EXPLORE THE GREAT OUTDOORS WITH HIGH'S ADVENTURE GEAR

 In the rugged heart of Alaska, a journey was set in motion, not just of outdoor survival, but of style and resilience. Justin and Jaimee High, two passionate adventurers, found themselves in the unforgiving wilderness during the Copper Basin race in 2011. It was a race known for pushing both racers and their gear to the limits, but they were about to discover just how harsh the elements could be.

As they raced, the weather turned against them. The rain soaked them to the bone, and the cold pierced their bodies. It was an ordeal where Mother Nature showed no mercy. Their gear, designed for the outdoors, was meant to protect them, but it failed them when they needed it most. Zippers froze shut, excessive Velcro proved to be more of a hindrance than a help, and their hands turned numb due to sleeves that were painfully short. Beyond the physical discomfort, their gear fell short on the professional front, leaving them looking less than their best.

Jaimee, an accomplished dog handler, was familiar with the world of mushing and the needs of fellow mushers. Her skill with a sewing machine didn't go unnoticed. She found herself mending harnesses, dog coats, sled bags, and zippers. It was here that the seed of innovation was planted.

In 2012, the duo decided to take matters into their own hands and establish High's Adventure Gear. They began with a range of gear, including collars, leashes, dog coats, chaps, sled bags, handbags, and gauntlets. Their journey was far from smooth, and the road to success was marked by trials and tribulations.

In December 2014, tragedy struck as a devastating house fire consumed their home and workshop, along with all their sewing equipment and supplies. Undeterred, they set out to rebuild both their business and their lives. They acquired new sewing machines, including an embroidery machine, and emerged from the ashes with a vision. Function and fashion were the order of the day as they introduced color-coordinated dog coats and personalized embroidery on coats and sled bags, adding a touch of flair to help mushers stand out.

Their commitment to their brand and their community was tested again in June 2015 when a devastating wildfire swept through their town of Willow, Alaska, consuming nearly everything in its path. In the face of such loss, Jaimee, who had just discovered her pregnancy three days before the wildfire, continued to sew gear for their neighbors during her high-risk pregnancy. The Highs were not just rebuilding a business; they were rebuilding their lives and community.

The turning point came in August 2016 when Justin took a job on a glacier, offering sled dog tours. The conditions were brutal, with temperatures at 35°F and winds gusting up to 60 mph, accompanied by constant rain and sleet. Justin was challenged to stay warm and dry while working with equipment and happy dogs. It was here that Jaimee, with her knack for sewing, was tasked with designing a coat that could stand up to the elements. The result was the Willow Tuff Parka, a game-changer. It wasn't just durable; it was efficient, keeping Justin warm and dry, even at 100 mph wind speeds hanging out of a helicopter. The product was named after the resilience and toughness of their community, post-wildfire.

The pursuit of innovation continued in 2017 when the Willow Tuff Extreme was developed for expedition-style situations. Four were made and sent out to face extreme cold in the Iditarod. It was a leap of faith that paid off, as the Willow Tuff Extreme proved its worth in temperatures plummeting well below -65°F. It offered warmth while reducing bulk and weight compared to other expedition parkas, allowing for more mobility and comfort.

With their reputation growing worldwide, the demand for other gear became undeniable. High's Adventure Gear expanded its offerings, introducing a fall jacket, bibs, overmitts, and a range of accessories for the winter season. They also partnered with vendors to provide customizable colors and patterns on their gear, catering to the unique tastes of their customers.

In 2019, the Highs moved from Alaska to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and bought a commercial building in Historic Downtown Calumet, contributing to the revitalization of the community. Their journey continued, and their commitment to innovation showed no signs of wavering.

In the spring of 2023, High's Adventure Gear took a significant step toward sustainability. Collaborating with partners in wildlife management and habitat conservation, they developed a line of products using recycled bottles. This marked their entry into a four-season operation, utilizing recycled materials to minimize their environmental impact while producing durable summer gear.

High's Adventure Gear is more than a brand; it's a testament to the resilience, innovation, and unwavering spirit of its founders. It's a story of overcoming personal and community setbacks to develop gear that thrives in the most extreme conditions, all while embracing the importance of style and fashion. Justin and Jaimee High have created a brand that not only equips people for their outdoor pursuits but also embodies the indomitable human spirit. Their journey is far from over, and they continue to inspire adventurers around the world, proving that fashion and function can go hand in hand in the great outdoors.