Character

I may have made a tactical error when I mailed my Filson lunch kit back for repair.

The zipper had ripped clean off the top and it was time to either throw away my favourite lunch kit of all time, or send it away for Filson’s lifetime guarantee. 

I had grown particularly fond of the stained ‘tin cloth’, the slightly frayed edges and generally rugged appearance. 

This daily companion was a cherished birthday gift, and an item I used every day and because of this I checked the box indicating ‘sentimental value’ when filling out the repair request form. 

By choosing ‘sentimental’ I likely guaranteed myself a repair, rather than the possibility of a brand new replacement like most brands would offer. Although I questioned the logic of my choice, the humour of the situation was revealed when I received the repair.

While my lunch kit was returned fully functional and reinforced, it also wore a stitching pattern that appeared to be straight out of a Mary Shelly movie. 

It is refreshing to see a brand take a very utilitarian and sustainable approach to repairing gear, rather than simply adding one more layer to the landfill.

Although I now have a ‘Franken-kit’, I’m happy to be able to get a few more years out of a great product, and more than anything I’m loving the additional ‘character’.

• Now that’s a peak ethos.