A guy named Mark, quoted me one price on the phone, then raised it once I was in the store. The problem is, is that I drove 55 miles for nothing!

Nothing to speak of as far as inventory in the store, so it was a waste. I went shopping over at Sportsman's & Barneys to save the trip.

Has anyone here had any dealings with that store?

Is the Sportsmans Warehouse the best place to shop in Anchorage? Prices seem reasonable considering the shipping from Midway, or Cabela's.

Welcome to the board. Try doing a search on those sleeping bags on this board. Sorry to hear about the wasted gas.

B.S. Nice try, though!

You wouldn't care to expand your B.S. session a little and tell me exactly what we talked about now would you? I have never quoted a price that I did not stick to, and they're catalog prices, you knucklehead. They cannot be changed.

Problem is, there never was any conversation, was there? Or any visit? Because if you had been here you'd know that we carry a huge inventory.

Moron. Nice try, but it won't work, and isn't working.

Taylor

Let's see, you registered two days ago and your first post is to slam someone.

Must be pretty jealous that Wiggy's-Alaska! is doing so well, and this is some juvenile way to attempt to diminish that?

G. F. Y. !

You know where I'm at if you want to come on down.

Taylor

Thanks 2ndWind. This seems like a very good place to find out about hunting stuff in Alaska and everywhere.

Mr. Mark, I don't have to impress you; and you already don't impress me, so why bother. I did not post here for your opinion. I'll simply take my business elsewhere and warn others. That is how public sales works.

What is a troll? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/help.gif" alt="" />

Yeah, you do that.

Taylor

Man, Mr. Mark Talor,

You really do have personal sales -- business issues! It is pitiful that you are way too "big headed" for your own good. It's also a good thing that you don't sale stuff for me, because I would fire your unprofessional ass!

I wll take your input, and my "lower than thou" money, elsewhere.

Thanks <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

Name calling a customer or potential customer sure is a great way to stir up business <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> Guess I can expand my list of Anchorage hunting/shooting shops that won't see a penny from me <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Good stuff sells itself.

'verde,welcome...................

A potential customer? You mean a guy who created an acct. here for the sole purpose of slamming a small business owner and then touting a Box Store?? Sounds more like some guy who needs to step away from the computer and go outside to play in the woods.

Marc runs a quality establishment, offers good gear at prices I've yet to see any other local store beat. Also he is an Alaskan resident, a hunter, and ex-military, he is not some out-of-state manager who got tranferred to Alaska and thinks that penguins roam the North Slope.

I'd rather see a small local business that caters to Alaskans succeed over a Sportsmans Whorehouse Box Store ANYday.

And judging the man here based on some guy who's only contribution to these boards has been to slam with no justification seems both small minded and moronic.


Ahhhh....Feb. 3rd and CabinInternet Fever is alive and well....


/rant

Mmmmmmmmm.....hit "Search" type Wiggy and get back to me.

Am thinking the newb ain't alone in his thoughts.

Thoughts?......................(grin)

I've seen the "Wiggy" battles here already. I lurked here for quite awhile before I created an account.

I personally have never used a Wiggy's bag so I have no input either way. I do know that his store carries MANY items that are not Wiggy's, and they are top notch. He will order things on request, and is always willing to go the extra mile from what I've seen at his shop and on "other" forums to get his clientele what they want.

The "newb" didn't list many details as to WHAT he supposedly was going to purchase, was it a Wiggy product or one of the other brands of gear that is available there?

He simply came out of the shadows and leveled a hefty accusation with very little substance or details to what exactly his complaint was. Had he been more specific, maybe this all would've been easier to resolve eh?

I'm guilty of thinking I'm adept at reading sign.

My gut take of the newbs initial Post,was one of simply candor. I can't hold that against anyone and I've zero doubt the chips landed as indicated.

Nuttin' new,as per the Wiggy Debacle,'cause smoke and mirrors is standard fare.

Adieu....................

grow up, chuck.
(how's that residency coming along?)

The "sign readers" are way off on this one!....This is a personal vendetta against Marc.. It has nothing to do with Wiggy anything!! Had to do with Residency and Bears.

And as far as "sign"??? I noticed that the "Diablo personality" kant spel wurf a schit!

It was a nice attempt at slander. But that's it....

I would say that from my experiences Marc is a far shot from Wiggy himself.

And I'm still loving my wiggys bags. The newsletters, especially the newest one.... well they could save the postage.

I am not an Alaskan, but, B.C., where I live is very much like Alaska in most respects and I HAVE owned/used a Wiggy's bag, the "Kifaru Special" and also interacted with Marc on this and other forums.

I was very enthusiastic about the Wiggy's bag, at first (and at my age, I should know better), but, over about 1.5 years of use, I grew to kinda dislike the bag and replaced it with an Integral Designs North Twin. The I.D. bag is better built, warmer and more comfortable, but, the Wiggy's bag will work, I just found it hard to compress, not as warm as claimed and the cut is not as comfy, for me as I.D.'s.

As to Marc, I have always found him fair, courteous and an interesting poster here, I see no reason to attack or slag him just because someone doesn't care for Wiggy (a real ornery character whom I actually find kinda entertaining) or for W's bags. It seems to me that personal vendettas develop on these hunting forums due to the jealousy that a minority of posters have about others who may have more expensive rifles, can afford expensive trips or any gear they want or whatever....this is pathetic, IMO.

I would not buy anything from Wiggy, but, I certainly would visit and shop in Marc's store if I ever got to Anchorage. I think that guys should maybe discuss the actual gear, good points and bad, without all the namecalling that some indulge in as doing this is a waste of time.

Kutenay,
Right with you on this one. I have been on two trips with a guide friend out of Palmer. As a outfitter he gets a discount on Wiggys stuff. On the first trip he had his new Wiggys bag rated to 0 and my bag was a Marmot rated to 20F. He was constantly cold and I was toasty. Three days in the tent trapped in a storm we talked a lot about different things including our bags. We thought perhaps our size difference made him colder ( I have a birt more girth) and we swithched bags...I was cold in his bag and he was warm in mine. He eventually went to Wiggys and they suggested he wash the bag and they also sold him a overbag at VERY reduced price. He later said the over bag took care of the problem but it was bulky.........so it goes. I myself dont care for the bag, but I have been in the store twice and its a neat place and at no time did I pick up on any rudness or anything negative. On our second trip he had a Marmot bag..one I gave him!

I did not get the name of the person we talked with at the store.

Lefty

Kodiman and homerdave are correct.....this is about bears, residency, circumventing game regs and Marc doing the right thing......I don't have a Wiggy's bag but I visit Marc's shop, have always been warmly welcomed, and anyone saying there's no inventory hasn't been there.

I don't have a dog in this fight other than to say, don't bash Marc 'til you visit his shop and shake his hand.....if for no other reason than to sit around and shoot the s**#, you'll be welcome.

Joe

Don't think I've ever seen a pissing match started so quickly or responded to more vehemently.

Guys, I'm gonna stoop to a low level, just this one time, because I feel that my reputation is being unjustly attacked.

First let me say, please leave Jerry Wigutow out of this, his name has no place here.

Now -- I'll tell you fully what this is about so we can get the real story to the board. I've been expecting this to surface, based on a threat issued by the agitator, so I was expecting it to come to this eventually.

The agitator's name is "Chuck."

"Chuck" befriended me this summer, through my store. We talked of hunting together maybe this spring for brown bears. He became a close, personal friend. He visited my house and accompanied me and other friends to numerous events and functions. He revealed that he did not move here until July, but not to worry, he would personally have his orders changed to reflect that he moved here in April sometime.

Aaaahhhh, NO. I wouldn't be accompanying him on this hunt, but I remained in contact with him.

He came into my shop one day not too long ago, and a mutual friend of ours was in here. I told Chuck that he would not be going on our bear hunt. I did not disclose the real reason that I would not be taking him. He should know that, and I expected him to just accept it and move on. Instead, he chose to pout like a child. He went home and went on a slandering spree on the internet, attempting to effect my relationship with a number of people whom I had close friendships with and also my current and future customers.

I backed off and let him throw his tantrum and it backfired then, just as it has here. The thread that he started then was pulled from that forum because it was KNOWN B.S. just drummed up to hurt my business.

It continues, I guess, and I'm a bit more pissed this time because I need to be running a business, not defending myself on an internet forum.

Chuck, I've notified your Commanding Officer of your childish ways, and I had better get the response that I deserve or I will continue to press the implode button on your career. I would like you to first, man-up and state that your intentions are misguided here, and that you are dropping whatever slander campaign that you have aimed at me. Secondly, I want you to actually cease the behavior, and never speak of or about me or my business on a public forum anywhere.

Let me tell you all something that you may not know.

Whether you love, hate or like the products that I represent, my method of doing business remains the same. I have NO disgruntled customers past or present in this store. I conduct business in a friendly, courteous manner, even going so far as to extend deep discounts to certain groups. That is money out of MY pocket that never makes it to my bank on behalf of respect for certain groups and an appreciation of their continued business. Major Chuck belongs to one of those groups - active duty military personnel - and this is the thanks for extending that courtesy to him...?

I recognize Chuck for what he is and until now was proud of his accomplishments with respect to his military service. I'm sure his conduct here is not indicative of the pride and integrity that is supposed to be present in someone of such a high rank, but I have to ask myself if this behavior is that of a mature, seasoned commissioned officer. (?)

Now you have the whole story. Next time you hear that Marc Taylor is a jerk and treats his customers like crap, I hope that you will dismiss that because I assure you that there is no truth to it.

Sorry it had to come to this, but I'll only take so much.

Marc Taylor
Owner
Wiggy's-Alaska

+1 Marc defending the biz reputation

I was with you Mark, till you mentioned you contacted the guys Commanding Officer.

I gotta tell ya, I hate that chickenshit response from civilians when they threaten, or actually do, go to a military members command. Did ya tell him your a taxpayer and write his paycheck every month too?

What would you have done if Chuck worked at Mc Donalds? Would you have called the top clown? What if he was self-employed? How would you handle a simple 'civilian to civilian' encounter?

I tell you what you should have done, is contact the Troopers if you felt the need to protect Alaska from illegal hunting.

Leave a mans employer out of the deal. It really irks me when people do that...

Those "newsletters" are the only outdoor related mail that comes my way that has zero chance of being opened pior to the trash can.

I think he did just fine in contacting his Commanding Officer. An officer, a gentleman, and a leader of men should not be engaging in lying, slander, or falsifying residency requirements. If he does his commander should be notified.

Ronald McDonald doesn't lead men into battle.

Oh, so you know Chuck. I didn't realize you had personal insight into how he performs his job.

I know something about military service and I understand a little about a concept called integrity.

All,

The person who started this thread is a friend of mine. He had a beef with Marc. I have a beef with Marc, so I facilitated the openning of his account, and due to the fact that he has no online access let him use mine.

Now however, that beef is again squarely between Marc and me.

First Marc, you are the liar here, not me, and that is O.K. Hell, no laws broken yet. BTW: Guys like me defend the right for you to be as jacked up as you want to be.

Now for the truth: It was you, and you "alone" who thought up the bear hunt this spring. you announced it publicly back in Nov., on pristine adventure's forum. I guess you did it as another publicity stunt, to show how much you appreciate the militrary. I don't know your motivation, and frankly I am past that. But what I do know is that I told you that I would not be a resident until late May 2006.

You then "bragged to me" about how you now control the sale of hunting licenses in Wiggy's, and that you would "hook me up"! The only regret that I now have is that I did not turn you in myself.

Marc, even at our last contact you were requesting that I endorse your upcoming book. You stated that it would be good to have a high ranking Army officer endorse it to encourage other active duty soldiers to buy it. I now fully see that it is all about you and your image, not the soldiers.

In all of this I have maintained the truth. At times with great risk to my own personal friendships here in Alaska.

You on the other hand continue to hide behind your own twisted reality.

As far as my commander is concerned, I can't speak for him.

MeHuntR, you wrote,

"I know something about military service and I understand a little about a concept called integrity"

Amazingly, it was the total lack of integrity on Marc's part that got us here.

ceg

ceg, which is it? There seems to be a contradiction between your two quotes above, and if it is something between you and Mark alone, why did you bring it to a public forum?

Your integrity bit the dust when you decided to take a personal issue into a public forum. I'd never trust a word you post.

Oh the drama.... interesting how this kind of thing often happens on this and other boards when a topic having anything to do with "the one who shall not be named" comes up.

You fella's might end up worse than Larry Csonka if you are not careful.

ceg1963
You posted the following:
"You then "bragged to me" about how you now control the sale of hunting licenses in Wiggy's, and that you would "hook me up"! The only regret that I now have is that I did not turn you in myself."
_______________________

So you admit colluding to defraud the State of Alaska and also to violate residency requirements and now that it is public you wish you had turned Marc in? You are joking, right?

The "green devil" has no significance to Marc and would not help him point a figure squarely at you? You are joking right?

"BTW: Guys like me defend the right for you to be as jacked up as you want to be." You are joking, right?

You are a "high ranking Army officer" to use your exact words and you abetted your other friend in this childish excercise? You are joking right?

"In all of this I have maintained the truth." You are joking right?

You are the joke here. You know there is no other person. You should be ashamed. But you do not have the class, obviously.

Maytag

I wanted to clarify that don't know either guy in this case, although I have heard of Marc Taylor. Anyhow, I wouldn't assume to make any judgement about what transpired based on what I've read here.

I have formed some opinions on character though. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

A guy named Bill G., over on Accurate Reloading tried that same crap with me. He sent an e-mail to my command. Much to their credit, the command ask me what happened, then dropped the subject altogether.

BW,

Diablo's post was a failed attempt at slander. Period!

I know both Marc and ceg1963 personally. BW,I know you.. and you know me.
OK then. Now we all know eachother!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Chuck is full of [bleep]!!!

J, where is Marc's store....and what's all the inventory? Wiggy's clothes/bags?

Dave,
It's right next to the "Pink Elephant" carwash on Old Seward.. The old "Hydroponics store" <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Marc's prices on JetBoil,Sporthill,Mountain House, Wiggy, etc... are the cheapest you'll find in town. Period!

Jay

BW - I agree with all above of your post, except the "not going to employer" bit. And that only applies to the military (sometimes) - some of whom do not understand when they are out of line unless "talked to" by a superior officer. This type holds all civilians in contempt.

My brother was a Major. He was (now deceased) a total Azzhole too, when he thought he could run roughshod over you... In or out of the service.

I too know none of the individuals above, but I too have formed an opinion of character.

Please note my signature below....

Cool..think I'll try to stop in next time up....

Kodiman,

Well now between you, and a certain mutual friend <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />, I'm getting a good idea about which guy I'd prefer to drink snake liquor with.

Would now be a bad time to say I've used a Wiggys sleeping bag for over 10 years?

Huh???

I personally know 6 people who posted within this thread... And it doesn't matter how many times I run the numbers, I get the same results... Diablo is still full of [bleep]...OOPS! I meant ceg1963, I mean Chuck, I mean Major..
Come on Charles, I thought you were a cool dude. Get over it man.. You can hunt Brownies next year. You crushed your hunting circle.

Here you go.....





Jay

Where is ole "Mutual" anyway.... That Snake Wine is some nasty [bleep]!! I'll go "shot for shot" with ya, and the loser has to eat a snake...I guarantee my success! 'Cause I hate snakes... 3 rounds...

This place has more drama than a whorehouse on fire....

My bet? The first guy that posted this thread is full of [bleep]...might be wrong....but 1 and 3 don't add up to 2.

Carry on....

HoundGirl

Well yes, my first post (I believe) although I have been lurking for over a year... which those that know me from the other site will be amazed ...

Anyway, I do know the parties involved in this �discussion� and I am not about to get involved in their PERSONAL dispute, it is between two GROWN MEN, however, I have an opinion on what is appropriate and what is not (and to say this may put me in an �uncomfortable� circumstance is an understatement) For example: who I hunt with is MY choice and although you may not like my decision it is a personal choice and has NOTHING to do with my business � therefore my business should NEVER be brought into the discussion. My business, my revenue, from which I feed and cloth my family, pay my mortgage, is NOT my hobby. Some feel that Taylor�s choice to �notify the command� was inappropriate, that there is no �civilian� recourse � when in fact, Taylor�s �boss� was notified � publicly. Who�s his boss? YOU, the consumer. Taylor, who I judge as a reasonable man would not have gone to the �command� had he not believed, truly believed, the source of the slur. CEG1963 provided that he merely facilitated the account and I am sure the �command� will give him the benefit of a doubt and CEG1963 will assuredly set the young man straight on issues such as liable, slander, prudent and appropriate behavior (let alone the inaccuracies of his initial post). Bottom-line is, again, this is a dispute over personal issues NOT Wiggy�s.

I must admit I am a Wiggy�s fan � using Wiggy�s bags when I was young and associated with a �different� military community. I purchased Wiggy�s products for my own use long before I ever meet Taylor. I have been in his store and enjoy it because 1) the volume of inventory, 2) diversity of inventory, 3) Taylor�s candor and honesty and 4) the complete lack of �salesmanship� � try to push me towards a buy, try to BS me, belittle me because my choice of gear isn�t featured on Saturday morning hunting shows or in named outdoor magazines � and I am gone. I like the shop, Taylor and the product because I am just a �Joe� and looking for the best for the money and purpose I have.

Had this thread been titled �Taylor Sucks�, I would have continued lurking � the personal agenda obvious. To anyone who would dismiss Wiggy�s � Alaska because of what they read on an internet chat room is doing THEMSELVES a disservice. The product descriptions, prices, warranties are all on-line � it�s ridiculous to make the initial accusation. The product reviews can easily be found, and comparison made. The shot at Wiggy�s was low, inappropriate, and an attempt to misguide YOU from an excellent and affordable product for the purpose of �.? What (when it come down to it - it is about the �Joe� ISN"T IT?)?
Regards,
Paul

Nice post Paul... Good to see ya' here!

Jay

"The shot at Wiggy�s was low, inappropriate, and an attempt to misguide YOU from an excellent and affordable product for the purpose of �.?"

Wigutlow's BS is often low, inappropriate, and an attempt to misguide US from many other excellent and affordable products.

That dude can trash-talk with the best of us. I actually think he's cool for it.

While I retract none of what I said, I now realize that my reading comprehension skills are comprimised at the moment....and I replied to something in your thread that wasn't there....

My apologies.

Dave, don't get Longbow started!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> Stick might take offense if a "newbie" rolls in and steals his thunder!!! (grin) Good luck "out witting" Longbow....

Jay

check your PM's...

IMO, notifying the Commanding Officer of this little dispute is akin to hitting a butterfly with a sledgehammer.

Longbow,

I'm not sure exactly what your trying to say...



Exactly, I think, which is why calling a persons boss is wrong.



Quite the stretch in my opinion. In any case, Marc must know this sort of stuff happens, right or wrong. It's a public relations issue, all companies must deal with the subject.



This confuses me, or I didn't get your first part right. You state that a persons business should not be brought into the discussion, yet now are rationalizing Marcs actions.

You do realize that the 'command' is the other guys business, right?

Next time, the problem person may not be a military member. What then? I say calling the command is an inappropriate response as it can't be applied in all cases.



How can you be sure of the commands response? Anyhow it's nice to see our busy military being used to counsel the private sectors 'problem' customers.

Marc and I have PM'd each other, and I think he is the 'injured party' in this case. My friends here have told me he runs a nice shop. Hopefully I'll get by his shop in the future myself.

I think he took a course of action which is popular with many companies near military bases. A course of action, which if happened to most civilians here, they would find unacceptable.

This is the most pathetic thread thats ever appeared on the Alaska part of this forum. There needs to be a thread for nonstop whiners!

Thanks for that wondeful addition. You've managed to insult everyone at the same time. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Brain - sorry if you don't understand ... I don't know how to do all that "quote"/comment stuff you did and I am not about to retype everything. Try reading it slower and if it still doesn't make sense, let me know, and I will take another shot at it.

Even after "contributing" to this, I argee with Waterrat ... this hole thread needs to go away.

Yet you run to the guy's boss and tattle on him?

BW is spot-on.....

You obviously haven't been around long...

After reading all these comments, I need to go to the range in a hurry! In the words of Rodney King, "Can't we all just get along here"?

Very mature comment, DavidAK311

I hope the maturity level displayed in the original post is an anomaly and not truly indicative of the character level of today's officer corps.

I trust that it is not, however if it is, our young soldiers are in peril and indeed our nation.

Here's a little FYI for my dealings with Marc Taylor and my experience with Wiggy's products...

I went on my first Alaskan adventure in August 2005 - a Dall sheep hunt. While doing research for a sleeping bag, more people had expressed their pleasure with Wiggy's than not. That being the case, I called Marc Taylor to speak with him personally about the bags he was selling. After speaking with him and doing a little more research, I concluded that I would try a Wiggy's bag. So, I contacted Marc again and spoke with him about the Kifaru-Wiggy's Ultralight and he agreed to send me the bag, without pre-payment, to try and if I liked the bag, I could pay him, or if I didn't like it, I could send it back. Now, Marc didn't know me from Adam but he sent the bag to me on blind faith that he would get paid or have the bag returned. Did I mention I live in Louisiana and he paid the shipping too?

I decided that I would keep the bag and paid Marc. However, the customer service didn't stop there. Marc told me to call him when I got into Anchorage. Well, I did just that and ended up making my way to Wiggy's-Alaska to visit with Marc. Upon my arrival at Marc's store, he closed shop and took me to pick up my license, tag and a few other essentials. Thereafter, he took me to eat dinner and paid for the meal and he then dropped me off at my hotel so I could get my affairs in order for when my guide picked me up the next a.m.

As for the bag, I sleep comfortably in the bag (20 degree bag) in the Talkeetnas. The temperature never dipped below the lower 40s, upper 30s but I have no complaints. I did have one so-so encounter with the bag in Pecan Island, Louisiana sleeping in the same tent I used on the sheep hunt when the temps were in the mid-30s and the air was damp but I attribute that to the fact that I went to bed after a night of good spirits around a camp fire and slept only in my boxers and a t-shirt.

That being said, I am headed back to Alaska this year for a moose hunt and need a 0 degree bag. In all likelihood it will be a Wiggy's bag from Marc Taylor because he treated me like a friend more than a customer.

Diablo = devil

Verde = green

green = jealousy


Analysis = jealous devil? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Hmmm...Is Kute spot on?

It has nothing to do with quotes.

After reading your post a couple times, I question the apparent double standard applied between 'your business' and this Chuck guys 'business.'

Contacting the commanding officer=gay weak civilian pretending to be important

I'm sooo glad I have friends and I don't have to associate with a-holes like these guys..........

Wow, I dont know if I want to come to Alaska now!! You guys are scarin me.

Romo, where are you? I'm in Montpelier area.
Ray

Ray,

This has been a pleasant exhange so far. It's the slow season, we're eating our own young now.

LOL

Ray, I haven't much desire to visit Los Angeles either....

Carefull Dave, the 'maturity' police are monitoring the situation. That is, when he's not busy acting as the 'official spokeperson and protector of the officer corp.'

Young soldiers, sailors, and airman across the globe are forever in his debt. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

So....it turns out that the original post was full of [bleep], and the CEG dude is probably the guy who posted it? That's funny, but pretty lame.

I'm hearing that he posted it on several forums...might be interesting to see how the other threads developed.

Never did get along with the maturity monitors, though it might shock some folks here to hear it....<grin>

That's right BW. Just please don't be eating while you do your little Ronald MacDonald sing-a-long amongst yourselves. I'd hate for you to choke on your happy meal.

blah blah blah

What's a Ronald McDonald sing-a-long? Sounds like you should be posting on the Prances With Bears (Timothy Treadwell) threads...or cool down and go watch Broke Back Mountain again.

My pussy hurts from reading this....

Why, did you get annoyed and kick the s**t out of your cat? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Dang it! Now I'm out of popcorn...

You knew you were going to need it. Shoulda bought a case at Costco in Los Anchorage yesterday! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Like Matt375 asked... what sing-a-long are you talking about?

I've posted some serious personal opinions, backed up with reason and examples, then asked for others to clarify their thoughts.

You haven't contributed here, after your first post, anything more than insults.

It's 375Matt.... WB....let's keep this professional please.

Well, I wasn't an officer, so don't expect me to be perfect. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

No problem... I didn't want you to have to post a sheep hunt picture with a tooth knocked out <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

you gonna fling?

Somewhere...have 3 weeks off in that time frame and visions of brown fur???

Nice.... I'm not sure what the plans are yet. I have a space on my wall for black fur.

Matt, have a work calendar handy? If I'm opposite your schedule, when do I go to work in May?

I need to make that a standing order!

BW, I understand my last post was rude if taken by itself, but in response to your maturity police comments it was, well, measured. Our opinions may differ on the appropriateness of a commander being notified of the infractions of service members and that's fine. The instance you mentioned that it happened to you may have been uncalled for. It is not something that should be done lightly.

However, in "Chucks" case, as a Major in the service doing what he attempted here is quite an embarrassment to his command and the commander should know of it. Some people think character doesn't matter in certain types of positions, hell, maybe lots of people support Clinton still. Not I. Character matters, IMHO.

Acadiana area. May I suggest that you still go to Alaska? You won't regret it!

You're off May 9th to 23rd....if you want to meet up 4/26 to 5/3 let me know. I also need a sherpa for August if you're interested, 8/16 to 8/23...although I think you said that you'll be in Africa? I'll keep going down the list <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Looks like there are some good potential hunting partners on this thread though...I'd be hunting in full body armor to avoid getting shot in the back and sleep with one eye open. I'm sure dividing the meat on a sucessful hunt wouldn't be an issue either.

Ha, that was funny.....

In the words of my friend MeHuntR: very mature comments, Matthew.

About as mature as that white tail buck you shot while we were in his State (10 days of nut busting for a couple spike horns)<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />............David

LOL

I recall it looked good on the ski rack...

Kodiman,

My point was/is,it's not navigating uncharted waters,if one has a Wiggy's bitch. Nuttin' more,nuttin' less and that's all I've read into the fray.

Hardly frontpage material,if a newb Posts initially,to unload something off their chest.

As to the balance...I wasn't there and don't feel slighted.................

Hmmm.....Hey Marc, do you have a web site? I have wanting to try out some wiggy's stuff.

Okay Marc, now your going to get more business than ever! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Even if it's driven from spite. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I think we deserve a coupon or something, after all, any press even if negative, from the 'boys' up north is still good for making a few extra sales.

You should either piss off more people who will post here, or just stop by more often. Sometimes we're actually nice. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Stick,

Fair enough...But, the "newb" posted a petty, personal attack under the "guise" of Wiggys. That's it!

I'm retired military and normally loathe the telling the command crap. But, if the subject did indeed propose to alter his PCS orders, then that is a serious military breach and should be investigated. Tattling because someone pisses you off is wrong and commands typically see right through it.

Marc after your first few low road posts you had me scratching my head. The post that explained the whole deal from your point of view should have been your first. It never hurts to take the high road.

I wait till I saw or had evidence that the person had broken a game law. Then I'd report that person to the Troopers.

Since I don't work in the Personnel Department, I'd have no idea if that person was trying to cheat the system. Any information I had for the command would be simply conjecture on my part. Yet even just the hint of wrong doing might cause a negative impact on his career and affect him and his family for the rest of his life.

The Troopers enforce game regulations, not a persons employer. Unless that person is a Trooper! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

What I think is loathsome is a field grade military officer gives false witness, in an attempt to slander, motivated by retaliation due to a thwarted falsified residency attempt and people on the board call it �someone venting�, or some other description that minimizes it as no big deal.

To read through the comments directed towards those of opinions outside the clique would cause any thinking person to call into question the maturity level of the �in crowd�. I questioned it and continue to do so. I will not post here again as there are too many forums on the internet that offer civil, intelligent dialogue of the important things like hunting and the great outdoors.

I will give �Chuck� credit where credit is due. Of all the great number of places he could have posted, he chose this one. Maybe he did know what he was doing after all.

"What I think is loathsome is a field grade military officer gives false witness, in an attempt to slander, motivated by retaliation due to a thwarted falsified residency attempt and people on the board call it �someone venting�, or some other description that minimizes it as no big deal. "

Agreed. This is the only board (besides Friends of Animals- for chuckles) that I visit, and you just insulted me.

You must have a lot of time on your hands.

Goodbye.

My own observation:
After 24 years in various Army units I could easily comment on Majors, but I won't. I have nightmares just bringing the subject up.

The simple story is if you're unhappy with a business deal; walk away from it, learn from it and move on. This goes for the seller and the buyer. Be adults. Be there for your next customer or next purchase. Somebody said, this thread needs to end. I second that. kwg

BW, looks like the maturity monitor is taking his ball and going home.....

I haven�t read 1/10 of this post so I'm simply interrupting.
I owned a Wiggy's bag on an "Outdoor Semester in the Rockies". (4+ months from desert to snow cave) The bag was great for about 5 weeks then I started having issues with the fill migrating. At that time I was on the Baja peninsula in Mexico so the insulation problem wasn�t a problem mostly because the pack became a pad due to the heat. Once back in the states I made a call to Wiggy's in Grand Junction, CO regarding my problem, the answer was 'bring the bag here and well look at it'. I'm 1 of 26 students and 4 faculty running a schedule and trying to get to places. Amazingly the powers that be said its cool we�ll go there and fix your bag. So instead of coming up through S Colorado into Alamosa we'll side door into Grand Junction. To me this is awesome, my bag will get fixed as we head back into altitude and it will all happen otw to our base in Leadville.
However it happened Wiggy knew we were coming, he got our entire bus out for a �tour� of his business. I use the term �tour� loosely. Wiggy turned the entire thing into a trade show about how all the other bags we owned weren�t in the same �ballpark� as his bags. He gave 30 people a dedicated tour of a facility and a product that no one cared about. No one appreciated the �education on filaments� and once all was said and done the detour cost us 12 hours driving and 2 hours in his stupid facility. It was a hell of deal I cant even tell you.
The damn thing is they DIDN�T EVEN FIX MY BAG. No changes, no adjustments, nothing. It was unbelievable and for obvious reasons I never mentioned the problems with my Wiggy�s bag again, I dealt with it.

I�d rather punch Wiggy than talk to him�.

Popcorn please! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I attended Arctic Survival School on Eielson AFB several weeks ago. The tempatures were forcasted to be in the negative 40's. When I was issued my bag I noticed it said Wiggy's on the tag. Our instructor told me they wouldn't use anything else. No tent, no heat, just me and my Wiggy's bag for several nights in a hole in the snow. Those who say these bags are no good...come on out in yours and let's put it to the same test. I don't know Marc but when we spoke on-line he invited me to his store and offered that discount he spoke of...I didn't ask. That's straight up to me. Just my two cents on my first visit to this site.

I attended Arctic Survival School on Eielson AFB several weeks ago. The tempatures were forcasted to be in the negative 40's. When I was issued my bag I noticed it said Wiggy's on the tag. Our instructor told me they wouldn't use anything else. No tent, no heat, just me and my Wiggy's bag for several nights in a hole in the snow. Those who say these bags are no good...come on out in yours and let's put it to the same test. I don't know Marc but when we spoke on-line he invited me to his store and offered that discount he spoke of...I didn't ask. That's straight up to me. Just my two cents on my first visit to this site.

I've been through Arctic Survival training there, through UAF, and spent one night in a snow shelter I dug on Murphy Dome when the temp was around 45 below, wind chill around -110, though that was on the old wind chill chart...it's changed somewhat now. I spent more nights out, but that one was the coldest. We were also allowed one candle in the shelter then.

Can't remember the two instructors names now, but I think one was Brent.

By the way, I wasn't in a Wiggy's bag.....and I still have a pulse....hate to break you the bad news.

That was the class that sparked an interest in winter camping for me, when I lived in Fairbanks. We played in some pretty cold stuff.

You might notice that few experienced people say "those bags are no good", as you put it. Instead, once they get past the hype, they realize that Wiggy's bags are among several brands which will work fine when your ass in on the line, despite Wigutlow's claims that nothing else even comes close. There do seem to be more quality control and customer relations issues with Wiggy's than some of the others, also.

Just because you took a little training class, don't get to feeling too special. You'll find folks on here that put their time in also. They don't bullshitt easy, but you're welcome to keep trying.

Dang Dave, what year(s) did you camp off Murphy Dome? I used to ride snowmachine past there quite often and several times saw the shelters that had been built for the use you spoke of. We were headed to Minto Flats, had an old duck shack that was dang near as drafty as sleeping outside.

It's a good thing I didn't know about Wiggy's bags until the last year or so, I could have froze to death during my cold weather camping trips. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />


IME&O Marc Taylor seems to be a good guy, Wiggy is a gasbag and a noxious one at that. I think his normal gear is probably pretty good, but when he said he could make light bags as well or better than anyone else he got left out in the cold (so to speak) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> No hard feelings the bag was inexpensive enough, and I've bought other gear on a hope and a promise, but when I go sheep hunting where weight to warmth ratio really matter Wiggy's get left at home in the boat where it now resides.

Dave used to hang in FBKS, I'll be danged! That explains the shortage of single women for so many years! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

LOL...went to college there for a year, around 96. Spent some cold nights off Murphy, though Sept bird hunting up there is what I remember best. There were some pretty impressive snow shelters built up there from time to time. Used to stop by an old shack on those flats on occasion, when riding that way. Probably saw you on the trail....heh.

Still have relatives there, and guess they've since built a cabin on the flats somewhere...

Never met Marc, though I have heard he's a good guy. I spent a couple nights in Air Force issue Wiggy's bags on base, in classes. They were pretty good. I think JW got in over his head on the kifaru special bags...

Don't blame me for the single chick shortages....I didn't take much of their time, just took my turn....<grin>

Murphy Dome?
Fading memories are hovering about, Seems I ended a kayaking trip down the Chatanika River at the end of a very long dirt road that passed over Murphy Dome. It would have been in the early fall, expansive scenic views from the open ridge top comes to mind..
So, as a result of this ever-twisting thread, I placed an order with Wiggy's of Alaska.
Got a couple of items of which one was a really nice polar fleece. I have a closet full of fleece shirts and jackets with many name brands as well as from many price ranges.
The one I was sent from Marc at Wiggy's is of better quality than any I have and was about in the middle when compared price wise. I received it here at my winter place in Florida rather quickly with out the request of expedited shipping. It appears he gets right on his mail orders.
I had no idea that there even was a Wiggy's in Alaska until this thread got started. I chased links through a Google search to find related web-sites that Marc has online.
Not much of a reference, but so far my dealings with him are 100% positive.

Well I think the best thing about this is all the free publicity, you can't buy this kind of advertising. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Jeff,

Don't know where you put in at, but most likely the Elliot bridge, if so you floated right past my cabin. The Chat is prone to really rise and fall with rain, it's got some narrow shallow spots. I get there with a 20 ft. boat with a 115 Rude and jet. Makes for a fun ride during low water.

BTW the dirt road you put out at the crosses M. Dome is the "Bennet Highway". Small world, heh. Looks like we've crossed trails all over this state. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

We had put in a a public boat ramp or campgrounds not to far above Fox. That road is quite the ride down to the river from the top..
The river was high and muddy but we still managed to snag a few fish.
There were some really nice cabins along the way.
Another memory has come to mind, it has sumtin' to do with the Howlin' Dog after that trip was over, but I'm not gonna go into that tale here.

Small world for those of common interests...

Here are a couple of crappy photos I took there. One is right where we took out and the other is a cow moose some where along that road over the top of the dome...

...and a dog box on the truck! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />Gotta love it!

When I was stationed at Ft Wainwright from '87-'91, nobody was issued a Wiggys, just a artic weight Army fart sack. Unreal that there weren't thousands of deaths every year. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Oh man, the Howling Dog... makes my head hurt even now. What about the Steese Lounge!

Dave,
Never said you would die...just turn into an [bleep]!! ;-)

"Well I think the best thing about this is all the free publicity, you can't buy this kind of advertising."

Aside from all of this, I think it is obvious Marc is showing a lot of class. Diabloverde is not posting and Marc is not gloating. The obvious cheap shot was delivered and Marc looks like he is standing by his claim he only wanted the lies to stop.
art

I was stationed at Ft Wainwright in 69 and 70. During February of 69 we participated in the Acid Test Army maneuvers. We slept in Artic Tents and had our US Army artic sleeping bags. These consisted of an inner and an outer bag with a filling of mixed feathers and down with more feathers than down. We also had Yukon stoves for heat. I came in off of guard duty one night when it was around -50F and pulled one of my tent mates off of the Yukon stove which was cherry red. He had burned all of the way thru his outer bag and half way thru his inner bag but he was pissed at me as he was finally getting warm. One morning I woke up to a tent with no heat, the Yukon stove had run out of fuel. I got up and removed the Jerry can and it was so cold the neoprene hose going to the stove snapped in too. As it was around 5:00 am and the supply tent was not open I got the only replacement hose I could find, the one supplying the latrine tent with heat. There was sure a lot of griping that morning around the crapper.
MJS

Reminds me of Robert Service's poem, "The Cremation of Sam McGee." <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

M

I was in an aviation unit. We took a LOT of fuel samples on the helos and mixed it with the diesel burned in the Yukon stoves. We had to watch it closely, as we'd get the stove and most the chimney glowing cherry red.

I remember one female leftenant who constantly gave us trouble over how hot our stove was, and we never shared our secret.

If only you could have put your hands on a fan to supercharge the stove, eh? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

We generally burned a mixture of Mogas and Diesel in our Yukon stove. One of my buddies had an old station wagon and he pinched a can of Mogas and put it in his wagon, only it wasn't Mogas, it was diesel. His car sure did smoke for a while. While we were on the Acid Test Maneuver our Yukon stove malfunctioned and started putting out soot. By the time someone woke up and got out of the tent the white liner was black. We were all as black as our platoon sargent. His statement that morning was that when he woke up it looked he was in a tent full of "Brothers". We were lucky no one asspixated that night.

"We were lucky no one asspixated that night. "

Is that something out of Brokeback Mountain?

No, that is just bad spelling on my part. That was the old army that did not allow "Brokeback Mountain Cowboys, pre Bill Clinton era and all.

Thanks for the giggle <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I believed Wiggy's Alaska was affiliated with Wiggy's and I thought I could get the 30% discount on the bags I had just purchased. I had stopped to ask if Wiggy's Alaska carried Valendre Bags. They didn't, but I knew Wiggy's rep and I bought the Antarctic bag with OB. It wasn't until I got home that I saw Wiggy's had a 30% off sale. Thinking Wiggy's Alaska was affiliated with Wiggy's I called and spoke with Mark. He told me he was not affiliated with Wiggy's and that was pretty much the end of the $180 discount. I don't blame Mark - he's a great guy that really knows his stuff when it comes to outdoors gear. I actually don't feel I lost anything because I know where I can go to get an honest opinion. Writing such harsh words like in the title of this blog do very little to actually describe Wiggy's Alaska and Mark, but unfortunately that is today's world.

I look at things like this. Mark is very successful at Wiggy's Alaska for two reasons. He knows his stuff and he has high quality gear. For any business to remain open in this economy is an accomplishment in itself.

When I have a concern or seek an opinion about Alaska Outdoor I'll look to Mark for an honest answer.

You do know this thread is over 6 years old right?

and that was his only post to date ?

Marc
I've purchased 2 sleeping bags from you as well as your book and waders. I like your equipment but your attitude toward unsatisfied customers leaves much to be desired. Suffice it to say I am hesitant to purchase anything from you again nor can I recommend you to anyone. Customer satisfaction is a key to success.

As a 20 year vet I can tell you Mark's action here is totally approppriate. Militery personnel are and should be held to a higher standard than someone who flips burgers. Especially if that person is a commissioned officer. He would expect integrity from his troops and we should expect the same from him. If this is the way the Major acts he does not deserve the rank he possesses.

You need to read the whole thread before jumping to conclusions about Marc Taylors customer service. I can assure you, I and many people I know have done business with him and he has never treated us with disrespect.

Are you employed, sir?!

Old thread notwithstanding...
No dis to Marc--I like the guy and his input at the AOD over the years, but those bags would be returned to his store and I'd be buying direct from Wiggy's for the discount.


Unless Marc is cluing you in to co-ordinates his trophy billy spot, no advice is worth $180 of my hard earned dough...

I'm pretty sure the only difference between the Wiggy bag prices between Alaska and Colorado is the price of shipping. And it ain't no $180. Talk to the man himself to get the facts instead of believeing what you read on an internet forum.

No, I don't work for him or Wiggy. lol

I like my Wiggys bag and while I've not met Marc Taylor I have enjoyed his posts and opinions.

It's not as compact as some bags but if I wanted compact I'd have gotten down, which I didn't and still don't want.

Why I'm commenting on a 6 year old thread is what has me really confused.

A six year old thread started by a guy that hasn't been here in in the last six years.

BTW I've got some Wiggy's gear and like all of it. There are other options out there, and I have some of that too. But for the right times/places, Wiggy's stuff works great.

Help me out here fellers.

Registering to dredge up and wizz on a 6 1/2 year old thread is:

A) Stupid

or

B) Funny

I vote both A and B.

You would you Democrat!

Now that's a low blow........

My bad.......

Smooth talker you. I'm starting to see a pattern here.

All I can say about this recent stuff, I'd sure let my reputation let it speak for itself, rather than play in the mud with the pigs. It ain't him thats gonna hurt you, its you that can hurt you IMHO.

I have a couple of the Wiggys poncho liner/blankets aka "woobie".

YES, they are spendy as compared to a standard issue poncho liner. They are however substantially warmer to a degree that it is difficult to describe, as each of us feel warmth and cold differently.

I used one in the winter months in the Middle East, both as a bed spread, as seen in the pic, and rolled up in my kit for anticipation of an "unanticipated" overnight stay someplace.

My only "issues" with the Wiggys 'Cho liners is that they are SLICK and tend to slide off me at night on my rack and that they are so warm that I tend to overheat in an indoor setting, as compared to a standard issue poncho liner. I end up traveling with both and swapping them out as temps dictate.




Talk about some MINOR gripes!

Really GREAT product.

I'd like to try the Kifaru Woobie at some point too. Everything I"ve seen from them has been better than the Wiggys stuff. Doesn't mean I don't run wiggys, just know where and when its applicable. Much like do I take an AR, or the 308 bolt....

I can't think of one reason why military should be held to 'a higher standard' than civilians.

That said, I'm no longer interested in what transpired so many years ago.

High ranking military officer? A Major? what is that a joke?

Sorry, I read page 2 where green devil, apparently a Major in the Army, said Taylor wanted him, a high ranking officer, to endorse his hunting book. A Major is a "guaranteed" rank unless you're a complete FU. People retire as a dirt-bag staff officer Major every day. That is equivalent to an enlisted guy in the Army retiring as an E6.

But anyway BW for a Major to falsify a set of orders is punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice under 107 Max: Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 5 years., 123: punished as a court-martial may direct. and 133: Dismissal, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for a period not in excess of that authorized for the most analogous (similar) offense for which a punishment is prescribed in this Manual, or, if none is prescribed, for 1 year.

BW- that Major was given a lot of tax money and the POTUS instilled him with a commission. He could have legally ordered others to "charge that machine gun nest".

He committed a series of unforgivable offenses. Had I been his commanding officer and found sufficient evidence through an inquiry, I would have most certainly referred him for courts martial.

If that was in fact true, he is a liar and deserves the most severe punishment. I knew an E6 who falsified his orders, he was arrested at Incheon International Airport when he was PCS'ing from Korea. He was confined and given hard labor and rationed bread and water "7 days on/ 7 off". At his General Courts Martial, he was convicted and sentenced to 36 months confinement, reduction to E1, forfeiture of all pay and and allowances, and a bad conduct discharge. Remember he was only an E6.

Taylor, you should have let this "Major" come through with the falsified orders, let him get his license and then burnt him at the stake by getting the State involved and then calling the ALCOM, Commanding General via 907-552-1110 - Then you don't say anything to anybody.

Why is this thread still alive?

How did he find it????

The big Lebowski (with 3 posts) has brought this thread back with the first 2 of those posts. Must be some kind of specialty.

It's like the gift that keeps on giving......lol

Herpes?

well, it's Dec 23, 2012. I just spent a half-hour reading a thread that I was unaware as to being 6 years old. I would ask the question "Is there anyway I can get these 30 minutes of my life back?" except for the fact that I am filling in at a friend's pharmacy and was being paid $50 an hour to read this crap. Life is funny that way. It's all about perspective.

What a friggin' buncha girls !!!!!!!!!

A merry pre - christmas eve to you, Sir. Thank you for this little anecdote. A just reminder.

While you are at that there pharmacy - please do look if you can not do something for "TheBigLebowski".

He seems to be itching somewhere private and is - judging from the irr - rash - anal style both in timing and contend - in need of a soothing gel.

Thank you in advance. Best wishes.

I will help out TheBigLebowski only if a trial membership in the turdlike clan is included. that's a tough group to get into.

A Turd one is or is not. Recognized be one must. The Force strong in you is, Padawahn - go out and insult the Grand Poobah.

This thread needs to die and now!

A good way to let it die is to post on it about every 3-4 days if there are no other posts.

If Walt don't like it, it must be a good thread! Thumbs up for Marc!

I retired from active duty military after 20 years. I don't need a lesson on the UCMJ.



I've always hated the "I pay your salary" tactic too.



Really? He mentioned it, but did he really do anything wrong?



Sound familiar to you?. From my first comment disagreeing with Marks actions...





I respects Marks move over that.

I remember that. Wow, that is going way back.