Having returned from our annual trip to bwca, I want to recognize Hungary Jack Outfitters along the Gunflint Trail for their excellent bunkhouse accommodations and their mattresses in particular. In over 20 years in bunkhouses in the Gunflint area, Ely area, Crane lake area, and Canada, we have never slept on anything even close to the quality they have invested in for good sleeping by their customers.

Bill, owner of a small Kansas City mattress building firm, has been in the business for over 50 years of nearly 100 years of the firm. He knows his product and studied what we slept on and proclaimed it to be excellent quality. A mattress some 8 to inches thick and built to be flippable for extended wear over time as in my case at home, over 20 years for each of the two I have purchased from Bill. These at HJO did not come from Bill. The mattress used by HJO is firm and does not sag like so much of the worn out and cheap bedding we have seen over the years.

Mattresses of this quality are not available at any price from the 3 major mattress firms (all three of those firms names start with the letter S.)

Dave & Nancy have always run a nice operation. They are wonderful folks and always go the extra mile. It's always good stepping into that office and difficult to say good bye!

Cannot speak for mattress companies, but I agree that most of the bunkhouses on the Gunflint have horrid ones. One in particular-will not name it-is so bad that when I stay there I sleep on the floor.

That said, Tuscarora has some decent mattresses. Never stayed at HJO, but you just gave a compelling reason to do so!

I had never noticed that now that you mention it. I always have a terrible time sleeping there but its not due to the quality of the bedding, its because some of the members of our party fall asleep as soon as their head hits the pillow... then the snoring begins :-s

That said, HJO is one of my favorite outfitters to deal with. They know their stuff!

Hex

during my outfitter days, all our bunkhouses and canoer cabins had real mattresses. we purchased them from the Symbol company. they delivered up the Trail so we tried to get as many businesses to order for the same delivery date to share the shipping. they didn't take any used beds, which was a bummer. the quality of their product is outstanding.

I have to agree with Dan, (who I met at HJO last week) they were great. Slept very well.