My boss Colin and I occasionally discuss pro-tips on our favorite American products. A week ago, he turned me on to Filson coats.

Filson makes all their clothing in Seattle and I am enamored with these heavy (up to double-layer 24 ounce wool) wool pea coats. They’re the real deal–indeed the back of Colin’s coat is double layered and the sides snap open so you can carry ducks in the back.

He brought his forest green Mackinaw Cruiser to work today, and let me try it on. It felt as though it would last forever–like those ancient unbranded wool coats you might borrow while staying at a relatives house to wear on a walk in the dead of winter. Except Filson makes coats like these every day; they’re a true modern-day classic.

After listening to Colin rave about his coat, I headed to the store to pick one up–though the racks were bursting with glitzy multi-colored ski coats spun from plastic, I couldn’t find a Filson in my size. But so evident was the quality of their coats that I simply must track one down in the coming weeks. I’ll dream about them in the meantime.

Filson’s coats ooze pre-industrial revolution authenticity; straight from the era when mentality of repairing–instead of replacing–worn clothing. Back then, everything was built to last. From the catalog: “Filson outdoor clothing was born to meet the challenges of the famous Alaska-Klondike Gold Rush. it was an era when quality and durability were not a matter of choice but a matter of survival.” And they go on to mention that they are still made in the same way, 110 years later.

Their customer testimonials bear that out. One of the shortest reads as follows:

“I purchased a Filson Double Mackinaw Crusier from the Eddie Bauer Store. Since that time I have worn it in nearly every weather condition and temperature range that the Pacific Northwest has to offer. From rain and snow and nearly 0 degrees to balmy days. In each and every case my Filson has proven to be more than a match for mother nature. I wish to express to you my thanks for maintaining such high quality standards in both material and workmanship.” Click here for more customer reviews

Filson’s coats are expensive, but the catalog explains that too: “Please bear in mind that Filson garments are not made so they can be sold at a cheap price–instead they are made of the finest fabrics obtainable and then priced as moderately as possible.”

America Delivered has no affiliation with Filson, so I can only provide a link to their site, and urge you to investigate the brand for yourself. They make everything in Seattle, it all looks great, isn’t adorned with labels, and will last forever. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

More infoformation:

Filson Home
Testimonials (From Filson.com)

Tin Cloth Packer Coat