Backcountry Forum
Backpacking & Hiking Gear

Backcountry Forum
Our long-time Sponsor - the leading source for ultralite/lightweight outdoor gear
 
 
 

Amazon.com
Backpacking Forums
---- Our Gear Store ----
The Lightweight Gear Store
 
 WINTER CAMPING 

Shelters
Bivy Bags
Sleeping Bags
Sleeping Pads
Snow Sports
Winter Kitchen

 SNOWSPORTS 

Snowshoes
Avalanche Gear
Skins
Hats, Gloves, & Gaiters
Accessories

 ULTRA-LIGHT 

Ultralight Backpacks
Ultralight Bivy Sacks
Ultralight Shelters
Ultralight Tarps
Ultralight Tents
Ultralight Raingear
Ultralight Stoves & Cookware
Ultralight Down Sleeping Bags
Ultralight Synthetic Sleep Bags
Ultralight Apparel


the Titanium Page
WM Extremelite Sleeping Bags

 CAMPING & HIKING 

Backpacks
Tents
Sleeping Bags
Hydration
Kitchen
Accessories

 CLIMBING 

Ropes & Cordage
Protection & Hardware
Carabiners & Quickdraws
Climbing Packs & Bags
Big Wall
Rescue & Industrial

 MEN'S APPAREL 

Jackets
Shirts
Baselayer
Headwear
Gloves
Accessories

 WOMEN'S APPAREL 

Jackets
Shirts
Baselayer
Headwear
Gloves
Accessories

 FOOTWEAR 

Men's Footwear
Women's Footwear

 CLEARANCE 

Backpacks
Mens Apparel
Womens Apparel
Climbing
Footwear
Accessories

 BRANDS 

Black Diamond
Granite Gear
La Sportiva
Osprey
Smartwool

 WAYS TO SHOP 

Sale
Clearance
Top Brands
All Brands

 Backpacking Equipment 

Shelters
BackPacks
Sleeping Bags
Water Treatment
Kitchen
Hydration
Climbing


 Backcountry Gear Clearance

Topic Options
Rate This Topic
#81036 - 10/10/07 02:29 PM Book on history of Frostline kits now available
alanwenker Offline
member

Registered: 02/04/03
Posts: 812
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.

Bruce's website - http://www.oregonphotos.com/Backpacking-Revolution1.html

Book preview site - http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/95...content=280x160

Top
#81037 - 10/10/07 02:39 PM Re: Book on history of Frostline kits now available [Re: alanwenker]
Earthling Offline
member

Registered: 02/22/03
Posts: 3228
Loc: USA
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="" />
_________________________
PEPPER SPRAY AIN'T BRAINS IN A CAN!

Top
#81038 - 10/10/07 03:27 PM Re: Book on history of Frostline kits now availabl [Re: alanwenker]
pennys Offline


Registered: 12/31/01
Posts: 2842
Loc: Washington
Quote:
Frostline is actually still alive.
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.
_________________________
tips for making gear

Top
#81039 - 10/10/07 07:42 PM Re: Book on history of Frostline kits now availabl [Re: alanwenker]
oldranger Offline
member

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="" />

Top
#81040 - 10/14/07 10:05 AM Re: Book on history of Frostline kits now availabl [Re: oldranger]
Keith Offline
member

Registered: 01/04/02
Posts: 1667
Loc: Michigan's Upper Peninsula
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.
_________________________
Human Resources Memo: Floggings will continue until morale improves.

Top
#81041 - 10/18/07 12:18 PM Re: Book on history of Frostline kits now availabl [Re: Keith]
alanwenker Offline
member

Registered: 02/04/03
Posts: 812
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.

Top
#81042 - 02/11/08 08:13 PM Re: Book on history of Frostline kits now availabl [Re: alanwenker]
bigfoot2 Offline
member

Registered: 09/17/06
Posts: 1432
Loc: Eugene , Oregon
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.
_________________________
Hammockers aren't stuck up, they're just above it all.

Top
#81043 - 02/11/08 08:41 PM Re: Book on history of Frostline kits now availabl [Re: bigfoot2]
alanwenker Offline
member

Registered: 02/04/03
Posts: 812
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?

Top
#81044 - 02/12/08 09:56 AM Re: Book on history of Frostline kits now availabl [Re: alanwenker]
bigfoot2 Offline
member

Registered: 09/17/06
Posts: 1432
Loc: Eugene , Oregon
I used the phone number listed on the books website, left a message and got the catalouge 6 months later.
_________________________
Hammockers aren't stuck up, they're just above it all.

Top
#81045 - 02/12/08 02:25 PM Re: Book on history of Frostline kits now availabl [Re: bigfoot2]
Earthling Offline
member

Registered: 02/22/03
Posts: 3228
Loc: USA
Matt I look foward to seeing it if it ever makes it this far in the EDD Box <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
_________________________
PEPPER SPRAY AIN'T BRAINS IN A CAN!

Top
#81046 - 02/12/08 05:56 PM Re: Book on history of Frostline kits now availabl [Re: Earthling]
bigfoot2 Offline
member

Registered: 09/17/06
Posts: 1432
Loc: Eugene , Oregon
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="" />
_________________________
Hammockers aren't stuck up, they're just above it all.

Top
#81047 - 02/13/08 01:25 PM Re: Book on history of Frostline kits now availabl [Re: bigfoot2]
Earthling Offline
member

Registered: 02/22/03
Posts: 3228
Loc: USA
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="" />
_________________________
PEPPER SPRAY AIN'T BRAINS IN A CAN!

Top
#81048 - 02/13/08 03:32 PM Re: Book on history of Frostline kits now availabl [Re: Earthling]
leadfoot Offline
member

Registered: 07/16/03
Posts: 954
Loc: Virginia
oooooooooooooo what a great idea! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Top

Shout Box

Highest Quality Lightweight Down Sleeping Bags
 
Western Mountaineering Sleeping Bags
 
Lite Gear Talk - Featured Topics
Backcountry Discussion - Featured Topics
Make Your Own Gear - Featured Topics
Featured Photos
Spiderco Chaparral Pocketknife
David & Goliath
Also Testing
Trip Report with Photos
Seven Devils, Idaho
Oat Hill Mine Trail 2012
Dark Canyon - Utah
Who's Online
0 registered (), 180 Guests and 0 Spiders online.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Newest Members
Noodles, McCrary, DanyBacky, Rashy Willia, WanderBison
13240 Registered Users
Forum Links
Disclaimer
Policies
Site Links
Backpacking.net
Lightweight Gear Store
Backpacking Book Store
Lightweight Zone
Hiking Essentials

Our long-time Sponsor, BackcountryGear.com - The leading source for ultralite/lightweight outdoor gear:

Backcountry Forum
 

Affiliate Disclaimer: This forum is an affiliate of BackcountryGear.com, Amazon.com, R.E.I. and others. The product links herein are linked to their sites. If you follow these links to make a purchase, we may get a small commission. This is our only source of support for these forums. Thanks.!
 
 

Since 1996 - the Original Backcountry Forum
Copyright © The Lightweight Backpacker & BackcountryForum