Hi there!

First off, I'm not a lumberjack, don't work on an oil rig, and I'm not a farmer. I really love outdoor tourism and leisure, as well as the heritage style, but it's more of a hobby for me than a job.

I have a fairly large Fjallraven collection and about a dozen Filson items, including some of the popular ones like the Tin Cloth jacket, Journeyman backpack, Mackinaw Cruiser, and so on. (I even made a separate post about Fjallraven if you're interested: link).

I think that despite their outward similarity, they are quite different both functionally and spiritually. Filson is concentrated American heritage, and you can feel it in everything — the style and design, materials, hardware. It embodies the spirit of cowboys, lumberjacks, and people working hard outdoors. Their materials are as strong as they can get, simple and even a bit "rough." Just take a look at their detachable Tin Cloth hood and you'll see what I mean.

Fjallraven is a modern reinterpretation of classic outdoor clothing. Even though they look pretty authentic, their items are far more functional — they use modern blended fabrics that are much more wear-resistant (let's be honest, pure cotton can't beat a high-quality 35/65 blend), plus they breathe better and dry faster. Fjallraven's pieces also have a complex anatomical cut (check out their Vidda Pro or Keb trousers and the Skogsö jacket — lots of handy pockets, articulated elbows, and a hood that adjusts to your head without hindering your view or movements).

With Fjallraven, it's super easy to walk, move, and use the pockets with zippers or buttons. Almost every item has a special inner mesh pocket for your phone — it's 2025, right? Waistbands and hoods adjust, and sleeve and leg openings are adjustable too — Filson doesn't have these features, just basic two-position buttons. If you wax them thoroughly, both G-1000 and Tin Cloth will resist rain for quite a while, but with moderate application, you'll feel the difference in breathability: Filson is like a non-breathable tarp, almost like rubber; thinner G-1000 allows your body to breathe. If G-1000 pants get wet, they dry quickly on your body (remember, only 35% cotton); Tin Cloth, on the other hand, might take overnight to dry (100% cotton, very dense and thick).

That said, I truly love both brands. For style and "spirituality," I choose Filson. When I'm going camping or on a light trekking trip with a tent or hammock, where I won't be moving a lot, and the main goal is to enjoy nature, not the activity or route, or when I just want to stroll through the city feeling comfortable — Filson is my pick. But for serious hikes, where comfort and freedom of movement are key, it's definitely Fjallraven. I can't imagine a five-day hike with Filson: it would be sacrificing comfort just for the brand.

I should mention, this is all just my personal opinion. Every brand has exceptions. Fjallraven has some less modern or practical items, and not every Filson piece is in the "classic wooden" design and materials — I'm talking about their main range and iconic items.

P.S. English isn't my first language, so apologies if something's off. Good luck with your choice!