For Bob and Angie, the UP is more than just a vacation destination; it's a way of life.
Bob's roots in the Upper Peninsula run deep, with a childhood intertwined with Northern Michigan. Regular family trips to the lakes and trails around Crystal Falls, where much of his extended family still resides today, painted his formative years with memories of adventure and simplicity. These experiences not only shaped his love for the Northwoods, but instilled in him an appreciation for family, tradition, and the simple joys of life. Now, as a father, he cherishes the opportunity to pass down these traditions, bringing his own children & wife to the same cabin that has been a cornerstone of their family for generations.
Yooper Life isn't just a brand; it's a passion project born from Bob and Angie Hawke's profound love of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Their journey began with a simple wish: to carry a piece of the UP wherever they went. But when they searched for gear that captured the beauty and simplicity of the North in styles and colors they loved, nothing seemed to fit. Frustrated by the lack of options, they decided to put their backgrounds in graphic design to work and take matters into their own hands. Angie crafted logos that Bob brought to life through embroidery and engraving, creating unique pieces to share with friends, family, and neighbors. As requests grew for more colors and new products, they realized they had something special—and Yooper Life was born.
In the fabric of Yooper Life, the difference is in the thread.
We chose embroidery over screen printing for our logos because it offers a superior and more durable result. Embroidery creates a textured, raised design that not only looks more premium but also lasts longer, withstanding the test of time and countless adventures in the Northwoods.
The product line continues to expand beyond premium apparel to other UP essentials, including stainless steel tumblers for keeping drinks cold on the lake, coozies to keep your hands warm on the ice, caps to keep the sun off your faces on the dock, and knit hats to keep the frost off your ears on the trails.
Each new product idea is inspired by a need discovered while up north, meticulously crafted to ensure they can stand up to the chaos of summers on the boat and winters by the fire and last long enough to become your favorite old sweatshirt or your lucky fishing drink tumbler.
