"Made in the USA" Gear Review: Filson Zip Neck Fleece Top

Ok readers, here's another excellent Filson product for the cold winter ahead- Filson's Zip Neck Fleece Mid-Layer Top. As some of you may recall, I reviewed Filson's Mackinaw Cruiser Jacket, Pants and Wool Cuff Cap earlier this year, and was really impressed by the quality. This fleece mid-layer shirt is no different. Excellent fit, light yet warm, durably built, with great attention to detail, this shirt is perfect for many seasons of use, and has become my favorite year-round backpacking companion.

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I've had this shirt since February, and since then, it's been used and washed quite a bit, but still looks like new. It's warm enough that it was often the only layer I'd need under my Goretex shell to keep me warm on cool, stormy evenings in the high country. Since it's fleece, it also packs up small and weighs virtually nothing, which makes it a great choice for ultra-lite backpackers as well as bushcrafters.

At $95, this shirt is competively priced compared to its Chinese-made counterparts. Plus you get Filson's legendary quality, fit and durability along with the pride of knowing that you've bought a product made by American workers. Another great piece of gear from Filson and highly recommended.

For more info or to buy this shirt, visit www.filson.com/products/fleece-zip-neck-top.15018.html


About the author

Jason Schwartz is the founder and senior editor of Rocky Mountain Bushcraft. He is a former Red Cross certified Wilderness & Remote First Aid Instructor, and has taught bushcraft and wilderness survival techniques to the Boy Scouts of America, interned with the US Forest Service, and studied wilderness survival, forestry and wildland firefighting at Colorado Mountain College in Leadville, Colorado. Jason has also written for magazines such as The New Pioneer and Backpacker, including writing the "Tinder Finder" portion of Backpacker's "Complete Guide to Fire," which won a 2015 National Magazine Award (NMA). Email him at rockymountainbushcraft @ hotmail.com (without spaces)