Filson's Rugged Twill Rucksack Review: It's Not That Great

[@Stridewise]

✰Check out my 10 Best Boots On the Market! kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5zYeayvmsuBfac

[@TheIronSnail]

Only nick would gift me this bag then make a 9 minute video roasting it

[@thanGacao]

Hahahaha

[@StolenAlias]

😂

[@leopold-buttersstotch9353]

Savage. That bitch lol

[@leopold-buttersstotch9353]

Savage. That bitch lol

[@Thunk00]

I guess Filson doesn't pay Thursday levels of money to their influencers.

[@emmanuelcambier4578]

This bag is great for spending the day in the wilderness and needs to be seriously broken in before becoming comfortable... it also needs to be carried much lower on the back !! The top flap is amazing to tuck a coat on top of the bag which is of great help to the outdoor man ! ! The two outside pockets are huge and can carry a military canteen with its pouch in each !!

[@rookietrucker5114]

Haha he wears it so high looks so goofy

[@noahgoyette467]

Add a Filson strap to it, its a fantastic postman bag. If you look close enough you'll realize that this bag is basically a carbon copy of the field bag just with back straps instead of a side strap. Works great for putting game and bullets, a knife, rags, old squat thermos with either coffee or stew in, and a couple beers, water bottle clipped outside or on your waist pack if you are stream fishing, a small bait box, but, yeah, maybe not for a laptop and...whatever. I mean, I loved it when I did wildland forest fire fighting and disaster relief as a compliment to our only allowed spike bag but, I guess it probably sucks for Manhattan? Great for fishing and rabbit hunting though. I have a shitload of boots too, but, I think a review of boots that work better building roofs, vs fighting fires, vs, doing framing carpentry arent gonna win the hearts of people worried about the transition from yard work to wine bar? Though arguably every pair of filson, frye, redwing, thorohgood, montrail, vasque CAN technically do that. I do think this is a lesson in perspective though for us who use Filson the way it was designed like, yeah, I wouldn't use a raf simmons and adidas cross body bag or off white and vivienne westwood bag when I need a fucking Baileyworks bag to actually deliver packages as a bike messenger and then have so many opinons about Vivienne Westowoods bag. Like, I TOTALLY want her shoes if I go to a very fancy very posh wedding with flair, but, I don't want her bag to deliver mail to law offices in Chicago in winter. I want no, I need the Baileyworks bag AND accessories. Fun review though I think even I can't TECHnically disagree. Except I have a thing for a bag that you close that STAYS closed, I would get rid of plastic clippy clips forever if I could, the always break under load and sound and look cheeeeeap.

[@BrazilAdventure]

I get your point, and your comment made me laugh, but c’mon - you know far better than I do that few Filson products are faithful to what the brand originally stood for. They put “Original Alaska Oufitters” and “Better Outdoor Clothes” on fucking t-shirts. They’re catering now for all kinds of people and purposes, including hipster stereotypes.

[@matts6551]

You’re not wrong about how the bag carries, while in New York I stopped by the flagship store and tried the Rucksack on. Even when empty it was uncomfortable. The journeyman is the best Filson backpack they make, but not the new one with the cheap build quality and materials

[@markopolo9936]

Brilliantly honest Nick, I agree about they aesthetic, IMO it looks very strange for this kind of bag.

[@Stridewise]

You know, full of supplies and over a big wool coat or something it looks good enough, it's just not super practical!

[@joesprague1464]

I have this bag and agree with this review.It is not comfortable to wear on your back and is impractical as a rucksack however it is good for overnight trips for light packing.It also works great as a canoe pack in my 1943 Peterborough wood/canvas canoe.It is a good carry bag for certain small items in my jeep when bouncing around off road.Would I buy one for these purposes?No, mine was gifted to me.

[@sandro1a2b]

Great review. In use, the back slip pocket is impractical and borderline insecure for anything other than what one is okay with having slip out/losing. I'd never keep a wallet, keys, or even an enjoyed book back there ... too shallow and needs at least a snap. I have the Vans collab version of a few years back which is longer profiled and features a laptop sleeve, two big improvements I make use of every time I use the bag.

[@Stridewise]

Oh I hadn't heard of that bag Sandro, that's really cool! For all my complaints, one laptop sleeve might make me think the bag is worth it.

[@rookietrucker5114]

The back pocket is actually very helpful I’ve slipped gloves back there as well as pack of gum while on the move or small things I use frequently. It was originally intended to slip maps or a newspaper back there

[@Tremors23]

I find it odd that Filson has been doing redesigning and importing of their products lately, but have decided to keep the original rucksack design from the 90's. It wasn't great then and itsn't great now. Fortunately, Filson and Vans did a collab a decade ago and made a Filson x Vans Rucksack. They solved many of its issues but sadly it was a limited edition run. The rucksack was bigger and taller, it had a padded back, a padded laptop sleeve, internal pockets, and sheepskin shoulder pads. They're well aware of the issues with the rucksack.

[@SpartanFarron]

Wow, I just looked that up and it's like 100 times better of a bag. Why do they keep discontinuing the good designs and keep selling the dumb versions.

[@Stridewise]

I'd love to see all the other twill/tin cloth backpacks they've had and discontinued

[@Awddicted]

Because the original owner sell Filson to Fossil Group

[@jack.charlesc4750]

It hurt to be honest ..I hope filson will continu sending stuff but also improve their bag or make a more practical one

[@AlfarisGear]

love your Filson products reviews, I am big Filson fan, bought Journeyman after watching your review, however was a bit shocked with the size much smaller than the photos

[@AlfarisGear]

and thanks for your honesty on this review.

[@Stridewise]

Thanks Mohamed! Surprised you were surprised by the size given how lovingly I examined it in my review haha! I'm considering getting the tan version now...

[@AlfarisGear]

@@Stridewise I got the tan color and its so beautiful and more classic than the green one in my opinion, especially when its the only one in stock :) however I agree with the others the straps is on the short side being 6'2 and they push more to the outside than I would like too, but from experience buying lots of Filson bags you have to sacrifice some functionality for the classic and durable look.

[@alvinpatrick]

I've had a black one for more than 5 years now and I use it as a city travel daypack for my camera gear and what not. Got it knowing it's limitations and learned to adjust to them especially in terms of storage compartments. It's a classic design and it's fair to say it hasn't caught up with the times. But if I wanted a modern bag dedicated for my use case I'd maybe get something like a Peak Design. Honestly I'd still rather have the Filson.

[@ChrisTorstenson]

I wish they'd just make it less stubby, seems like making it longer would fix much of its problem while maintaining the classic design.

[@TheSilentsniper1973]

i think the filson medium field bag is a perfect option for a daypack

[@tendrams]

I bought the Filson/Vans collab version of this about 10-12 years ago (the collab is 6" taller and 1" narrower). The dimensions solved the issue of it looking "squatty" and allowed the pretty easy inclusion of a laptop once placed in its own padded sleeve. The collab also provided shearling padded (and removable) strap pads which are pretty necessary as you note to keep the straps from digging into shoulders. I think I paid $150 on ebay NOS a decade ago. The main issues you mention with the existing catalog ruck are absolutely true. That said, design issues aside, it's still a piece of luggage that one will hand down to grandchildren. LOL.

[@northrider8628]

I have had one for years now, use it in the woods for what it was intended to be used for and i love it... never thought of it as a city bag? One tough bag when you need to be rough on it and not worry about it being scratched, torn, in the dirt... might as well have the best 🤠

[@rookietrucker5114]

I agree these metro sexual influencers have high jacked work wear and active wear for their aesthetics and have caused prices to sky rocket

[@Ives1776]

Why don't you try Frost River? Filson has underperformed for me on everything aside from their mackinaw wool stuff. Even then, $500 for a $100 wool coat is a bit much.

[@IsLouOkay]

For me this bag is not about practicality but here for the look and this awesome vintage aspect that the journeyman lack.

[@Stridewise]

Fair enough!

[@voiceovervixen9507]

I bought the journeyman on a trip to DC at one of their stores. I wore it one time. ONE TIME. I tried to return it immediately after because the straps did not fit comfortably for long-term wear. I'm a woman, I have no idea if that is part of the issue but the bag sags even when the straps are at their tightest and it's uncomfortable. I told Filson that I had worn the item. I was very clear about the situation. I sent the bag back. They sent it back to me saying it was not saleable because it was worn. Yeah I told them that. I contacted customer service again because I can't beleive that a $500 bag isn't returnable after 1 use. I was denied again. They say it's their 'policy'. WTF kinda policy is that? They don't care at all about customer satisfactions. So yes I have a very expensive, cool looking, uncomfotable bag that I can't travel with as planned. I will never spend money with them again.

[@gregmatchett7110]

It tips that way to drive the weight into your lumbar. Lower the pack down your back.

[@antant06]

The colour scheme and roundness make it look like you're lugging a balllsack across New York.

[@darrenhall7454]

Great honest review. Sounds like a very disappointing bag. I can certainly see how frustrating it is to use…what a shame. But, companies like Filson need to know this stuff.

[@cascaderetriever7618]

Ive had my rucksack for 12 yrs. Best bag i own. I love it for commuting and vacations

[@Hienric]

Solid, honest review. Great work maintaining your journalistic integrity while reviewing a free item - I hope Filson appreciates it and sends you more products

[@MrNegroni]

Yeah I agree it sits weird. Quite small so maybe should be a bit higher in size with straps higher as well. Even almost empty it sits kind of weird and uncomfortable.

[@NitroMonkey91]

My go to is the Duluth scout pack for everyday carry at work. Been carrying that pack for 3 years now. But I’ve been thinking about the filson journeyman. Super nice bag. But compared to the $180 Duluth pack. Almost $400 is way over the top honestly lol.

[@jaredweiman2987]

I think they discontinued this one. It's not listed on the site anymore. I would imagine the Journeyman has done better for them.

[@corensam]

Love the leather, love the heavy twill, not into the design. It just doesn't look that practical for any application I can really imagine. If it was twice as long, and had twice the volume, then we could talk, but the proportions just seem off to me.

[@billyowner5325]

Thanks for this review, I was torn between this rucksack and the journeyman . I've now made up my mind . Now how to get hold of one in England!

[@karlfranzbauer1023]

I really appreciate your honest opinion about this bag. I was thinking about buying it as a daypack for backpacking and experienced similar issues you described with a citybag from ‚The Bridge‘. Thanks again for this helpful review!

[@Stridewise]

You got it Karl! I worry I had too much of a city boy perspective on it but even if you're just using it to carry stuff for a hike, it sits weird and the straps are too unpadded!

[@UnknownUser-rb9pd]

It has a similar aesthetic to my favourite camera bag maker, Billingham, though they are very cleverly designed and indestructible if relatively heavy.

[@0f556]

I really appreciate you take the time to actut use the products you review.

[@thomasmathieu8390]

I have owned the bag for two years and used it everyday and even on a trip. I agree with all your objections to it. Last straw that made me get a more functional bag was when the weird weight distribution caused it give me a rash from rubbing on my lower back through a thin summer shirt. Would not recommend the bag either lol

[@Stridewise]

Impressed you stuck with it for 2 years Thomas!

[@colemancalgary5260]

You should go back to carrying a purse!

[@limjazzdedragonheryadi1290]

Have it for 2 years, but rarely used. When i carrry as a backpack, my wife always said "you look like using a kindergarten's backpack"... Yes, it look too small for me. I have 176cm tall. Finally I sale this bag. Other than that, when it carry only on one shoulder, left or right, it will slide down often. I know it have alot of loads, but not comfortable for me.

[@Muushondje]

Are these made in the USA or UK or Far east ? Great review !

[@duybear4023]

Probably not here. They laid off a lot of workers here in Seattle to move production to Asia.

[@MarcS4R]

i have the Vans X Filson backpack, which IMO is much better. its longer and has a Laptop compartment. Unfortunately, its limited and quite hard to find.

[@Stridewise]

I keep hearing about this backpack, I wish I had it!

[@MarcS4R]

@@Stridewise its awesome, I can totally recommend it. Took me a year of eBay hunting to get it :)

[@JMBdevotee]

Considered this bag but ended up going with the journeyman. Pretty much confirmed a number of my concerns, for the way I would use the bag. Journeyman was a great addition to my continually growing Filson collection.

[@Stridewise]

It's surprising how unanimous my opinion is here haha! No one has disagreed yet. It IS a great LOOKING bag though. I'm considering getting a Journeyman in this color...

[@alvinpatrick]

@@Stridewise well I don't disagree with your points but I went with the rucksack over the journeyman and I don't have any regrets. Like the straps for example. While I recognize that padded straps are much comfier, I was looking for a classic bag with full leather straps. It's almost like saying leather soled shoes are worse than rubber soled ones.

[@RedZeshinX]

Good review, would definitely appreciate more rucksack reviews, I'm in the market for one.

[@rustyshackleford17]

It's a shame. I was really on the fence about this pack. I've used the Frost River Isle Royal bag for a long time and this has a similar aesthetic. Downside with these heritage backpacks is that they're nowhere near as comfortable or functitonal as a modern bag.

[@Stridewise]

But the journeyman gets the balance just right!

[@gerardoramoncesarreynaldo9469]

Bo Ismono's Carryology shows many types of backpacks.

[@alvinkoeswanto8622]

Even though this has a laptop sleeve eventually, I don't think it will be comfortable to carry around in this bag.

[@Rielcool]

It's a really strange, poorly thought out design, made with great materials. I can't think of a single occasion or circumstance that I would want it over just about anything else.

[@Stridewise]

Hahaha I'm loving these comments

[@AgentJJones]

It was made by Ralph Lauren the people who makes clothes for golfers that's why

[@fogart7613]

I have not got the will power to use my Filson backpack 🦔

[@parthadas4026]

the strap is so low down connected it hangs on an angle looks bad & its square looks girly !

[@Stridewise]

rough!

[@Crackers2549]

Nice honest review Nick... Agree 100% that bag does not look good on, actually looks weird, even though it looks good just sitting there off because of the nice construction... Filson needs to drop that bag from their line....I have a ton of Filson stuff including Cruisers, jac shirts, Guide shirts, belts, wallets, watch, tote bag, back pack, hats haha.... It can get addicting and I agree pricey but overall pretty good stuff... This old timer love's your reviews...!

[@Stridewise]

Right it LOOKS great! I love the brand too but I can still smell a stinker haha

[@Crackers2549]

@@Stridewise You got that 100% correct Nick…! By the way, one of my favorites are my two wool Jac Shirts… Wish you would do a review on them… I really like them and they really make a nice versatile jacket over a flannel or sweatshirt… Cut full for layering underneath… Have a camel colored one and a gray one… Just a suggestion but no matter, whatever you review I really enjoy it…👍 Greg… Indiana

[@fandirahmanhidayat3060]

Function over style. Better go with journeyman.

[@philipbeadle6446]

Yeah, that bag definitely looks a little small for a tall person

[@rocfl59]

Great info 👍

[@SilverOilman]

21L isn’t bad for a rucksack. But I agree, the cons outweigh the pros on this one.

[@Stridewise]

Right. I don't know "rucksack" conjures images of days of trekking to me, but maybe that was un fair

[@SilverOilman]

@@Stridewise makes sense. It’s a pretty generic term. I’m used to military-styled packs being called “rucksacks.”

[@robertsmithUH60driver]

Looks a little small too me.

[@DomP1989]

Get the Bradley Mountain rucksack, it’s much better.

[@vinmarz]

Excellent review. Sometimes the truth hurts.

[@pherble]

Really quite small as well.

[@UserLev]

That is really odd. If we categorize the basics we carry every day (laptop, water bottle, maybe a few snacks, keys, wallet, knife/multitool) etc, it really reduces the safety of carrying most of those things. I don’t want my water to leak on my laptop, I don’t want my snacks smushed by everything else, I don’t want my knife poking me or something by accident, etc. Perhaps I’m complaining too much but this bag kind of defeats the purpose of carrying everything securely, which is (in my definition) what a bag is meant to do. It’ll look better as a beach bag. Can’t deny the quality of materials and construction. You said it though, Nick. Not too useful and very oddly designed

[@UserLev]

Also, hey Nick. Do you know of any 7” or 8” chelsea boots? I’ve reviewed all over your channel and I believe the closest I see is Taylor Stitch. Got anything else you know of?

[@johnwen8810]

Noticed it's squatness right away....

[@Dan-lq6dg]

Nice watch!

[@gnarl12]

Man..... Good to see someone take Filson down a peg

[@eidde4455]

It’s counter to what I think of when I hear rucksack. Maybe the fact that it’s a bucket on the inside is what they’re referring too, but meh… It just seems like a backpack with an identity crisis.

[@Stridewise]

Haha excellent take

[@putocuchinta]

as a girl, i love this bag 😅

[@had1223]

I like the look of it tho. 🤔

[@Stridewise]

Yeah that's the trouble it looks so cool, that's why it's so tragic I don't like it haha

[@had1223]

@@Stridewise its shape is so awkward.

[@AnthonyBohorcus-p3p]

*Background Music Jingle IS every bit as annoying + distracting- >> loose the Silly Music Crappolla, it does Nothing but Aggravate

[@danielal-haffar2263]

The Classic Style and Design is what Makros this bag timless and with Charakter .. there Are enough china Multi funktional Bags out there with no Charakter Simplicity and strenght

[@jasonwood839]

I had that bag and sold it

[@Stridewise]

good man, I gifted mine to the Iron Snail KZbin channel

[@TheSilentsniper1973]

its just to tiny for adults

[@karem9605]

I would buy it if I had the money

[@countryman3460]

They discontinued the Journeyman and kept this - Go figure!

[@Stridewise]

I'm losing my mind over them discontinuing the Journeyman, I hear they'll bring it back in a not made in America version

[@countryman3460]

@@Stridewise There are still a few for sale unfortunately not in the green- but Tan is pretty good.

[@dahak972]

Yeah, that sits really weird on your back. It looks better sitting on a table.

[@BretWickstrom]

holy crap they're $600 now instead of $400 in less than a year! Washington state hates businesss.

[@Stridewise]

you could blame inflation at large if it helps you sleep better!

[@RodneyKSig]

Pretty weird you would want to leave a shill review just because they sent you a bag for free. Who gives a shit, if a product sucks call them out. Make them iterate and force them to refine their product.

[@blakedavis2447]

4:06 yea he’s such a shill that must be why he strait up says he doesn’t like it, maybe watch the ducking video before you leave a comment smart as$

[@muhammadaliclay8976]

it looks like a kids bag

[@eagleeatsmonkey3621]

the person or team who design this bagpack tipically never wears it or even test it ...

[@jameslabeck6407]

wow. classic millennial review. it's a backpack. had mine for 8ish years. love it.

[@Stridewise]

sick

[@chefrichh]

I don't understand how someone could like that rucksack.🤷

[@mooseko467]

Put your laptop in a sleeve... derrrr

[@StolenAlias]

The diversity of opinions in this comment section dude…

[@alihuss.3545]

My man can not be bought 😂

[@rlfstr]

"I've never had a backpack that is wider than it is tall" So the Filson Rucksack is essentially the chode of backpacks

[@RonanAquilius]

it does look like a girls bag tbh

[@matthewgross6958]

Overpriced and better products available.

[@kfung4]

Look like you stole a kid’s backpack

[@dameonerichathway2298]

The poor man’s Saddleback Leather waxed canvas.

[@OscarRios]

Omg I don’t want it. Ok stooooop

[@ld7599]

no, you will learn to HATE this bag as your mortal enemy

[@Stridewise]

@@ld7599 lmao!

[@karem9605]

It looks very cool but I'm a woman

[@davidcoleman2796]

No thanks.

[@colemancalgary5260]

This bag was designed for real men not hipsters!

[@ld7599]

quite the opposite

[@biggusdiccus6969]

No it does look feminine despite its ruggedness

[@colemancalgary5260]

@@biggusdiccus6969 ok hipster

[@colemancalgary5260]

This video was meh!

[@Stridewise]

:(

[@RvanLaar66]

Good review Nick. As usual. I have the somewhat similar (looking) Tin Cloth Backpack. It's smaller but usually I don't carry a lot of stuff. I use it for everything, work with a laptop, day-trips, hikes etc. It has only one strap in the middle making getting in & out of the bag easier and quicker than two straps obviously. Still a bit clumsy but that's the trade-off for the looks imo. On the plus side, the TCB has better proportions and sits on your back fine. It also has a zipper with a flap on the side for getting smaller stuff in & out easier. That works quite good.

[@Stridewise]

The Journeyman, you mean? I love that bag so much.