Wiggy's Gear From New Zealand to Finland
OUT OF COUNTRY TESTIMONIALS
Hi Jerry
Received the order earlier in the week. Thank you. I’ve had a chance to wear all the items and even gave up sleeping on the futon the last few nights.
Some comments (or perhaps reaffirmation):
- First of all, really impressed with construction quality (stitching, binding, serging, button snaps, zips, generous baffles). My mother used to work as a sewing machinist and she still has an industrial Juki sitting around.
- Liner jacket is fantastic. The sleeves are especially…functional. I might yet get the vest someday for use under less spacious outer layers.
- Having said that, the Ducksback vest is very versatile and warm. It almost looks too good. I’m a fan of the tapered collar. You were spot on with the sizing recommendation too.
- The Kodiak gloves are surprisingly warm. Much appreciated on the bicycle commute and walks (I get cold hands easily).
- The balaclava is outrageously warm. The spacing between the hook ’n’ loop strips are clever. I might yet get the standard beanie for the less windy / wet / cold pushbike commutes / hikes.
- Thank you for the generous baffle under the zipper on the sleeping bag. Also, for the anti-snag strip of fabric between the zipper and the baffle itself. Very surprised by the loftiness of the bag and the compressibility. I’d probably struggle without the included compression sack! It’s early autumn here in Invercargill so only down to 6 C / 42 F previous night and I’ve done fine on the floor, on a ‘camping’ mat and predictably I’ll try the comforter permutation tonight.
- You can wear your Lamilite socks with whatever footwear takes your fancy. My foot-shape is wider-than-average on the toe-box / forefoot side so the Lamilite socks are a little snug there. There is some excess fabric (my hiking boots are low-mid cut) above the ankle which means my hiking pants tend to ride up (I don’t wear gaiters). This is a non-issue on my calf-high gardening boots or snow boots. Plus, the socks make good lounge / around-the-home / in-the-sleeping-bag socks so no worries. The serging is impressive. I might yet get the cordura booties someday.
Thanks again Jerry.
Take care and look after yourself,
Yon
Thank you, Yon. Yon lives in New Zealand
Mr. Wigutow,
It has been a while since my last correspondence.
I spent the weekend in the wilderness of Eastern Finland, which is known for its vast forests and cold winters.
I took my new Wiggy's Mountain Hunter sleeping bag with me, and my friend used the Superlight. I had Barren Grounds parka with me, since skiing is very physical and during breaks there is a need for jacket. My friend had his lamilite sweater with him for the same purpose.
During the first night we set up our camp on a beautiful ridge between two swamps.
The sun was going down fast, and loud cracks could be heard on the trees when the frost settled in. It was much colder night that we expected, so we built traditional log fire, which lasted for 12 hours. Temperature was as low as - 18 centigrade, and I slept like a baby using the Mountain Hunter and Barren Grounds parka. Needless to say, my friend slept well in his Super light. We both had lightweight CC-pads on a spruce bough only, and it was enough.
Those who complain about the bulkiness of your sleeping bags are wrong. I had quite small pack and the MH went in easily, and the parka was also easy to pack into small dry bag.
You make serious wilderness equipment, keep up the good work and stay safe!
Yours Truly, Joni
Finland.