Filson Crewneck Guide Sweater Review: Durable, Versatile, Sustainable [Staff Tested]

LeafScore is reader-supported. We may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.

Written by Leigh Matthews, BA Hons, H.Dip. NT

×

Leigh Matthews, BA Hons, H.Dip. NT

Sustainability Expert

Leigh Matthews is a sustainability expert and long time vegan. Her work on solar policy has been published in Canada's National Observer.

Updated:

Rarely has a sweater been so beloved. The Filson Crewneck Guide Sweater inspires a passion in its wearers that is second to none, making this sweater a real keeper. Which is good, because it is exceptionally durable thanks to the careful construction using high-quality merino wool.

Filson crewneck sweater

Filson Crewneck Guide Sweater

Leaf Score

Highlights: Unbelievably durable. Filson receives high marks for corporate responsibility. Made in USA. No added chemicals

Country of Origin:USA
Materials:US-sourced merino wool
Certifications:None

Made in the USA using US-sourced merino wool, this sweater is not bulky like a lot of heavy duty sweaters. Instead, Filson uses their in-depth knowledge of natural wool fiber to twist the fine merino fleece into a super tight yarn. The result? A non-scratchy, smooth, super stylish sweater that has some serious heft and just oozes quality.

Highly breathable, the knit allows for ample stretch while rib-knit at the collar, cuffs, and hem keep the custom fit in place. And, of course, the Filson Crewneck Guide Sweater has all the impressive natural qualities of wool, including exceptional warmth and water repellency without added chemicals – this sweater can absorb up to 30% of its own weight in water without feeling damp.

Why Filson? Well, the company has a solid reputation for quality and style, having been around since 1897 when C.C. Filson opened up shop specializing in goods to kit out those rushing up north to the Klondike Gold Rush.

After more than 120 years in business, the family clearly knows a thing or two about how to help people stay warm without clothing being so bulky you can’t put your arms down by your sides. And that’s what really shines about this sweater. It can protect you from the harshest cold but looks perfectly suited to a dinner date at a downtown restaurant.

As one reviewer said: “This isn’t clothing, it’s Filson.”

Available from XS to XXXL for $385 in Dark Navy.

Filson supports the National Forest Foundation, the Conservation Alliance, and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, helping to preserve and restore biodiversity and natural landscapes. If we had one criticism of the sweater, it would be the lack of certifications for the wool. To receive a 5 leaf rating, Filson would need to move towards GOTS and GoodWeave certified wool.

As evidenced by 1.5 billion masks making their way into our already overburdened oceans in 2020, we live in a throw away culture. The simple fact is that waste, of all kinds, including buying and throwing away low quality clothing, contributes to climate change. Cheap clothes go to landfills along with all of our other trash. When we do make a choice to consume, it is always best to buy with an eye towards longevity, and this is why Filson made it on our site for a review. This is a sweater you can buy once and wear for 20 years.

Filson crewneck sweater

Filson Crewneck Guide Sweater

Leaf Score

Highlights: Unbelievably durable. Filson receives high marks for corporate responsibility. Made in USA. No added chemicals

Free eBook: Simple Steps to a Greener Home

Concerned about climate change? Learn actionable tips for making each room in your home greener.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Leave a Reply

If you have a question about the subject matter of this post, ask it in the comments below. To better serve our readers, we have started answering some reader questions in dedicated blog posts.

Back to top