an almost forgotten testimonial

TESTIMONIAL

Here is a testimonial that I forgot to publish in the last article. Before we got started with lunch this is the first thing, I showed Kok.

Hi Jerry,

I ordered the OD outer bag after our conversation clarifying the right item on the 9th, and it arrived today. Holy cow that was fast! Thank you. It is a really nice bag; the quality is amazing. I even read the enclosed zipper and washing guidance. I'm planning a hike bivouac now to go try it out. Thank you very much for the great gear and incredible service.

Be well,

Vince

US Navy (RET)

As I educate Kok about the polyester fiberfills used for insulation from the inception in 1960 I get flash backs about what went on in those early days and what has gone on since.

As I have explained the companies that made down bags stayed away from the chopped staple and went with the continuous filament when it was introduced to the industry. The Polar Guard as it was known became the polyester fiberfill for them to go with because North Face eventually went with it. As time went by and the shingle construction patent expired everyone copied it but they did this when all production moved to China.

By this time all of the companies had become educated to the reality that continuous filament was the synthetic of choice. But that did not last but a few years, maybe 5 or so and then things changed. The cost of shipping to China increased, I think the Chinese factories realized making shingle construction was also more costly than they originally calculated. The American companies that the Chinese were dealing with chose to change from the continuous filament now known as Climashield replaced it with chopped staple fiberfill.

The American companies had a decision to make; either keep having Climashield bags made and sell them state side for a higher price or start production in the USA. Neither was appealing So, what did they do, but go with the cheapest chopped staple fiberfill in the world. They wrapped it with the cheapest fabric they could find; polyester fabric.

These companies in my opinion have demonstrated how little they think of their customers; the ultimate consumers. Of course, they were encouraged by the retailers to have as low a price as possible.

What the branded products deliver to the retailers are I am sorry to say are trash products.am