The most popular backpack in FIlson’s line up, the Journeyman. I have the Camo version of this backpack. Filson calls it, Realtree Hardwoods Camo. This backpack is made from 14oz waxed tin cloth, rugged twill, moleskin and a polyester cotton blend inside lining.
It has a 23 Liters capacity, which is enough to fit a laptop, tech pouch, pencil/pen pouch, notebooks, and smalls accessories for the front pocket.
And so let’s proceed to dissect this backpack.
The Filson label on the bottom right that shows their classic words, “MIGHT AS WELL HAVE THE BEST.”
The front pocket uses snaps closure in the center. On the side of the pocket, it has snaps to expand the pocket. These snaps are made from brass and it is rust resistant.
Inside of the pocket has an interior organizer but that’s about it. The interior organizer is made from the polyester cotton blend fabric. It has two pen/pencil pockets and a wide pocket for small notebooks or cards.
Let’s take a look at the top of the bag. The bridle leather with branded snaps on the top opening. This closure secures the main compartment.
When opening the main compartment, there is a laptop pocket that is padded and an inside front pocket for paperwork or small items. Then the zippered pockets are for pens, white outs, or other small stationary items. Both zippers are made by YKK. The fabric inside is made from polyester cotton blend fabric, same fabric as interior of the front pocket.
Here another picture of the padded laptop compartment. Please note that your laptop must have a case on it, if not the zipper teeth that you see in the picture will scratch your laptop.
On the back, there is a bridle leather loop to hang the backpack on wall or hooks. You can see the rugged twill fabric on the back. The shoulder strap is stitch behind a black cotton webbing. The bridle leather loop is the weakest part of this bag. It is narrow and should have been wider for comfort. On a positive note, they use the rugged twill fabric to avoid any wax residue on your clothes from the wax tin cloth.
The back of the shoulder strap is the moleskin like fabric. This is not a real moleskin, they call it moleskin to mimic the feel of moleskin. Yes, there is a lot of dust because this fabric is prone to attracting dust but it is comfortable.
Lastly, the bottom of the bag is made from the rugged twill fabric. Rugged twill is known of it durability. You can also see the FILSON branding on the tip of the leather straps.
From what I recall, this is the 3rd revision of the Journeyman. I have the 3rd revision. Additionally, this 3rd revision is made from Vietnam. The previous Journeyman were made in USA. Also, the 2nd revision had interior side pockets and this 3rd does not have it.
The retail price of this bag is $400 or more. This camo edition is $475. Fortunately, I did not have to buy at that price as this was on sale. I do not think the Journeyman is worth the $400 retail price as this is not made in USA. If they use the rugged twill fabric on this then I could accept it as $400 but it is not acceptable on the tin cloth. As many have discussed, Filson have been raising the price but not increasing the quality. In the end, if you find a good price on the journeyman then buy it. At full price, find another option.