Tin Cloth is a robust, tightly woven canvas fabric, typically cotton, impregnated with a water-resistant wax or oil coating. This treatment renders it highly water-repellent and stain-resistant, making it ideal for clothing and bags crafted for demanding outdoor environments.
Filson Tin Cloth jackets, born from this durable material, have become an emblem of rugged outdoor wear, trusted across generations. Originating during the Klondike Gold Rush, these jackets embody meticulous craftsmanship and offer exceptional protection against harsh conditions. Filson's enduring connection to the outdoors, combined with its heritage of functional design, continues to define its workwear legacy.
As a brand with over 120 years of experience in supplying garments that never give up, Filson's story is one of timing, work ethic and is as inspiring as their clothing.
Born in 1850, the brand's founder, C.C. Filson, was brought up to embody his father's love for the outdoors, spending the first half of his life in the notoriously harsh climate of Nebraska. Following a move to Seattle in 1897, Filson noticed the thousands of American prospectors who had begun to migrate North of the US border, all trying to find their fortune in the Klondike Gold Rush. These hopeful men were hopelessly prepared for the colder temperatures that such a journey entailed.
Seeing this opportunity, Filson's Pioneer Alaska Clothing and Blanket Manufacturers was established, specialising in hard-wearing goods tailored for those brave enough to pass through the treacherous trail. What made Filson unique and ensured the safe return of his customers was the honesty of the owner himself, who often took the time to hear the stories of the migrants and their journeys before using these conversations to further improve his offerings.
The Gold Rush couldn't last forever and eventually came to a halt, but Filson's reputation for reliable clothing was now common knowledge among outdoorsmen in the Pacific Northwest. However, one particular item caught the attention of loggers and tin miners alike – the Filson Cruiser Jacket.
Crafted from British Millerain's tightly woven canvas duck fabric, it is then soaked in paraffin wax and oil under heat to deeply absorb into the cotton fibres, giving Filson's products tear- and water-resistant qualities that would otherwise be impossible with ordinary cotton. To this day, British Millerain continue to supply Filson with their heavy-duty "tin cloth exclusively".
What may come as a surprise is that this nickname, "Tin Cloth," only began to gain traction in the 1970s, after being coined by loggers in the Pacific Northwest. The term itself derives from the process of applying solder to copper wires to prevent oxidation; however, it was also used to describe items of clothing that had been waxed.
Filson's Tin Cloth Jacket is a cornerstone of rugged outdoor wear, crafted from waxed canvas that has shielded workers from Pacific Northwest rain and snow for over a century. With features like the action back for mobility and weather-resistant durability, it's built for loggers, hunters, and adventurers. Watch the video below to see why the Tin Cloth Jacket remains a trusted choice for harsh environments.
Today, the material still features across a wide range of Filson jackets, duffel bags, rucksacks, and other accessories – making them the go-to choice for loggers, tradesmen, and outdoorsmen.
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