As many of you know, I have been helping Bruce Johnson with material for his Oregon Photos website on the history on vintage backpacking gear in the US. Bruce just notified me that his first in a series of books is now available on the history of Frostline Kits. His next book on the history of Gerry is due out next spring. I am quite pleased that Bruce has managed to get a book into print, the project has been a huge undertaking for him. I ordered a copy today and am very anxious to see the final product. I hope Bruce finds time to continue with the project as there so many colorful stories to tell from the golden era.
Kudos Alan for aiding and abetting some of us with our addiction to camping gear past and present <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> Ah remeber the old days, just can't remember where I put that gear <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />
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PEPPER SPRAY AIN'T BRAINS IN A CAN!
is a quote from the book blurb. I hope it means that a lot of that old frostline gear is still knocking around, but the company has been dead for many years. There were rumors forever about it getting going again, but even the latest incarnation couldn't get a web site up or a catalog out. The last phone number for them is now a chat line.
Registered: 02/23/07
Posts: 1735
Loc: California (southern)
I have fond memories of Frostline kits. Really good gear at a great price. Found that sewing was just as much fun as woodwork. Made a replacement bag for my Kelty frame, a fishing vest (for my son), a set of bicycle panniers, among other things. The best item they provided was a reversible down vest, a perfect Park Service loden green on one side, and screaming international orange on the other - better kit than anything the Gov'ment provided. I still have a Frostline daypack somewhere deep in my gear closet (I think). <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
My wife sewed at least two Frostine kits for our family camping gear. She did a sleeping bag -- synthetic insulation, and she did a 3-man tent. We still have both although we use neither anymore.
The bag has suffered the fate of all synthetics and lost its loft. The tent has been well used by us and friends but still works. However, it was not by any means lightweight. We used it in our car camping days.
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Human Resources Memo: Floggings will continue until morale improves.
The copy of my book arrived today. I haven't had time to read it yet, but it's been fun to skim and I can't wait to read it cover to cover. Lots of fun memories.
After reading your post about Frostline kits, i called them about 6 months ago and finally got a catalogue in the mail today. A 2001 catalouge to be precise. All the models in it look like they stepped out of the 70's and 80's (probably when the pictures were taken) and the gear is really nothing special. I am sure all pricing is from 2001, also. I believe i will put it in "Da Box " for some do it your-selfer to try.
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Hammockers aren't stuck up, they're just above it all.
I have a series of Frostline catalogs from the 1970's, 1990's and likely the same 2001 catalog as you do. The kits are all basically the same. Once Dale Johnson sold the company the subsequent series of owners appeared to know nothing of outerwear and gear and never realized that designs change and evolve over time. Frostline was a great story in its day, but the world passed it by.
Curious, what number did you use to reach the company?
Be careful what you wish for , Earthling...you just may get a down jacket from 1978 with a 7 inch collar <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
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Hammockers aren't stuck up, they're just above it all.
Then I could leave my pillow home and just flip up the collar eh <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
I figure one of you smart alecs out there is going to send me a box of ping pong balls or just foam packin' peanuts <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> But, eh, I guess I got it comin <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />
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PEPPER SPRAY AIN'T BRAINS IN A CAN!
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