Filson Tin Cloth Packer Hat

History & About the Filson Tin Cloth Packer Hat

Origins:
The Filson Tin Cloth Packer Hat traces its roots back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when rugged, reliable outdoor gear was essential for frontiersmen, loggers, hunters, and packers in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Filson, founded in 1897 in Seattle, quickly became famous for durable, water-resistant clothing and accessories that could handle harsh wilderness conditions.

Material — Tin Cloth:
The hat is made from Filson’s signature oil-finished Tin Cloth — a heavyweight, tightly woven cotton canvas treated with a proprietary oil finish. This treatment gives the fabric its legendary water repellency, wind resistance, and toughness. Originally designed to keep loggers dry in wet environments, Tin Cloth became a hallmark of Filson gear and the perfect material for an outdoor hat.

Design:
The Packer Hat features:

• A wide brim all around for sun and rain protection.

• A vented crown or mesh liner for breathability, helping keep the wearer cool.

• A soft, comfortable sweatband (often leather or nylon).

• Sturdy construction with triple-stitched seams for durability.

Functionality:
Designed for packers—those who carried heavy loads through forests and mountains—the hat offered protection against sun, rain, and brush, while being breathable enough for long days outdoors.

Cultural Legacy:
Today, the Tin Cloth Packer Hat is both a practical outdoor essential and a fashion statement. It’s beloved by hunters, hikers, and anyone who values rugged craftsmanship and heritage style. It has a distinctly “American frontier” vibe that connects modern wearers to the pioneering spirit of the past.

Blake & His 30 yr. Old Filson Tin Cloth

Filson | Washington, D.C.

Filson | New York City