I'm still wearing my brown camo sweater I bought in 1978. If you have any laying around the house....not being used. :)

Nice… I didn’t realize it was marketed by Kolpin. But I was only ten in ‘78, so there were quite a few things I missed ;)

Still have my sweater but wife shrunk it, lol. At least that is what I am telling myself.

Still using mine, some from '80 and on. Even bought it from Bob right from his house when he was getting out of selling it. Good stuff and good pattern.

That stuff was great. I think over half our club wore it.

That is awesome. Thanks for posting.

Loved it. You guys ever think that the good stuff we used just can’t get it anymore. This stuff was great. To short made and sold great stuff also

I still regret not buying it . It wouldn’t fit me now if I had.

My rule, which I finally learned WAY to late in life, is if you find an item that really works well for you, buy AT LEAST 2 of them, because the more you like it the higher the odds that it'll be discontinued in short order!

Still have my jacket ,pants and hat. .Bought it back in the 80's ,still going strong

I use it all the time,vest pants pullovers hats snow camo and blaze orange. I,even have 2 of the fleece lined handwarmers.

Had the pullover sweater. The year i was getting the vest they shut down. Always wanted that vest.

Have sweater. And two vest

My wife and I both had the sweaters. Mine was the green camo and hers the brown. I wore mine completely out. She still has hers. Good quality. I really liked them. Wish they were still available.

Still have several pieces of Fratzke Winona camo. Pants have worn out years ago but the pull over, fleece vest and jacket are still going strong.

Good stuff. I can remember my dad having Kolpin products when I was a kid.

Honest question, (2 actually):

1. Was this camo regarded as high tech when it came out, pattern, materials, etc.?

2. Do you think someday folks will reminisce about today's "new" camo like, Sitka, First Lite, Kuiui etc.?

The term 'high tech' wasn't bandied about like it is nowadays. Durable, long-lasting, quiet, etc. The Winona Knitting Mills made the Fratzke clothing from acrylic yarn, which was basically formulated post World War II. I think the knit style they used is probably more important than the fabric, and of course the moths don't eat it either. :)

What made it sell well was Bob Fratzke posing with those giant bucks back in the 70's. :)

Jon Stewart,

Don't be too quick in blaming the wife for your sweater shrinkage. I found mine had done the same thing.

It's caused by the hangers. When things are on hangers for long periods of time (a year or so) they will shrink. I learned this from the owner of a men's clothing store in town. Beware the "Hanger Shrinkage!"

Just this week, I found it had absolutely devastated a dress suit I haven't worn in three years. LOL

Stay safe and warm.

The Knit tree can make you a copy of it. I had a jacket made by them 7 years ago and its still wearing ,tough as nails

I am still wearing Fratzke sweaters and vests. Picked up some also at Trad shoots here in Wis,,,, love them

I smell BS on the shrinkage thing! How about "expanded waistline"! Wait, my acrilic sweater from the mid '70's must have strunk since it is now snug.

I still have and use my Fratzke warm vest. White inside, camo exterior.

I still have and use my Fratzke warm vest. White inside, camo exterior.

Still have some and still use it. For ground hunting it has worked really well with the large pattern, the only down side are the burrs that get picked up and pulling out but that gives it the 3D effect.

You guys must not have briars and multiflora rose. "Sweaters" last one outing here.

Wear my beanie every year

Still wear mine every season. My wife has mended them several times over the years. My son was a baby when I got mine. That was 37 years ago!

Bruce, we have plenty of multiflora rose and other briers, we just go around it. :)

I have an ASAT sweater from Brigade Quartermasters. Were these made the same ?

MP

I had forgotten about the Kolpin brand..this thread brought back memories of seeing the Kolpin brand products in the stores. Arm guards, quivers,ect.

http://www.theknittree.com/showcamo.html

I'm trying to do that with Asbell wool, buy a couple to have for awhile.

I don't think Fratzke had any connection with the company back in 1976.

I still have my Winona camo hat/beenie...

The year I was married 1976

Good camo I own lots

Is Bob still alive He would love this post

Muddyboots and treetopper: I needed a smile this morning. Just having a coffee thinking about my wife reading Leatherwall. I believe I still have my wife's sweater also.

He was as of 2016, hopefully he is still around. I think there was another fellow also that he hunted with, but not sure I'm remembering correctly.

Hey wait, I'll ask Glen Helgeland over on FB. He was part of Bob's book called Taking Trophy Whitetails.

George- is that you in the pictures? Looking good!

Yes Bob is still alive & well!! He doesn't do computers but we are good friends and talk weekly on the phone. I too own LOTS of Winona Camo!! I have extras of cardigans, hats etc...as I live by the Murphy's Law Rule, when you like something stock up on it!!! We have hunted together alot and in Wyoming (antelope) as well. He has been a father figure to me for years and a best friend. Unfortunately he gave up bow hunting this past season, 2021. I remember his phone call telling me that he just can't do it anymore and he was "Hanging it up" He turned 82 here in January he shares his Bday with Elvis!! Old age, bad knees, back etc...have taken there toll. I will tell him about this post, he will Love it!!! I let him know of pictures people take in his camo, the great endorsements... Thank you All, Silvrtip

I have his book. Great book

I was talking to my wife at a goodwill store in Spokane Washington back in 92 when i looked over her shoulder and spied a winona sweater hanging on a women's sweater rack. they must have thought it was just an ugly women's sweater.Got it for $3.50 . Wore it hunting last weekend.

Here is hat that I still have.

I just heard back from Glenn Helgeland; he said Bob is alive and well but moving a lot slower, and thinks he took a deer with the bow last year. He is past 80 now so not a youngster. :) Glenn has a new book coming out so it will likely get information posted here by him or someone else.

Tks George. Also looking forward to Glenn’s book

Glenn Helgeland,,,, that is another Wisconsin treasure

Have one of the Bob's original cardigan and several pieces when a gentleman in Va was making it

The Winona brand is still a favorite of mine. An effective camo pattern that doesn't fade out and the garments are always quiet. I still use the lined-cardigan and Survivor hat, and the pants make an occasional appearance, as well.

I bought the book from Mr. Helgeland and he signed it for me. It was sometime in the mid 80s, probably at the Michigan bowhunters rendezvous when it was held at the Clare county fairgrounds.

MP

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