The Scuttlebutt

Meet Filson Clothing Fan, Kevin Ramsey

I've been a brand inspector for the state of Montana since 2002. Before this, I grew up and worked on ranches in southern Wyoming. I've always worked outside no matter what the weather. Up until about 9 years ago, I'd always relied on cotton layers covered by a heavy Carhart coat to stay warm.

My dad had told me about Filson clothes, but I'd never thought too much about it, until one day we were in Billings Army Navy Surplus and found a blue and black Filson Mackinaw coat on the discontinued rack. My dad and my wife talked me into buying it. It was a great looking jacket, but I figured it would just hang in the closet.

Billings Army Navy Surplus has equipped many safaris over the years. Our good friend Rob Cline has been to Africa many times in the past. In September 2012, Rob invited Neal LaFever for a once in a lifetime trip to Africa to be his photographer.

Danner boots have always been a staple on safaris so we supplied Neal with a pair of Danner Melees. These boots are immediately comfortable — no breaking in necessary. Their sure footing makes them ideal for the rugged terrain of Africa. In fact, that's why many of our armed forces rely on this boot.