Signature Materials - Rugged Twill

FILSON RUGGED TWILL – LEGENDARY TOUGHNESS

Filson’s 125-year legacy is outfitting miners, loggers, ranchers, and sportsmen with durable apparel and goods that provide unfailing protection. For more than two decades, we’ve applied more than a century of manufacturing experience to build luggage and bags to transport their gear there and back, without fail. Our Rugged Twill fabric is a large part of why our bags are so dependable – this article examines what it is and where it comes from.

TIGHT & DENSE – MORE PLIABLE THAN CANVAS

Filson Rugged Twill is a very dense, 100% cotton fabric made from 2-ply and 3-ply yarns woven in a 2×2 twill pattern. In a 2×2 twill, the weft (horizontal) yarns alternate crossing over and under two warp (vertical) yarns. Each successive row of weft yarns is offset by one warp yarn, which creates a pronounced diagonal line in the weave. A notable characteristic of twill is that that the fabric tends to be more pliable than a canvas (or plain-weave) of similar density and weight. Using a 2×2 pattern optimizes the density of yarns while maintaining excellent tear strength. It takes specialized expertise and machinery to manufacture fabric as tightly woven as our Rugged Twill, and we scoured the earth to find the absolute best manufacturer to make it for us.

ABRASIVE-RESISTANT FINISH THAT SOFTENS WITH USE

After weaving, Filson Rugged Twill fabric is given a special wax treatment that is long-lasting and very water-resistant. The fabric is not saturated with wax – it is more of a surface treatment that has a non-oily, dry-hand feel. This wax treatment also serves to harden the surface of the fabric, increasing its resistance to abrasion. Initially, Filson Rugged Twill is a fairly stiff fabric that softens with use – somewhat like breaking in a stout pair of leather boots.

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