I’ve Spent 7 Years Testing the Filson 48-Hour Tin Cloth Duffle Bag
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I prefer a duffle bag to a carry-on roller suitcase. Sure, a roller is convenient when you’re running between terminals and the boxy design easily Tetrises into the overhead with the rest of passengers’ luggage. But a duffle bag is looser, making it easier to overstuff (which is a positive for me) and compress if you’re not packing it to the brim. A duffel bag also doesn’t nip at my heels, and it looks and feels more utilitarian, more rugged, and more versatile. All those best qualities are exemplified in the Filson 48-Hour Tin Cloth duffel bag
48-Hour Tin Cloth Duffle
backcountry.com
$495.00
Filson is an American brand that made a name for itself manufacturing hardwearing apparel. It outfitted miners going to Canada in the late 1800’s during a short-lived gold rush in the Yukon Territory and in the early 1900’s it was the last outpost for loggers to stock up on gear before heading up to Alaska. The brand used heavy canvas that protected the wearer from brambles and thorns and gained a reputation for its proprietary materials and craftsmanship. Filson goods stood up to the north’s harsh weather and terrain where gear and garments were a matter of survival—namely its Mackinaw Wool and Tin Cloth.
That Tin Cloth is the brand’s proprietary waxed cotton—a 14-ounce canvas that’s coated in paraffin-based wax, which improves durability and weatherproofing. Filson’s lineup of Tin Cloth outerwear has been a favorite of hunters, anglers, and outdoorsmen for its performance, so it’s a natural extension that the brand started making packs out of it, given that luggage can benefit from the same weather-resistance and durability.
I’ve had the 48-Hour Duffle for almost seven years now, and it’s been my go-to for domestic and international travel. It’s called that because it’s Filson’s weekender and smaller than its larger twill duffles, but the 48-Hour holds much more. Here’s a breakdown of why—in my opinion—it’s the best duffle bag that’s versatile enough for long trips, campouts, and weekend getaways.
Waxed Canvas—An Original of Outdoor Gear
Before synthetics, Gore-Tex, and nylon became the standard for outdoor gear, waxed canvas was the original waterproof material.
Like I mentioned, this bag is constructed from Filson’s proprietary 14-ounce cotton canvas. Unlike a cotton tee that’s made to be soft against the skin using precision weaving and thin threads, canvas is densely woven—sometimes referred to as plain weave—from thicker thread. This produces a more durable material that won’t snag and is tear- and abrasion-resistant. It’s why canvas was widely used in the military for uniforms, tents, and duffle bags.
Filson then coats the canvas in paraffin-based wax, which is absorbed and produces a natural, water-resistant barrier. A major plus: You can re-wax the bag yourself as needed to keep it water-resistant. I’ve only needed to do this with mine once since I bought it, and it’s an easy process. I use a shoe brush to get rid of any dirt or grime and then apply a thin layer and let it sit in the sun so the canvas soaks in the wax, and repeat the process a couple of times.
The Tin Cloth has yet to snag or develop any real signs of wear and tear despite all it’s been through. I’ve taken it bussing around Spain, and it repelled rain and mud during a camping trip in the Catskills.
Aside from durability, the waxed-canvas construction makes the bag look better with age. Like leather and denim, the material develops a patina over time for a look you just can’t get with a polycarbonate suitcase or nylon duffle.
Durable Leather Handles and Straps That Look and Feel Good
The bags’s details are just as impressive as the material and construction. The handles are made of bridle leather. After tanning, beeswax or bee tallow is worked into the leather by hand to bolster durability and prevent scratches. The handles buckle together beneath a leather cover so you don’t have two different straps in your hand rubbing uncomfortably.
Filson claims that the handles are long enough to wear over the shoulder, but I find that difficult to do unless the bag is practically empty. Even then, it’s a tight fit.
Included is a cotton strap that you can unbuckle and stow away or just leave off entirely. I prefer to carry the bag from just the handles; I typically travel with a backpack too and don’t want multiple straps on one shoulder. Even fully packed, the 48-Hour is comfortable in hand. I’ve carried it through the city exploring while I wait for check-in time, and it doesn’t scream “tourist” (as loudly) as a wheeled suitcase would. I wish the bag came with a leather shoulder strap though, as the cotton doesn’t seem to fit its look.
Ample Storage, Organized Pockets, and Zippers That Don’t Quit
The thoughtful storage is what makes this bag so versatile. The 35-liter capacity is broken up between the main compartment and pockets on the front, offering more organization than a traditional duffle bag. It doesn’t turn into a black hole that I need to rummage through when I’m looking for something.
The main compartment is around 32 liters and has a reinforced base. Its length allows for me to lay my boots down—packed with socks and underwear—and pack clothing on top. Going from chunkier layers like sweatshirts and jeans at the bottom to shorts and tees on top, I’m able to fit a lot inside. Two expandable zip pockets on the front have slots for a wallet, passport, or anything you need quick access to. I also use these pockets for toiletries on my way to a destination and stuff my dirty clothes in them coming back.
Behind the zip pockets are two deep slip pockets. These are perfect for books, phone chargers, or any other afterthought items. They’re easy to access, which makes them also ideal for plane or train tickets, things you might need to pull out quickly.
The brass zippers have beefed-up leather pull-tabs to make opening and closing easier. I usually take pull-tabs off of zippers because they come undone or tear off quickly, but I haven’t encountered that with the 48-Hour duffle. They’re still intact, and the thick zippers haven’t snagged or broken, which is where other luggage has failed me.
Verdict
The 48-Hour Tin Cloth duffle is versatile, functional, and just gets better with age. It’s an expensive bag, but I got what I paid for and then some. I’ve put it through a good amount of use and abuse, from it sitting in the rain on campouts to being stuffed in overhead bins on the tiniest European budget airlines. I used it for a three-week trip to London, Santorini, and Madrid, and it’s been my weekender bag when visiting family or friends. I bought this bag for its durability and timeless look. I’m not disappointed with either yet.
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