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Filson got its start outfitting Alaska-bound gold rushers in late 1800s Seattle. A few years later, and one state below, Danner set up shop in Portland making hardly footwear for loggers. Fast forward a hundred years or so and the two brands have come together to collaborate on a new waterproof hiker based on a combat boot originally issued to U.S. troops during WWII.
The Danner x Filson Combat Hiker ($340) marks the third such partnership between the two iconic PNW brands (following the men’s Grouse and women’s Mossy Oak Grouse), designed and built by hand in Northwest to tackle the type of weather and terrain the evergreen region is known for—wet and rugged.
A sharp eye may recognize the silhouette as the Danner Crater Rim, a longstanding boot for long days on the trail, though this limited edition Combat Hiker configuration features Filson branding embossed on the tongue and a custom forest green full-grain leather upper. Additionally hardwearing details include a totally waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex liner and a 360-degree Vibram rubber rand with Vibram Bifida outsole for serious traction and durability.
Regardless of name, the design is badass and a long time sleeper within the Danner catalog—and further proof there’s more to the Oregon-based brand than just vintage-styled logging boots.
Tmes have changed since the boom and bust days that birthed the two brands—and no doubt their respective home towns have seen immense shifts too—but both Filson & Danner remain steadfast in their dedication to building dependable, rugged equipment for outdoor pursuits. And at the end of the day, that’s worth celebrating. The fact that their products look pretty damn good in town, certainly helps a bit, too.
Published 03-12-2020