The Filson medium field bag is a staple of men’s bags. “Might as well have the best” is Filson’s tag line and I couldn’t agree more for something you carry with you everyday.

I have been carrying this bag for about a year now and I absolutely love it.

Filson Medium Field Bag Features

This bag features a spacious main compartment. It has no organizational inserts or pockets in the main compartment. There are two button flap pockets on the front that the main flap covers. These button pockets are all the organization I need.

This version that I found is leather and twill. The main storm flap is leather and the straps are bridle leather. The body and pockets are a rugged twill. The leather flap is unusual as the other two models that I know of are wool and twill

On the exterior there are three pockets. One on each end and a long thin pocket on the back. The end pockets will fit a bottle of water but it takes up some interior space as well.

The bag has an adjustable shoulder strap made from bridle leather. The main flap straps are also bridle leather. The main flap on this model is leather and does a great job shedding water.

The leather is very well done. It has the feel of something utilitarian but also something well made. The stitching is robust and even.

Best Uses

I primarily use this bag as my daily commuter bag. It can fit a good amount of stuff if need be. The straps and main flap give you a little expansion room if you need to tote something larger. I wouldn’t suggest that you overload it. Like all shoulder bags weight can become an issue.

Filson’s medium field bag makes a wonderful carry-on bag for travel. It can hold more than enough gadgets, magazines, and snacks to keep you happy on long flights. Its back pocket doesn’t have a pass through so It wont slide over the handle of rolling luggage. However a carabiner will attach it nicely to most rolling suitcases.

It’s a little floppy so it won’t replace a traditional briefcase. On rainy days I like to tuck an umbrella in the straps. It keeps it handy and secures it to the bag.

Issues

The issues I have with this bag are minor and are generally shared by all bags of this type but I will share them with you.

While wearing the bag and accessing its main compartment the flap gets in the way

The front pockets snap closures can be fiddly

Where to get it

Amazon carries it. I got mine at Nordstrom Rack with a nice discount. I see them on ebay both new and used for a good price. If you are in the Seattle area you can visit the Filson store.

Summary

You may ask yourself, “Why should I buy this antiquated relic?”. Why not go out and get yourself a ballistic nylon messenger bag or a cheap canvas shoulder bag. My answer is that this field bag from Filson will last and will improve with age. Other bags become ratty. This bag will weather.

This bag is made of sterner stuff than what you are used to. Find one and feel the difference.

The company claims that in 1897, C.C. Filson said, “Your satisfaction is the sole purpose of our transaction.” Well Mr. Filson I have been extremely satisfied with this bag.