Brand collaborations aren’t just limited to the sneaker world and have now become increasingly common in the outdoor gear space. And this time, it’s refreshing to see one that actually makes sense. Filson, the Seattle-based heritage brand with roots dating back to the Klondike Gold Rush in the 19th century, has partnered with Pennsylvania’s Housefly Fishing for a limited-edition collection that marries century-old craftsmanship with contemporary angling needs.
Part of a seven-piece capsule collection that hits shelves today, the fisherman-friendly Ranger Waistpack certainly stands out in a market saturated with collabs that often prioritize aesthetic over function.
Old Meets New Water
While the Ranger Waistpack borrows its name and design ethos from Filson’s iconic jacket series, this isn’t simply an exercise in nostalgia. Colored in an OD “otter” green with striking lime green zippers, the pack’s exterior utilizes 7oz British Millerain dry-waxed cotton. This is the same premium material found in their classic outerwear, providing supreme durability with a distinctly heritage feel. Traditional waxed options don’t always feel great in your hand due to their excessive oiliness. But this dry-waxed cotton actually eliminates that oily feel and also never needs re-waxing, thus solving one of heritage waxed gear’s most common complaints.
The beauty here is in the thoughtful blend of old-world materials with modern utility. Buckled with a nylon webbing belt, the pack features a detachable shearling patch along the hip strap, which is a favorable touch for anglers needing to store wet flies as they dry between casts. And should the skies open up (as they inevitably do during the best fishing days), the hidden deployable rain cover offers protection beyond what the already water-resistant shell provides.
Pocket Science
Filson fans will immediately recognize the dual buttoned patch pockets adorning the front of the sling – another design cue borrowed directly from the Ranger jacket line. But these aren’t mere decorative elements; the sizing here is intentional, with the main compartment perfectly accommodating a substantial fly box. Likewise, those external pockets are precisely dimensioned for tippet spools, strike indicators, and the smaller tools that always seem to disappear when you need them most.
This intelligent combination of heritage-inspired styling with purpose-driven functionality speaks to what both brands do best. Filson brings over a century of outdoor gear design experience, while the fairly young Housefly (est. 2021) contributes the practical expertise of actual anglers who understand the frustrations of inadequate gear storage on the water.
Beyond the Pack
While the Waistpack might be the collection’s centerpiece, the full seven-piece collaboration extends to thoughtfully designed apparel including the Swiftwater Rain Poncho, Quick-Dry Pants, and a clever Ranger Duckbill Cap featuring a removable Australian sheepskin shearling patch for fly attachment. The capsule also features a Washed Feather Cloth Shirt with a unique print designed for Housefly and two limited-edition graphic tees featuring artwork by the brand’s co-owner and tattoo artist Dan Santoro.
As fly fishing continues to attract a younger, more diverse audience, collaborations like this one serve as a welcome bridge between genuine utility and stylish aesthetics.
Spec Sheet
Model: Filson x Housefly Ranger Waistpack
Material: 7-oz British Millerain dry-waxed 100% cotton
Hardware: Nylon webbing belt
Features: Deployable nylon ripstop rain cover, detachable Australian sheepskin shearling fly patch
Price: $165
Pricing & Availability
The Filson x Housefly collaboration is available starting today directly from Filson’s website and will be featured at a weekend popup at their NYC flagship store. The entire collection ranges from $55 for the graphic tees to $285 for the Swiftwater Rain Poncho, with the Ranger Waistpack positioned at $165. Given the limited nature of this collaboration and Filson’s track record with special editions, don’t expect these to remain in stock for long.
Recap
Filson x Housefly Ranger Waistpack
Amidst a fishing landscape that’s become overly utilitarian, Filson adds some style to the Ranger Waistpack, made in collaboration with Housefly Fishing. Part of a 7-piece capsule collection, the waistpack is inspired by Filson’s Ranger jackets.
