Filson's Mackinaw Wool Vest

I'd like to thank the good folks at Filson for mailing a perfect Christmas gift. Anxiously tearing off the red buffalo plaid ribbon and opening the box, I unwrapped a Mackinaw Wool Vest. After over a solid week of use, I'm glad to report that I have a new staple to my wardrobe. I've worn the vest on days ranging from 40 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit, all resulting in superior comfort and warmth. The material is supremely thick, looks great, and doesn't cause itching like other wool vests I've worn. Happily surprised, I reached my hands down to my sides yesterday to find pockets that I didn't realize existed. Bonus! This vest gets better everyday and will surely continue to do so for years to come.

Not strictly pinned for outdoor usage, I received several compliments after wearing this vest to work over a cream-colored dress shirt. I love finding an excuse to wear my new Filson garment and that specifically means I'll be spending a lot more time outdoors. Heading out for a hike in the backwoods on Christmas afternoon,  Ms. Backwoods Plaid snapped a few photos.

Beautiful snow-covered Northern Maine makes for a wonderful and wild backdrop.

The temperature, without wind chill, hovered steady at 10 degrees. Typically I'd layer a wool jacket over the vest, but that would cover the beauty of this baby. After a quick snowball fight with the photographer, I wiped my gloves on the front of the vest, and headed down the trail.

The entire vest is seemingly bulletproof. The thickness and quality of the virgin wool appears unmatched.

I couldn't pull one of the five buttons off this vest if I tried. As my dog appears in the lower left corner, shaking the snow off his coat, my vest does the same for cold air.


I've tried on many vests, but always hung them back on the rack. These bold and solid stripes are American made and demand to be worn.


We pause for a quick snapshot.


The right chest pocket is large enough for a phone, wallet or other similarly sized essentials. The left chest is designed with three pockets. I can easily fit a knife, flashlight, or pen in each. Featured above is my flashlight, as we hiked past dusk.

Beautiful snow-covered Northern Maine makes for a wonderful and wild backdrop.

Sometimes you are forced to pull up the sleeves and get serious about a snowball fight.

After every good afternoon in the woods of Maine, one must head home. Another adventure in the books. Going home warm is always a bonus.

Editor's note: I'm very appreciate for the kindness and generosity of Filson and Mari at Turner PR. Thank you, all.

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Christmas Morning

The presents are unwrapped. The snow, piled up. The temperature, well below zero. Below are photos from a Backwoods Plaid Christmas.

A Golden sunrise casts brilliant light across the pale blue snow.


Multi-colored Christmas lights lit up the living room.


Fresh powder finds a way to stack upon thin branches.


Shadows dance across the table by a cedar-lined candle. Aroma of the outdoors.


New Mad-Bomber hat found under the tree.

-20 below zero. Numb thumbs after 20 photos.

Christmas morning.

Poached pears filled with Marscapone cheese topped with red wine reduction. Absolutely delicious.

Undisturbed powder on the pines.

The heat of the rising sun is needed this morning. Happy Holidays.

C.C. Filson

The Filson brand is one of the oldest American examples of solid style combined with functionality. Their classic virgin wool items, particularly the Mackinaw line, are a staple of serious outdoors-men. Providing great warmth, even when wet, their 100% virgin wool (spun for the first time) absorbs up to 30% of it's weight in moisture without feeling damp.

Filson embodies the American outdoor lifestyle and successfully equips professionals and hobbyists, whether the passion be weekend hiking in Acadia Park or piloting a Cessna 180, with it's high wings and conventional landing gear, into the back country of Alaska.

My best friend, a Maine Guide, turned me on to Filson two years ago. Decked in tin cloth and thick wool on our outings he consistently bragged about the warmth and weather resistance of his gear. All natural wool materials are still considered superior to synthetics among those spending significant time in the wilderness. Good luck staying warm after you rip a hole in your down jacket after snagging on a tree branch. As your goose down cascades to the ground so will your body temperature. Afterall, "Might As Well Have The Best."

If you're looking to add a new staple to the wardrobe, choose the Alaskan Guide Shirt in cream & black - it'll match the buffalo plaid Mackinaw Vest you'll pick up later.

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BWP Post: Angel Falls

Dusting of Snow

As winter befalls us, my intention is to photograph the impact on Lobsterman's lifestyles. The torturous windchill and frigid waters surely make for a less enjoyable outing. As the sun of summer fades and the winter snow drops, the beauty of the coastal life will surely still shine. Here are a few pics from the latest dusting of December snow on New England.

Soft snow covers the red buoy.


Fort Popham lies behind this lobster yard.

Descend this ladder into the cold ocean. Seems like an uncomfortable dip.

Rope stretches over this ladder and lies in the snow.


Inside the court of Fort Popham.

The wooden deck planks are covered in the first winter snow. Cold metal traps.


Times Tide.


Multi-color trap pile.


Escape the pinch of the claws.

5 degrees today including the windchill.

Post #100 - Christmas Lights

BackwoodsPlaid Post #100

Thank you to the thousands of friends who join my weekly adventures. Today, we are 100 adventures into this journey and I feel as though I've barely scratched the surface of New England. I have so much more planned for everyone to look forward to. Christmas is upon us and the air is filled with the holiday spirit. The warm weather has prevented this December from feeling like a typical Christmas. In times like these you rely on those surrounding you to bring the Christmas mood. The folks in Southern Maine are doing a great job. I'd like to share some local sights that put a smile on my face daily (or maybe it's just the eggnog). I wish you all the best at this time of the year. Bring family closer than ever and tell those important to you how much they really mean; I plan to.

Merry Christmas, 

Rhon



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