Customer Stories

Jim Shockey -

After 21 days living with the Inuit on the ice of the Arctic Ocean, sleeping in a canvas tent and riding on a dog sled, I now know “brutal” cold. The warmest day was 22° below zero. Every other day, the temperature hovered between -30 to -40°. Thank you Northern Outfitters. Thank you. Without your gear... well, I don’t even want to think of that.

Hartmut W. Koelsch (Longmont, Colorado) -

Your gear held up superbly on my most recent dog trip: 14 days, 350+ miles crossing the Brooks Range from Bettkesd to the Arctic slope and back.

On our way back on the John River, we got on thin ice and I slid headlong onto two feet deep water. The temperature was -10° F and windy. I felt a gush of ice water through my boots and pants while wading in the water to "unbundle" the dogs. My boot shells and pants froze solid... However, almost miraculously, my feet and legs remained warm, although damp. we kept going and I wore my boots and pants for nine more hours until we arrived at the homestead on Crevice Creek.

This stuff really works!

Gustavus “Gus” McLeod

On April 17, 2000, I became the first person to fly an open cockpit aircraft to the geographic North Pole. That accomplishment was in large part due to your EXP suit. I experienced temperatures in excess of 48° below zero, with wind chills of -190°. Your EXP suit not only kept me alive, but I was functional enough to use solar navigation when my GPS display froze. The Inuite people of the Arctic named me “Tough Walrus” for my seemingly limitless resistance to the cold. That compliment should go to the EXP suit. Your EXP suit made my record-breaking flight possible.

Doug Swingley

Sets Iditarod Course Record Wearing New Northern Outfitters Pack Boots

(2000) Anchorage, Alaska – For the third time in the last five years, Doug Swingley and his sled dog team have won the Alaskan Iditarod championship. And for the second time, Swingley set a new course record. Northern Outfitters played the important role of keeping Doug Swingley warm and comfortable during the race. “Swingley’s impressive finish in this year’s race is significant for us because he was wearing a brand new pack boot we had introduced just this year,” said Fred Gonzales, president of Northern Outfitters. “The new Mountain Pack Boot is designed to be easier to run in than our Expedition Boot, which Swingley wore in previous years.”

In 2001, Doug Swingley did it again by winning the Alaskan Iditarod championship wearing Northern Outfitters gear.

Dave E. Talbert and Family (Chugiak, Alaska)

My wife and I are recreational dog mushers and have used your gear daily. It wasn't put through the test until I entered the Knik long distance run. I won the Red Lantern Award for placing last to come in.

Well into this race we hit extreme temperatures the fell below 10° (and that does not even take into consideration the wind chill factor). The EXP system was extremely warm and we were able to take two-hour naps beside our dog teams in the sub-zero temperatures. A person could break into a sweat while running up hills and working with the dogs, then jump back onto the runners and stay warm and dry throughout the trip.

Thanks again for specializing and providing such high quality products.

Martin Buser Iditarod Dog Sled Champion

Northern Outfitters did it again! You’ve made a product for outdoor enthusiasts that is better than anything on the market. The ultimate boot is finally made. Your new Mountain Pack Boot is more flexible, comfortable and lighter than any previous model I have ever tried. I used the new boot during the whole Iditarod Dog Sled Race. I never changed the liners and I stayed warm and comfortable all the way. Not only does the new boot feel great, it looks great, too. This boot will keep anybody warm—anywhere!

Sonny King (1998 Sterling Achievement Award Winner)

Once again, the choice for Iditarod Races is Northern Outfitters' Expedition Wear! It gives comfort I need so that I can concentrate on my team.

Nate Haskell, Videographer (Georgia Outdoors)

The conditions in Saskatchewan late November and early December of 1995 were extremely varied. The temperature ranged from 30° to - 20° F, and at times, blizzard conditions with heavy snowfall. I was amazed at the comfort level with that wide a range of temperatures. We sat in a four by eight hutch for twelve days under these extremes. With the Northern Outfitters' clothing, the wait was so much easier.
Other TV & Film Productions That Have Used Northern Outfitters

Other TV & Film Productions That have used Northern Outfitters

Tim Gauthier (Active Video Productions)

Our Alaskan journey turned out to be a very cold and wet video shoot. The water resistant outer shell and the fleece lining of the hoodie saved us from a lot of discomfort and made our trip extremely comfortable. The hoodie and all of the Northern Outfitters' line of clothing that I have put to the test have proven time and time again that there is no better cold weather clothing made.

Tom Birdwell (Middletown, OH)

In our recent North Pole Skydiving Expedition, there were three groups of people. The American Group, was equipped with your EXP suits. A European group was equipped with experimental suits made by a well-known national company. The third group was Russian, dresses in surplus military gear. As people got cold, they volunteered to leave on the next flight. At the end, after 8 hours on the pole, jumpers in Northern Outfitters suits were the only ones left. I can think of no greater statement on warmth and comfort of your gear.

Charley Caffey (Fairbanks, Alaska)

I am an avid hunter and use my snowmachine a lot in the winter. I bought a pair of your boots and mittens. The temperature during the winter in Fairbanks ranges from a warm day of -20° to the extreme cold of -80°. I was out on my snowmachine driving in temperatures -65 and not once were my feet or hands cold!

Joe B. Owen (U.S. Marshall)

I have just returned from a Whitetail Hunt in Northern Saskatchewan, Canada where temperatures were as low as -28° F. I have your Northern Outfitters complete Cold Weather Gear [EXP Series] and I want you to know I stayed completely warm. There were six hunters in camp and I was the only one that had warm feet at all times. I cannot say enough good things about the gear.

Peter Shaw (Foristell, Missouri)

I just returned from a successful hunt in the Arctic Circle. I spent 13 days on the Arctic ocean in ice storms, high winds and - 50°. My EXP system performed miraculously. I was never cold and, in fact, my guides (natives of the area) got cold when I did not. Your Storm Mountain sleeping bag kept me hot at night! I cannot compliment your equipment any higher: It is the BEST.