot Springs...Dressed in logger boots, Filson water-repellant pants and jackets, woolen underwear and sox, plenty of socks, (this was the standard Forest Service uniform for the backcountry in that day), we moved out.” - The Ranger in Charge by W.K. “Bill” Samuel.
In challenging weather and terrain, Forest Service personnel have always used what works, choosing Filson for dependable, rugged field clothing. One of the earliest written records of Filson supplying Forest Service personnel resides in the Forest Service Museum: “It was on April 30, 1925, that I reported for duty with Edw. MacKay at Lolo Hot Springs…Dressed in logger boots, Filson water-repellant pants and jackets, woolen underwear and sox, plenty of socks, (this was the standard Forest Service uniform for the backcountry in that day), we moved out.” – The Ranger in Charge by W.K. “Bill” Samuel.
By the 1950s, the U.S. Forest Service had adopted Filson jackets as uniform attire, Cape Coats and variations of the iconic Cruiser in Forestry Cloth and Mackinaw Wools. Under federal procurement practices, Forest Service personnel purchase approved products curated by intermediaries. Filson Mackinaw Wool Cruisers, Vests, and Pants are a part of that assortment to this day. Interagency wildland firefighting crews contracted to the U.S.F.S. regularly purchase Filson clothing and gear through our Pro Sales program for their work outside of the fire season.
Filson is rooted in the outdoors and is honored to continue producing Unfailing Goods for the stewards of our wildlands.
