what would you do

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

Several months ago I was contacted by a civilian who works for the U.S. Marine Corps about my mukluks. I was told that they needed them for EXTREME cold weather and they had to be FIRE RETARDANT.

The mukluks were made for and have regularly been used in extreme cold conditions all over the world. Extreme cold is from -40 degrees F and colder such as -70 degrees F. If you are otherwise properly dressed for arctic conditions with the mukluks on your feet will never get cold. The U.S. Marine Corp was going to send trainees to Norway this winter for training.

I had in stock all of the fire retardant materials; FR nomex for the shell, especially FR treated nylon for and specially made FR Lamilite.

Being an upright citizen who supports the military I made a sample and sent it to this person. The mukluks were shown to a number of junior officers both on the east coast and west coast. I was told that it was unanimous that literally ALL of these Marines thought the mukluks were fantastic. Many of them actually put them on and walked around in them.

I was told a requisition for between 300 and 5000 was being prepared since the U.S. Marine Corp was going to send trainees to Norway and in previous years cold feet were a major problem. The Wiggy’s mukluks would have solved the problem.

The individual heading this project was asked if they would consider any other sources; the individual said matter of factly NO!!!

Needless to say I was feeling pretty good about the situation.

Whatever moneys had been set aside for this purchase was withdrawn.

Today December 10, 2018 I was told that the U.S. Marine Corp had purchased neos over boots that have no chance of keeping your feet warm in Florida and they are made in CHINA and they are flammable.

I was also told that the U.S. Marine Corp purchased over boots from a running shoe company made with primaloft as its insulation. Since primaloft is not to the best of my knowledge made in the U.S.A., I am assuming these over boots are also made in CHINA.

These over boots are also NOT FR products, which means they are flammable.

I have believed for many years that the makers of these inferior products could care less about the grunts. I have known for many years that the GSA contractors who present products to the military could care less about the grunts. I have known for years that the uniformed members of the U.S. Marine Corp who are charged with acquiring these products also could care less about the grunts.

This incident has reinforced my decision to not work with the U.S. Marine Corp ever again. That is what I am going to do!!!

If you are a member of the U.S. Marine Corp and are being deployed to Norway you might want to invest in a pair of Wiggy’s mukluks or overboots so when you are there you will not have cold feet.

The greatest enemy is the one within the military system. Maybe someday they will understand that I do make the best insulated products in the world a position I DO NOT shy away from. If there is anyone out there who owns a company that makes similar products that believes they have an equal STEP FORWARD and tell the world what you have. I for one do not expect anyone to show their face.  

1. Fantastic Mittens!

2. I've had these mittens for a year or two but only really started using them recently (due to it finally being cold enough). They're amazing! Here in Montana it's been at or below zero F for a couple weeks now. I leave my Kodiak Mittens in the car so when I get in they're at the same temp- zero! But they begin to warm INSTANTLY! Honestly, the second I put my hand in them I can begin to feel warmth. Last winter I opted to go with gloves over the mittens due to their bulk; I tend to accidentally smack the wiper or blinker stalks when I wear them. But at or below zero degrees every pair of gloves I've tried are pure garbage, leaving my fingers too cold to comfortably drive. So now I'm just gonna suck it up and tolerate the bulk!
   
   The construction of these bad boys is outstanding. The stitching is terrific and the design is great. The articulated thumb really makes a difference.
   
   These mittens are so phenomenal that I'll probably get one of the more expensive Wiggy's mittens with the trigger finger box. That would allow me to have warm hands while still being able to shoot or manipulate a knife.
   
   Kudos on yet another amazing product!

   – Rob Babcock

3. 1. Wiggys tied poncho liner

      I’ve had this for several years now, it’s as good as the day I bought it ( which is excellent). I’ve know the “ozs. Equals pounds and pounds equals pain” mentality but I am not an ultralight hiker and I don’t cut the handle off my toothbrush.
      
      That said, I camp a fair amount, with hiking, hunting, or motorcycle camping.moreover I’ve used this rig in disaster conditions ( hurricanes Harvey ) and others.
      
      This was part of my go bag during Harvey , it served when I was assigned to an ad hoc shelter area during the storm ( and also The shelter was not supplied correctly). During the storm I was tasked with foot patrol recon runs ( yes it is an adventure even a couple hundred yards away from the building). To determine if parties were not able to make it ( not enough evaced before the storm) or were otherwise unable to complete the journey.
      
      While I didn’t get to sleep with it until after the storm, it served yeomans service when I returned without anyone in warming me right back up ( even at 75 degrees a 75 to 100 mph wind cuts through what you are wearing and exhausts you) to be ready for the next round. Or when you found someone and got them back, two quickly trap body heat to get them to a tolerable level. Wet , dry, didn’t matter it simply worked.
      
      After the storm it was my primary cover when I could get some sleep ( for several weeks after the storm) and never failed to help me falling asleep quickly and in comfort ( and while exhaustion may have played a part, even exhausted you sleep like crap if your kit isn’t right )
      
      I’ve used it as an under hammock in cold weather ( Hennessy hammock) and as a top quilt in cool weather , with never a hiccup. Again it simply works.
      
      Lastly and probably most important , hide it under the covers if you are sleeping with a covers stealer. They can rooll over and take the sheet and comforter, while you are nice and comfy inyour wiggys.
      
      It is still a piece of kit I take with me anytime I travel remote or urban , you really can’t go wrong having one of these.
      
      There are other lighter options out here form the “latest and greatest” crowd, but I will take proven dependability over weight in this case, hands down
      – Coastalcop