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Did Filson and Wrangler Accidentally Make the Perfect Motorcycle Pants?

While their fantastic new collaboration boasts a number of excellent jackets and shirts, these jeans stand out for an unexpected reason.

Close-up of black denim pants pocket with a black and gold Filson brand label and a tattooed hand nearby.Filson and Wrangler

By Steve Mazzucchi

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Like peanut butter and chocolate — that’s how Filson’s longtime creative director Alex Carleton characterized the natural fit of the brand’s new collaboration with Wrangler, which has been brewing for years.

It was just one of several food analogies he dropped during last night’s celebratory event at Filson’s NYC flagship store, as we chatted over Lone Stars and sliders.

Looking at the collection itself, that comparison feels apt, as every item, from the Two-Tone Adventure Shirt to the Denim Work Jacket, comes off as a perfect blend of the two iconic brands, which together boast nearly 250 years of history. 

Man wearing a black Wrangler shirt and hat holding a black jacket with yellow "Wrangler Jeans Shirts Jackets" text.
Standout pieces of the new collection include the Archival Adventure Jacket ($475), the Adventure Shirt ($180) and the Adventure Jean ($245).
Filson and Wrangler

Sharing that the aim is always to win over the three Bs (Bozeman, Boise and Bend), Carleton said the actual ranchers they shot the collection with were stoked, a promising sign. 

Another memorable food analogy? When you combine existing things in new ways, happy surprises can result, like oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.

That’s what I see going on with another key piece of the new collection, the Filson x Wrangler Adventure Jean, which I believe would pair perfectly with a steel horse, so to speak.

Backwoods tough

As with all the pieces, the Adventure Jean draws on the best qualities of both brands, leading to a product that is both stylish and functional.

Specifically, it features a staple of Wrangler, best-known for ropin’, ridin’, no-nonsense jeans: 14.5 oz. 100% cotton denim. 

Black and dark gray patchwork pants worn with brown suede boots against a textured gray background.
The Adventure Jean simultaneously offers classic denim style and robust protection for outdoor escapades.
Filson x Wrangler

The fit is relaxed, the leg is straight and there’s a traditional zip-fly with a button closure.

Where Filson comes in is with one of its own signature materials: tightly woven, waxed duck canvas, which reinforces the watch pocket, seat, knees, and kick plate, boosting protection from punctures, tears and abrasion. 

Black Wrangler jeans with leather patch on back pocket and dark gray waistband worn by a person.
The flap and snap isn’t just for style but also security, whether you’re riding or warding off pickpockets.
Filson x Wrangler

The jeans also have a right side utility knife pocket, a back patch pocket and a back pocket with a hidden snap for a bit of extra security for essential items.

These qualities have the brands describing the Jean as ideal for fending off cold and wet during extended outdoor adventures, but I see potential for a wholly different use.

Ready to ride

While motorcycle brands offer a range of excellent purpose-built pants that are articulated toward a riding position and include slots for armor, about 90 percent of the time, I find myself riding in plain old jeans.

Reason being that once I get where I’m going, I’d prefer to be dressed like a civilian and not, ahem, saddled with overly technical gear.

Black and dark gray patchwork pants with a leather brand patch on the back pocket, worn by a person.
These jeans just happen to have reinforcement where motorcyclists need it most: the seat and knees.
Filson x Wrangler

That’s the beauty of the Adventure Jean, which carries its own classic style yet definitely offers more protection than standard jeans, in multiple ways.

The waxed duck canvas wards off drizzle much more than denim would, and also offers a bit more shielding should you get unseated. 

With how much activity goes on around the feet — shifting, braking, parking and even scraping pegs — the kick plate protection sure doesn’t hurt either.

Close-up of black denim jeans with a Filson brand label on the small front pocket and rivets at stress points.
The blend of denim and duck canvas just works. You know, like peanut butter and chocolate.
Filson x Wrangler

You also get a bit of reinforcement in the actual seat area, which, together with (pro tip) a cycling chamois underneath, should ease long days in the saddle.

As I typically keep my keychain jumble in my back pocket when I ride, I’m even drawn to that snapping flap, which would likely calm my fear of losing it — a much more irrational one than most others that come into play riding a motorcycle.

Availability and pricing

The Filson x Wrangler Adventure Jean is available now for $245. A two-tone variant with indigo denim and tan duck canvas goes for the same price.

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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