Born in 1850, C. C. Filson inherited his father's pioneer spirit and love of the outdoors. After homesteading in Nebraska and roaming the country as a railroad conductor, he moved to the small city of Seattle, Washington in the 1890's. Filson's timing couldn't have been better. By 1897, the Great Klondike Gold Rush was on, and thousands of fortune hunters were stampeding into Seattle, headed north. Armed with a strong work ethic, a reputation for honesty, and several years experience operating a small loggers' outfitting store, C. C. Filson was ready to stake his claim to fame. In 1897, Filson opened C.C. Filson's Pioneer Alaska Clothing and Blanket Manufacturers, specializing in goods to outfit the stampeders to the Klondike Gold Rush.
Stories of harrowing experiences in the Yukon were widely reported. The diary of Hume Nisbet, 1897 painted this picture: "Try to recall your sensations on the coldest night you have ever known: try to intensify the most bitter ice blast that has ever pierced your marrow by a thousandfold; even then you will not be able to realize spring in the Chilkoot Canyon, far less midwinter on the Klondike."
It was for these terrible conditions that Filson designed his goods. He owned his own mill and manufactured Mackinaw clothing, Mackinaw blankets and knit goods, as well as selling boots, shoes, moccasins and sleeping bags specially designed for the frigid North. Filson kept in close contact with his customers, improving his goods to meet their specific needs. The stampeders depended on Filson. In that era, clothing wasn't a matter of choice, but of survival.
The Gold Rush faded into history, but Filson kept listening to his customers, and outdoorsmen kept coming to Filson for rugged clothes. Drawing from his past experience outfitting loggers, he soon added clothing for the timber industry, including the Filson Cruiser, the garment that was to earn Filson a place in history. Designed and named by C.C. Filson and patented on March 3, 1914, the Cruiser has remained Filson's best selling item. Today, Filson has sold over half a million of this trademark coat.
Online shopping is available for shipments to United States and Canada. For international orders, please call the Retail Store.
Online Customer Service: 888-439-9036, Local 603-334-1157
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Kittery Trading Post Retail Store 301 U.S. Route One, PO Box 904, Kittery, ME 03904 Open Monday-Saturday 9-9, Sundays 10-6 Retail Store Phone: 888-KTP-MAINE (587-6246)
Kittery Trading Post has been the place for outfitters with style since 1938. With our help, you can prepare for the great outdoors without sacrificing style. Enjoy your next family camping trip, fishing trip, hike or any other outdoor expedition with comfort in both your preparedness and your looks.
Our online Hunting & Shooting section includes everything you need to hunt game or practice marksmanship. From ammunition, magazines, and targets to hunting accessories such as scents, calls, decoys, and field dressings, our online hunting store will keep you fully equipped.
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Kittery Trading Post has been outfitting people for the great outdoors since 1938. Over this time, we have striven to provide the most reliable and affordable gear available. If you're not completely satisfied with your KitteryTradingPost.com purchase when it arrives, we'll promptly accept returns for a full refund or replacement.
