Testimonials/Customer Endorsements
Wiggy,
I just wanted to thank you for taking care of me. Never in my mind would any
other company replace a sleeping bag that was 17 years old due to loft issues.
I am sure I would have received the explanation that it was a limited lifetime
warranty and they meant the lifetime of the bag and that it had met it’s
lifetime. I have used the super light bag extensively in the Rocky mountains
in Canada and now live in Utah and look forward to many more years of staying
warm with one of the best bags made. I hope to one day add the over bag to
have the FTRSS. I have recommended this bag to everyone and anyone for the
last 17 years I have had it, and I hope that it has enlightened others to the
quality and they too have become customers. It is always great when on a camp
and someone’s down bag gets wet and is useless knowing I never have to
worry about that.
Thanks again
Jeff
Jerry,
I've been an avid camper and outdoorsman since the the age of 6 (23 years
now), and I must say that the Ultralight FTRSS is the best piece of gear I've
owned in that time.
Each winter now for the past few years I go on a 2-4 day backpacking trip
in northern Missouri. My friends and I specifically choose a weekend with a
miserable forecast, we use only what we can carry in, and practice winter survival
skills along with enjoying a very peaceful time, nasty weather notwithstanding.
For the past 3 years I've used a Eureka brand backpacking bag rated to 15degrees.
It packs down nice and small, but is too narrow at the shoulder to sleep comfortably
in. And the temperatures in January in northern Missouri are rarely in the
comfort range of 15 deg.
This past year I took my brand new Ultralight FTRSS. I got the long/wide model
(I'm 6', 190 lbs, wear a 42R jacket). My initial impressions of the bag were
that it was built like a brick outhouse. High quality, heavy duty, and VERY
roomy. I can fit myself, and the clothing I want kept warm in this bag and
have room to move.
The weather cold. As cold as any trip we had yet attempted. While my companions
readied themselves for bed in either a surplus MSS or a brand new 0deg Cabelas
brand bag, I set up my FTRSS inside a goretex
bivy, on a thermarest inflatable and a ridgerest pad.
They all slept in their clothes, I went down to my drawers. I was warm. For
the first time on one of these trips, I slept like a baby.
At about 2AM, I woke up to the sounds of two of my friends discussing how
cold they were. One of them in a brand new 0deg rated bag, the other in a no
name bag of dubious origin. After assessing the situation, and the weather
(it was snowing hard, and only one of the two vehicles was 4wd), we decided
to pack up and leave early. Two of the 4 guys had gear failure that was bordering
on dangerous. The MSS still worked, but my Wiggy bag shined.
It was -15deg that night. And I slept warm. Thanks Jerry. My FTRSS is big
and heavy, but I'll take that in stride, knowing that it will do its job when
the time comes.
-Andrew
Wiggy,
I thought
that I would send my thanks to you for making such a great pair of boots!
I also want to convey something that I do not see often in the letters from
other people; you see the results of your products in dealing with cold weather;
but I want to mention that your boots can keep feet comfortable even in warm
temperatures. I recently took a brisk 2 mile hike around the Gettysburg National
Battlefield in your Lamilite lined leather boots; first off, these are super
comfortable - better than the "hiking" boots
that I purchased from a well-known manufacturer. The temperature was in the
75 to 80 degree range; all I had on was simple cotton socks; well your boots
kept my feet cool and not clammy feeling like my "hiking" boots
I mentioned; I got back to my car and took the boots off out of curiosity
- my socks were completely dry. By the way, my "hiking" boots have
some sort of waterproof/breathable liner (not Goretex) - and I can say that
these boots definately do not breath like your Lamilite lined boots!
I'm looking forward to
trying out your sleeping bag system and the other clothing I have purchased
from you.
Best regards,
Rob Swales
I started guiding rivers in and around Moab, UT eight years ago. I was using
an older sleeping bag that didn't keep me warm at all. A fellow guide told
me about your bags, so I thought I'd check them out. I am always cold when
I sleep, especially outdoors. I've never found a bag that could keep me
warm. I wanted a mummy bag, but I am claustrophobic, so I've always had
a hard time finding one I can move around in. I went to your store in Grand
Junction, where your employees helped me find the perfect bag. I ended
up choosing a mummy bag that is sized for an extra-large man, but I love
it! I can curl up in it, and I have never been cold at night, even when
camping in freezing temperatures! I have used that bag every night for
the past seven summers, and will continue to use it forever! It still looks
and feels like new! I can't thank you enough for solving my sleeping bag
woes, all with one bag!
Thanks for making the greatest
sleeping bags out there!
Kenna Watkins
I first heard
about your gear from a friend of mind about five years ago. Not having a
lot of money, but wanting good gear I began researching winter gear and added
it all up against my own experience – first and foremost that good
gear takes care of you, bad gear does not. After reading the information
on Lamilite I was sold. I also realize what a rip-off the major gear companies
were trying to put over on outdoors enthusiasts. After purchasing and then
using the Ultima Thule, I became a devotee! Every chance I get, I recommend
Wiggys’ products to fellow outdoorsman. After one particularly hard
day of hiking in harsh winter conditions here in northern Michigan, we made
camp. My feet were wet from snow and perspiration. I hated to go to sleep
with wet feet, but I was wearing my last pair of socks that wasn’t
frozen solid. When I woke in the morning, my feet were completely dry and
my bag wasn’t clammy at all. I have slept in my Ultima Thule in temps
as low as minus 30 and have remained warm and dry. Thank you for making excellent
products. As a Marine veteran, I appreciate you providing gear to our military.
Sincerely,
Kevin Sadaj
Ferndale, Mich.
Hi Wiggy,
I've been winter camping with our scout troop for 10 years and this weekend
was the first time that I was comfortable through the night. The Hunter Ultima
Thule performed as advertised and way beyond my expectations.
One of my biggest problems,
at 6'2'" 220 lbs, has always been claustrophobia. In order to stay warm
in my other bags I've always had to wear extra clothes which equals extra
bulk and that "tied in a pretzel" feeling during the night. The
temps on our campout were in the teens and after 10 minutes in the bag I
shed my long johns and socks. Warm as toast all night long. Our next 2 campouts
will be in the Adirondacks and there will plenty of snow and temps well below
zero. I've always loved those campouts in the Adirondacks but I've always
dreaded the night because I knew that I wouldn't get a good night's sleep
.... not so this year!
I'm sold on your products
... next order will be for a pair of your mittens .... and then the boots.
Take care and have a great holiday,
Jack
Hello,
Do I understand correctly that you are the original maker of the Olam sleeping bags? If so, congratulations!
I had one of your very
first factory "seconds" [one that unzipped completely to mate to another bag] for testing of the laminating for movable insulation. [much of my research was published [without credit] by Wm. Langdon in his book by that name]
I like the laminated construction
and started using that test bag for camping. It quickly became my favorite
because it was comfortable & durable. I lamented its loss when it was stolen.
If conditions were bad,
I put my North Face Chrysalis inside the Olam bag. Even better, I had an
unnamed down bag that would unzip & mate to it for
camping with my wife. [I still have that bag but the baffles were torn out!]
I'm glad to see you're
still going strong & appreciate your innovations in
the field.
Best wishes & thanks!
Tom
Hi Jerry,
I purchased one of your vests last year, and recently discovered that it makes
a perfect insulating layer to be worn under a leather motorcycle jacket. Last
spring I purchased a windproof fleece to wear under my leather jacket in colder
weather, primarily because it had a tall zip up windproof collar, and my neck
was taking most of the abuse when riding in cold temperatures. As the weather
got colder, however, I found my core was getting too cold, and once that begins,
you find yourself riding all stiff and hunched up, and this is not a safe way
to operate a motorcycle. On a recent ride, I put my vest under the windproof
fleece, and then topped it with my leather jacket. Problem solved! No more
cold torso! The lamilite is not bulky, but it keeps me very warm. Many riders
use electric vests for this purpose, but since I happily own so many other
Wiggys' products, and have found all of them to perform to my satisfaction,
I thought I would give the vest a try in a challenging environment.
Thanks for making such great products!
Scott Severance
PS- I think your Lamilite sweater is probably the most useful garment made.
It is a perfect design, and unbelievably warm. Great as is for cold temperatures,
and the perfect insulating layer under something windproof for ice fishing.
Dear Wiggy,
In 2006 myself and three others, including my son, ordered 4 XXL 100 in long
Antarctic bags from you. We were looking for the BEST bag in the world for
an Alaskan caribou hunt and we definitely found it. Your sleeping bags performed
perfectly and they are truly amazing in their capabilities. We slept on half
inch waffle foam sleeping pads. Each morning we would throw our bags back and
there would be puddles of water in the waffle indentations. No moisture was
present inside the bag though. Our body moisture through the night was transferred
to the outside and away, keeping us warm.
We just recently returned from our second trip to Alaska on an unguided caribou
hunt and this time the weather was much colder. Here is an amazing testimonial
about your products: My son, Clinton Connor came in from a really hard day
of hiking while caribou hunting. It had been raining all day and he was cold,
wet and exhausted. It was so cold, he didn't want to take his clothes off before
crawling inside the Wiggy's......so he just took his boots off, and crawled
inside. The next morning, (after staying warm all night) he awoke to find a
sheen of water had condensed on the outside of the bag and of course under
it in the waffle pad. He brushed the water off but noticed that the inside
of the bag was still dry. To his amazement, HIS SOAKING WET CLOTHES HE SLEPT
IN WERE NOW ALSO DRY......
Our outfitter, Brad Salsaa of Weguidealaska.com also uses your products. At
his departure point in Kotzebue, he had a young man who was his "helper." He
helped the hunters load their gear into the planes, put away their gun cases,
packed the food and supplies, etc.
Upon returning from our hunt, he began asking me about our sleeping bags and
why were they all the same. So I told him. He told me he was going on a caribou
hunt at the end of season as a bonus from Brad. I asked if he had a bag and
he said no. He was a nice young man and very helpful to all of us so I just
gave him my Wiggy's. You would have thought I handed him a winning lottery
ticket.
Just wanted to pass this along to you and let you know I will probably be ordering
another bag from you soon. I had you make me a spare which is the XXL Antarctic
but with a 40 in. width at the shoulders, tapering down to the standard mummy
at the foot, 100 in. long. The bag I gave the young man was the standard 36
in at the shoulders and it was just a tad too small for me. I am 6 ft 7in.
and 320 pounds. I like to have two of everything I might ever need for the
outdoors, just in case something happens to one or I take a notion to give
one away to a deserving young man.
Thanks again for making the best piece of hunting equipment since the Model
70 Winchester.
With Best Regards,
Rodger D. Connor
Dear Wiggy's:
I just wanted to write and let you know how much I appreciate the superior
product that you manufacure. I am a Special Agent with the US Naval
Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and have deployed to Djibouti, Africa
and Iraq twice. I personally bought one of your desert sleeping bags back
in early 2007 and have used it in Africa and Iraq in hot climates and it has
performed magnificently! Usually I start out the night laying on top of the
bag and it breathes so I don't sweat underneath and later as the desert
night gets colder, I'll climb in the bag where it keeps me just toasty in
the 40-50 degree temperatures, again without sweating inside the bag! NCIS
has just ordered a bunch of your Ultima Thule bags for issue to us on
deployments to Afghanistan and I am looking forward to many good nights
sleeping in that bag in the bitter cold. Thank you for making such a great
product and for producing it in the US, it's nice to support American
workers as well!
Sincerely Yours,
Taylor
Dear Wiggys.
I was never sure about the claim that your insulation keeps you warm when wet.
On my last deployment we encountered a night with near 100% humidity. Heavy
fog. While others complained that their bag got wet and soaked through into
the bag and they got cold and wet, I never did. I stayed warm and dry without
a tent or tarp to sleep under. I am a firm believer in Wiggys bags. Thanks
for a great product.
Steve
Well Wiggy.
The rainy season has hit here hard and I had the pleasure of FINALLY sleeping
in your Nautilus for 4 nights straight at temps from around 52 to 72 with all
night long rains.
I ordered the black and green knowing that I could place the black side up for
absorbing the heat from the sun, expediting the dry out process.
When I first contacted you about another bag you recommended the Nautilus
due to my large stature and the rainforest environment.
You have a story where you used this bag....and designed it.....specifically
for when you lived on a boat in the Bahamas, years ago.
I only have one suggestion.
Name it the Jungle bag because it is the only thing that will work properly
in a rainforest.
I also killed a couple of my hogs the other day and thank God I had your Armadillo
gloves on. What a grip !
Pura Vida ! From the Oasis of the Toucans at Lake Arenal, Costa Rica.
Thank you for making great "tools". I guide tours in the rainforest
so only the best "tools" in the world will suit me.You got 'em !
Thank you for being #1.
Only REAL Americans put quality over profit.
That would be you.
Take care.
Doug Ward
Dear Wiggy;
I began with one of your overbags nearly ten years ago when I first began
camping extensively. Since then I’ve slept approximately 1,000 nights
in a sleeping bag...the majority in one of your models (either my original
Overbag or Super Light or in combination). I say the majority because I always
have to compare your bags to the “latest and greatest”. I’ve
slept in everything from extremely high dollar 850+ fill down bags to the
latest and greatest synthetic fills. This past year I have stopped my quest
for the best sleeping bag because I found it some ten years ago. There are
lighter bags, there are more compressible bags, but none compare to the overall
comfort, reliability and performance of the sleeping bags you have out there.
The key items, in my opinion, to Wiggy’s sleeping bags are Lamilite® insulation,
quality construction and no. 10 YKK zippers. If you skimp on any of these
items you’re just another sleeping bag.
Thanks for the outstanding product,
Matt Furlong
I have to
say I love your sleeping bags! I now own three of them an
overbag, a light 20, and your 0 bag! I have worked at a major outdoor chain
for five years sold all the brands and I have been camping hiking and backpacking
for 25 years! Two bags I purchased through cabelas and since they do
not offer them now I have bought my 20 degree bag and mattress pad from you
directly! It really is true you can leave your bag I'n a pack ready to go
and it maintains loft. In addition I can crawl I'm your bags and it's like
they have a thermostat I am never too hot or cold! My friends sleep
out in other bags and freeze or sweat! They are never comfortable. Your bags
are made in the USA and are superior in costruction! They are with your disount
online within everyone's price considering next to or even before your knife
a good sleeping bag is paramount. Honestly feeling the difference your bag
could save my life in conditions where others would fail. Let's just say
if I fell in a creek and had to crawl into my bag to re-warm it would be
my prayer it was yours!
My next purchase will probably be a wiggys single wall water bottle and hat.
It's a lie gear cannot be made in America at a reasonable price and us make
livable wages! Your products are better, made in the +USA and are unequaled!
They are better then major brand bags made
overseas costing as much or more!
Chuck
I just wanted
to let you all know, I am currently in the middle east serving with a unit,
we were issued your sleeping bags and I have got to tell you that in all
my years of the military and hunting and camping this is the best sleeping
bag I have ever used in my life, I hope to be able to get some of them, I
have three kids back home who love to hunt, fish and camp just like me, even
the few times I have had the opportunity to sleep on a mattress with sheets
over here I put my bag on top of the bed and sleep in it. You have a very
good product. As you are a good Colorado neighbor, I’m from Kansas,
I have a friend who is taking me Elk and Antelope hunting when I get back,
what bag would you recomend, and temp rating, that would still be useable
in Kansas when we get back, Thanks and keep up the good work. So far I haven’t
found anyone who doesn’t like your bag.
Kevin
Hi my name
is Dustin. I am looking to get another Wiggys sleeping bag. I want the same
model that the Army national guard unit issued me., I don't know what model
it was. All I know it was black with no outter shell, Unlike the crap sleeping
bag they issued me when I went to Iraq. Yeah they made me turn in my great
Wiggy sleeping bag that I loved, for a 3 piece sleeping bag system "CRAP" that
didn't even fit me. I shouldn't have ever of turned in my Wiggys. BIG MISTAKE.
I first was issued that sleeping bag in 1997, They issued that sleeping bag
to me because I'am taller then 6'2.lucky me. I had many years service with
it, with out failure. Very quality product that gave me great sleep in the
coldest nights and the hottest nights. Unlike like the 3 piece system I had
in Iraq.
The Army National Guard unit that you sold this sleeping bag to was the 142nd
Engineers. Out of Camp Ripley Minnesota. So if you could figure out what
system you sold them, that would help me out greatly. You have so many to
choose from. I just want to make sure I get the right one.
Thank You,
Dustin
Dear Jerry,
I first heard of the Wiggy’s Bag about 15 years ago when I was stationed
in Alaska with the Army. I was the commander and the light reconnaissance
unit was required to perform Airborne operations and then spend days in the
cold observing on the enemy. As you can imagine, the old adage “travel
light; freeze at night” that is known to all Paratroopers the world
over, meaning, they have to travel light so they take the minimum amount
of cold weather gear and just suck it up at night, does not work in the cold,
Arctic conditions of Alaska or Afghanistan.
Our Science Officer for our unit said he found a sleeping bag company that
claimed to make a 3-bag system that could be tailored for our operations
in the desert or in the Arctic and was very light and compressed to a much
smaller size than the current Army Cold weather Sleeping bag system. After
reading the marketing material, I decided I would test a bag personally.
If it worked for me, I felt confident my Troops would like the bag.
I received the bag and waited a few days until the predicted temperatures
were well below minus 40 Fahrenheit, which also equals minus 40 Celsius.
I went to the field with my Troops and the temperature during the day was
a “nippy” minus 60 F. The first evening, I recorded the temperature
at minus 64 F, laid out the Wiggy’s Sleeping Pad, laid out the 3-bag
sleeping bag system, climbed into the bag with no shelter around me or heating
source and stripped down to my long johns for the night.
I knew right away that this was a different bag than any I had ever used
(I had been in the Army for over 16 years at that point and had been camping
as a Boy Scout for a long time prior to my Army career) as I quickly got
the bag warmed up by just moving around to strip down inside the bag. I settled
down and within minutes I was asleep. Normally, with the Army Sleeping bag,
I would have woken up a few minutes later from my feet being cold. Instead,
I slept for 3 solid hours until it was time for me to get up and go back
to work. I was so surprised I had to check my thermometer to see if the temperature
had risen during the night. It was still minus 64 F and I was comfortable
in the bag. I got dressed in the bag and got out, rolled up the bag and put
it in the bottom compartment of my rucksack without a problem. I talked about
this bag all day the next day. That next evening, with the temperatures again
at minus 64 F, I settled down for another comfortable nap without getting
cold again. I was sold and immediately grabbed my Supply Officer and told
him to order enough for our Reconnaissance group. After the field problem,
I went to my Commanding General and requested an order for the entire unit
as soon as possible. It took a couple of years to outfit everyone but every
one of my Soldiers said it was the best bag they ever used.
This was over 14 years ago and I have stayed in touch with Jerry Wigutow
since then. If ever there was an American who truly took care of the Troops
and understood what they need in combat, it is Jerry. I always recommend
his bags and equipment to my friends in the military and friends who spend
any time in the outdoors. There is no finer equipment, company or person
than Jerry Wigutow and the Wiggy’s Company.
Jerry, thanks for all you do for our great country!
Greg d’Arbonne
LTC (retired), US Army
“RLTW”
Hello
I Used your Superlight bag for an overnight hike 2 weeks ago in Massachusetts.
We slept in a Lean-To on the AT, the overnight temp was about 10deg F. There
was about a 15 mph wind for half the night blowing into the lean-to at times.
The Superlight performed splendidly, I was very warm and comfortable sleeping
without any clothing. This bag is excellent and I am thrilled to be able to
purchase an American manufactured product for my purpose. I have managed to
stay employed as a Toolmaker for 30 years and what has happened to American
Manufacturing is truly a crime. I buy American whenever possible but the number
of choices available in Sleeping Bags and Outdoor Clothing is quite limited.
I'm really happy I discovered Wiggy's and am looking forward to trying the
Lamilite Booties I ordered on the next trip.
Thanks Much
Al Clapp
Woodbury CT
Dear Sir
I am currently engaged
in a solo circumnavigation of the 48 contiguous states by canoe. I have so
far rowed my canoe from Corpus Christi, Texas, along the Gulf Coast to Key
West, up the East Coast to the Canadian Border and across northern New England
to Upstate New York.
I have dedicated my trip
to America's Heroes and all my equipment is made in the USA. I only do this
during the summer months. I have been at it since 2002.
My first season, I used
an old army surplus down sleeping bag. It was heavy bulky, and useless when
it got wet.
Then I ordered a Wiggy's
component system through a military catalogue. It may have been Brigade Quartermaster's.
I don't remember.
That Wiggy's bag has been
with me for six years now. I spend three to six months every year sleeping
on the ground. I do a lot of camping even when I am not on my canoe trip.
I have camped from more
than 100 ft. below sea level in death Valley and along the Salton Sea to
10,000 ft above sea level in Colorado Rockies and the San Bernadino mountains
in the winter.
I have slept in swamps deserts and the deep woods.
In the past six years I
have probably used my bag more than the average person will use one in two
lifetimes. My Wiggy's bag is still as good as it was the day I bought it.
I have only one problem.
I loaned my pillow to someone who was taking a long airplane ride and she
left it on the plane. I checked your online catalog and You don't have the
pillows listed in your accessories is there any way that I can buy one.
If you would like more
information on my journey. visit www.americanvictorytour.org
Thank You
Joseph Kolodziejski
Elizabethton, TN
Hello Wiggy,
First of all I wanted to say what a lifesaver my ultralight bag was. Who would
have thought that first season elk would be so cold? It was +16 degrees at
2pm on Sunday afternoon, and my Wiggy's bag was the only place that I could
warm up (besides warming up the car and cranking the heater.
I'm a "Native Angeleno" and
the fact that I slept comfortably and warm on our hunt is a testament to
what a great sleeping bag you folks have.
Many Thanks,
Cliff Shelby,
Castle Rock, Colorado
HI WIGGY!
RECEIVED MY GLOVES.....
! LOVE THEM!!!! FIRST TIME I'VE HAD WARM HANDS IN 53 YEARS OF SKIING!
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HELP!
PATTY
From Wiggy,
For 40 years I have recommended mittens versus gloves for skiers. I still
have the first mittens I purchased from Grandoe Glove company in the late
1960’s.They were the first mittens that were insulated with
the continuous filament fiber. They have had years of very hard use and I
still use them when temperatures are in the minus times.If you want warm
hands when the temperatures drop below about 25 degrees you want to be wearing
mittens. Preferably mittens that we sell, I guarantee they will out perform
all others that can be bought from other companies.
Jerry,
My name is Mike Fyten. I work for Mountain Homes Youth Ranch in Vernal, UT.
I have been with them for 2 years now.
I walked in to your factory/showroom in late 2007 and talked with you about
needing a better sleeping system. I was using a commercial bag (Sierra Designs)
rated to -10 and was always cold. Up on the Roan where we camp it gets down
to -20 to -30 in the winter. You mentioned to me that Francis from MHYR had
been in contact with you to purchase Wiggy's bags for the program.
I bought an FTRSS. It is a Super Light with the overbag. I use it 16 days
a month, every month for over a year now. I wash it, I use it at work and
at play in the Colorado mountains, and it is BY FAR the best sleeping bag
I have ever owned. It is showing no wear, no torn seams, no problems at all.
It washed and comes back to perfect condition every wash.
The youth and adults in our program use the FTRSS at the -60 rating I believe.
They perform awesome all the time. The students in camp are always warm,
no zipper failures, no problems at all.
Thank you for a superior product. I will own a Wiggy's for the rest of my
life. I am wanting to upgrade just a touch and possibly get an Ultima Thule
to use with my overbag for a bit more cold weather protection. I am also
very intersted in your bivy shelter.
Regards,
Mike Fyten
I think
I may have told you, but I was quite impressed by your Pack Boots whichI
used up north of Fairbanks the first week of last December. Temps went down
to -40 at night and the high during the day for a couple of days was -22.
The boots performed beyond my expectations. Less than half the weight of
my Cabelas Trans Alaskans. I was up at Chena and spent about 3 hours at night
on a ridge watching (a pale version of) the Lights. Everyone else that came
up on the Snow Cat spent most of the time in the Yert because their feet
were cold in Bunny and assorted Pack Boots. I spent most of my time outside
(what I came up there for) just standing around and quite comfortable with
toasty toes.
I also did quite a bit
of time hiking around during the nights and (very short) days with my camera.
What was most amazing was that even after prolonged times hiking around,
when I took the boots off, the booties were not wet, damp, or require drying.
A few very few small wet spots on the nylon where it came into contact with
the rubber at the front of the boot (which dried in minutes), but the insulation
was bone dry. Quite an advance over felt and foil/felt I've used in the past.
If I want more ankle support, I'll use your Lamilite booties inside my Cabela's
boots, but won't have as much toe wiggle-room, so less loft.
Jim Pekarek
I'm certain
you get sick of hearing this but, what a great sleeping bag! I have just
spent last weekend in the bag here North of Chicago. Temps went down to 11F
and I was almost too warm. Off came the hat and socks and I may even consider
altering my sleeping clothes. As an old “by the book” Winter
camper (and Winter Camping Trainer), before bed, I strip off ALL of the day’s
cloths and put on fresh, dry , cold stuff. So by the time you jump into your
bag, your shivering. Years past, I’ve had to pull up into a ball to
get myself warm and wait 15-30 minutes. In my Wiggy, I slipped into the bag
and by the time I fully adjusted the hood cords, I was already getting warm.
From that point, I could just lay flat in amazement. I honestly caught myself
laying there grinning; I’m serious! Also, the typical cold back and
bottom just wasn’t there. Now I was on top of snow and 2- thermo-rests,
but that isn’t new for me for winter camping and I have always had
a cooler back.
I went with the wider size and very glad I did. Now I can load it up with
tomorrow’s base layer of clothes in a pillow case and I have a warmer
start to my frigid AM. I’m even going to try to get my boot liners
in there somewhere. As I understand it, I really don’t have to worry
if they’re damp because they’ll still dry out in the bag yet
won’t make me cold at night. That’ll be a treat I’ve never
had before.
This next weekend may be a bit more of a challenge; I hear the temps could
drop below 0 but I’ll bet I’ll have no issues. So many in my
camping groups ask me “How’s the Wiggy?” I think everyone
is tired of sleeping cold but just didn’t know there was a true option
outside of a bag in a bag in a bag and all the issues that go with that;
too hot, sweat then get cold, can’t vent, uneven temps, sliding bags,
where are all the zippers, etc.
Super great job guys! You have finally enabled me to check one more thing
off my Winter Camping Checklist. WARM SLEEP SYSTEM – Check !
Glenn Thompson
A very happy camper
I don't
usually write to manufacturers, but your products are so great I felt compelled
to!
I love wiggy's sleeping bags. I have three - the overbag, ultralight, and
ultimate thule...
Your bags are excellent - and even better by being washable.
I think you are doing yourselves a disservice by underrating your bags. I
have consistently found that the overbag is good down to about 20 degrees,
a good 15 degrees under its rating of 35. The ultralight, which is rated
for 20, I have consistently found good to about 0... And the thule, well,
it hasn't gotten cold enough the last two winters to use it. It is simply
that warm!!! Instead I have been using the ultralight with the overbag for
down to about -25 (the coldest its gotten around here in a long time) and
could have gone much colder, the two of them pack up with less mass than
the thule (winter = backpacking, so smaller footprints are better). The few
times I've tried the thule, it was just too warm - at least I'm ready for
serious cold if we ever get that kind of weather again.
I have been using and abusing my bags extensively over the last two years,
activities ranging from canoing/kayak camping, backpacking, winter camping,
etc.etc. I typically get out every weekend in the summer, and at least two
weekends a month in the winter. The bags are routinely stuffed into compression
bags, and are not always in the best environments (damp, rainy, muddy, etc.).
They have never let me down, even when wet. In fact, these are the only bags
I know of that work even when soaked through - just wring the water out and
go to sleep, everything's dry in the morning! They have handled my use quite
well, even compressed every weekend, the loft always seems to be like new
after a few minutes. They hardly show any wear and tear, which I still can't
believe.
I highly recommend wiggy's bags to everyone I know. They just can't be beat!!!
A very satisfied customer,
Kyle Eckert
Southtowns Area, NY
I received
the Desert bag yesterday. Thanks for the great service.
I spent the night outside in my net survival hammock with my new bag zipped
snugly around the outside like is my want (I was very pleased to find the bag
had a draw string to make the bag more cocoon like. Maybe you should put that
in the description). The temperature hovered around 59 degrees and I kept the
draw string loose so as not to overheat. It turned misty and breezy around
1:30 a.m. and the dripping woke me. At one point the outside of the bag was
totally covered with droplets but the inside stayed warm and dry and I never
did get to close the bag tightly. Next week it's supposed to get 26 degrees
here. I hope to test again then, maybe with a tarp-tent and longjohns.
Greg Vandervelde
p.s. my brother, Steve Vandervelde, brought a pair of your leggings some years
back and thay are so warm he hardly gets to wear them, here in South Carolina,
even though he works outside almost every day.
Hi Jerry,
Just wanted to say thanks for exchanging the vest for me. I really like the
new camo design, and even though I am sure that you hear this all the time,
I also wanted to say what a quality product this is! Everything from the
zipper to the stitching to the snaps reveals the care that went into this
product, and I am sure that I will get many years of service from it.
My list of Wiggy's products continues to grow at a steady rate, and I am
thoroughly pleased with all of them. Thanks for making a product that does
what it claims!
Best wishes for the holiday season!
Scott Severance
Dear Wiggy's
-
I just wanted to thank you for making an incredible product. I have been
using your FTRSS for about five years now - everywhere from the middle of
a howling 18-hour storm in the mountains of Canada's Jasper national park
to a backwoods cabin in Alaska to high atop the Coloradan continental divide
in December - and have yet to find a location or experience where your sleeping
bags cried for mercy before I did. So thank you, for making a product that
is both comfortable and life-saving.
Thanks so much for your help and again for your incredible products,
Wayco
Hi Jerry-
I used my Hunter Super Light (with Hood) for the first time in really chilly
weather this weekend here in Michigan. Our Scout troop had a scheduled tent
camping weekend at our Scout camp. We normally have temps into the 30’s
at night this time of year. Saturday night it got down to about 10 degrees.
My Hunter Super Light kept me warm throughout the night. Not a bit chilly.
I’ve used my bag in cool weather before, but usually open it up and
use it as a quilt. Ten degrees calls for in the bag, zipped up.
Thanks for keeping this old Scoutmaster warm!
KO
Kenneth Oughton
Dear Sir
or Ma'am,
I am a member of the United States Air Force and recently went to survival
training in the winter. Where I learned to survive in quite cold weather
conditions. Crucial to my survival was a wiggy's bag. I was nestled in a
hole that I dug into a rather large snow drift and slept well, and was amazed
at how warm I was in the sleeping bag. I thought for sure I was going to
get very little sleep because of the extreme cold but slept very well in
your bag. I have never been so warm in a sleeping bag and decided I must
purchase one of my own. assistance.
Sincerely,
Curtis Wiersma
Finally
got the chance to put a couple of your products to the test while hunting
this year. I've been sold on your bags for years but really haven't had the
chance to try out the fishnets or the jacket(sweater) under harsh conditions
until recently. I hike a mountain each morning in the dark during the hunts
to be where I want to be at first light. I used to have to take my shirt
off which was soaked with sweat and change into a dry one or I would be miserable
at the end of the hike. Your fishnets have put an end to this. The old saying
of "Keep it simple stupid"sure applies here. One can spend a fortune
on expensive outdoor clothing with flashy marketing or just use the fishnets.
I'm impressed with how you don't over heat as the day warms up as well. As
a result, one isn't constantly changing in and out of them during the day.
The only down side is at times you don't know what is worse.....being cold
or putting up with the ribbing from your hunting buddies!!!! Also, the jacket
was amazing as well. While it is a bit more bulky than I would prefer, it
was amazing in it's ability to keep any chill off with little weight. I also
felt when things became more active, I didn't overheat as is the case with
down products and others.
Thanks for providing the real deal.
Regards,
Bob
Nytch
Hello,
I bought a pair of your lamilite boots last Fall (2007) and have worn them
now for about a year. I am a firefighter and wear them as uniform/duty boots.
They are absolutely the best boots I have ever owned: waterproof, warm in
winter; I even wore them in the summer and they were comfortable. Made in
USA is important to me as well. Just wanted to thank you and let you know
!
Rgds,
M. Reynolds
Jerry,
First of all, thank you very much for the fine products that you supply.
I have been an outdoorsman all my life and I have never let a little bit
of cold air get in the way of my enjoyment! Many years ago during a
ski trip in the Upper
Michigan area, I laid eyes on a a Wiggy's Bag coat at a local retailer in
Eagle River Wisconsin. They really didn't know much more than - "that's
the guy that makes
SF bags, coats for expeditions etc." I bought my coat
then and there. After many years of great service, ski trips, hunting,
ice fishing, hiking, all in zero or such temps, I am here to tell you
that I have never had a product that delivers on a promise like your coat.
Several years later, I
was camping and woke up one morning in a freezing fog. Though the actual
temp was 20/25 degrees, I was wet and cold. VERY cold. As soon as I
returned from that trip, I ordered your coldest rated bag. I have not been cold on a trip due to a poorly constructed or over rated bag again.
Just this past weekend,
I slept (comfortably) under the stars using my Wiggy's bag in a high
dew point temp condition. When I awoke, the bag was very wet in the
48 degree temps, but I was very comfortable and dry! By mid morning, my bag
was dry and I was on my merry way. I have used that bag without a shelter
under the stars in 0 degrees and been quite comfortable, sleeping on the Wiggy's
mat for additional insulation. I have even tucked my head inside the bag
in severe weather and not created a frost problem that would have rendered
a down bag worthless. Pretty amazing stuff. At some point, I plan on upgrading
to an F.T.R.S.S. system for even more cold range.
Once again, thank you
so much for your wonderful products.
Sincerely,
Bill Sellers
Hello Jerry,
Just wanted to drop you a note concerning your Lamilite insulated Wellco boots.
I live in Casper, WY and spend a lot of time on remote communication sites
in the mountains. Necessarily, this involves high altitudes and deep snow.
My feet were constantly cold in this environment. In the fall of 2007, I purchased
the Lamilite insulated boots and gave them a try. I am still amazed!! For the
first time in my life my feet were perfectly comfortable through an entire
winter. I combined your boots with Smartwool socks for most of the coldest
parts of the winter.
Interestingly enough, I continued to wear the boots throughout the following
summer and discovered that my feet generally stayed drier and more comfortable
than normal.
I can only assume that the Lamilite transferred the moisture into the good
quality leather and created a drier environment for my perpetually damp feet.
I appreciate products that really work, regardless of cost. I consider these
boots to be one of the best values in footwear I have ever purchased. I have
also had similar experiences with my Wiggy's sleeping bag.
Thanks for the efforts to supply 'real world' performing products that make
the difference between miserable days and good ones.
Sincerely,
Mark Warner
Casper, WY
Jerry and Crew,
Thanks to ALL you guys
that took part in building my Hunter/Hood Super Light, at the last moment-
after I was forced to return my original Super Light. I had NO IDEA that
when I ordered my previous Super Light and tried it out- that I would be "claustrophobic". 'Caught me totally off-guard trying
to fit into the 'mummy shape' when my body kept crying, "Let me out!" Thankfully,
you guys went out of your way to accommodate me with the perfect exchange!
Tonight, when I tested
the Hunter/Hood Super Light, my legs could wander, my knees could flex and
it felt "better than a 5-star Hotel" as
I scruntched down deep into the middle of the bag. 'Best bag I've ever nestled
in.
As soon as I win the lotto-
I'm going 'hog crazy' buying MORE of the great designs that you, Jerry, have
managed to create. I mean COME ON- "Why
go anywhere else?
Best Wishes and Thank you,
Ken Rairden
Dear Mr. Wigutow -
I received my replacement sleeping bag yesterday on a SATURDAY! What service!!
Wow, I am so impressed with you and your customer service. You replaced my bag
without issue and the new bag even has an improved zipper design. You also included
a pillow and compression bag for free.
It's so rare that someone stands behind their products 100% as you do!
You and your company are a rare breed and people who need no nonsense highly
efficient durable gear need to know they can trust Wiggy's 100%
I sincerely thank-you!
You have a customer for life.
John M. Fritz
Mr. Wigutow,
I was cleaning out the
shed and came across an old Wiggy’s Catalog dated
01/26/96. It brought back memories of trips taken long ago. I still have my
old Ultra Light and Ultima Thule, and might I say they are still going strong.
My Ultima Thule has served me well on many winter trips here in the southern
Appalachian mountains. It kept me warm on many mornings were it reached -5
and -10 below. It’s nice to know that Wiggy’s is still around while
all the other outdoor companies are struggling to stay alive. I really like
the fact that Wiggy’s bags are made in America. I have watched my 14
year old son grow up using your products. I do not think I could have said
that if I had purchased a bag from any other company. Thanks for your great
products.
Sincerely
John Hartley, Franklin
NC.
Dear Wiggy's,
Not like you or I don't already know your products work. I purchased sleeping
bags (w/overbag too) for each member of my family.
I sent my 12-year old daughter to girls camp (9000' elevation with lows at 35
degrees) last week with your 0-degree bag. She just got back and reported that
while ALL the other girls froze, she was toasty warm! And all the girls were
told to bring the heaviest sleeping bags they had.
Thanks, Wiggy's! It was final justification to my wife for spending/investing
in Wiggy's quality and for what works.
Sincerely,
Jason Griffith
Subject: My compliments on your products...again!
Mr. Wigutow,
I have purchased the Ultima Thule, overbag, mittens, boots, and other stuff
that I cannot even remember presently. I’m going out most every weekend
to camp out in the mountains of Prince William Sound while hunting for black
bears. Your gear is an essential part of my planning--none of the other three
sleeping bags that I own are even considered when I’m hunting this far
away from civilization. They are fine for my kids to play with in the back
yard but only Wiggy’s bags go out into the field. Thank you again for
your fine products. My sleeping bag is in the washer right now just to make
certain that it is fresh for next weeks’ hunting foray. Last week my
bag became partially immersed in water while getting gear into the campsite.
After sleeping in it for three nights it was almost totally dry and at NO time
was I ever cold. This would never have happened while sleeping in a wet goose
down bag. Thank GOODNESS for my Wiggy’s bag. I’ll try to send you
a picture of our hunt should we prove successful. No matter the outcome I appreciate
your fine products.
Yours truly,
Dr. Robert Skala
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