Filson Vest

I've done some half-hearted searching for an ANSI-approved vest that replicates the pocket arrangement of the Filson Cruiser, to no avail. If you come up with something, please let me know.

In the mean time, I've been buying my Filsons on eBay (I prefer the blaze orange variety for visibility, both to my assistant and to oncoming vehicles). Sometimes new, sometimes lightly used, but always at a substantial discount to list. Best price I've gotten new was about $40. Worst price I've paid for used was around $60.

> I've done some half-hearted searching for an ANSI-approved vest that replicates the pocket arrangement of the Filson Cruiser, to no avail. If you come up with something, please let me know.
>
> In the mean time, I've been buying my Filsons on eBay (I prefer the blaze orange variety for visibility, both to my assistant and to oncoming vehicles).

The blaze orange are still made of a polyester blend, aren't they? In a warm climate, 100% cotton is more comfortable since it wicks perspiration (of which there is plenty) away from the perspirer.

Kent,
i use cotton vests from FORRESTRY SUPPLIES in CANADA, they mail to Australia. They will custom make from your design, pockets as required to your diamentions, for about $100 or so. The orange fades in time, but they will sew on any amount of reflective strips to compensate.
Cheers
David

Yes, $200 dog beds and $1200 man purses!

I stopped in their retail store in Portland OR. I am no behemoth but the cut of their clothing is suspect... billowy shirts with extremely tight cuffs. It seems to me their clothing is trending more towards designer than functional.

One thing to keep in mind about Filson clothing is that they will repair their product free for life. That includes damage caused by regular wear and tear as well as from abuse. I had a Filson wool shirt that I brought back to them many times, first the put elbow patches on it and kept on repairing it until it looked like Frankenshirt, eventually I felt a bit embarrassed as the shirt was so far gone so I bought a new one instead of further exploiting the policy. I then promptly left the brand new shirt unattended for a bit on a survey in town and it walked off on me.

If you have to pay for shipping I suppose that cost would have to be considered but if you live in Seattle it is a pretty killer arrangement, I am actually dropping off my tin overalls for new knee patches this weekend.

While totally different from the vest you seek I have been kind of fascinated with these vests that have a internal frame and back pack straps,

http://www.deakin.com/shop/products/?p=5317

If anyone has a review of one I would appreciate hearing about it.

Also I am in the market for a new machete, if anyone has a solid recommendation I would dig hearing about that as well, preferably something that could be found in Seattle but I can order online if it is worth it.

Ontario knife.

Or just get a pair of gear loppers, less damage to elbows.

Machete...

10-4 on Ontario Knife. I've been using the military surplus blades for over 35 years. Heavy, good quality steel, keeps a good edge. You can find one with an 18" blade, add the sheath to your web gear belt, and squat down to draw in the fieldbook without the blade handle shoving into your side.

For light trimming, or for covert trimming near a house, I use loppers. A heck-uv-a-lot quieter than swinging a blade. Helps keep the neighbors from looking out the window.

Ontario Knife

The 18in is a handy cutting blade.

The 22in is for the heavy lifting day.

I switched from Filson to an ML Kishigo vest which is pretty good but cheaply made. The reflective tape is coming off.

I like having the zippered rear pocket and there are generally more pockets. The Cruiser was a pain in rough country (very steep, sometimes a lot of huckleberry). Stuff keeps falling out of the back pocket when scrambling over logs or boot skiing down a steep slope. The ML Kishigo vest also has water bottle pockets which are handy.

> I switched from Filson to an ML Kishigo vest which is pretty good but cheaply made. The reflective tape is coming off.
>
> I like having the zippered rear pocket and there are generally more pockets. The Cruiser was a pain in rough country (very steep, sometimes a lot of huckleberry). Stuff keeps falling out of the back pocket when scrambling over logs or boot skiing down a steep slope. The ML Kishigo vest also has water bottle pockets which are handy.

My favorite features of the Filson Cruiser Vest (which I wear in the stealth khaki version seen in the photo above, except when I'm working on ranches during hunting season), are:

- inside pockets perfect size for field book,
- tall, narrow upper front pockets perfect size for pencils, scribe, center punch and hand level,
- relatively rugged fabric, somewhat water resistant, that won't rip on barbed wire fences or thorny vines and shrubs,
- side pockets large enough to hold compass, clinometer, and assorted Allen wrenches.

I seldom use the back pocket.

> Yes, $200 dog beds and $1200 man purses!
>
> I stopped in their retail store in Portland OR. I am no behemoth but the cut of their clothing is suspect... billowy shirts with extremely tight cuffs. It seems to me their clothing is trending more towards designer than functional.

Yeah, my guess is that C.C. Filson is being run by some Wall Street type with romantic visions of what it would be like to actually work outdoors and need suitable clothing. At least it's made in the US. I can't fault them for that. The $200 dog beds? Yes, I can fault them for that.

> i use cotton vests from FORRESTRY SUPPLIES in CANADA, they mail to Australia. They will custom make from your design, pockets as required to your diamentions, for about $100 or so.

David, I've done some searching on the web and am not sure I've identified the enterprise you mentioned. Do you have a URL for them?

One that might be of interest is on sale:

http://www.forestry-suppliers.com/product_pages/View_Catalog_Page.asp?mi=11013

The back pocket is for a folding garden saw, extra water and sometimes my sandwich (lunch).

I have a Filson Style 8, Size 46. Probably purchased early 90's. Not real worn, has some stains (might wash out). Somebody want it for $50?

> One that might be of interest is on sale:
>
>> http://www.forestry-suppliers.com/product_pages/View_Catalog_Page.asp?mi=11013br >
Yes, that definitely looks as if it would be worth trying.

Too small for me or I would jump on it:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Filson-Tin-Cruiser-Vest-Style-8-Made-In-USA-100-Cotton-Mens-40-/221230640983?pt=US_CSA_MC_Vests&hash=item33825faf57#ht_63wt_1328

Kent

I realize most of your work is off road; however, you may remember in 2010 whereby a law was passed that all workers working on highways that received federal funding are required to wear class II safety vests. According to TxDOT, all roads maintained by them are subject to this law.

So, in light of that, we had to procure those vests. SECO makes a class II vest with a wicking material lined in it. I believe the number is 8603. They satisfy the federal law and wick moisture away as well as the old filson I had and better than any fishing vest I tried. They are the same price as the filson you quoted above and have more storage for water than my old cruisers vest.

It's just a thought as you work in the highway ROW at times.

Kent

> I realize most of your work is off road; however, you may remember in 2010 whereby a law was passed that all workers working on highways that received federal funding are required to wear class II safety vests. According to TxDOT, all roads maintained by them are subject to this law.

Yes, if I'm ever so foolish as to subcontract with TxDOT to do work for them, I'll keep that in mind. :> I don't see it happening.