integrated bag and testimonials

THE INTERGRATED BAG

I just received an e mail from a customer of many years ago as a result of seeing some of the contestants of the ALONE program using Wiggy’s bags.

He went on to tell me 25 years ago he was teaching climbing and was selling my bags to his students. He further told me he had purchased 4 of my Integrated bags which he has used for years hammock camping. “He stated that these bags “have been the best hammock bags ever!” He is using Mayan hammocks. We have never had a cold back or anything.”

What is/was the integrated bag? I built the ground pad into the bottom of the bag so you would not have a need to carry two separate components and you would always have a pad under you. There were some draw backs which is why I chose to discontinue making them. The only way to wash them would be in a bath tub. They did not pack very well since the densified polyester fiberfill used isn’t as easy to stuff down as the Lamilite. The end result was a terrific bag but more to carry than a sleeping bag and ground pad. Plus the fact that it did add about $150.00 or so to the price!

However this account started me thinking about the fact that when I hunt at 12000 feet in November I am in a 6 man tent on a cot and always use my ground pad on the cot under my sleeping bag. I never had a problem even when the temperature was 30 below F. In my opinion hammock campers should consider getting my ground pad to use under their (I like to think Wiggy bag) sleeping bag. Then there is a second option of having a ground pad that can be used on the ground if necessary, since that is its original purpose.

If anyone is interested in getting one of the bags with the ground pad built in just add $150.00 to the price of the bag and call me and I’ll make it for you.

TESTIMONIALS

One of my friends each time he sees a new testimonial comments about them obviously in a positive way. That got me thinking about the many companies that preceded me in the sleeping bag business and how many of these testimonials they had received. Not many since most are out of business.

I have collected over 1500 between letters on paper and since the internet on the internet. I take great pride in my accomplishment and great pride in hearing from people who tell me how well my bags have worked for them. While I have sold many thousands of bags I do not expect that I will ever receive more than a very small percentage of letters.

What I have observed during my years in the business world is that unfortunately so many creative people do not stand up for themselves when they know that what they have done is better than anyone else who preceded them. It is healthy to have an ego. When you have successes it shows me that you must have had prior knowledge of what you were doing to allow you to do whatever it is better than others.

Taking pride in ones accomplishments is in my opinion very healthy. And if there are those who voice opposition then they should try to do what you have done only better. The chances of that happening are more than likely less than slim and none.

I had a patent for my sleeping bag that ran for 20 years and then I had 3 additional patents which I did not maintain as I did the sleeping bag patent. The reason that I did not maintain the patents is simple nobody either would or could copy me. Today I have offered to either private label my bags for other companies or sell them the Lamilite and believe it or not one has taken me up on my offer. I view it as unfortunate for them because if they did they would never have to try and make a new bag since what I make out performs all of the others that have existed or whatever they at the other companies attempt to make at this time. My bags don’t change from season to season, why change if it works. Of course whatever it is they try will be sold to a select few who will believe the published information or misinformation which is based on nothing. And then the next year they will come out with an “improved” version all to no avail.

There are numerous young people in the outdoor industry as well as other industries (or what is left of them) in the country who only work to satisfy their bosses. There maybe one or two now and then with the guts and gumption to say I’m out of here.

Pride of accomplishment even if it does not sell immediately as I found out cannot be taken from you and if you are persistent you can and will accomplish your aims. If you follow this you will automatically be honest and have integrity. And all negative comments will just roll down your back like water on a ducks back.

I do not take for granted the accolades that I have received and keep receiving about my products I relish them and am very grateful that people chose to let me know, THANK YOU ONE AND ALL.

Sincerely,

Wiggy