I was tidying up my remote workshop and cutting some cedar 2×4s into 2×2s on my table saw for some under supports. My saw jammed as I was pushing the wood through. When I went to adjust it, the saw unexpectedly propelled the 2×4 right into my abdomen. I went flying to the ground and felt the wind knocked out of me. I reached under my coat to see if everything was in place and saw blood all over my hands. I thought I was impaled and about to die.
I was assessed immediately by a nurse whose mouth dropped when she saw what happened and I was rushed for a CT scan to ensure my liver was intact. I had never been through an ER so fast. The doctor who saw me said “if you hadn’t been wearing your jacket you’d be dead. The 2×4 would have gone right through you.” I’ll never forget those words.

Every time I put it on I think back to that day and thank my lucky coat for saving my life that day.

A couple of years ago, I was riding my ATV with my hunting guide out to camp to ensure the path was clear so others could get in and out. There was a massive tree hanging over the path and we couldn’t get past it. I hopped off the ATV and pulled out my trusty Stihl chainsaw to help clear it.

There was a lot of tension on the tree because it was hung up on some jack pines. I got about 3/4 of the way through and the saw must have hit a knot. Without warning, it kicked back and swung at my leg. I looked down and sure enough, my overalls resisted the chain just enough to protect my leg—only the first layer was cut. My guide and I looked at each other in amazement and simply couldn’t believe how lucky I had gotten.

Now, whenever I hop onto my ATV to head out to camp I always double check to make sure I’m wearing my Tough Ducks!

As the founder of Bikers for Autism (BFA), I wanted to incorporate my passion for motorcycles into the journey of raising funds and building acceptance and inclusion in support for individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). When you combine that with our motto – Look Bad, Do Good – it meant we needed the right apparel.

It was through our extended family at Cotton Canvas where I first learned of Tough Duck’s Quilt Lined Vest. Joel Hersey and Jason Flynn, Cotton Canvas’ owners helped source/produce high quality apparel for our branded charitable clothing and suggested it would be a good fit. They were right!

I’ve ruined and lost a fair amount of jackets and vests on these adventures and somehow this Tough Duck vest has passed the proverbial test and is now my must-have go-to accessory for any future excursion. I highly recommend you get one and begin your epic journey together.

To this day Tough Duck has become our standard work attire for all work on our farm and home.

I’ve been crazy about nature and the thrill of the hunt for as long as I can remember. I came to Quebec, Canada in 1999 to advance my industrial design career and instantly started enjoying the wilderness of the province. It didn’t take long to realize I needed to buy some proper gear. Being new to Canada I wanted to support a Canadian company and find apparel that would last. That’s when I discovered Tough Duck.