gear | The Filson Journal

Extreme Cold Vapor Barrier Boots

Angela Becia — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 16:00:11 +0000

The U.S. Army’s first cold weather boots were called “Mickey Mouse Boots” for their oversize appearance. Officially designated the "Type I" & "Type II" footwear model, it was first worn by soldiers and Marines during the Korean War in the 1950s as standard issue footwear.

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The Evolution of Hockey Gear

Angela Becia — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 23:09:54 +0000

When a modern NHL team takes to the ice, players are protected from head to toe, the focal point of which is their large colorful sweater. The need and developments we see today are the result of decades of tinkering and improvements based on poor experiences that defined the need for such gear.

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Gear We Recommend

Angela Becia — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 20:26:34 +0000

First-hand recommendations & reviews of the gear we trust.

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A Brief Look at the Origin of Denim in North America

Angela Becia — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 17:43:56 +0000

The history of denim in America dates back to the 1840s, when the durability of the warp-faced, twill textile was a proven choice for workwear clothing, with pants and overalls much in demand. The blue threads of woven cotton were dyed with indigo through a process known as “rope dying” or “chain dying,” while the weft threads were left white and visible only on the reverse side. Over time, other weights of denim were made available, along with different colors: tan, black, and gray. For laborers in the fields, coal mines, forests, and mills, denim was an inexpensive clothing option that was widely available and came in all sizes. During the California Gold Rush of 1848 to 1855, the prospector dressed in his denim work clothing, field jacket, and hip waders was a common sight.

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A Guide to Overlanding the North Cascades

Angela Becia — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 22:53:29 +0000

The North Cascade Mountains of Washington attract all types of recreationists during the spring and summer months, from locals to tourists, from hikers and climbers to high mountain anglers and bird watchers. But one type of recreationist gets overlooked and even sometimes gets a bad rap: the overlanders.

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Boots on the Ground: The History of the Combat Boot

Angela Becia — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 19:34:47 +0000

“A-ten-hut!” Cue the sound of many warrior feet coming together at once. One of the most important pieces of gear in a soldier’s arsenal today, the U.S. Army’s combat boot has been through many iterations over time. In fact, over the past two hundred years, the combat boot was updated for almost every new war.

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How to Repair a Ripped Sail at Sea

Angela Becia — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 00:19:10 +0000

You hear a sound you shouldn’t. Standing at the helm, getting a good look forward is tricky through rigging, mast, and mainsail. But that long ripping sound was not a good sign. Your crewmate below can hear the sail flogging and she pops her head up out of the hatch: “Need a hand?” While she takes the helm, you scramble forward to assess the damage. Your task now is to stabilize the situation before it worsens.

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You Take What You Can Get: Or Suffer the Consequences

Angela Becia — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 18:19:22 +0000

The stampede for gold into the Klondike of the Yukon territory reached a peak in 1898. In that same year, 1,200 other miners set out for other regions of the far north, including to the Koyukuk and Chandalar river drainages in the remote Alaska Territory interior, in a desperate search for similar riches. This region is situated in the northwestern part of Alaska, with the Koyukuk River flowing through it from the borders of the Arctic Ocean to where it enters the Yukon at Nulato.

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How to Stay Safe in Avalanche Terrain – Tips from NWAC

Angela Becia — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 18:52:45 +0000

Every year in the mountains of North America, avalanches kill an average of 45 people and injure many more. Nearly all these incidents involve people recreating. If you’re planning to get into the mountains this winter, there are a few things you should consider regarding avalanches prior to heading out.

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How to Tie 5 Sailing Knots Recommended by US Sailing

Angela Becia — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 20:11:34 +0000

“Tie me a figure 8”, “grab that cleat hitch”, “fasten a bowline” – next time you’re aboard or at the docks, make yourself useful to the captain and crew and earn your passage. As they say, practice makes perfect. So whether you’re learning a new skill or brushing up on your technique, keep reading to learn about the top five sailing knots recommended by US Sailing coach Chris Childers.

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