Man Wearing Filson Tin Cloth Olive Green Jacket & Tin Packer Hat

What Makes Filson’s Tin Cloth So Durable and Trusted?

Filson Tin Cloth jackets have become a symbol of durable outdoor clothing, trusted for generations. Rooted in the demands of the Klondike Gold Rush and refined through years of craftsmanship, Filson’s heritage workwear continues to offer outstanding protection against harsh conditions, combining rugged performance with the brand’s enduring connection to the outdoors.

As a brand with over 120 years’ experience of supplying garments that never give up, Filson’s story is one of timing, work ethic and is as every bit 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 tough climate of Nebraska. Following a move to Seattle in 1897, Filson noticed the thousands of American prospectors that 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.

American Klondike Gold Rush Prospectors Circa 1897

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, often taking 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 came to a halt, but Filson’s reputation for reliable clothing was now common knowledge for outdoorsmen along the Pacific Northwest. However, one particular item caught the attention of loggers and tin miners alike – the Filson Cruiser Jacket.

Filson Tin Cloth Jacket

Crafted from British Millerain’s tightly woven canvas duck fabric, it is then soaked with paraffin wax and oil under heat in order to absorb deeply into the cotton fibres, giving Filson’s products tear and water-resistant qualities that would otherwise be impossible from ordinary cotton. To this day, British Millerain continue to exclusively supply Filson with their heavy-duty “tin cloth”.

What may come as a surprise is that this nickname, Tin Cloth, only began to gain traction in the 1970s after being coined by Pacific Northwest loggers. The term itself derives from the process of solder being applied to copper wires to prevent oxidisation, however they also used it to describe their items of clothing that had been waxed.

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.

Shop our full range of Filson Clothing & Accessories below:

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes Filson’s Tin Cloth So Durable?

Filson’s Tin Cloth is a heavyweight waxed cotton canvas designed for rugged use. The tightly woven fabric is treated with paraffin-based wax, making it highly water-resistant, abrasion-resistant, and durable—ideal for outdoor work and harsh environments.

How Did Filson’s Tin Cloth Get Its Name?

Filson’s Tin Cloth got its name because the waxed cotton canvas became stiff and highly weather-resistant, resembling the toughness of tin. The name has been used since the early 20th century to describe Filson’s durable outerwear, originally made for loggers and outdoorsmen.

What Was the Original Purpose of Filson’s Tin Cloth Clothing?

Filson introduced Tin Cloth to provide Pacific Northwest loggers and outdoorsmen with rugged, water-resistant clothing. Though Filson outfitted prospectors during the 1897 Klondike Gold Rush, Tin Cloth gained prominence later as a go-to material for durable workwear.

Why Is British Millerain Important to Filson’s Tin Cloth?

Filson sources waxed cotton from trusted suppliers, including British Millerain, to ensure its Tin Cloth remains water-resistant and hard-wearing. While British Millerain is a key supplier, Filson has historically worked with various fabric producers to maintain quality and performance.

What Types of Products Use Filson’s Tin Cloth Today?

Filson’s Tin Cloth is used in jackets like the Cruiser, work vests, duffel bags, tool bags, and hats. Known for its rugged durability and water resistance, it remains a trusted material for outdoorsmen, hunters, and tradespeople.

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