I was just directed here by the UA-cam algorithm on 07/19/2023. Glad that happened - better late than never! This was a very helpful, informative, and logical load out. Video was very well done. Thanks for sharing this with us. Stay outdoors, stay safe, have fun!
Great to hear that, and nice for YT algorithm to finally start sharing this video - better late than never, indeed. I'll have a new loadout video coming soonish as I'm currently testing 5.11 Utility Chest Pack.
Just found this , and I’m very interested in this chest pack. You gave a awesome review on this and now I’m thinking I’m gonna grab this one over the recon,, great job 👍👍
This is one of the best kitbag setups I have seen, nice job. That TQ holder would probably bother me after a while as well. The NAR ones I have do their job fine, but I agree they don't offer complete protection of the TQ. I'm sure you've noticed that HPG themselves stock the NAR holder. Thanks for posting! Respect from CA, USA.
Hello and really enjoyed your comprehensive video. Thank you for the description of your outfitting and thanks to Hill People Gear as well for the fine product. I have a very similar setup as you with mine and thought I would add some recommendations. Water filtration is the only thing I would add. I carry a small " Aquamira Frontier Emergency Water Filter System" or Lifestraw and instead of the CAT tourniquet a TK 4 and Israeli Bandage. Really like your CAT outfit though and is probably superior for speed of deployment. Thanks again
Recommendations are always welcome! I do carry few Katadyn water purification tablets for emergencies in this kit. For backpacking I use Katadyn Hiker Pro and when in Lapland I don't use any filters at all. Your suggestion about Israeli bandage got me thinking that perhaps I could design a bottom mountable pouch that could house both my CAT and the smallest Israeli somehow 🤔
I have almost every kit bag and small pouch hpg offers. You can incorporate a first aid kit by attaching it to the front straps or even the mesh panel in back..better yet just buy the runners kit so you can attach a small hpg pouch to the back.
As a compact kit this is pretty good. I haven't watched any of your other videos so you might have upgraded your kit. But you should consider a monocular as this will give greater distance in vision and help you locate things on the map quicker, I would still carry a knife with full tang and also a small folding saw. With these three items they would not add to the weight by much and I would be more confident with the kit to assist me in the back country if I was to lose the backpack. Otherwise well thought out and I like the fact you got to the point with the video, there are many others that ramble on for no reason. Cheers!
Thanks for the input. I do carry a knife on my belt, so that's with me at all times. Interesting point about a monocular! I have small binos, but no mono yet. My folding saw is Silky Gomboy Curve and it's a great saw, but a bit too large for this kit.
... Nice kit ... as mentioned , if separated from main gear pack ,, I would still add some first aid items ,, an elaborate boo-boo kit ,, and a soft hydration bottle with attached filter such as Katadyn Be-Free .. by carabiner or bottle pouch off a designed berry loop on kit exterior ...
Cheers. I don't consider boo-boo kits essential, but an Israeli bandage would be good to add. Water bottles, even collapsible ones, simply take too much space. I agree that a bottle would be really useful.
Try that golden rescue blanket in bad weather. I had one with me, but my idea was not to have it as a windbreak, but as a reflector in front of the fire. The wind turned the reflector into a collection of serpentines.
@@P6009D Mylar blankets do not breathe at all. When wrapped around the body, they're meant for temporary use only. Yes, it will create a moisture barrier but at least you can avoid hypothermia.
Thanks. The map pocket has two pieces of hook velcro, so I just cut two short strips of velcro one-wrap and used those as a "hinge" that connects the map pocket to the loop velcro of the kit bag itself.
@@TaivalOutdoors thank you. I just ordered one myself. I'll be making a review of my HPG kit bag soon too if you want to check out my channel. Thanks so much.
Nice review. Just got my own HPG wax canvas. I like the Velcro strip and Pals on the SAR but it was out of stock. You made the perfect middle ground for me. Can I ask how you attached the Velcro strip on the front of the pack? Glued on?
Thank you for the excellent video. Can I ask if you have the Zulu Nylon Gear map pocket mounted some way in the main compartment ordoesitjustsitinthere? I have the same kit bag as you and the only place mine has velcro is on the side where your organizer is.
Great review. Great setup. I want one of these that is thicker so I can carry more stuff on my longer treks into the backcountry. Do you know of any larger chest packs ? Can you suggest a good quality waist pack ?
This and SAR kit bag by Hill People Gear are their thickest (2,5"). Perhaps Helikon-Tex Numbat would be a better option for you, although it's not any deeper, but it has only one large pocket instead of two like Hill People Gear ones.
Mahtavaa ku laitoit videota tuosta karttataskusta, pitää väsätä jotain vastaavaa. Itse lisäisin varmaan jotain liittyen hydraatioon, ellen missannut sitten et oliko siellä. Eli selviytymissuodatin mallia pilli, tai sitten vaan tavallinen pilli lätäköiden litkimistä varten, mutta ehdottomasti joku muovipussi tai vastaava, jotta siihen voi sulattaa talvella juomavettä lumesta taskussa, ja sen kuljettamista varten.
Hyvä huomio. Minulla on ollut taiteltuna2l minigrip pussi juuri tuota varten ja siihen vedenpuhdistustabletteja, mutta olen huomannut, että pitkässä juoksussa nuo tabletit hajuavat paketistaan ja muussaantuvat pussin pohjalle. Eli tähän en ole vielä "täydellistä" systeemiä löytänyt. Jos oikea hätätilanne iskee, niin toki mitä vaan vettä kannattaa juoda ennemmin kuin kärsiä vakavista nestehukan seurauksista. Nestehukan seuraukset tulevat nopeammin ja kestävät pidempään kuin likaisen veden juomisesta aiheutuneet ongelmat, eli teoriassa ja hyvässä lykyssä pääset tilanteesta jo pois ennen kuin ongelmat alkavat. Kompromisseja.
I've ordered from Equpt (Sweden) www.equipt.se/sv/varumarken/hill-people-gear.html but there's at least these two in Europe as well: www.tactical-kit.co.uk/hill-people-gear-291-c.asp outpost-shop.com/en/10_hill-people-gear
I don't think there were size options when I got mine, but looking at their range right now I guess this would be the bigger one, so this: hillpeoplegear.com/Products/CategoryID/1/ProductID/71
I'm not aware of any chest bag that would be waterproof, but these are made of 500D nylon which is water resistant. If it's raining hard I'm wearing a poncho that covers this kit bag as well.
Exelente video Muy buena información No estaria de mas agregar alguna bolsa de plástico, en la que puedas recolectar agua y también algun mas medio de purificación como tabletas de cloro
Not sure if I had that yet during this video, but I have a few purification tablets in the same ziploc bag I have the spare lighter. Although of course it's good to mention that fire is the best water purification method and, generally speaking, fresh water in Finland is quite safe, especially in the north.
You mean for emergency use? No I don't, been thinking about some ultralight bag option and water purification tablets, but haven't looked into it yet as there's water sources everywhere here in Finland.
@@TaivalOutdoors No, I mean for just regular drinking throughout the day. In this video there's no other visible backpack or water container? Do you drink straight unfiltered water from various souces ? If so, from what kind of sources?
@@dash8465 Ah ok. This is my first line gear. Water carrier (usually Source hydration bladder, thermos during winter) is in my backpack along with kuksa. In Lapland I drink straight out of running water sources and every now and then from lakes too. In rest of the Finland I play it safe and filter through Katadyn Hiker Pro.
Hello, I have both, I first bought the HPG full size, I was totally disappointed, bad finishes, untidy, the interior part is really disappointing and costs $160, then I bought the 5.11 just like yours, it cost me a third of the HPG, It is very nice, very neat, well made, well thought out, with a lot of internal organization, the only thing I don't give it a 10 is the closures, there I give it a 9, but the HPG seems a shame to me, and the 5.11 I find charm.
Yeah we got bears, but not like in Alaska/Canada where they can just wander into your camp. I do carry a loud safety whistle, but I must've got it after making this video.
Only thing that might be destroyed would be a paper map (everything else is waterproof), but for national parks and such I use waterproof maps anyway. Snow doesn't penetrate and neither does light drizzle. If it would be raining down real hard for a long time, I'd have my rain poncho on that cover this kit bag and my backpack.
@@TaivalOutdoors Mine will be here in 2 days.Ranger green. Cant wait. Will do a review. I had others (like HP) knockoff. lasted 2 weeksOne was more or less DOA, a third 6 weeks. I hope HP quality is more like Vanquest, 5/11 or Maxpedition than chinabad stuff.Found out about HP late,sadly. I normally just get good stuff first. Some claim they get 4-6 LBS in that lil thing, that seems crazy =P.I have not seen it yet in person. 6'9 340 jacked....hope it fits me =P Semper FI Gunny
It does fit a wide range of torsos, can't say for certain how it goes for you. In terms of max weight, I wouldn't put much more than what I have right now because then the back mesh panel starts riding quite high and push against your neck (as the kit bag gets dragged down by the weight).
In USA we also have bear ,wolves and Wildcats not to mention crack heads rapists and serial killers human traffickers ,drug runners etc in our woods ,I will keep my gun ,just saying
very bad and sloppy construction, crooked stitching, the zippers do not say ykk (I doubt they are), in the photos on the H.P.G website the zipper pullers come with plastic, they arrived to me only with poor quality paracord, the The chest harness straps are of poor quality, a shame, H P G totally disappointed me, I bought 2 full size chest packs and a medium, all three came equally untidy and poorly made
Really, that's strange! I think they're always been considered high quality, premium even. Made in America. I ordered mine a few years ago so not sure if quality has declined since.
I was just directed here by the UA-cam algorithm on 07/19/2023. Glad that happened - better late than never! This was a very helpful, informative, and logical load out. Video was very well done. Thanks for sharing this with us. Stay outdoors, stay safe, have fun!
Great to hear that, and nice for YT algorithm to finally start sharing this video - better late than never, indeed. I'll have a new loadout video coming soonish as I'm currently testing 5.11 Utility Chest Pack.
@@TaivalOutdoors oh! I'd be interested in seeing that as well. Guess I better subscribe!
I’m glad you’re staring to make English videos Finnish is hard even for a Hungarian
Glad to hear you like them.
Good review. Engaging, informative and provides a real world scenario where the chest pack would be useful.
Thanks, much appreciated!
I really like the setup. Definitely got a few ideas. Thanks!
No problem, glad you found this useful 👍
Just found this , and I’m very interested in this chest pack. You gave a awesome review on this and now I’m thinking I’m gonna grab this one over the recon,, great job 👍👍
Thanks! Which ever you pick up, they are all great quality products that will last you a long time.
Love my hill people gear heavy recon! I carry my pistol and a back up mag in the back compartment.
Heavy recon seems to be a popular choice!
This is one of the best kitbag setups I have seen, nice job. That TQ holder would probably bother me after a while as well. The NAR ones I have do their job fine, but I agree they don't offer complete protection of the TQ. I'm sure you've noticed that HPG themselves stock the NAR holder. Thanks for posting! Respect from CA, USA.
Thanks, much appreciated. Let me know if you happen to stumble upon a better alternative for that tourniquet pouch.
@@TaivalOutdoors That front section when zipped down REALLY doesnt just flip down and spill?
@@BOOSTEDLASER Yep, really. The zippers don't go down all the way exactly to avoid that,
Great job, thank you!
Well done nice kit ...
Thanks buddy
Hello and really enjoyed your comprehensive video. Thank you for the description of your outfitting and thanks to Hill People Gear as well for the fine product. I have a very similar setup as you with mine and thought I would add some recommendations. Water filtration is the only thing I would add. I carry a small " Aquamira Frontier Emergency Water Filter System" or Lifestraw and instead of the CAT tourniquet a TK 4 and Israeli Bandage. Really like your CAT outfit though and is probably superior for speed of deployment. Thanks again
Recommendations are always welcome! I do carry few Katadyn water purification tablets for emergencies in this kit. For backpacking I use Katadyn Hiker Pro and when in Lapland I don't use any filters at all. Your suggestion about Israeli bandage got me thinking that perhaps I could design a bottom mountable pouch that could house both my CAT and the smallest Israeli somehow 🤔
Thanks for the review!
It’s a very great setup. 👌👏👏
Thanks! Do you happen to be the same Spartan Tactical I mention in the video?
I have almost every kit bag and small pouch hpg offers. You can incorporate a first aid kit by attaching it to the front straps or even the mesh panel in back..better yet just buy the runners kit so you can attach a small hpg pouch to the back.
As a compact kit this is pretty good. I haven't watched any of your other videos so you might have upgraded your kit. But you should consider a monocular as this will give greater distance in vision and help you locate things on the map quicker, I would still carry a knife with full tang and also a small folding saw. With these three items they would not add to the weight by much and I would be more confident with the kit to assist me in the back country if I was to lose the backpack. Otherwise well thought out and I like the fact you got to the point with the video, there are many others that ramble on for no reason. Cheers!
Thanks for the input. I do carry a knife on my belt, so that's with me at all times. Interesting point about a monocular! I have small binos, but no mono yet. My folding saw is Silky Gomboy Curve and it's a great saw, but a bit too large for this kit.
Awesome review
Loved the video ive watched it a few times. I like the map pocket. Is it attached or just laying in pouch?
Thanks. It's attached with two strips of Velcro one wrap.
Nicely done
Thanks
... Nice kit ... as mentioned , if separated from main gear pack ,, I would still add some first aid items ,, an elaborate boo-boo kit ,, and a soft hydration bottle with attached filter such as Katadyn Be-Free .. by carabiner or bottle pouch off a designed berry loop on kit exterior ...
Cheers. I don't consider boo-boo kits essential, but an Israeli bandage would be good to add. Water bottles, even collapsible ones, simply take too much space. I agree that a bottle would be really useful.
Nice colour jacket
Thanks
Ah! A tactical handbag!
Manpurse 3000
Try that golden rescue blanket in bad weather. I had one with me, but my idea was not to have it as a windbreak, but as a reflector in front of the fire. The wind turned the reflector into a collection of serpentines.
I would only use it wrapped around my body, preferably between skin and clothes.
@@TaivalOutdoors What happens with condensation in the blanket, these blankets are quite dense.
@@P6009D Mylar blankets do not breathe at all. When wrapped around the body, they're meant for temporary use only. Yes, it will create a moisture barrier but at least you can avoid hypothermia.
Good job. I would add a primary blade, like a Mora.
I'd rather keep that on my belt, but sure.
Hyviä videoita sulla.
I like your map pocket setup. How is it attached? Did you have to mod it, or does it come with something on it to attach?
Thanks. The map pocket has two pieces of hook velcro, so I just cut two short strips of velcro one-wrap and used those as a "hinge" that connects the map pocket to the loop velcro of the kit bag itself.
@@TaivalOutdoors thank you. I just ordered one myself. I'll be making a review of my HPG kit bag soon too if you want to check out my channel. Thanks so much.
Nice review. Just got my own HPG wax canvas. I like the Velcro strip and Pals on the SAR but it was out of stock. You made the perfect middle ground for me. Can I ask how you attached the Velcro strip on the front of the pack? Glued on?
Yeah SAR model seems to be out of stock all the time. I have sewn (sewed?) it in manually.
Nice
Thank you for the excellent video. Can I ask if you have the Zulu Nylon Gear map pocket mounted some way in the main compartment ordoesitjustsitinthere? I have the same kit bag as you and the only place mine has velcro is on the side where your organizer is.
I've added two strips of velcro one wrap to act as "hinges" between the kitbag and the map pocket. Hope that makes sense.
Great review. Great setup. I want one of these that is thicker so I can carry more stuff on my longer treks into the backcountry. Do you know of any larger chest packs ? Can you suggest a good quality waist pack ?
This and SAR kit bag by Hill People Gear are their thickest (2,5"). Perhaps Helikon-Tex Numbat would be a better option for you, although it's not any deeper, but it has only one large pocket instead of two like Hill People Gear ones.
Great review! Can you connect it to the shoulder backpack harness instead to use the Kit Bag straps?
Not out of the box, but I don't think that would be too difficult modification.
Mahtavaa ku laitoit videota tuosta karttataskusta, pitää väsätä jotain vastaavaa. Itse lisäisin varmaan jotain liittyen hydraatioon, ellen missannut sitten et oliko siellä. Eli selviytymissuodatin mallia pilli, tai sitten vaan tavallinen pilli lätäköiden litkimistä varten, mutta ehdottomasti joku muovipussi tai vastaava, jotta siihen voi sulattaa talvella juomavettä lumesta taskussa, ja sen kuljettamista varten.
Hyvä huomio. Minulla on ollut taiteltuna2l minigrip pussi juuri tuota varten ja siihen vedenpuhdistustabletteja, mutta olen huomannut, että pitkässä juoksussa nuo tabletit hajuavat paketistaan ja muussaantuvat pussin pohjalle. Eli tähän en ole vielä "täydellistä" systeemiä löytänyt. Jos oikea hätätilanne iskee, niin toki mitä vaan vettä kannattaa juoda ennemmin kuin kärsiä vakavista nestehukan seurauksista. Nestehukan seuraukset tulevat nopeammin ja kestävät pidempään kuin likaisen veden juomisesta aiheutuneet ongelmat, eli teoriassa ja hyvässä lykyssä pääset tilanteesta jo pois ennen kuin ongelmat alkavat. Kompromisseja.
Hello
Nice video , well I like a lot that kit, what’s the brand of the orange organiser , please can you tell me
Thanks keep it up
The organizer is made by Prometheus Design Werx. I believe there are other similar organizers out there as well.
@@TaivalOutdoors many thanks for replying .. keep
Up the good nature walks and good videos
Kätevä laukku! Oliko tuossa mukana nuo olkaimet ja vyöt?
On tottakai.
Great video! Where can i get the kitbag? Any europe website?
I've ordered from Equpt (Sweden) www.equipt.se/sv/varumarken/hill-people-gear.html but there's at least these two in Europe as well: www.tactical-kit.co.uk/hill-people-gear-291-c.asp outpost-shop.com/en/10_hill-people-gear
@@TaivalOutdoors thanks!
Great video. Which color is the bag, Foliage or Manatee?
Thanks. The bag is ranger green, but colors might be a bit off on camera.
@@TaivalOutdoors Ahhh Ranger Green was my first guess but it looked lighter. Thanks for the reply, take care!
What about Ruskies in the forest?
I don't live so close to the border anymore that they would be an issue.
Hyviä videoita. :) miten karttatasku, saitko sen kiinni jotenkin tohon gearkitbaggiin vai ihan vapaana?
Kiitti! Välissä on Velcro one-wrap tarraa jotka kiinnityvät karttataskun tarrapintoihin ja tuohon kitbagin pörrötarra selkämykseen.
What size is your kit bag?
I don't think there were size options when I got mine, but looking at their range right now I guess this would be the bigger one, so this: hillpeoplegear.com/Products/CategoryID/1/ProductID/71
@@TaivalOutdoors thanks for the reply and link!
Can you please tell me the name of your gloves in this video. I like them very much.
Sure thing! They are 5.11 Rope K9 gloves www.511tactical.com/rope-k-glove.html
@@TaivalOutdoors Thank you for responding
Also, can you please give me an idea of how waterproof this pack is ? Thank you.
I'm not aware of any chest bag that would be waterproof, but these are made of 500D nylon which is water resistant. If it's raining hard I'm wearing a poncho that covers this kit bag as well.
@@TaivalOutdoors Thank you for responding
What is the brand of jacket you are wearing?
UF PRO Striker XT in Concamo.
Can you please tell me the type of leather strop you are using in your HPG kit bag? Thank you.
It's by Skogsvana, but looks like he doesn't make those anymore www.skogsvana.co.uk/
thankyou
Exelente video
Muy buena información
No estaria de mas agregar alguna bolsa de plástico, en la que puedas recolectar agua y también algun mas medio de purificación como tabletas de cloro
Great video although, I didn’t see any water purification
Not sure if I had that yet during this video, but I have a few purification tablets in the same ziploc bag I have the spare lighter. Although of course it's good to mention that fire is the best water purification method and, generally speaking, fresh water in Finland is quite safe, especially in the north.
That kit is sick dude, I hope you don't mind me stealing your setup ;)
No problem, let me know if you come up with any improvements 👍
По моему мнению, не хватает влажных салфеток🌲 мало ли что
Put the tq pouch on the shoulder strap
Wouldn't work with a backpack.
Aika moinen läjä kamaa, mutta missä kiikarit on?
Kiikarit on ollut välillä tuossa GPS:n tilalla.
Jos haluaa edullisemman vastaavanlaisen kannattaa katsastaa Helikon-Tex Numbat.
Itse oon hakemassa jotain yksiolkaimista pientä reppua tai laukkua vyöllä metsästys käyttöön, johon mahtuu vähät eväät ja nokipannu.
Joo noita on pari muutakin kopiota tullut markkinoille nykyään. Ribz taisi olla yksi vaihtoehto kanssa.
@@TaivalOutdoors Numbatia minä käytän EDC-tavaroille joka päivä. Metsässä tämmöinen: i.postimg.cc/15kpPp30/002.jpg Se sisältää Bahco Laplander, Sissipuukko, kiikarin, tulentekovälineet, BCB-tarppi, tarpin pystytysvehkeen = kiiloja, narua, "mustekala"-kuminaruja.
You have no water?
I'd add a Platypus water "bottle" and Sawyer Mini filter.
You mean for emergency use? No I don't, been thinking about some ultralight bag option and water purification tablets, but haven't looked into it yet as there's water sources everywhere here in Finland.
@@TaivalOutdoors No, I mean for just regular drinking throughout the day. In this video there's no other visible backpack or water container?
Do you drink straight unfiltered water from various souces ? If so, from what kind of sources?
@@dash8465 Ah ok. This is my first line gear. Water carrier (usually Source hydration bladder, thermos during winter) is in my backpack along with kuksa. In Lapland I drink straight out of running water sources and every now and then from lakes too. In rest of the Finland I play it safe and filter through Katadyn Hiker Pro.
Hello, I have both, I first bought the HPG full size, I was totally disappointed, bad finishes, untidy, the interior part is really disappointing and costs $160, then I bought the 5.11 just like yours, it cost me a third of the HPG, It is very nice, very neat, well made, well thought out, with a lot of internal organization, the only thing I don't give it a 10 is the closures, there I give it a 9, but the HPG seems a shame to me, and the 5.11 I find charm.
If you got bears I would say at least have bear spray!! Whistle!
Yeah we got bears, but not like in Alaska/Canada where they can just wander into your camp. I do carry a loud safety whistle, but I must've got it after making this video.
U just need a way to filter water
I do carry a few backup water purification tablets in the kit bag, but I mainly use Katadyn Hiker Pro for water filtration.
@@TaivalOutdoors awwwww ok nice man nice I use a sawyer mini and a msr water filter that I carry in my hiking bag
If you're hiking close to the Russian border, you may want to carry your Moze... Just in case...
Seems like in rain/snow..everything would be soaked and destroyed in 30 seconds
Only thing that might be destroyed would be a paper map (everything else is waterproof), but for national parks and such I use waterproof maps anyway. Snow doesn't penetrate and neither does light drizzle. If it would be raining down real hard for a long time, I'd have my rain poncho on that cover this kit bag and my backpack.
@@TaivalOutdoors Mine will be here in 2 days.Ranger green. Cant wait. Will do a review. I had others (like HP) knockoff. lasted 2 weeksOne was more or less DOA, a third 6 weeks. I hope HP quality is more like Vanquest, 5/11 or Maxpedition than chinabad stuff.Found out about HP late,sadly. I normally just get good stuff first. Some claim they get 4-6 LBS in that lil thing, that seems crazy =P.I have not seen it yet in person. 6'9 340 jacked....hope it fits me =P
Semper FI
Gunny
It does fit a wide range of torsos, can't say for certain how it goes for you. In terms of max weight, I wouldn't put much more than what I have right now because then the back mesh panel starts riding quite high and push against your neck (as the kit bag gets dragged down by the weight).
@@TaivalOutdoors MAKING A CHANGE OR 2 NOW =p ua-cam.com/video/a2XICgAraQk/v-deo.html
@@TaivalOutdoors 20 LBS, WHEN HIGH IT EFFECTS EVEN MY NECK. AT FULL LOW ITS FINE
In USA we also have bear ,wolves and Wildcats not to mention crack heads rapists and serial killers human traffickers ,drug runners etc in our woods ,I will keep my gun ,just saying
Always better to be prepared.
Oisko mahollista tehdä suomenkielinen video
You forgot badgers, those sob´s can smell fear from miles a way!
funny listening no non americans justify why they dont need a gun because they cant have one lol
Sure we can have one, we just can't carry it around "just in case".
very bad and sloppy construction, crooked stitching, the zippers do not say ykk (I doubt they are), in the photos on the H.P.G website the zipper pullers come with plastic, they arrived to me only with poor quality paracord, the The chest harness straps are of poor quality, a shame, H P G totally disappointed me, I bought 2 full size chest packs and a medium, all three came equally untidy and poorly made
Really, that's strange! I think they're always been considered high quality, premium even. Made in America. I ordered mine a few years ago so not sure if quality has declined since.