There is a a major misconception about parkas. Except for very extreme conditions the usual cold weather dress should be; wicking longjohns, one or more insulating layers and finally a wind anorak or similar shell and wind pants. A heavily insulated parka should be used for periods of relative inactivity around camp. the layered system makes you 'comfortably cold' while active and the parka 'comfortably warm' while inactive.

Well, I have thought about all your responses and most of them make sense. I was still puzzled why the coat was so moist on the inside when I really didn't perspire that much. So I decided to call Filson.

I talked to 2 of their customer reps. One who answered the phone (Shelley) and the manager at the time. When I told them what I was using the Tin coat for (hiking in the rain for a few hours) they suggested that I try the Cover Cloth material. They stated that Tin was for working and toughness/durability was its main strength, not water resistance and breathability. They suggested that I return the coat for an exchange.

I sent it back last week and spoke to the exchange rep today. His name was Dave. Dave asked me what I was using the coat for and he said that I should try another brand. He said that none of the Filson water resistant material would breath and would not be appropriate for what I was doing. I decided to exchange the coat for a Medium Field Bag and scarf. All in all, I am very satisfied with Filson's customer service. They were very helpful and asked me a lot of questions. They were upfront with me and honest about the capabilities of their product. I have learned a lot about their products during my conversations with them.

I still have a Tin coat (waterfowl/upland) that I will use for outdoors work, a Double Mac for the cold stuff, and a Seattle wool bomber for everyday wear. I guess I stick with my Gore-Tex for rain wear and hiking.

Thank you all for your feedback and advise.

S.

WOW !! Now that IS impessive cutomer service. I guess I'll have to find something to buy from them. Can't get a better recomendation than that.

Dave

This is what I think of filson.



By the way, filson is now owned by a former Ralph Lauren exec, who is planning on moving everything they can get away with to overseas production. Yay.

ForgetFilson:

Okay, I see the fire and what it is consuming.

The obvious question is why you feel like burning their products when you seem to respect the company?

Freudian slip; you capitalized the "F" in the Filson name in your forum handle.

Bountyhunter

I have a feeling we either have a disgruntled former employee or another walking wounded, gently bewildered roadkill breathed idiot who can't even fit in with the Seattle Industrial Music crowd. I have emailed Filson regarding this posting. I feel they have a need to know, with the option of responding here and increasing security around the dumpster.

Wow, for your fist post here...sounds personal...

Just because I didn't find a particular material that they use in one of their garments suitable to my needs, in no way implies that I am dissastisfied with the company or their products.

Sounds like you got a chip on your shoulder. I'm a sorry you feel that way. Care to share why?

S.

Chris:

Any reply from Filson yet?

Bountyhunter

Yes, We have concluded my personality profile is probably correct.

Chris:

Did they deny planning to move production out of the United States?

Bountyhunter