Filson’s New EDC Sling Is a Masterclass in Heritage Styling

Crafted in collaboration with HouseFly Fishing, this pack is as handsome as it is utilitarian and durable.

Filson x Housefly Ranger WaistpackFilson

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Lest we forget, Filson was originally an outdoor-focused brand, specializing in outfitting gold prospectors during the Klondike Gold Rush. With that in mind, the brand’s latest collaboration — a heritage apparel and gear collection with Housefly Fishing — makes a ton of sense.

While outdoor- and fishing-specific features are baked into the collection, that’s not all they’re good for — not by a long shot. For instance, the Filson x Housefly Ranger Waispack is sneakily an outstanding EDC sling bag beyond its angling intent.

Filson x Housefly Ranger Waistpack
This waistpack borrows styling from one of Filson’s most iconic jackets.
Filson

Ranger danger

As the bag’s name suggests, it was heavily inspired by Filson’s outstanding Ranger jacket series. In fact, it borrows both styling and materials from that iconic coat collection.

For instance, the exterior is crafted from British Millerain dry-waxed cotton. That lends it exceptional durability and water-resistance, but it also means it doesn’t feel oily and doesn’t require re-waxing.

Filson x Housefly Ranger Waistpack
The pack’s British Millerain fabric grants it heritage-level styling, excellent durability and weatherproofing.
Filson

That fabric also makes up the bag’s most identifying feature: a pair of buttoned patch pockets (another stylistic element borrowed from the Ranger jacket).

However, that heritage-inspired styling (and its material makeup) is only half the story with this bag. There’s also a bevy of other features and modern amenities that help elevate it into the modern EDC conversation.

Filson x Housefly Ranger Waistpack
This bag combines a brilliant blend of heritage fabrics and styling with modern amenities.
Filson

Something fishy is going on

It’s important to note that the Ranger Waistpack was made with fishing in mind. As such, it’s sized to accommodate a large fly box, tippet spools, strike indicators and small tools. It also has a nylon ripstop rain cover that stows into a dedicated pocket and a removable shearling fly patch.

Funny enough, those fishing-ready features are a part of what makes the bag an excellent EDC contender. The storage compartments are spacious and perfect for your everyday carry gear — phone, keys, wallet and so on. And the rainfly adds a level of defense against inclement weather.

Filson x Housefly Ranger Waistpack
The ripstop nylon rainfly is perfect for defending against inclement weather.
Filson

The bag is also equipped with a nylon webbing adjustable waist belt, which is also highly durable and allows users to customize how they wear it.

While the bag is the collection’s highlight, the apparel is also exceptional. Stand-out items include the outdoor-ready Filson x Housefly Swiftwater Rain Poncho, Filson x Housefly Quick-dry Pants and Filson x Housefly Washed Feather Cloth Shirt.

Filson x Housefly Ranger Waistpack
For anglers, the shearling patch is a great place to store lures, but it can be removed when using the bag for EDC.
Filson

Pricing and availability

The Filson x Housefly collection is now available on Filson’s site. Prices range from $55 (for a T-shirt) to $285 (for a rain poncho).

The Filson x Housefly Ranger Waistpack is $165.

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