How-To's | The Filson Journal

How to Make a Pole Spear

Will Kutscher — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 16:00:14 +0000

Just under the surface of the frigid ocean is a bounty of saltwater fish to be foraged. Many an outdoors person would agree that, in a survival scenario, the ocean can often be a far more productive source of food than the land, especially the cold, nutrient-rich waters that circulate around our shores. But how to pursue these fish? Here, we’ll show you how to build a pole-spear, a time-tested, simple tool that is incredibly effective for putting fish on your dinner plate.

The post How to Make a Pole Spear appeared first on The Filson Journal.

How To Select and Care for a Stetson Hat

Angela Becia — Wed, 09 Feb 2022 00:44:02 +0000

Filson’s own Clark Gilbert walks you through the choice of buying a new Stetson hat and how to properly care for it depending on your choice and the life you lead.

The post How To Select and Care for a Stetson Hat appeared first on The Filson Journal.

Dos and Don’ts of Traveling in Rattlesnake Country

Angela Becia — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 23:57:00 +0000

Local outdoors expert & lifelong Texan, Cory Emerson, helped us navigate the desolate limestone hills and canyons of Texas Hill County to put our new gear to the test. The most important piece being the dos and don’ts of traveling in rattlesnake country.

The post Dos and Don’ts of Traveling in Rattlesnake Country appeared first on The Filson Journal.

DIY 3 Legged Camp Stool

Angela Becia — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 16:00:38 +0000

One of the best items to have on any outdoor excursion is a good seat. A seat can help keep you dry in wet weather, provide a spot to rest your legs for a bit, help keep you warm if it’s cold out, and, let’s be honest, it’s just more comfortable than sitting on hard rocks or snow. One of the simplest forms of a seat is a folding tripod. These are small because they fold when not in use, so they don’t take up much room in your pack or truck. It’s a great option for lunch breaks on the river during a day of fly fishing, a solid place to sit while glassing up wild game, or just a spot to take a load off around the campfire.

The post DIY 3 Legged Camp Stool appeared first on The Filson Journal.

DIY Wooden Landing Net

Angela Becia — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 00:31:22 +0000

A wooden landing net is not only one of the angler’s best tools to ensure the swift catch—and, where necessary, release—of a fish, but also a durable part of the kit that can be passed down from generation to generation.

The post DIY Wooden Landing Net appeared first on The Filson Journal.

How to Buy a Fire Lookout Tower

Will Kutscher — Wed, 26 May 2021 14:25:35 +0000

If you’ve ever seen a fire lookout tower and thought to yourself, “I wish I had one of those,” that dream might not be as far from reality as you first thought. Whether you’re looking for a unique get-away, or maybe even a new cabin, we break-down how to go about finding and potentially buying a surplus lookout.

The post How to Buy a Fire Lookout Tower appeared first on The Filson Journal.

Shop Class: The Shipwright’s Tool Tote

Will Kutscher — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 21:47:10 +0000

The Shipwright’s Tool Tote was traditionally made by shipwrights themselves to carry the tools of their trade while they were working on wooden boats. It had to be a very versatile and portable tool tote—for a wooden boat builder, time was money so a shipwright had to be able to carry the tools he needed around the boat to accomplish his day’s work. Running back and forth to the shop just wouldn’t do.
The tote had to big enough to carry a core group of tools but not be so heavy that once loaded it could not be picked up and carried with ease. To accomplish this the shipwright would use whatever strong but lightweight wood that was at hand. The wood joinery was kept simple for ease of construction and repair if needed.

The post Shop Class: The Shipwright’s Tool Tote appeared first on The Filson Journal.

Filson Fundamentals: The Anatomy of a Knife & Choosing the Right One

Will Kutscher — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 22:01:38 +0000

We reached out to local knife maker, Robb gray of Graycloud knives, to give us the full rundown of the anatomy of a knife and how to choose the best for one’s intended use.
"I’ve made over 3000 knives in my shop and I get a lot of the same questions from my clients. “I want a knife: I’m just not sure which one I need!” To help them answer that question, I first ask them to describe what they want to use it for and how they want to use it."

The post Filson Fundamentals: The Anatomy of a Knife & Choosing the Right One appeared first on The Filson Journal.

Wet Weather Fire Starters

Will Kutscher — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 17:05:14 +0000

Cold and wet at camp? Dry out and warm up quickly by starting a fire with these four items that are most likely around your campsite.

The post Wet Weather Fire Starters appeared first on The Filson Journal.

How to Build an Overland Camp Kitchen

Angela Becia — Sat, 06 Feb 2021 00:26:30 +0000

Brendon and I have been traveling by motorcycle for just over a decade. We’ve ridden on many different style bikes—from a sport bike, to a cruiser, to a big adventure bike. Recently, we’ve moved on to a simpler, and separate, set of Honda dual sports. Our motorcycle travels have taken us through parts of western USA, most of Canada, and an additional 14 countries—with trips lasting anywhere from three hours to three years. Currently, you can find us wintering on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, prepping for the next overlanding adventure. Along with our motorcycles, our goals and priorities have changed over the years. Living close to nature and feeling a strong connection to it is one of our main pursuits. As we explore and experience new places, the methods have evolved to reflect a more sustainable version of travel. Hotels—and, more importantly, restaurants—have been happily substituted for longer trips where we camp and cook for ourselves. Every day brings a new experience, and eating meals packed full of nutrients in order to restore our energy and keep us well fueled is essential.

The post How to Build an Overland Camp Kitchen appeared first on The Filson Journal.