Filson’s Minimalist EDC Bag Is a Masterclass in Rugged Simplicity

Subtlety is a strength in Filson’s streamlined take on this classic carryall.

Published April 8, 2025

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Updated April 8, 2025

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Founded in 1897, Filson is synonymous with rugged outerwear like the Mackinaw Wool Cruiser and myriad Tin Cloth jackets.

But over the last 128 years, the Pacific Northwest brand has quietly become a powerhouse in EDC bags that marry premium materials, high-quality construction and classic Americana aesthetics.

Nowhere in its catalog of duffles, messenger bags and dopp kits will you find those tenets more purely distilled than in its newly released carryall, the Rugged Twill Open Tote.

The Rugged Twill Open Tote sheds the external pockets to present itself as a refined take on Filson’s pre-existing tote bag.

Filson

Keep it simple

The bag itself is a refined take on Filson’s pre-existing tote bag, also made from Rugged Twill — sourced from the historic manufacturer British Millerain and finished with wax for water resistance.

However, Filson dropped the external side and sleeve pockets for a streamlined look that should simultaneously help the bag preserve its shape after prolonged use.

tan filson bag — The bag is available in three colors, including classic tan (pictured).

Inside, two small pockets — one with a button-snap enclosure — offer easy organization for small goods like keys, wallets or multi-tools.

Meanwhile, bridle-leather handles, sized to carry by hand or over one’s shoulder, promise decades of strength and patina — the latter matched only by the potential of the twill exterior.

black filson bag — The handles are made from bridle leather and are shaped to carry by hand or over one’s shoulder.

Price and availability

At launch, the Rugged Twill Open Tote is available in three colors: tan, black and — new on this bag — an off-white called Feather Gray. It costs $325.

Keep your eye on additional colorways down the line, including Filson’s iconic Otter Green, which is notably absent from the existing lineup.

Filson Rugged Twill Large Open Tote Bag

Filson’s Rugged Twill Open Tote is a pared-down evolution of their classic tote, crafted from British Millerain-sourced Rugged Twill finished with a light wax for water resistance. The open-top design promotes structure retention by removing external pockets, while interior stow and snap-flap pockets offer tidy organization for essentials. Bridle-leather handles—vegetable‑tanned for strength and comfort—can be carried by hand or over the shoulder, and they develop a rich patina over time. Sized for daily use and available in tan, black, and feather gray, this streamlined tote melds timeless American craftsmanship with practical functionality.