Gregory Goes There

After subjecting his wife’s Electra pack to the abuses of traveling the world, the waist belt on her pack broke. In preparation for another trip abroad, Matt Zabloski contacted Gregory and the response he received from one of our enthusiastic staff members was beyond his expectation. The following letter was written in response to his communication with Mark Bishop, one of our great customer service representatives.

Dear Gregory,

About four years ago my wife bought an Electra model Gregory backpack before we travelled to Southeast Asia/India for 3.5 months. With all the hikes and cramming on buses/taxis/tuk-tuks/boats/planes etc the backpack was the victim of more than its fair share of abuse. A few months later, friends of ours travelled to Europe and asked to borrow our packs submitting it once again to similar types of abuse. Then about a year ago, my brother and his wife took the pack to South America and somehow, crammed on to a water taxi, they managed to do what I thought impossible, which was to break my wife’s pack. To be more specific, they snapped off one side of the plastic hip belt.

Surprised at this, I emailed customer support at Gregory and informed them of what had happened. My wife and I were planning another backpacking trip, this time to the Galapagos Islands and Peru, and were hoping to have her pack fixed in time for the trip. Not having the original receipt or any registration, I was planning on spending some decent money in getting the pack fixed, as I knew that it was a quality product.

I got a response from Mark Bishop informing me that if I would ship the pack to Quebec they’d have it fixed as soon as possible (at no charge) and then have it shipped back. I was impressed. Unfortunately due to my lack of foresight I was worried that if I were to ship the pack to Quebec, have it fixed, and then have it shipped back that it might not have returned in time to make our trip. I informed Mark of my concerns. No problem. He advised me in his next email that he’d just shipped out the replacement part and gave me instructions on how to replace the piece. The piece arrived and I replaced the broken belt on the pack.

I can’t say how truly impressed I am both with Gregory’s quality products and the incredibly helpful staff. It feels these days as if a lot of companies are trying to cut corners in order to maximize profit. It seems as though quality and customer service, although great catch phrases, are two of the first casualties of companies ‘trimming the fat.’ It is great to see a company that still stands behind its product and still employs people who are bent on delivering the best possible experience long after the money has exchanged hands. Rest assured I will be happily recommending your product to anyone interested as it’s been awhile since I’ve had such a good experience with a company and a product.

Thank you very much, Matt Zabloski

We’re psyched to hear about Matt’s great experience with Gregory.  More importantly, we’re thrilled to hear that he will be taking his pack on yet another great adventure.  So, thanks for the feedback Matt.

This is one example of the many great letters that we have received over the years where gratified customers tell us about their adventures. We are proud of the quality of our packs and do everything we can to offer the best costumer service possible.

Tell us about your experiences with our packs and keep those letters coming!

Gregory backpacks are popular all over the world. In particular, consumers in Asian countries such as Japan tend to gravitate to our products.

As proof, the Z™ 40 won Backpack of the Year honors for 2011 from Monomax magazine. Monomax is not an outdoor magazine, where one might expect to see Gregory garner awards, but instead Monomax covers all types of consumer goods, ranging from electronics to watches. This type of magazine is common in Asia and is routinely enjoyed by Japanese men who are looking for ideas for new consumer goods purchases. In fact, there are at least 10 different magazines in the category. Monomax sells about 100,000 copies of each issue so it reaches a considerable number of consumers in Japan.

For the Backpack of the Year issue, numerous packs from various manufacturers were tested and in the end the Z 40 came out on top. The magazine indicates that three features in particular help the Z 40 stand out. The comfortable CrossFlo DTS suspension, integrated rain cover, and front zip-through access all combine to make the Z 40 a great pack and one worthy of Monomax’s award.

Designer Mark Thibadeau, who we introduced you to last week, designed the pack and was even included in the magazine. Many magazines that give out product awards only feature the product and not the designer. According to Mark, “I’m psyched about this award in Monomax Magazine! The Z 40 is one of my favorite packs and it’s gratifying to know the testers at Monomax Magazine agree.”

If you’ve never tried out the Z 40, you can learn more about it here: http://www.gregorypacks.com/products/mens/technical/254/z-40.

The Teva Mountain Games have been popular for years but have been limited to summer sports…until now. The winter version of the decade-old summer games will be held this weekend, February 10 – 12 in Vail, Colorado.  The summer games have been growing steadily for years and now it’s time to let winter athletes in on the action.

On-snow bike events include a dual slalom, a cyclocross bike criterium and a best trick event that boasts a $10,000 prize purse. In this event, freeride mountain bikers will huck themselves off a massive snow feature, scoring points for big air, trick difficulty and distinctive style. Not to be outdone by the bikers, telemark skiers will compete in their own big air competition. Free heelers going huge for cash? I’ve got to see this!

For the skinny ski and spandex crowd, the ski mountaineering competition is a high speed uphill and downhill tour of Vail Mountain that offers a $5,000 prize purse. Despite growing interest in domestic skimo races, this is the largest purse ever presented at a U.S. Ski Mountaineering Association-sanctioned race.

The skimo race is part of the Ultimate Mountain Challenge (UMC), a three-day, three-discipline competition in which athletes vie for the titles of Ultimate Mountain Man and Woman, along with cash awards. The other two UMC events are the Nordic Freestyle 10k and the Vail Uphill, a 2,200-foot ascent of Vail Mountain using any human powered means necessary.

Climbers have reason to get excited as well with a mixed climbing competition that offers payouts of  $8,000 across all divisions. Top climbers from around the country will compete in this fast-paced, spectator-friendly event where climbers use ice tools to ascend a 50-foot wall in a head-to-head test of power, endurance and agility.

Other events include the Cross Country Snowshoe 5k and 10k run, dog demos and the Seven Wonders of Vail presented by GoPro, where skiers and riders test their strength and strategy by completing runs on all seven of Vail Mountain’s world famous Back Bowls in one day.

In addition to the athletic competitions, this mountain-lifestyle festival includes free outdoor concerts, a photographic competition, an outdoor film series and after parties throughout Vail Village. If you want to see some of the best athletes compete in crazy competitions, come on out to Vail this weekend and enjoy the action!

Last week, we introduced you to Gregory’s new Intuition 3D line of packs, the Savant for men and Sage for women. Now it’s time to meet Mark Thibadeau, the man behind that versatile line of packs.

Mark relaxing after a day on the trail.

GGT: How long have you worked at Gregory and in what role(s)?
I’ve been designing packs and bags here at Gregory for 7 years.

GGT: What are your favorite activities outside of work?
I’m into long walks on the beach, getting caught in the rain…pretty standard really. I also love to get out on a mountain bike – that’s my thing.

GGT: What is your favorite Gregory product and why?
I’ve been really into organization lately, and have been using a bunch of our small pouches that we make for the Asia/Pacific Market. They’re great for chargers, cords, headlamps, etc.

GGT: What is one thing that someone would never guess about you?
I’ve done my fair share of stage acting.

GGT: What is Gregory’s strongest brand attribute in your mind?
We’re approachable. Gregory is all about enjoying the time that you spend outside, whatever you’re doing. I think most people can relate to that.

GGT: What’s your favorite “Wayneism”?
For me, Wayne’s outdoor fashion sense takes the cake. He’ll show up for hikes wearing some pretty outrageous gear combinations. Check out the picture below. It’s kind of hard to see but notice that he is wearing two (two!) pairs of gaiters, one of which is bright yellow.

Wayne Gregory wearing two pairs of gaiters!

We were in Salt Lake City, Utah last week to show Gregory’s Fall 2012 products to outdoor retailers. The Border travel pack and Alpinisto mountaineering pack were very well received (see here and here) but there was also a considerable amount of buzz around Gregory’s Spring 2012 products which are reaching retail stores right now. While at the OR show, I caught up with product designer Mark Thibadeau to learn more about the packs that he designed.

GGT: Name and line of backpacks that you designed.
MT: Intuition 3D Suspension, Savant and Sage packs.

GGT: What are the main features of the backpacks that you designed?
MT: The main features of the bag include a water resistant top pocket, large organization pockets, and a horseshoe shaped zipper for easy access to the main compartment.

GGT: What type of person will find these backpacks most useful?
MT: The Savant/Sage were designed with a range of users in mind, and I think we ended up with packs that are very user friendly in general. I think anyone that wants a pack for all around outdoor use will love them.

GGT: What activities or sports are best suited to these backpacks?
MT: My Savant 38 is what I always use for fast overnights. I also load it up with my MTB gear when I’m heading to the trailhead. This pack actually gets more use than any of my other packs and I have a lot of packs!

GGT: Did you use any innovative materials or design techniques in your backpacks? What are they?
MT: We decided early in the design process that water resistance should be one of the key features of these models. As with rain jackets, packs usually only leak water on their seams. The coated fabrics that we use will naturally withstand a moderate amount of water pressure. So, we set about to reduce the number of seams and leakage points where water hits first, the top pocket. You may notice that the top pocket on the Savant and Sage packs looks a bit different than on some of our other products, and that’s because of its unique water resistant construction. In addition, we added a modified roll-top to help seal the zippered closure.

GGT: What served as your inspiration while designing these backpacks?
MT: I was excited to work on a product for a more general user — a person willing to step out of their comfort zone and try something completely new. Many of us take this for granted, but getting outside for the first time can be a pretty scary proposition. That person, I think, was my inspiration.

It became an interesting design challenge as well. Often, we associate fewer features and less technical design with entry-level product. But in reality, these users have very different, and often very technical, needs of their own. So, I tried to place myself in their shoes and then wonder what my concerns would be.

Also, check out a video that shows some of the features of these user-friendly packs.

Savant and Sage Packs from Gregory Packs on Vimeo.

Last week, we introduced you to John McGuire and the new Fury and Freia packs that he designed. This week, meet the man behind the packs in our Gregory staff profile.

GGT: How long have you worked at Gregory and in what role(s)?
JM: 2 years. Product Designer.

GGT: What are your favorite activities outside of work?
JM: Trail running, skiing, fly fishing, backpacking, and coming home to a cold beer.

GGT: What is your favorite Gregory product and why?
JM: Hmmm…tough one. Gotta go with the Baltoro 75. When you’re comfort backpacking, there’s nothing better. Wayne’s 3D harness is a thing of beauty.

GGT: What is one thing that someone would never guess about you?
JM: I can’t write that here. The second thing that someone would never guess is that I spent my 20s living in the inner city. I grew up in a small town doing  outdoor things all the time. Friends from home think I’ve been doing the same thing all along. My city friends wonder how I’m surviving in Salt Lake City!

GGT: What is Gregory’s strongest brand attribute in your mind?
JM: Form follows function.

GGT: What’s your favorite “Wayneism”?
JM: I love watching Wayne call bullshit on people’s design and pattern work.  He gets really fired up sometimes, but he’s usually right.

John McGuire at Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, Utah.

It’s 2012. Happy New Year! Here at Gregory, we’re pysched about 2012 because some of our best products ever are coming to market this year. And given our years of experience making great backpacks, that’s saying something!

One new line of packs this year is the Kinetic FTS in the Active Trail category. Designed for any “done-in-a-day” activity, these fully featured packs are perfect for peak-baggers, adventure racers, and even minimalist thru hikers. The Fury for men and Freia for women are sweet packs that we think you’ll love when you get them out on the trail!

We caught up with John McGuire, designer of the Fury and Freia, to learn a bit more about his inspiration while designing these packs.

GGS: What are the main features of the backpacks that you designed?
JM: These packs have everything for most technical pursuits.  They’re light but still tough enough to get the job done.

GGS: What type of person will find these backpacks most useful?
JM: Someone opting for a light and flexible suspension.  We trimmed the features to satisfy minimalists, but kept enough for gear organization.

GGS: What activities or sports are best suited to these backpacks?
JM: We’ve done everything with them. They work great for light overnights, ice climbing, backcountry skiing, and long day hikes.

GGS: Did you use any innovative materials or design techniques in your backpacks? What are they?
JM: I have 2 favorites. First is the ventilation channel on the harnesses that provides airflow without sacrificing stability. Second is the top lid design on the larger packs (40L and 32L for men, 38L and 30L for women) that opens in reverse, which really cleans up gear organization on the front of the pack.

GGS: What served as your inspiration while designing these backpacks?
JM: These packs are for moving fast, so I wanted everything to look and feel streamlined and integrated.

In addition, here’s a video that shows what the Fury and Freia can do out on the trail.

Fury and Freia Packs from Gregory Packs on Vimeo.

Full Name:
George Richard McCloskey IV (that’s right)

How long have you worked at Gregory and in what role(s)?
5+ years. I started out in customer service handling dealer sales, consumer technical questions, and warranty. I’ve worked my way into the marketing department overseeing events, trade shows, social networking, pro purchase sales, and consumer technical questions.

What are your favorite activities outside of work?
Skiing is my #1 favorite, closely followed by just about anything outdoors. I enjoy rock climbing, backpacking, hiking, camping, golf, fishing…you name it.

What is your favorite Gregory product and why?
Probably the Z35r. It was one of the first packs that I tried out when I started at Gregory and I still use it all the time.

What is one thing that someone would never guess about you?
I have a twin brother.

What’s your favorite “Wayneism”?
“Question: When did you get your shoe size? Answer: When you started buying your own shoes!”
Out of context this doesn’t make much sense but it is Wayne’s way of saying that your parents probably bought you shoes that you could “grow into.”  When you purchase your own shoes, you actually purchase shoes that fit you, much like you do with purchasing a backpack that fits properly.

George McCloskey at Alta, UT. Photo by aFeinPhoto.com.

On Sunday December 11, CBS hit TV show “The Amazing Race“ crowned its winners. After 10 countries, 20 cities and more than 30,000 miles, Chicagoans Ernie Halvorsen and Cindy Chiang won! For more on the race, check out this article in US Weekly.

Here at Gregory, we were excited because Cindy wore a Gregory pack throughout the show! We recently caught up with Cindy to learn a bit more about her experience on the show.

GGT: What initially attracted you to trying out for The Amazing Race?
I watched “The Amazing Race” for many years because I love to travel and I love extreme activities. When Ernie and I started dating, we watched the show together and would often play the game from home like many others. We would decide who would do which Roadblock and which Detour we would pick. After watching together for a few seasons, I convinced Ernie we would make a great team. We submitted our 3-minute video and hoped for the best!

GGT: What are your favorite activities when you’re not on TV?
I spend my weekends biking or running along Lake Michigan or through the trails on the north side of Chicago. I also love to travel to different places around the world, particularly developing countries or locations untouched by tourism. At home, I’m either cooking, reading or watching TV.

GGT: What is one thing that someone would never guess about you?
I’m an adrenaline junkie! I’m scared of heights but will still bungee jump or skydive just to experience the thrill of my stomach dropping. But, I’m also a really shy person, especially when I first meet someone.

GGT: How long did “The Amazing Race” last?
The filming lasted about 23 – 25 days. The show aired for 12 weeks on CBS.

GGT: What was your favorite place that you visited during “The Amazing Race?”
I really enjoyed visiting Taiwan where my parents grew up and where my brother was living at the time. I had never been there before and it was a fantastic chance to get to see part of my heritage. I also loved rappelling into the cave “Goa Jablong” in Indonesia. It felt like we were in pre-historic times! Then we had to run into the cave through very thick mud, and at the end was a gentleman playing the most beautiful music. It was really a little piece of paradise.

GGT: What was the strangest thing you had to do while on the show?
The scariest thing I had to do was tightrope across two very tall buildings in Panama City. I have a fear of heights, but I try to never let that deter me. I kept my focus on Ernie, who was on the other building, and slowly made my way across the rope to retrieve our next clue. It was exhilarating, but I wouldn’t chose to do that on my own!

GGT: What made you choose the Gregory Deva 60 for your race?
I have been traveling with my Gregory Deva 60 for a few years. It is extremely durable and trustworthy and has several pockets for me to stow away my belongings. I particularly like the pockets on the waist strap for easy access! I have a petite frame, so it can be difficult to find a pack that fits me well. The Deva was perfect because it can adjust it to fit my short torso!

GGT: How did the pack perform?
The Deva was a perfect partner for me on the race. I had to carry everything we needed for the month of travel and it was spacious enough for several changes of clothes, a spare pair of shoes and a winter parka.

GGT: Would you use a Gregory pack for another adventure in the future?
My pack has been around the world, literally, and has never failed. I am planning to bring my pack on my next adventure to Tibet and maybe Bhutan!

We talk about backpack fit all the time. It’s in our blood. It’s a big deal because if you don’t have a pack that fits you correctly, you won’t be comfortable carrying it.

Our founder Wayne Gregory has been designing backpacks for over 40 years so he’s learned a thing or two about what makes a pack fit. Among other things, he was the first to design packs in sizes that mimic the user’s torso length.

Check out the video below to watch Wayne explain how to properly fit a backpack and remember, fit is king.