Tag / filson

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: A Trek to Amsterdam with Heineken & The Best Summer Travel Gear

In this freelance life (or the #FreelanceLife, as I like to call it), incredible opportunities come across my inbox and my line of sight on the daily. That includes the chance to pursue my passions, to write about the best menswear from brands like Huckberry on this very blog, to test out new watches, audio gear and everyday carry essentials, and to try the finest spirits and the best summer beers on the market — among other pursuits, of course.

Read my writing at Maxim and more

And helpfully as I cover a wide array of pursuits for sites like Maxim and CoolMaterial.com, I frequently get the chance to hit the road, go far afield and uncover stories behind iconic brands, distilleries and breweries.

It’s a thrilling opportunity, and one that takes me now over to the iconic city of Amsterdam — celebrating its 750th anniversary as a city! — plus famed worldwide brewer Heineken. There’s plenty on tap, including fresh Heineken beer, a tour of the city’s canals, a visit to Heineken’s new R&D center, and a tour of the brewery itself — naturally, you can keep up with all of the fun over on my Instagram. Cheers, my friends!

Of course, for trips like these, I know the right gear goes a long way, especially when it comes to plenty of time on foot exploring a new city and an iconic brewery like Heineken. I trust favorite retailers like Huckberry for ultra-soft cotton tees and (if needed), the famed Flint and Tinder Waxed Trucker Jacket for spring and summer rains (and more).

I also value comfortable stretch denim and denim shirting from Buck Mason, and lately, I’ve been wearing Ariat Chelsea boots for some rugged-meets-refined appeal.

As to those boots, they’re as easy to dress up with stretch chinos as they are to dress down with rolled blue jeans and another staple piece, Filson’s Frontier Short-sleeve Henley.

In addition to durable travel gear, I’ve also been favoring stretch pants from Public Rec, especially ones with the design of five-pocket pants and the stretch of tapered joggers.

And not to be outdone or overlooked, let’s talk the best watches for travel: Lately, my Shinola Bronze Monster has found place of pride on my wrist (and in my duffel bag). Speaking of duffel bags and the best men’s travel bags: I tend to trust my ever-helpful Halfday Travel bag, with a garment bag interior and multiple pockets for shoes, men’s basics and more.

It hits all the right notes in terms of easy transport on the go — very much including occasions when I need to bring my Relwen Flyweight Flex Blazer, as with this trip and formal nights out in Amsterdam.

My Halfday travel bag has more than served me well on past jaunts, including an April trek to Tequila Ocho, a trek into the Italian Dolomites with audio brand Sonos and even a recent family wedding in Knoxville. To say it’s an efficient travel bag to zip from point A to point B is an understatement, and it also more than reliably holds my trusty toiletries bag from Herschel Supply.

The list of the best travel gear goes on and on, but once you find picks that you love and that serve you well, it makes packing and traveling in style a relative breeze (as does TSA Precheck, of course).

Shop the best travel bag on the market from Halfday

What sort of travel gear do you bring on your own adventures? And what’s next on your personal summer getaway to-do list? Be sure to follow along with all the fun — and my gear picks, and my watch picks — over on my Instagram as I scour Amsterdam for the very best of the best. As ever, expect two weekend style posts covering the best summer gear and menswear from retailers like Huckberry

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: This Filson Short-Sleeve Chambray Shirt is a Classic Summer Style Upgrade

At times, especially in the high heat of summer, keeping it simple, rugged and classic is a wise choice for your rotation of menswear essentials. Particularly when the occasion leans more, well, laidback, when things are easygoing and leisurely, and when flipping hot dogs and imbibing cold beer is the name of the game — and even when it’s not — you need gear you can trust, especially among your rotation of the best shirts for men.

As you well know if you’ve read this blog over the years, the very best men’s style is sometimes the most simple and dependable — like a rugged chambray shirt from a longtime outdoor purveyor like Filson. And if that chambray shirt happens to come in a summer-friendly short-sleeve build, all at a rare sale price, consider yourself in proper position to knock your next summer #OOTD right down the fairway, my friends.

Best chambray shirts for men.

The Filson Short-Sleeve Chambray Shirt is on sale right now as part of the Filson Summer Sale, which includes the cream of the crop in terms of the best summer menswear — not just gear from other seasons relegated to the clearance section, at least in my experience.

Shop the Filson Summer Sale ASAP

With its handsome build, durable fabric and sturdy construction, the Filson Short-Sleeve Chambray Shirt is — as the headline of this piece says — an instant-yet-classic summer upgrade for your wardrobe, ideally paired with stretch chino shorts or olive chino trousers and suede chukka boots. Chambray is a favorite fabric of this Brooklyn style editor for a reason, with its strong interwoven fibers that also add an air of casually rugged, contrasting style.

The cotton chambray used here is a mid-weight fabric, neither too flimsy nor too hefty, making it ideal to layer over a short-sleeve henley or else pair on its own beneath a Filson anorak jacket on blustery summer days far afield. Believe it or not, the Filson Short-Sleeve Chambray Shirt can be worn for real-life work as well as leisurely pursuits, with useful everyday carry design touches like a pencil slot at the left chest pocket, plus back knife pleats for ease and range of motion.

With every detail thoughtfully designed and with rugged appeal aplenty — plus a discount that’s tough to pass up — the Filson Short-Sleeve Chambray Shirt deserves your consideration as a casually dependable seasonal style move, folks.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Filson Frontier Henley T-shirt Is Your New Rugged Summer Go-To

It’s hard to overstate the wearability of rugged classics, the types of pieces in the world of men’s style essentials that keep you coming back time and time again. It’s a big part of this Brooklyn style blog: Gear that looks great from season to season, year to year and beyond. Heady stuff, right?

But some brands, in my experience, epitomize that approach to timeless quality and style — like Filson, lauded Pacific Northwest adventure outfitters for well over a century. Like Filson, the rugged henley shirt has been through a little bit of everything and come out the other side looking better than ever — how about that?

Learn more and shop new men’s gear at Filson

In the high heat of summer, when you want to look stylish without overdoing it — all the while wearing something just a bit more visually appealing and casually cool than a standard T-shirt — reach for one of the best men’s henleys. Something like the Filson Frontier Henley T-shirt ought to do the trick, ehh? Yessir, and we’re here today to find out why.

Made from a soft yet tightly woven, sturdy 6.5oz. cotton jersey knit, this henley — at least in my experience — holds its shape and boasts a fairly classic fit. (Note: Look for it soon over on my Instagram). The Filson Frontier Henley T-shirt is no-fuss, no-frills, although it does feature an eye-catching Filson logo patch beneath its neatly appointed 3-button placket.

The double-layer knit collar holds its shape over time, and of course, as with the best men’s henley shirts, the Filson Frontier Henley T-shirt can be buttoned up or unbuttoned to aid in ventilation and comfort on the go — on or off the trail, near the grill and anywhere casually rugged style is the name of the game.

Classic colors like Heather Grey and Black give one of the best men’s short-sleeve henleys almost limitless appeal in the style world.

Shop the best outdoor gear now at Filson

That holds true whether paired with olive chinos, light wash denim or dark blue jeans and leather chukka boots. The classics stay the classics for a reason, and that certainly holds true as far as this stylish, hard-working men’s henley is concerned. Fit for work, for play, for cold beers and bonfires, I can vouch for the quality of the Filson Frontier Henley T-shirt (especially in a handsome Light Blue). Go forth in classic style this summer, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: Take 50 Percent Off this Adventure-Ready Filson Messenger Bag

Filson messenger bag review.

It’s like we’ve been talking about lately on this Brooklyn style blog: As you prepare to go far afield (or perhaps just to your family cabin or on an adventurous coastal vacation), well, packing some of the best outdoor essentials goes a long way. And until you hit the trail, you might not know the pack you’ve brought with you — or your hiking sneakers, or your rain jacket, and so on — can pass muster.

The best thing to do when it comes to everyday carry gear is to prepare in advance in a major way: Filson has long had you covered in that regard, as you’re well aware if you read this blog and any of my Filson reviews.

Shop the best outdoor gear at Filson

From hard-wearing Filson Tin Cloth pants to lightweight shirting designed to protect you from the sun and keep you cool, Filson has a way with durable, tough, smart gear for all seasons — that very much includes the Filson Surveyor Messenger Bag. It’s the kind of reliable pack you’ll start to wonder how you ever traveled, hiked or adventured without.

And of course, since this is the Tuesday Steal (a deep dive into the best discounts on menswear and gear every week), well, the handsome yet functional Filson Surveyor Messenger Bag is yours for the taking — on sale for 50 percent off, at that.

Best messenger bags for men.

The Filson Surveyor Messenger Bag carries on the same legacy as the Pacific Northwest outfitter’s fleet of durable Filson bags and briefs, yet this one happens to be made from waxed Cordura nylon, rather than Filson Tin Cloth fabric or a similar build. Don’t let that detract you: This bag (a “Genuine Filson: as listed on its stylish label, after all) should still stand up to abrasions, dirt, grime and rain with ease while keeping your everyday carry essentials plenty safe within.

The Filson Surveyor Messenger Bag also adds some style points to your daily haul at home or on the road — the Service Green color is perfectly rugged. But it’s the specs that really set the hard-working Filson Surveyor Messenger Bag apart from the pack, including an interior padded laptop pocket and two sturdy zip exterior pockets — which I’ve found are much larger than normal messenger bag pockets, in my experience.

There’s also a full width back cargo stow pocket for items like a notebook or your passport, while the hardware — in a matching shade of Service Green, naturally — is as burly and sturdy as it gets. The fact that the exceptionally well-designed Filson Surveyor Messenger Bag is on sale right now — and is as versatile for the city and casually rugged look as it is for countryside adventures — is a downright steal as you ramp up your everyday carry essentials for the season ahead, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: These Filson Dry Tin Cloth Pants are Up for Just About Anything This Spring

Best work pants for men this spring.

The right gear for the task at hand — spring cleaning, a day hike, a trip to your local brewery (or all three in one day) makes all the difference, as the good folks at Filson know. The legendary Pacific Northwest outfitter delivers dependable, durable style from head to toe (and in your accessories rotation, as well — its tough-as-nails bags are the stuff of legend).

Shop new spring workwear and more at Filson

And when it comes to the best work pants for spring — better known here as the right gear for the task at hand — the iconic outfitter has been delivering for years, to say the least. Filson Dry Tin Cloth fabric is arguably the backbone of the brand, the type of material trusted for decades, and found trucker jackets and the five-pocket work pants shown above, to name but a few style staples that get a workwear edge for the spring season (and beyond).

Designed with just about anything you can throw at ’em in mind, the Filson Dry Tin Cloth Work Pants are some of the best pants for spring for a reason, and it all starts with the company’s iconic, hard-working 100% cotton dry finish Tin Cloth fabric. It’s as supple and sturdy as waxed cotton, ready to take on the elements by repelling wind, rain, debris and abrasions of all sorts. The key is, it’s not waxed, yet tightly woven and durable as can be.

The Filson Dry Tin Cloth Work Pants are also finished with details like rivets at key stress points, reinforced rear patch pockets for your everyday carry, and a front watch pocket for further storage space. Another crucial design detail that elevates the sturdy Filson Dry Tin Cloth Work Pants? A metal shank button waist closure — no need to worry about key hardware failing you in the clutch. The famed outfitter notes that the Filson Dry Tin Cloth Work Pants were designed “with the cut of a favorite pair of jeans and the legendary durability of our signature canvas,” and that makes ’em sound like a truly terrific pair of work pants for spring, at least in my experience.

For pursuits on duty and off, the Filson Dry Tin Cloth Work Pants also come in richly crafted, classic colors like the aptly named Whiskey — ideal for pairing with an indigo denim jacket, a henley and lace-up leather boots for sipping, well, some whiskey around the campfire this spring. And when the time comes to dial down and really get to work, well, the Filson Dry Tin Cloth Work Pants are up to the job — and then some. Would you expect anything else from Filson? No, sir.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Filson Ranger Lightweight Anorak – An Adventure-Ready Spring Rain Jacket

Best spring rain jackets for men.

When it comes to navigating the swiftly changing seasons, a dash of preparation goes a long way. That holds true for fighting off brisk fall and winter weather, yet when temperatures climb ever so slightly upwards, the pursuit still doesn’t stop, right?

Blustery spring days bring with ’em rain and wind — and the right outerwear is never more crucial than when your to-do list, your next trip or your daily commute comes beckoning, right? Enter Filson, legendary Pacific Northwest purveyors of some of the best spring rain jackets, period (and plenty more).

Learn more now at Filson

More specifically, the Filson Ranger Lightweight Anorak might be just what the doctor ordered as you scour the market for one of the best spring jackets around, my friends.

It’s part of the new Filson Spring Collection, a slew of positively tough-as-nails gear selections made to go far afield — fabrics like waxed cotton and sturdy wool take shape across silhouettes ranging from trucker jackets to overshirts and beyond. And yet, it’s the Filson Ranger Lightweight Anorak that just might have the most chops to take you from coast to coast, far inland and beyond.

The anorak, after all, dates back to Arctic peoples, with roots that trace back to early versions of the parka — and the smock-inspired design is not unlike a much more rain-ready version of your favorite hooded sweatshirt, this time complete with a snap-shut kangaroo pocket.

If you seek more coverage and protection from the elements, a piece like the Filson Ranger Lightweight Anorak, with slightly more coverage, a helpful hood and durable, lightweight waxed cotton structure, is a useful addition to your spring style rotation (and that’s an understatement).

Available in two crisp, classic colors (Dark Navy and Dark Beige), the Filson Ranger Lightweight Anorak should boast plenty of water and wind resistance, while its half-front zip collar includes a storm flap for added protection from the elements — the most foul spring weather doesn’t seem to be a match for the Filson Ranger Lightweight Anorak, at least in my experience with Filson outerwear.

Learn more now at Filson

Remarkably, that’s not the only thing this handsome, rugged anorak jacket has going for it — this piece is machine washable, a rarity among waxed cotton outerwear selections. Consider the fact that the drawcord hood also maximizes protection from the elements, and you’ve got a jacket that seems nearly unstoppable in terms of spring hikes, coastal getaways, log cabin weekends and rainy day strolls.

Place your trust in Filson as far as the best spring jackets are concerned, and I’ve got a feeling you’ll be rewarded handsomely.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Filson Waffle Knit Henley Offers the Utmost in Classic Comfort and Warmth

If it feels like we’ve reached the point in winter where there’s simply not much more to be done about the cold, where it feels like you’ve exhausted all your options as far as the most rugged gear (and warm gear, at that), well… fear not, my friends.

The good folks at Filson are here to save the day — at least in terms of your base layers, in the case of today’s Filson review — with one of the best henleys for men, a staple piece from a retailer that’s become an institution in the world of dependable outdoor performance (and style, of course).

The Filson Cotton Waffle Knit Henley seems simple on the surface, and sometimes, that’s not a bad thing when it comes time to bundle up for brisk weather. It boasts a thick waffle knit meant to bolster its heat retention and warmth in the cold, as the iconic Pacific Northwest retailer notes that the waffle knit of the aptly named Filson Cotton Waffle Knit Henley “creates a layer of air between the body and fabric for thermal retention and moisture management.”

Its ribbed cuffs and collar provide further durability — no need to worry about a sagging collar or flimsy cuffs, at least in my experience wearing Filson menswear. The two-button placket is shorter than other henleys on the market, but perhaps for good reason — the Filson Cotton Waffle Knit Henley is meant to be worn mostly buttoned up in chilly temperatures, although buttoning or unbuttoning one or both buttons delivers more airflow and temperature regulation.

Shop rugged outdoor gear at Filson now

Out of all of the best henleys on the market, you might say that the Filson Cotton Waffle Knit Henley is the one most built for work, hunting or trekking far afield — or simply layering underneath a waxed trucker jacket to hit up your local bar. If any or all of those things sound of interest — and sound like the kind of place you could put one of the best men’s henleys to work — then the Filson Cotton Waffle Knit Henley deserves place of pride in your wardrobe.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Filson Heathered Wool Jac-Shirt – A Reliable Winter Weekend Layer

A man can never have enough sturdy, dependable menswear at his disposal, especially for frigid winter days and nights, and that’s where I find Filson gear and menswear continues to come in mighty handy, season after season, year after year.

The legendary Pacific Northwest heritage brand has been a foundational part of my wardrobe for years now, making some of the best waxed outerwear, thermals, denim and yes, one of the best shirt jackets for men.

As temperatures continue to plummet, and as I continue to put gear to the test for this Brooklyn style blog, I continually reach for Filson — perhaps you’re in the same boat? And with the drop of the new Filson Spring 2025 Collection, it’s time once again to see what’s in store from this legendary company.

Learn more now and shop at Filson

The new Filson Heathered Wool Jac-Shirt isn’t quite all that new, in fact — or rather, it’s an update in term of color and fabrication to the iconic Filson line of Jac-Shirts, which are burly, thick and utterly incredible in terms of winter warmth, at least in my experience. As Filson tells it, the Jac-Shirt “has provided versatile warmth for nearly five decades,” and it’s a sentiment I agree with wholeheartedly.

Filson Jac-Shirt.

This edition of the Filson Heathered Wool Jac-Shirt is made from a warm wool blend for stretch and the right amount of insulation.

And in matters of style points, it’s the Blue Heather variation of this particular Filson Heathered Wool Jac-Shirt that puts it a cut above the rest — that shade of blue almost gives it a ruggedly casual appeal, if you’re looking for something to layer over a white Oxford shirt with tobacco-hued chinos, for instance. But of course, the Filson Heathered Wool Jac-Shirt is at its best when paired with a thermal henley and canvas work pants on exceptionally brisk mornings.

The straight hem offers slightly more coverage than a traditional shirt, while front-button flap pockets offer crucial everyday carry storage space. And since this is Filson we’re talking about here, know that the brand delivers plenty of sizes and a limited lifetime guarantee on the Filson Heathered Wool Jac-Shirt.

Beyond that, this durable shirt jacket should provide plenty of room to layer over your favorite knitwear essentials — can you ask for much more from one of the best men’s shirt jackets? In my book, the Filson Heathered Wool Jac-Shirt is a certified winter style winner.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Filson Alaskan Guide Flannel Shirt – A Discounted Steal for Black Friday And Cyber Monday

Filson Alaskan Guide Flannel Shirt review.

For as much as Thanksgiving weekend is about quality time with family and friends, not to mention utterly delicious food and drink, it’s also an expert time to think about the menswear classics your wardrobe could use. That holds true whether you look at this weekend as a shopping starting point or as a bit of a refresher, and that’s where my friends at Filson can help.

Learn more and shop at Filson

And in my experience, it never hurts to opt for classics from a time-honored brand, especially when those classics just so happen to be on sale. Take the Filson Alaskan Guide Flannel Shirt, a tried-and-true style staple from the legendary Pacific Northwest outfitter.

Right now, you can get one of the best flannel shirts for men at a downright steal of a price: Try as much as 60 percent off. It’s got all the trappings of a new wardrobe favorite, with a rich selection of colors and timeless plaid patterns available, but it only gets better from there.

To be fair, there’s a host of the best menswear deals on rugged gear aplenty within the confines of the Filson Black Friday Sale, but let’s start with a must-have shirt for cold winter days, shall we? The Filson Alaskan Guide Flannel Shirt hits the mark in every regard as far as flannel shirting is concerned, with its tightly woven, brushed cotton twill construction for a soft yet durable handfeel.

Details like gusseted chest pockets give the Filson Alaskan Guide Flannel Shirt the functionality of a workshirt or shirt jacket, as do the pleated shoulders for greater range of motion.

Best men's flannel shirt to buy now.

And yet, the Filson Alaskan Guide Flannel Shirt also functions as the kind of casually cool shirt you can rock easily with dark blue jeans and brown leather lace-up boots for a laidback evening on the town. And when cold weather and your winter to-do list happen to pick back up, the Filson Alaskan Guide Flannel Shirt is there at every turn, you matter which color, size or style you select.

A range of sizes are available, and when you consider the fact that you can score the Filson Alaskan Guide Flannel Shirt at up to 60 percent off, it’s absolutely a deal worth shopping from one of the best brands to buy on Black Friday weekend. Cheers to that, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: These Are the Best Menswear Sales to Shop on Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Huckberry Black Friday Sale 2024.

My friends, welcome to a special Black Friday edition of the Friday Read here on this Brooklyn style blog, where we tend to cover a bit of everything, from shopping and spirits to, of course, menswear and gear.

And although I wear a great deal many hats when it comes to freelance writing, today, we’re all in on the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals (you can read my writing about the best spirits to drink now over at Maxim, among others — perhaps for something to sip while you shop?). Those deals, naturally, include retailers like Huckberry as seen at the top of the page — read on for more insight there, my friends.

Shop Huckberry for Black Friday now

For now, let’s dive in with a very brief overview of these hand-selected Cyber Week menswear deals — while other publications (including my own byline at Maxim.com!) cover sales by the dozen, we’re streamlining things a bit here today and talking about the five best Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales to shop now. Get out there, get after it and check back next week to let me know what you scored.

Huckberry: Save More Than 40 Percent

Yes indeed, as promised, Huckberry has a wealth of the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals rolling out. Savings abound on waxed jackets, rugged shirting, essential leather boots, stretch chinos and denim, everyday carry gear, home goods and more. If you want it, Huckberry’s got it. Shop here.

Filson: Save As Much as 60 Percent

Once upon a time, the good folks at Filson rarely offered discounts on the best outdoor menswear, much less putting together an entire Filson Black Friday Sale. That’s not the case anymore, as flannel shirts, durable waxed jackets, tough weekender bags, hard-wearing work pants and accessories are all up for grabs at a discount. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post on one of the best flannel shirts from Filson, too. Shop here.

Todd Snyder: Take 30 Percent Off Everything (With code: BLACKFRIDAY30)

It can be hard to find high-quality, investment-level menswear — from shirting to suiting — on sale, yet that’s not the case with the refined wares on offer from legendary American designer Todd Snyder. In need of a new sportcoat or a sharp new flannel shirt? Perhaps a stylish pair of jeans or a rugged henley? Shop the Todd Snyder Black Friday Sale for 30 percent off with the code BLACKFRIDAY30. ‘Tis the season. my friends.

Taylor Stitch: Take 20% Off Select Styles Sitewide

The good folks at Taylor Stitch are opening up the warehouse, so to speak, with standout savings on knitwear, sweaters, A-plus shirting, rugged work pants, cozy loungewear and much more — I’d recommend checking out a range of pieces, including the modern classic Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt. 20 percent off won’t stick around forever, so hop to it, my friends. Shop here.

Billy Reid: Save At Least 20 Percent On Refined Menswear

With Billy Reid — makers of the peacoat worn by James Bond, among other staples — the difference truly is in the details, like the designer’s signature ribbon trim finish and richly crafted fabrics. You’ve got your best chance of the year to save on refined, utterly classic menswear with a dash of Americana, but here’s the catch.

You’ll get savings of 20% on orders of more than $400, 30% on orders of $800-plus, and then 40% on orders of more than $1,200. Get that credit card at the ready and stock up on style staples that shouldn’t be missed. Shop here.

Learn more at Billy Reid

My friends, in the interest of letting you get back to your leftovers and turkey sandwiches (and perhaps some shopping, whiskey sipping and afternoon football viewing), that’ll do it for my guide to the best Black Friday deals and steals! Happy shopping, have a great holiday weekend — with two more posts on this blog incoming! — and as ever, we’ll See You Out There. Cheers!