Sorry the coloring got weird for a few seconds at 8:13, I didn't have time to fix it! More timestamps: 00:00 Filson's original twill briefcase 01:00 Filson's briefcase leather 03:52 Construction 07:06 Exterior features 09:57 Price 11:57 Pros 13:17 Cons
Former Filson employee here! I’d just like to add that I don’t think their weatherproof leather looks particularly nice at first, but after a year or so when it really breaks in, it starts looking pretty amazing. As for the handles, I do believe that Filson will still install a leather clasp for fairly cheap if you want one. As for price, these are made in Seattle, where wages are higher than in much of the country, so that might add to the overall cost of the bag. Great review though! I really like these and while I don’t own one, I hope to some day!
OK maybe these shouldn't be made in seattle? These can still be American made and not in a place with crazy expensive rent and wages. Seems like an odd business decision.
@@amanasd26 well, filson stuff has been made in Seattle since the gold rush. People still buy the stuff at this price, and the workers get payed well. I don’t really see the problem. If you want it for cheaper, go second hand, or from one of the outlets.
@@amanasd26 Great idea - let's do this the old fashioned way, in Bangladesh with overworked and underpaid younglings sleeping under the desk because they have no life and no future.
Filson offers a reasonably well made product at an unreasonable price. They certainly aren't alone in that game but I tend to steer clear of those companies.
Of course you will, cost of labor is way cheaper in Italy. You can carry that argument further and pick random made in (pick SE Asian country) bags on Etsy for that much cheaper and similarly well built. I'd prefer going with small shop artisans like Vermilyea Pelle who actually build in this style (let's compare like to like - Filson is iconic, they're not just 'bags') and can customize little details to your heart's content.
Now that you've had it for a while can you tell us if the finish has rubbed off on your clothes? It looks great but I would be properly mad if it ruined one of my suits...
Another great video Nick! Nice job in pointing out the good and perhaps the not so good of this Filson bag. I purchased a Satchel & Paige bag for my son and it was priced at less than $500 if I recall. Both my son and I were happy with the quality and appearance and functionality of the bag. I think when it comes to leather bags, at times, it comes down to personal preference, to some degree. Anyway, great job!
A number of years back, Filson’s leather briefcase was made completely of harness leather - thick, stiff, and heavy - like the straps and completely made in the USA. I think it even had a lock and key and looked like a traditional attaché case. My friend (age 71) bought his in 1993 and young people about your age are constantly offering to buy it despite its beat-up appearance.
This briefcase reminds me on bags older woman used to take for grocery shopping back in the 70s in Germany. They were obviously made of some kind of synthetics with a leather look, but with the same styling. The zipper on top brings to mind the complementary bags, PAN AM and TWA handed out on flights in the same time period as the grocery bags.
Hey @Stridewise, I ike your review, but I don't think your statement about rolled edges are correct. It's more of a preference choice of the maker really or part of the design and look you want, rather than a sign of quality. More expensive handmade bags made by artisans use edge finishing all the time. In order to make rolled edges you need to skive the leather really thin so you can roll it, which makes this part thinner than the rest of the bag. With edges that have edge finishing, you can just reapply edge dressing when doing repairs. It's more difficult to repair rolled edges when it's worn out. It's also not true that rolled edges takes more time to do. Doing a really good edge finishing requires precision and patience, being that you need to wait for it to dry properly and without getting the really runny stuff on the rest of the bag. In fact, doing a really nice edge is a sign of good quality. Just compare the edge of something really cheap to something made by a really good custom/bespoke bag maker. Just look at the edges of handmade bag makers like Hermes, Made By Nichols, Ronja Revilla, Fugee etc The choice of using clear wax as the only edge finishing is another discussion altogether. instagram.com/fugee_bespokebagmaker/
Excellent review as usual. I think the thin leather would be a big advantage in weight. And this is important for a daily bag. I once bought the very popular (and considered high quality) Ona Prince Street camera bag. It was so heavy, even empty, that I had to sell it. I ended up buying a Peak Design bag that weighed about the same with my camera, two lenses and my iPad Pro inside.
Hi Nick. Just caught the video you did with Trenton and Heath and loved it. I was wondering if you got the opportunity to demonstrate your famous pistol squat for them? :-D
that bag is classy, timeless, and a wonderful investment piece!!! the best part: it announces your presence when you enter a room, so you don't have to :-D
Filson products are zecond to none. It all comes down to what the individual likes or what he can afford. I own several products of them an I love them all. And the best part is they are made in the USA 🇺🇸. Great review.
Hey Nick, another awesome video on Filson and the products they offer. This bag seems sweet, I’ve got a vintage Coach leather bag 💼 that I picked up over 10 years ago & has been missing the shoulder strap so it’s been parked in my office all these years. Finally found an aftermarket strap on eBay that would work and picked it up and stained it closer to the Coach leather, so now it’s a matter of do I use it or stay with the cheap ass OGIO excelsior backpack I’ve been rocking for the last few years🤔 My main problem is I carry something that you can’t carry in NYC 😉and not sure if everything will fit in the Coach bag and not look too stuffed‼️💼🎒 Anyway thanks for these videos on products guys should be looking into, Filson is amazing and started looking at them because of your videos and in research found Woolrich and picked up a sweet vintage parka with the tags still on it for a crazy cheap price. Love your work and keep those video’s coming, especially the boot 🥾 reviews. Thanks again, Trevor
This briefcase is perfect for my needs. HOWEVER, I had to send it back for repairs 3 times in the first year. I think Filson should have replaced it, because I think I got a lemon. But it was declined each time. New products should not spend more time in repair than in use. For now, my fingers are crossed that I can use it for more than sox months in a year.
Nick love your channel man, appreciate the work you put in! I usually never presume to say what is and isn't worth it but my god a $1000 Briefcase?! If you are in the income bracket that needs to seriously consider before you make a $1000 purchase then the answer is immediately no about whether to spend it on a bag. I'm just not that into bags I suppose, still giving the video a like because I want to see your channel grow and look forward to more great content from you, just had to comment as I actively said "No." out loud when I read the video title hahaha.
“Eighty percent of all New York males between 25 and 45 own a Filson bag.” I had to listen to that 3 times to make sure I heard it right. if they did print that I’m going to guess that their survey was limited to a very narrow area of the city. Say between Chambers, the Brooklyn Bridge and West Side Highway! I suppose if you live and or work there a $1000 brief case is worth it.
I have the navy twill briefcase. I dislike how sharp the zippers are and have to be extra careful when putting in delicate items. Same goes with the duffles. I love their rugged bags but not the biggest fan of the zipper. I love their open tote though.
I have own several filson bags, their hardware is not solid brass，it is some kind of alloy metal and coated with some material which make it looks like brass.
For this kind of money just get one made bespoke by a local artisan. This way you are helping keep the skills local,you can have it made exactly how you like it and I bet it would be made nicer. With this you are paying at least 50% for the brand
Thanks for this review. I used to really want this, but now after seeing it in review, and after owning other bags (Saddleback for the look, and Cravar for style-quality-price), I'll give this one a pass. Overpriced. I still want Filson's all leather duffel bag though.
I don’t know...they have several designs that would look better in leather, in my opinion. Also, why not take some classic leather designs like a mail bag and do it in canvas and leather, their specialty. If they did do another all leather bag, maybe do some of it in heavier weight leather, like they vary canvas and leather in their main product range? I just got a used 256 and I like it better than this one. I think it’ll last longer, too.
A lifetime warranty does not mean the bag will last for your lifetime. All it means is that the bag will be warranted for defects in manufacturing for the life of the product. It can still fail due to wear and tear. Lifetime warranties usually are added as a marketing feature as, for most products, any manufacturing defects will be obvious in the first few years of ownership.
Nope, wont even buy their mackinaw cruiser even though that is one of the only products that is worth the money. They just released a $700 bathrobe. I mean cmon dude. Awesome video though as always.
Is that $1000 Filson bag worth it? Is my crippling addiction to Cherry Coke Zero and Shakira memorabilia worth it? You can get much better for much less.
I don't even need to watch the video. Of course it's not "worth it". Yes, Filson makes some quality stuff, but this is not 1000$ worth of materials or labor. you're buying a name. This item is DIRECTLY marketed at and targeting the male, 30-40 hipster with more "fashion" sense, than "common" sense. As is most of Filson's line-up these days.
From my experience FIlson leather is horrible. Get an LV all leather bag if you want quality. I would reccomend Ferragamo but they can be on or off depending on who they contract to make their bag that season. My favorite leather bag is a Messenger from Ferragamo.
Sorry the coloring got weird for a few seconds at 8:13, I didn't have time to fix it! More timestamps:
00:00 Filson's original twill briefcase
01:00 Filson's briefcase leather
03:52 Construction
07:06 Exterior features
09:57 Price
11:57 Pros
13:17 Cons
Former Filson employee here! I’d just like to add that I don’t think their weatherproof leather looks particularly nice at first, but after a year or so when it really breaks in, it starts looking pretty amazing. As for the handles, I do believe that Filson will still install a leather clasp for fairly cheap if you want one. As for price, these are made in Seattle, where wages are higher than in much of the country, so that might add to the overall cost of the bag. Great review though! I really like these and while I don’t own one, I hope to some day!
OK maybe these shouldn't be made in seattle? These can still be American made and not in a place with crazy expensive rent and wages. Seems like an odd business decision.
@@amanasd26 well, filson stuff has been made in Seattle since the gold rush. People still buy the stuff at this price, and the workers get payed well. I don’t really see the problem. If you want it for cheaper, go second hand, or from one of the outlets.
I love Filson plain and simple. I own several of their products, and the best part is they are made in the good old 🇺🇸.
@@amanasd26 Great idea - let's do this the old fashioned way, in Bangladesh with overworked and underpaid younglings sleeping under the desk because they have no life and no future.
Filson offers a reasonably well made product at an unreasonable price. They certainly aren't alone in that game but I tend to steer clear of those companies.
Filson also makes the Dawson leather briefcase. It's an overnight size.
do Thursday leather jackets next!
Please do! I'm especially interested in the durability of the jacket.
Carl Murawski made a video on one. Spoiler alert! Disappointing.
Carl is not a big fan of TBC. I’d like to see a Stridewise take on them
From what I have heard they are lowish quality for the money, a lot of people getting paid to promote them.
I think with companies like Satchel & Page and Cravar. I think you'd get more value of those two than from a Filson bag.
Of course you will, cost of labor is way cheaper in Italy. You can carry that argument further and pick random made in (pick SE Asian country) bags on Etsy for that much cheaper and similarly well built.
I'd prefer going with small shop artisans like Vermilyea Pelle who actually build in this style (let's compare like to like - Filson is iconic, they're not just 'bags') and can customize little details to your heart's content.
Definitely, the Filson would have better resale appeal though.
Now that you've had it for a while can you tell us if the finish has rubbed off on your clothes? It looks great but I would be properly mad if it ruined one of my suits...
Another great video Nick! Nice job in pointing out the good and perhaps the not so good of this Filson bag. I purchased a Satchel & Paige bag for my son and it was priced at less than $500 if I recall. Both my son and I were happy with the quality and appearance and functionality of the bag. I think when it comes to leather bags, at times, it comes down to personal preference, to some degree. Anyway, great job!
A number of years back, Filson’s leather briefcase was made completely of harness leather - thick, stiff, and heavy - like the straps and completely made in the USA. I think it even had a lock and key and looked like a traditional attaché case. My friend (age 71) bought his in 1993 and young people about your age are constantly offering to buy it despite its beat-up appearance.
I’ve seen a couple of those! Very cool!
That was a beautiful briefcase. I hope they bring it back someday.
This briefcase reminds me on bags older woman used to take for grocery shopping back in the 70s in Germany. They were obviously made of some kind of synthetics with a leather look, but with the same styling. The zipper on top brings to mind the complementary bags, PAN AM and TWA handed out on flights in the same time period as the grocery bags.
sinful comment
Hey @Stridewise, I ike your review, but I don't think your statement about rolled edges are correct. It's more of a preference choice of the maker really or part of the design and look you want, rather than a sign of quality. More expensive handmade bags made by artisans use edge finishing all the time. In order to make rolled edges you need to skive the leather really thin so you can roll it, which makes this part thinner than the rest of the bag. With edges that have edge finishing, you can just reapply edge dressing when doing repairs. It's more difficult to repair rolled edges when it's worn out. It's also not true that rolled edges takes more time to do. Doing a really good edge finishing requires precision and patience, being that you need to wait for it to dry properly and without getting the really runny stuff on the rest of the bag. In fact, doing a really nice edge is a sign of good quality. Just compare the edge of something really cheap to something made by a really good custom/bespoke bag maker. Just look at the edges of handmade bag makers like Hermes, Made By Nichols, Ronja Revilla, Fugee etc
The choice of using clear wax as the only edge finishing is another discussion altogether.
instagram.com/fugee_bespokebagmaker/
Where are you mate? New “office looking” background looks good.
Excellent review as usual. I think the thin leather would be a big advantage in weight. And this is important for a daily bag. I once bought the very popular (and considered high quality) Ona Prince Street camera bag. It was so heavy, even empty, that I had to sell it. I ended up buying a Peak Design bag that weighed about the same with my camera, two lenses and my iPad Pro inside.
Hi Nick. Just caught the video you did with Trenton and Heath and loved it. I was wondering if you got the opportunity to demonstrate your famous pistol squat for them? :-D
that bag is classy, timeless, and a wonderful investment piece!!! the best part: it announces your presence when you enter a room, so you don't have to :-D
That is the best part, the small circuit board and speaker that Filson installed inside.
Hello, yes could you please do a review on their cafe racer jackets from Thursday.
You should consider reviewing the Tusting Clipper leather satchel briefcase!
It is made in England, however, and will likely need to be imported $.
The thin straps aren’t uncomfortable and can be tucked into the pockets just as on the canvas version.
Filson products are zecond to none. It all comes down to what the individual likes or what he can afford. I own several products of them an I love them all. And the best part is they are made in the USA 🇺🇸. Great review.
Hey Nick, another awesome video on Filson and the products they offer. This bag seems sweet, I’ve got a vintage Coach leather bag 💼 that I picked up over 10 years ago & has been missing the shoulder strap so it’s been parked in my office all these years. Finally found an aftermarket strap on eBay that would work and picked it up and stained it closer to the Coach leather, so now it’s a matter of do I use it or stay with the cheap ass OGIO excelsior backpack I’ve been rocking for the last few years🤔 My main problem is I carry something that you can’t carry in NYC 😉and not sure if everything will fit in the Coach bag and not look too stuffed‼️💼🎒 Anyway thanks for these videos on products guys should be looking into, Filson is amazing and started looking at them because of your videos and in research found Woolrich and picked up a sweet vintage parka with the tags still on it for a crazy cheap price. Love your work and keep those video’s coming, especially the boot 🥾 reviews. Thanks again, Trevor
Will you be reviewing Thursday's limited boot?
This briefcase is perfect for my needs. HOWEVER, I had to send it back for repairs 3 times in the first year. I think Filson should have replaced it, because I think I got a lemon. But it was declined each time. New products should not spend more time in repair than in use. For now, my fingers are crossed that I can use it for more than sox months in a year.
Nick love your channel man, appreciate the work you put in! I usually never presume to say what is and isn't worth it but my god a $1000 Briefcase?! If you are in the income bracket that needs to seriously consider before you make a $1000 purchase then the answer is immediately no about whether to spend it on a bag. I'm just not that into bags I suppose, still giving the video a like because I want to see your channel grow and look forward to more great content from you, just had to comment as I actively said "No." out loud when I read the video title hahaha.
Any chance of reviewing more leather briefcases? Maybe from smaller-scale brands like Coronado’s Leather Company’s Bison leather briefcase ?
“Eighty percent of all New York males between 25 and 45 own a Filson bag.” I had to listen to that 3 times to make sure I heard it right. if they did print that I’m going to guess that their survey was limited to a very narrow area of the city. Say between Chambers, the Brooklyn Bridge and West Side Highway! I suppose if you live and or work there a $1000 brief case is worth it.
They meant it facetiously, like 'it seems as though 80 percent...' It was a joke, I realize that didn't coem through
I have the navy twill briefcase. I dislike how sharp the zippers are and have to be extra careful when putting in delicate items. Same goes with the duffles. I love their rugged bags but not the biggest fan of the zipper. I love their open tote though.
U can flip each zip over on itself. Ur welcome
I really like Filson's "design language" but very hard to justify the $1000 price imo
I have own several filson bags, their hardware is not solid brass，it is some kind of alloy metal and coated with some material which make it looks like brass.
For this kind of money just get one made bespoke by a local artisan. This way you are helping keep the skills local,you can have it made exactly how you like it and I bet it would be made nicer. With this you are paying at least 50% for the brand
Thanks for this review. I used to really want this, but now after seeing it in review, and after owning other bags (Saddleback for the look, and Cravar for style-quality-price), I'll give this one a pass. Overpriced. I still want Filson's all leather duffel bag though.
Filson has lifetime warranty
I don’t know...they have several designs that would look better in leather, in my opinion. Also, why not take some classic leather designs like a mail bag and do it in canvas and leather, their specialty. If they did do another all leather bag, maybe do some of it in heavier weight leather, like they vary canvas and leather in their main product range? I just got a used 256 and I like it better than this one. I think it’ll last longer, too.
Have they been making the leather bags for a while? Be nice to pick up a used one.
A lifetime warranty does not mean the bag will last for your lifetime. All it means is that the bag will be warranted for defects in manufacturing for the life of the product. It can still fail due to wear and tear.
Lifetime warranties usually are added as a marketing feature as, for most products, any manufacturing defects will be obvious in the first few years of ownership.
Unknown User in Filson’s case it means if anything breaks at all, ever, they’ll fix it. It’s a better warranty than most.
@@Stridewise Ok, sorry, I didn't look up Filson's warranty and should have. Thanks for clarifying that.
It's like the iPhone back in the days; it's just.... COOL.
Without even watching the video, the simple answer is a resounding NO!
What were those beautiful suede/nubuck chelsea boots you were wearing at 2:50, 4:25, 15:46?
Just wondering if you are a leather worker by trade? It looks like a turned bag , and it gets really hard to do with thicker leather.
Nope, wont even buy their mackinaw cruiser even though that is one of the only products that is worth the money. They just released a $700 bathrobe. I mean cmon dude. Awesome video though as always.
Way cool, but phew a pretty penny for sure. Probably going to stick with the twill version I got at a thrift store for $20, at least for the meantime
Can you do a review on the strike gold?
Is the leather on your Journeyman backpack Wickett & Craig?
Designed for people with more money than sense.
Yeah, you can literally get 100% custom made bags for less than $1000
When I need a leather bag I order from Infinity Firenze in Florence, Italy.
Very smart, the leather from Florence is exquisite! I like to buy from Peruzzi when I am in Florence,
i would love to get one of their leather jackets.
@@bngr_bngr I did years ago and it still looks great
Is that $1000 Filson bag worth it? Is my crippling addiction to Cherry Coke Zero and Shakira memorabilia worth it?
You can get much better for much less.
Sorry no bag is worth 1000 dollars, that’s just a bit much! Buy one for 100 and save the rest for boots and clothes
I hope you're up to date on your charity donations.😐
It certainly looks nice, but for $1,000 they could have at least used better leather.
It's very good leather but it's still like at least 300 bucks too expensive
Skip this bag and buy duffel bag along with airline tickets to anywhere in the world. 😉
do i need a bag? no
Cravar does it better and cheaper, sorry filson.
I don't even need to watch the video. Of course it's not "worth it". Yes, Filson makes some quality stuff, but this is not 1000$ worth of materials or labor. you're buying a name. This item is DIRECTLY marketed at and targeting the male, 30-40 hipster with more "fashion" sense, than "common" sense. As is most of Filson's line-up these days.
No more Filson reviews your making it look less manly to own one!
♥️👍
Awesome 😍💋 💝💖♥️❤️
what do you think about the bag being made of Wickett & Craig veg tan?
From my experience FIlson leather is horrible. Get an LV all leather bag if you want quality. I would reccomend Ferragamo but they can be on or off depending on who they contract to make their bag that season. My favorite leather bag is a Messenger from Ferragamo.