Gregory Goes There

Editor’s Note: At our core, we’re hikers. Yes, we mountain bike, trail run, rock climb, and ski but we always come back to hiking. It’s just so easy to grab a pack, throw some provisions in it and head out with family or friends for a hike.

To that end, we always are excited to support other hikers and organizations that benefit them. One great one is the American Hiking Society. On June 1, 2013 they are putting on their annual National Trails Day with events in all 50 states. Now, that’s an event that we can get behind! Check out the full press release below for more information about how we’re getting involved and to find an event near you, click here.

American Hiking Society is proud to announce a new partnership with Gregory, which has been developing innovative backpacks that enhance the outdoor experience for more than 30 years. In its new role as a sponsor of National Trails Day®, Gregory joins other leading outdoor manufacturers and retailers in supporting AHS’ efforts to promote and protect America’s hiking trails, their surrounding natural areas, and the hiking experience.

“By signing on as a sponsor of National Trails Day®, Gregory has clearly demonstrated that the company understands the importance of protecting the special places where its customers enjoy hiking, camping, and other outdoor sports. In supporting National Trails Day®, Gregory is helping to encourage Americans of all ages to get outside and join the 21st annual countrywide celebration of stewardship, recreation, and exploration on America’s trails,” commented Greg Miller, American Hiking Society’s President.

“Gregory is proud to support American Hiking Society and National Trails Day®. A primary focus of our product development is to enhance outdoor experiences and this more often than not, begins on a Trail. Gregory believes strongly in the mission of AHS and the need to preserve our natural resources for outdoor recreation,” stated Bill Kulczycki, Gregory Brand President.

National Trails Day® events are organized and hosted across the country by hiking clubs, trail organizations, businesses, community groups, and government agencies. National Trails Day® events can involve a broad array of activities, including hiking, backpacking, bike riding, trail maintenance, birding, wildlife photography, geocaching, paddle trips, trail running, trail dedications, health-focused programs, children’s activities, and more.

“National Trails Day provides an excellent opportunity for us to remind all hikers about the importance of being appropriately prepared so that they can safely enjoy their outdoor adventures, and part of the message involves taking along a well-stocked daypack or backpack that contains essential items such as food, water, and safety gear. We are happy to have a corporate partner who can supply this important item to our members,” said Miller.

About American Hiking Society
Founded in 1976, American Hiking Society is the only national, recreation-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s hiking trails, their surrounding natural areas and the hiking experience. To learn more about American Hiking Society and its mission and programs, visit http://www.americanhiking.org or call (301) 565-6704.

Caroline, www.carolinegleich.com, continues her mountaineering education and training at the Exum Mountain Guides Live to Ski camp, http://www.exumguides.com/?page_id=6&progId=24.

We went up in the Tetons with a big objective on our minds. We packed in gear for an overnighter so we could get the summit early. Even when my Gregory pack was loaded with tent, sleeping bag, skis and other gear, it carried amazingly well which is why I love their packs so much. They are so versatile. In the morning, we ascended Buck Mountain, http://www.summitpost.org/buck-mountain/151386, via the East Ridge in beautiful sunrise light. For me, the sunrises and sunsets in the mountains are part of the thrill and appeal. We skied down the east face of Buck in almost perfect corn.

Trail Days 2013, in Damascus, VA, is right around the corner. It runs from May 17 through 19 and we’ll be there as always along with some 20,000 other AT enthusiasts. It’s a celebration of the Appalachian Trail (The AT) and if you are unfamiliar, check out the website for an idea of what goes on therehttp://traildays.us/.  Damascus is a small rural town along the Appalachian Trail of about 1,000 residents (toted by many as the friendliest town along the AT) that swells closer to the 20,000 or more mark for the weekend (it sure feels that way).  You can imagine what the vibe is like: current thru-hikers recharging their batteries, area locals getting a taste of the trail life, and past hikers who come back as a reunion of sorts.

This event is what we call a ‘support’ event.  We are not there to sell or even really show products, but rather to provide support for those hiking the trail (and not just Gregory pack owners – and not just packs either).  We are also able to gather some valuable market research by talking with hikers and finding out what they like and don’t like about their gear. We can then use tis valuable information to improve our product offering

We set up shop near tent city and bring Irma, our master sewer, along with the Man, the Myth, the Legend, Wayne Gregory himself to provide all sorts of repairs.  We fix seams, zippers, patches, and even provide a couple of on the trail custom repairs and rebuilds.  In the past we’ve mended some clothes (your welcome Officer Lloyd) and built some sort of hammock quilt out of a yard-sale sleeping bag (that guy was STOKED!).

Throughout the event, we meet a ton of people from all walks of life, all areas of the country, and all around the world.  We truly make some lifelong friends every year we attend this event. Every event we attend will have its own share of giveaways and contests.  The Get-Out-More, Backpacker Magazine crew gave away about $50,000 worth of donated gear (including some Gregory packs). This year we’ll hold our ‘Guess the Weight’ contest where hikers test their pack weighing skills with the closest to the actual weight winning the pack – we put a fair amount of random itmes in there to throw everyone off. We’ll also hold Fit clinics to make sure everyone is properly sized for their backpack – Get Fit, Get a Prize.

The town of Damascus provides showers, entertainment, food, and music for any in need.  Trail Days is not short on fun, libations, and even drum circles, bonfires and dancing.  Last year we witnessed an on-the-trail wedding between two hikers!  They met the year before at Trail Days, finished the AT together and were engaged on the top of Mt. Katahdin. Congratualtions!

Here’s a look at some of the folks we met last year. https://vimeo.com/44043313 If you’re there, do stop by and say hi!

Caroline, www.carolinegleich.com, continues her mountaineering education and training at the Exum Mountain Guides Live to Ski camp, http://www.exumguides.com/?page_id=6&progId=24.

Headed up in Grand Teton National Park to ski Mt. Albright, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albright_Peak. A long, hot approach in the sun, but breathtaking scenery. At the top, we roped up for some cornice cuts, rappelled in over a big cornice and skied the steep exposed northeast couloir on belay. Such great skills to have!

Once we descended, we did an afternoon session focusing on knots and rope management. I can now tie a clove hitch and munter knot with my eyes closed.

Tomorrow we head into the woods for an overnight in pursuit of a big objective. More soon!

Caroline Gleich, www.carolinegleich.com, is quite the established athlete and a long time friend of Gregory. She’s helped us as a tester for product development and as a model for several photo shoots. Her skiing ambitions are impressive and she charges every endeavor with a positive attitude and determination.

When she started talking about a new “Live to Ski” ski mountaineering camp established by Exum Mountain Guides in Jackson, WY (http://www.exumguides.com/?page_id=6&progId=24), we jumped at the chance to get on board and track her progress. Here’s her update from Day 1:

Update from Live to Ski ski mountaineering camp day 1. Long approach into Grand Teton National Park to ski Hourglass Couloir on Nez Perce Mountain. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nez_Perce_Peak  Beautiful sunrise, looks like the bears are out to play too. Spent the afternoon working on snow and rock anchors and belayed skiing techniques. Life saving knowledge in an amazing place with a rad crew! So stoked to be up in the Tetons – and my Gregory pack made all those transitions so easy!

Stay tuned for more updates…

Editor’s Note: The following trip report was filed by Alex Gavic.

This season was my first spending any significant time in Little Cottonwood Canyon, just outside of Salt Lake City, Utah. Early in the season, a buddy of mine at Snowbird told me something about the Y Couloir. Once I caught a glimpse of it, I put it on my list of “things to do.” The Y Couloir is 3200 vertical feet, and a sustained 45-degree pitch from top to bottom. It is a thing of beauty.

It was the middle of January, and the Wasatch was having a decent snow year. For the past two months, my crew and I had been doing a lot of filming in and out of Grizzly Gulch. On the way home, I finally saw a set of tracks in the Y. I looked at my buddy Shane with great emphasis saying, “No way! Someone hit it. Look, look. Tracks down the Y!” He was astonished. Next snow storm, I wanted those tracks.

The next week it had snowed about 10 inches or so. I was all over the Utah Avalanche Center’s website, waiting and watching stability. The Y Couloir is one that you only dare to ascend while avalanche conditions are stable. One slough from above will take you on a ride. Not a pleasant ride for that matter. Once they gave the green light, Shane Hillyard, James Buehler and myself prepared to go get it.

We set out from Park City at 4am. Shane, a good friend, comes along on all of our crazy adventures to document the ride. As James and I set out with headlamps into the woods, Shane hiked the adjacent wall to set up a film angle. 10 minutes through the woods, over the Little Cottonwood Stream, and to the base of the Y, it was evident that we were in for the adventure of the season (and quite possibly our lives) so far. Rocks, that implied “don’t mess up or I will ruin your day” littered the bottom of the couloir. We pushed forward, setting the boot pack. Zig zagging through these rocks on the little bit of snow that there was, with a 45 degree pitch was inevitably a “puckering” experience. With100-foot rock walls on either side of us, and dark skies, we were given a quick reality check from this beast of a line.

Powder, wind buff, and ice were the conditions we dealt with up the first half of the couloir. Right about half way, James and I ran into a mandatory rock shelf that we had to climb over. The combo of a tight choke in the chute, and ice forced the endorphins to rush through our veins. Step after step, we climbed our way to the peak. With the upper half of the couloir being boot deep powder, we set the trail to the top. 5 hours later, we were there.

A couple photos, some water and snacks, and it was time to drop. James insisted that this was my crazy idea, and that I drop first. The first thousand vertical feet were some very pleasant powder turns. After racing down the upper half with my slough river, I headed into the choke of the couloir for another thousand feet or so, which created a wind tunnel from the top, causing the great snow to turn into a wind buff alleyway. This is where I hit the mandatory air and the chute that goes down to as little as 4 feet wide. A loss of control here would be a dangerous and most definitely a painful experience.

The first half of the bottom was decent snow. Another boot deep powder section allowed for some nice powder turns before turning into a shark tank. Once I hit this rocky zone, I was carefully picking my way down the boot pack. In one of these rocky corridors, I almost found myself falling backwards 15 feet into the jagged rocks below. A few more billy goat sections, and a crab walk over 10 feet of dirt and rock got me to the bottom.

How great it was to be down in one piece. I radioed to James and Shane letting them know I was down, and I waited for James to meet me at the bottom. Once he made it down we bushwhacked back through the forest, over the stream and hiked back up to the road. A few high fives and stories of our runs later and we were back in the car, headed back to Park City by noon. It was a very humbling experience that none of us will ever forget. The Y Couloir has a powerful aura, instilled in the hearts of those that have ascended and descended, that is not to be taken lightly.

For a video that shows the action live, check out: http://vimeo.com/59108290.

Ever since our Border travel pack debuted last fall, most of us at Gregory have lugged it everywhere. It just works. For keeping electronics, papers, water bottles, and workout clothes organized and for traveling through airports, there’s nothing better. It’s become not only our travel backpack, but also our everyday; lug your stuff around, backpack. It’s become so ubiquitous around the office that we often mix them up for each other’s packs.

So, after using the backpack for several months, we opened the new Outside Buyer’s Guide today to find an awesome, full-page picture of the Border 35 on page 119! It’s a beautiful image and it’s to announce that the pack has been award Gear of the Year from the magazine! We’ve always known that the Border is a sweet backpack but we’re even more psyched that the gear testers and editors at Outside agree! This award is especially sweet because the award adds to the haul of accolades that Gregory has already collected in 2013, including an ISPO award for the Targhee™ 32 and “best luggage” for the Alpaca™ 28 as part of Outside’s Active Travel Awards.

Loyal readers of this blog will know that In addition to the 35L model, the Border is available in 18 and 25 liters. All models feature an innovative “butterfly” opening that is TSA compatible to allow the bag to go through security screenings without the hassle and delay of removing electronics. The 25L and the 35L versions comfortably carry 15-inch and 17-inch laptops respectively. The back panel easily integrates with the existing Gregory wide handled luggage to create a fully integrated system for the savvy traveler. Additional compartments and interior organizing pockets make the backpack extremely versatile for anything from a coffee shop run to an international business trip.

The Outside Buyer’s Guide not only highlights the very best in adventure gear, from sports equipment, tools, and gadgets to footwear, outerwear, and sunglasses, but also calls out the best values in each class. This year’s summer edition contains over two dozen ‘Killer Values’ — as well as 170 products under $150—in everything from mountain-bike shoes to waterproof cameras. Now in its 18th year, the annual summer Buyer’s Guide reaches over 1.3 million readers and will be on newsstands all summer, from April 26th through July 22 and at Outside Online. So, grab a copy and get out there!

It’s awards season and Gregory keeps on chugging along, adding even more recognition to our haul. 

This time it’s Outside, which honored the Alpaca 22 with “Best Luggage” as part of the magazine’s Active Travel Awards. The honor was presented in the April issue.

To select this year’s awards, Outside tapped its global network of correspondents, who spent months on the road traveling from the Philippines to Switzerland to Namibia and then some, to report a definitive roundup of the best new adventures, secret paradises, mountain epics, stunning beaches, airline deals, gorgeous islands, and more. The result is an excited read that will definitely leave you wanting to bust out from behind your computer screen and get on with an adventure.

For you loyal readers, you already know that the 22-inch, 55-liter Alpaca 22 Roller Duffle is a burly, no-frills gear and clothing hauler suited for any travel adventure you have in mind. Constructed from bomber TPU fabric that is both abrasion and water resistant, this carry-on sized bag offers the protection you need when faced with the unexpected. It features the Gregory Custom Chassis with wide handle design to maximize interior space and deliver stable rolling. This design moves the handle frame that typically cuts through the middle of wheeled suitcases to the exterior of the bag, so that the bottom of the bag is flat. The wide bag-width handle design provides greater stability when rolling the bag, along with more hand positions for greater maneuverability. The handle also provides a generous and stable platform to support additional bags. The Alpaca’s oversized custom injection molded ball bearing wheels are designed to roll just about anywhere, but when faced with a steep staircase or other obstacles, the bag’s deployable padded strap allows you to sling the bag over your shoulder, or wear it as a backpack.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab the April issue of Outside, an Alpaca 22 and get out the door!

Eliminate Bounce. Eliminate Slosh. For the past few years, we’ve been pestered by some local friends who run the Wasatch 100 ultra marathon to build them a hydration pack with those characteristics. They were tired of carrying water for their long runs and having it irritate them after long hours on the trail by bouncing around. Water is heavy to carry but also essential for long miles on the trail so a properly designed carrying system is critical. While Gregory had long made general use hydration packs such as the Miwok and the Maya, specific trail running packs weren’t something we considered until recently.

Enter the Tempo and Pace, which are brand new for Spring 2013 and are available now at a retailer near you. The Tempo for men and the Pace for women comprise a comprehensive system of gear and water carry for trail runners. Gregory’s patented Wraptor™ harness and composite load stabilizer helps the pack hug the human shape and eliminate performance-zapping bounce. It also eliminates the need for a waist belt or belly band, which can constrict natural breathing for runners. All models are made with premium Cocona® fabrics, used for the first time in a pack line, comprised of natural fibers with activated carbon for superior moisture management and anti-odor properties.

The complete Tempo & Pace line includes backpacks in 8L, 5L and 3L volumes, lumbar packs in horizontal and diagonal configurations, and a minimalist handheld model. The backpacks feature 2-liter Hydrapak® Shape-Shift reservoirs with an internal baffle to reduce barreling and water slosh, a Black Diamond Z-Pole™ storage pocket for runners seeking the added benefits of trekking poles, an interior silicone security pocket to keep valuables dry, and reflective graphics for on-trail visibility. A Hydrapak® DualBot 24-ounce bottle with two options for water flow is included with the lumbar and handheld models.

The Pace line is specifically designed to fit the female body with the pack harness shape cut above the bust line and the lumbar pack waist belt set at a steeper angle for optimized comfort and performance. The Pace series will be available in Storm White & Shock Pink, while the Tempo line for men comes in Lightning Gray & Blade Silver. 

The early feedback to the packs has been incredible. According to fitness, “The Gregory Pace running pack gets everything right.” TrailRunner added, “The chest-strap design is comfortable, fitting almost vest-like and reducing excess bounce.” Women’s Adventure was even more complimentary saying, “The Gregory Pace trail running pack is the no-chafe, minimalist solution to staying hydrated, prepared, and most crucially, comfortable, while on trail.” Even explore jumped on board by claiming, “Most importantly, it carries very nicely.”

So, if you’re a runner – either a weekend 5K warrior or an ultra runner who pounds out the miles – let the Tempo and Pace provide a solution that works for you. Head to your local retailer before the next time you hit the trail and get yourself all set up.

4 pounds. For years, it was this magical, mythical number. Pack makers from the world around tried to create a pack for overnight excursions that weighed 4 pounds or less. With a fully featured suspension capable of carrying 35+ pounds and a pack that fit like a glove, 4 pounds was no easy task. Gregory’s workhorse, the Baltoro, provided years of enjoyment for many people, but even it never hit that 4 pound mark, despite years of continual improvement.

Well, the wait is over and Gregory has finally cracked the code for a 4 pound pack. Brand new for Spring 2013, the Contour and Cairn are the centerpieces of our line. Weighing in at 4 pounds thanks to some innovative features, the new packs are sure to provide enjoyment for years to come.

The Contour for men and Cairn for women both feature the Response LT™ suspension, a lightweight wishbone wire frame that will comfortably support up to 45 pounds. Gregory’s new MonoBond Architecture™ in the harness provides stable and comfortable load carrying in a thin, lightweight package.

The Contour will be available in three volumes ranging from 50 to 70 liters and the Cairn will be available in three volumes ranging from 48 to 68 liters. All packs feature a highly water resistant top pocket with waterproof zipper and sealed seams, an external hydration sleeve for easy access, a side stash security pocket, quick draw access to the main compartment, a large front shove pocket, twin oversize side pockets, and dual waist belt pockets. The Contour will be available in Graphite Gray, Reflex Blue, and Electric Yellow, while the Cairn will be available in Magnetic Gray, Teal Green, and Hibiscus Pink.

Check out the following video to see the packs in action:

And lest you think that we’re just tooting our own horn about this pack, here’s what the fine folks at Backpacker had to say about it:

Full Name:
Matt Connors

How long have you worked at Gregory and in what role(s)?
1yr -2 months – as a product developer.

What are your favorite activities outside of work?
I’m usually skiing, Fly-fishing, or hanging out playing Nintendo.

What is your favorite Gregory product and why?
I’m really stoked on the new Aspect Series coming up for fall 2013. I’ve been using a few of the packs for almost a year now and I like the style and functionality for everyday use. The Sketch 25 is my favorite.

What is one thing that someone would never guess about you?
I was a High School All-American lacrosse player.

What is Gregory’s strongest brand attribute in your mind?
The construction of the packs is never compromised. We build things the way we do so that the stuff can last.

What’s your favorite trail?
I moved to Salt Lake from Portland, Oregon, so I’ve spent more time on the trail in the northwest. The one that stands out is the Oneonta Gorge in the Columbia River Gorge.  Great hike for the hottest days in the summer. Central Oregon has some amazing trails as well.

What’s your favorite “Wayneism”?
If you’re on top of something or you’ve got the right idea – “You’re in the money.”

Here at Gregory, we spend a lot of time getting outside. We hike, we ski, we run, we bike, we climb, and of course we backpack. We feel that getting outside allows for a rejuvenation of the soul, an opportunity to slow down and disconnect from the daily grind. Anyone that has set off on a trail knows that simple feeling of freedom. Your worries, your focus and your life all become a little simpler. There’s anticipation of what’s to come, what’s around the next bend or over the next rise. There’s beauty in untouched, pristine wilderness kept in a natural state. And for every destination, there’s a trail that takes you there. This is the journey. And we love it.

This feeling of simple freedom drives everything we do here at Gregory.  Sure, because we love getting out as much as anyone, it’s somewhat self-serving. But in the end, you’ll be just as psyched as we are. That’s because we learn from our experience on the trail. We listen to the feedback from fellow enthusiasts. And we are able to build and deliver a better product because of it.

This is our manifesto. We hope you agree.

There’s no better companion than the trail.

It doesn’t care what your reasons for visiting are, it quietly waits and gives generously to those who seek it. It can serve as confidant, counselor and ferocious teacher all at the same time. The trail overflows with discoveries, breakthroughs and epiphanies. Not the least of which is the simple feeling of freedom.

At Gregory, we’ve let the trail inspire every aspect of what we do. And what we create. So you can focus on what matter most. Simply getting outside.

The trail speaks. We listen.

Hidden within the heart of the Patagonian Andes lies a monolithic valley with many secrets to be discovered. Cochamó Valley, a jungle-like environment with steep bamboo laden hillsides that crest to massive granite domes, is considered “the Yosemite of South America.” That is, Yosemite without the onslaught of mini-vans and ice cream cones. The faint and weak of heart are quickly weeded out in the rugged eight-mile hike to access the valley floor.

My husband, Jordan, and I stumbled on a YouTube clip of Valle Cochamó last February searching for a location to satiate our wanderlust for climbing adventures and international travel. Nine months later, we stand at the trailhead eager to reach our long-awaited destination. Three planes, two taxis, and three days of travel bring us to the coastal town of Cochamó from our snowy cabin in the Central Cascades of Washington.

The moment is surreal as Cochéla, a native Mapuche huaso (cowboy), loads a packhorse with 60 kilos of climbing gear, camping gear, and gourmet backpacking food. We saddle up as well, our packs stuffed with camera equipment, Spanish/English dictionaries and phrase books, a couple boxes of wine, plus everything else the horse cannot carry. Careful loading of the horses is important for safe river crossings and grueling rocky ascents.

Deep ruts and thick green landscape signify the copious amounts of annual precipitation. Each twist and turn of the trail brings stunning views of cascading ribbons flowing from unseen heights above.  The swampy grooves give way to expansive pampas where we catch our first glimpse of the granite domes, like ramparts, encircling the valley below.

Drenched and muddy, we reach the grassy meadow that would be our home for the next ten days. The dripping rain transitions to a mystifying fog over the valley floor. Cochéla excitedly signals for us to follow him. I catch a few words, something about crossing the river. We follow him through a grove of trees and reach the bank of Rio La Junta where two ropes span to the other side, holding a wooden cart. He hoists the bottom rope until the cart is in hand, smiles broadly, and explains with big motions that the refugio is across the river.

Refugio Cochamó is a rustic bed and breakfast ran by Argentinean climbers, Daniel and Sylvina. The couple also own Camping La Junta, the more economical choice for dirt bag climbers like us. The refugio is home to the one and only guidebook for the valley, a collection of hand-drawn sketches and written descriptions in four beefy portfolios. Every afternoon our homework consists of Jordan tediously drawing replications of the sketches and I haphazardly decode approach, route, and descent descriptions.

The most painstaking description we pour ourselves into is for the 9-pitch Cinco Estrella, 5.10d, located in the Anfiteatro. To reach the base of the route is a four-hour vertical hike out of the valley floor.  Details were immensely important to document, as we would be entering a swirl of granite with thousands of misleading cracks and lines. Hours later we emerge from the refugio, exhausted with details.

“Beeeep,” the alarm rings. It’s 6:00 a.m., time to get going. Sleeping bags are shoved into packs and breakfast is quick oats and instant coffee. Instant coffee is not by choice; it is the Chilean standard. The air is frosty with morning dew, great for beginning the vertical ascent. The trail switches back and forth across the mountain, climbing gently past waterfalls. The landscape distracts from the heavy load in my pack, consisting of: a harness, climbing shoes, helmet, sleeping bag and pad, extra clothes, three days of food, stove, cookware, and fuel, complete with the twin rope on top. Every 2,685 cubic inches of my size small Gregory Alpinisto 50 is being put to use. My hips, neck, and shoulders are grateful to the lightweight design with comfortable hip padding and shoulder support. Free from the quirky agitation caused from my older climbing pack, I was able to ascend much quicker without being tempted to throw anything, including myself, off a high precipice.

At 10:00 a.m., we reach the sign for Los Banos. Sweet, we may squeeze in an extra climb today. From the sign, a faint climber’s trail supposedly leads to a bivvy underneath a massive boulder. There is no sign of said bivvy. We continue up the main trail, searching a la derecha, a la izquierda. Maybe I mistranslated? So we hike back down to the sign, blazing through immovable thickets of dense bamboo. Still nothing. My stomach rumbles and a faint throbbing pulses in my head. Finally, we locate the dry creek bed and notice a whisper of a trail to the left, leading us to the Fogon Selknam, a Swiss family Robinson-style bivvy site. Tucked behind the camouflaged boulder, the site is invisible to the main trail.  Inside, there is a maze of activity. The sleeping quarters are underneath the boulder as described. Wooden slats are spread across stones for benches and tables. Scraps of wood are nailed onto a tree, beckoning climbers to gain the 40-foot summit to catch the view of the Anfiteatro.

In fashion with the rest of the trip, we conquer one micro challenge at a time, moving steadily forward. We blew our chances of harnessing up for the day, so we spend the afternoon exploring the remaining approach to the climb. The trail is the creek bed, water levels fluctuating with snowmelt. Hopping from one rock to the next, we feel rejuvenated. Our voices are the only ones echoing against the sheer granite walls.

5:00 a.m. New day, spirits are high. Our feet dance across the stones, thankful for recognition in the darkness before dawn. At the base of the climb, details are impossible to decipher. Our picture and sketches of the route description does not match any of the detail on the actual rock in front of us. Reluctant to begin off course, we pace up and down the talus field looking for the route. Time slips away, as we agree on a starting point. Jordan winds up the wall, traversing to a patch of rotten flakes. Deep breaths and concentration steady him upwards. I follow his path, wide-eyed that he came through this junk.  Doubt floods my mind as I try to picture the sketch of the route from the refugio. Nothing feels right.

Pitch two is cleaner rock and a better line on top of a dihedral. The route description we have in hand does not match our climb until the top of pitch 4. Relief is short lived. Pitch 5 is a puckered 30-foot unprotected 5.10C on facey slab, leading to the 5.10d crux on pitch 6. I don’t breathe normally again until we cruise up the last two pitches and stand smitten by the beauty of creation on the top of the Anfiteatro. We bask in the sunshine and gulp down the views, hoping to retain the details of the moment.

Racing the clock, we begin our rappel down Excelente mi Teniente at 6:00 p.m. calculating to be finished by the cloak of 10:00 darkness. Ratty anchors and rusty lockers clench us to another series of prayers and thanksgivings as we descend 500 m from the top. Utterly exhausted, famished, and thirsty, we slink back to bivvy paradise where a cozy bed, Ramen extravaganza, and streams of water await.

The next morning we rise with a song of contentedness in our hearts. All the pieces that we sought—exposed climbing, unparalleled vistas, solitude, and connectedness—culminate in the stillness after the storm. Unlocking secrets from the Valle Cochamó is not an easy undertaking, but the challenges make the journey sweeter.

North Cascade Heli based in Mazama, Washington, operates one of the finest heli-ski and touring operations in the country.  Their permit area encompasses 300,000 acres in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest with an amazing potpourri of open bowls, steep glades and excellent tree skiing. It’s no wonder the North Cascades of Washington are known as “The American Alps.”

The Heli skiing is the primary focus at NCH. But they also manage the Barron Yurt for a more civilized experience in the backcountry. The Yurt was the destination of our mixed group of outdoor industry and agency professionals. We had one snowboarder, Aaron from Cascade Designs, two telemark skiers, Dave from Far Bank and Andy from Gregory, and five skiers, Laura from Backbone Media, Erin from Stanley, Chris from K2 Ski, Keith from Hammerquist Studios and our sponsor Fred from Hammerquist Studios – truly a solid group of strong skiers, riders and climbers.

The program was pretty straight forward: drive 5 hours from Seattle, spend the night at the Mt Gardner Inn in Winthrop, wake up the next day for FAA and basic avy protocols, take the heli to the Yurt and tour with our two guides, Michelle and Josh, for four days. If you’ve never taken a ride in a helicopter, I highly recommend it. The weightless exhilaration and nimble maneuverability is amazing.

We arrived at the Yurt in about 15 minutes, flying low through canyons and around the endless peaks. As we landed, our guide to to stay put in the bird, we were getting a “bump” to the top. Now that’s the way to start a long weekend of backcountry touring!

The following three days were somewhat surreal. We’d wake around 7:00am to the smell of coffee and breakfast prepared by the guides and head out the door for a beacon check by 9:00. We had heavy snow the first day that tapered off to scattered clouds the final day. In all, I think we received over a foot of new snow. We skied all aspects with increasing steepness as our confidence increased. We’d take short breaks for snacks and lunch during the day and return to the yurt around 4:30 for cocktails and appetizers. Everyone would then change into dry clothes and hang up skins, gloves, boot liners, pants, jackets, hats, really anything that was damp to dry overnight. Dinner would be served followed by lazy conversation in front of the wood stove.

Now being the pack company that we are, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how well the new Targhee backcountry winter pack faired the entire trip. It was the envy of the group with its comfortable carry, stellar organization and clean, low profile. It’s no wonder the Targhee won the ISPO Award earlier this month. Our friends at Outside Magazine agree. The New Targhee pack series will be available in July, 2013.

If you’re looking for a unique backcountry ski experience, check out North Cascade Heli. You can’t go wrong.

Editor’s Note: As part of our commitment to the trail and the people that enjoy them, Gregory is proud to support parties who will be attempting thru-hikes of either the Appalachian Trail this year. We’ll hear from them periodically during the journeys and today Jordana Weiss checks in with her thoughts about planning for this big adventure on the trail.

Hello! My name is Jordana. I’ve lived and worked in the DC area for over five years, and after three years of evening classes, I recently finished my graduate degree. With an increasing sense of freedom and a rapidly approaching 30th birthday, I recently decided to attempt a northbound Appalachian Trail thru-hike beginning in March.

The Appalachian Trail runs for just under 2,200 miles from Georgia to Maine. Each year 2,000+ people attempt to hike the length of the trail in one season, and less than 30% of those people finish. While success depends on some grit and quite a bit of luck (i.e. injuries abound), being prepared for whatever may come – physically, emotionally, mentally – will go a long way toward helping a hiker reach the final point on top of Mount Katahdin in Maine.

I’ve spent the better part of six months planning – learning how to navigate the trail, readying myself for the challenges, finding the right gear. I decided that the Gregory Deva 60 pack was the best option for me and I couldn’t be more excited to start my trek now that I have the right gear – including the right pack!

Planning an Appalachian Trail thru-hike has been one of the most stressful and exciting things I’ve done in a long time. Sure, there are life’s day-to-day anxieties that sometimes bog me down as well as the greater “What’s the answer to life, the universe, and everything?” thoughts (spoiler: it’s 42). But on August 30, 2012, I decided – out loud, to the whole blogging universe (or my one follower at the time, at least) – that I was going to hike along the Appalachian mountain chain from Georgia to Maine.

Little did I know what I’d gotten myself into. I thought, “I’ll just figure out how it works, buy a bunch of gear, and start walking.” It seemed simple enough. I’d gone hiking in the woods many times. And I have plenty of experience car camping. It couldn’t be that different, right? What I didn’t realize at the time is that I had just started my journey.

By academic measures, I have always been a fine student, at least by current standards. If a teacher tells me a hard fact or a rule that governs, I can memorize it and spit it back. That’s pretty much what the SATs measure, right? Calculations, multiple choice, even essays – they all generally test a student’s ability to convey – either information, a process, or a way of thinking. Got it. No problem.

So reflecting on the past six months, I’d have to admit that I was ready to walk into an outdoor store or search online and have someone give me step-by-step instructions on how to hike the A.T. Obviously I’m being farcical, but every step of the way, with every decision, I’ve thought, “Do I need this piece of gear or not? Why won’t someone tell me?!”  “Should I do mail drops? Ah! So many conflicting opinions!” “What’s the right answer? I just want to know the right answer!”

And I’ve lost count of the number of times that I’ve flip flopped on decisions big and small. I’m cutting off all my hair. No, I’m not! I’m not bringing a stove. OK, actually yes, I am. I’m selling all my furniture. Or maybe I’ll store it at my mom’s house. Oh no, these hiking boots aren’t waterproof. Wait, waterproof boots don’t dry as quickly once they get wet? I need to lighten my load. Wait, this Deva 60 feels like the Cadillac of packs. And the list goes on.

I feel like with many aspects of life, one can get on the train. You may not know the destination, but at least you know the train’s riding on a fairly steady track. When I went to college, deep down I knew that I would graduate. Yeah, OK, I took a year off to serve in AmeriCorps, but I knew the general path. When I started working (after serving a second year in AmeriCorps), it didn’t take long to get the general gist either. Go to an office for eight hours a day, five days a week; get a paycheck every couple of weeks; repeat. More or less predictable.

Preparing for my A.T. thru-hike has been anything but predictable. I’ve been awash in a sea of research (the internet is a wonderful and terrible thing), underwater and at times not knowing which way is up. Sustaining the focus and enthusiasm for so many months has been exhausting. And, ya know what? I haven’t been so excited to do anything in my entire adult life. I have no idea where I’ll be on Day 92 of my trek, nonetheless on Day 7, and I couldn’t be happier to find out.

I’ve already faced the fear of leaving my job, signing away the lease to my apartment, getting off the train. What’s there left to fear? Hours upon hours of solitude (or conversely really getting to know fellow hikers)? Aggressive bears? Thunderstorms? Yeah, those things may eventually become frightening, but they’re also part of what makes hiking the A.T. so alluring, so appealing, so exhilarating!

With a little bit of luck I’ll make it to Mount Katahdin in Maine, but I truly believe that my journey can’t begin the day I step foot on Springer Mountain. Instead, it already started on August 30, 2012 when I announced that I’m going to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. In reality, I’m already halfway to my goal.

Meandering on,
Jordana

Fit is our mantra. We offer multiple sizes in every one of our men’s and women’s packs so that every torso size can be accommodated and everyone can wear a pack that fits properly. We’ve also never built a pack with an adjustable suspension because according to Wayne, “one size fits nobody!”

That is, we’ve never created an adjustable suspension backpack…until now!

The Gregory Wander is our first full-featured pack offering for youth and it utilizes the brand new Versafit™ adjustable suspension to cover the full range of youth torsos from 13 to 20 inches, as well as an adjustable waistbelt that starts as small as 24 inches. Perfect for ages 10 and up, this suspension provides a great fit for youth so that they’ll enjoy wearing the pack and have an enjoyable start to what we hope is a lifetime of backpacking, rather than carrying an ill-fitting pack that will sour them to the sport for years to come.

The Wander is available in 50 and 70-liter volumes and is designed to carry up to 35 pounds. A huge U-Zip front panel allows complete access to the main compartment, while many other pockets round out the design: a large zippered front pocket for quick-access storage, a side stash pocket for on-trail access, a security pocket under the top lid, and a hydration reservoir sleeve with pass-through port. The Wander pack is available in Chlorophyll Green and Navy Blue.

The Wander is available now at REI and at your local outdoor specialty retailer so drop in with your young ones and have them check it out. We’re confident it will be on this year’s birthday and holiday wish lists!

We get a lot … a lot a lot … of individuals that inquire about sponsorships, donations, and other philanthropic opportunities.  We are unable to fulfill all these requests, and it’s tough deciding who we give support to vs. who we are unable to.  There is no scientific method or mathematical equation that we are able to follow to meet everyone’s needs.  That being said, I introduce to you Jordana Weiss, our newest Gregory Trail Ambassador, as she is planning her first Appalachian Trail thru hike beginning March 2013.

Why Jordana?  I can’t easily answer that question, but her persistence definitely paid off.  Mostly, we like that she is outside the ‘norm’ (if there is such a thing) from our average scope of customers, and even of who we see on the trail.  Most of all though, I really was impressed with her blog, the way it’s written, her honest, yet humble approach to her writing style, and the fact that she seems sincerely eager yet nervous all at the same time.  Though perhaps not a novice, by no means does she seem an expert in the field.  At the same time, we feel that more people will be able to relate to Jordana‘s experiences and tribulations.  We look forward to her updates as we follow her along her daunting adventure.  We do truly hope she’s able to planning to visit us at TrailDays in Damascus, VA.

Attempting a long thru hike, such as the AT is no daunting task.  Considering that 70% of those that seek to make the 2,180 mile trek do not make it to the end, simply completing is a task all in of itself. Jordana has been prepping for the AT, literally, for months at this point.  We’ve decided to donate a Deva60 for her trek, and you can read about her decision making here.  Getting your gear lined up for a few months on the trail is a task in and of itself, then you need to plan the logistics for the trip, food drops, any hostel/hotel layovers, and training to be sure you are in some kind of shape.  I can’t imagine the amount of time that goes simply into the preparation of a thru hike.  I wonder how many people don’t even make it through the preparation stage, never mind the actual task of hiking the trail?!

We’re glad to be able to get Jordana a Deva60 and hope it provides her with the comfort and peace of mind that allows her to truly appreciate the companionship that ‘The Trail’ is able to provide.  HAPPY HIKING!!!

We test our packs, extensively.  When we’re unable to put the abuse we are looking for on them, we reach to our R&D team that has an extensive list of athletes and professionals that are more than happy to put our packs to the test…literally.  Martha Burley is one of those lucky enough to be on the list.  Anyone that knows her can attest to her qualifications; she is a freeskier, athlete, competitor, filmmaker, and truly a good friend.  Martha has been rocking a Cairn58 for quite some time now, note the hodgepodge of colors, and has been using this pack for way more than it’s specifically designed for.  These are her words:

58 liter Cairn Backpack Product review – Burnt Mashed Potatoes

Winter camping in British Columbia’s coast mountains – what do you need to bring? About 1000 puffy jackets, lots of food, tent, stove , sleeping mat, and all the usual ski gear/rope/crampons etc.

As an experiment, and to make the up skiing part easier – we agreed to save on weight and have a week of all dehydrated food. I’ve always avoided the dehydrated food experience – I am the one you see slogging up the mountains with steaks and wine in my pack because I want to eat well – but in the interests of curiosity I decided to give it a go.

Day 1 our dinner was dehydrated mashed potatoes  mixed with tinned salmon and a big blob of butter…somehow the mashed potatoes burnt to the bottom of the pot leaving a taste I can’t possibly describe…and as that was the same pot we were using to melt our drinking water from snow- and the burnt  potato crust would not scrub off – we all had the chance to relive that taste in every sip of water for the rest of the week! – ew…lesson learned – I hope.

Every night involved freezing to death listening to the howling wind outside our tent and hoping we wouldn’t get blown away…we built a fort of snow around the tent for protection – and it would be mostly eroded by morning..

BUT …every day involved the most amazing skiing  on some of the most  beautiful mountains I have been to.  Our focus  – aside from skiing nice lines – was practicing safe glacier travel, so we did a lot of rope-work – throwing ourselves off cornices and pulling ourselves back up as if it was one big crevasse.  And purposefully picking safe routes between crevasses – I have been pretty sheltered in my skiing life from  glacier travel – so the purpose of this trip was to learn as much as possible.  My buddies Holly and Jameson were planning a trip up Denali in the spring  so for them this was also nice easy going practice at being freezing  on the top of mountains and trying not to get blown away!

My Cairn 58 backpack fit everything I needed  and was comfy to ski in even with the big load – its so important not to have a pack flopping about behind you as that’s the first thing to put you off balance when skiing or hiking.  The best part though was once the tent was out and I could cinch it down to day pack zone.  The different sections were pretty sweet as I could isolate my avalanche rescue gear (shovel, probe) in an  easily accessible pocket, and my helmet and goggles also fit well in the outside flap so I could grab it when I needed. Lunch was in the top zippered pocket…and the inside zipper held maps and band aidy stuff.

The trip was a success  – and I cant wait for more winter camping – next time I will definitely skip the dehydrated mashed potatoes though – no one needs to eat them – and I am pretty sure I can stuff more real food into the Cairn 58.

Hello again! My name is Emily Sukiennik (for those of you that are a bit confused it’s pro-nouced Sue-Ken-Nick). I’d like to take a minute to talk about how the sport of slacklining has changed my life. If you are once again confused and aren’t quite sure what slacklining is, I’ll give you the low down: it’s a balance sport originating in Yosemite Valley, California that was founded by a group of rock climbers. As boredom set in on their rainy days at the campsite they strung up their climbing webbing and began balancing on it. The sport is quite similar to tight rope walking in its essence but the main difference is the material used. Tight ropes are made of taught wire or rope whereas slacklines are dynamic/stretchy webbing. Not only is the material different but so is the balancing technique. Slacklining requires no balancing pole which means you must utilize your entire body to stay upright. Also because of the difference in material, a slackline is much more portable. Yay!

That being said, I fell in love with the sport in 2009 and am excited to talk about how it changed my life for the better. I was 22 years old, living in Georgia and wasn’t quite sure who I was or what I was meant to do in life. For some reason that I am still very confused about, I had an incredibly overwhelming urge to move to the San Francisco Bay Area. I asked my boyfriend at the time if he would like to join me but he only had 2 years left in school and wanted to finish (and I didn’t blame him). I decided that I just had to go. I packed my bags into my tiny little Saab and off we went (and by we, I mean me and my little dog too). Luckily, when I got to the Bay I stumbled upon a brand new climbing gym that I was eventually hired at; and that’s where slackline and I met. We fell in love immediately and I couldn’t seem to spend much time away from it. I became obsessed with mastering my balance which turned out to be no easy task. I started on a 20 foot long line very low to the ground and as difficult as it was, I just kept trying. During my off time at the gym, I would run over to the slacklines and practice. For some reason I did NOT want to walk away from the challenge. It always felt just out of reach. The first time I walked that line I felt completely elated. I had worked so hard to make it all the way across and I couldn’t believe that I had finally done it. But, now what? I was a little disappointed that I had completed my goal, similar to the feeling of finishing a really good book that you just don’t want to end. I decided it was time to try and turn around at the end of the line and walk back to the start. I had seen the owner of the gym, Damian, do this and I figured it was the logical next step. This process went on for quite some time, me finding a new goal that I just had to complete. It was turning into my motivator, my purpose, my stress relief and even my friend. Eventually I started to get into highlining which added a completely new element into the game: fear. Now, not only was I challenging myself physically but also mentally. I not only had to walk the line but I had to allow myself to! Stepping off of solid ground onto a 1 inch wide piece of webbing is quite possibly the most terrifying thing I had ever done but still, highlining became my obsession. There was something about being utterly frozen in fear but stepping out into the abyss anyway. I felt so full of strength and just knew that I could do anything.

All my life I have been into athletics (thanks Dad for introducing me to them!). But, nothing has affected me as much as this bizarre little sport called slacklining. Since discovering it, being about 4 years later, I feel like a completely different person than I was at age 22. Slacklining taught me how to set goals for myself and work to reach them, no matter how small those goals might be. It taught me that even though things can be extremely difficult, just keep going and eventually, you will get there. There’s no better feeling than reaching a goal after a lot of sweat and tears.  It taught me that the harder something is, the stronger you will be on the other side of it. Slacklining, for me, has been the perfect metaphor for life. When I’m walking, I try so hard not to fall and not to give up because I know that I’m not just fighting to stay balanced but I’m fighting to be stronger. It’s not just a sport for me, it’s a challenge that I’ve been given to strengthen myself as a person. Now, whenever I am dealing with tough times in life I just imagine myself on the line and what it feels like to fight and make it to the other side. I am so grateful to have found the sport and feel so strong because of it. Coming from someone who found that “something special”, it’s out there! You just have to listen to your gut and go find it.

For more on me, check out my website: www.emilysukiennik.com

Editor’s Note: Andrea Meerholz coordinates Gregory’s efforts in Europe. Just before the holidays, we caught up with her to learn a bit more about how the pack market differs in Europe.

Full Name:
Andrea Meerholz

How long have you worked at Gregory and in what role(s)?
2 years as Brand Director for Europe

How well is the Gregory brand known among European consumers compared to some of the other more traditional pack brands?
Gregory is well-known within the specialists but not within the broad customer group. So far we’re a 100% niche brand.

How does the European pack market differ from the United States?
Europe is very diverse and has many regional differences that are important to consider.

-Scandinavia/Northern Germany/Benelux are most similar to the US market. Big packs are well received while traditional colors and strong materials tend to be more important than fashion driven design.

-In Central Europe (Germany/France/Italy/Austria/Alps) smaller packs are key. There is no need for packs larger than 50L. Designs are very fashion driven and colorful. Retailers ask for lots of technical details. Weight is very important too. These countries are also highly competitive markets with established brands like Osprey, Deuter, and Lowe Alpine all having a presence. I see the biggest potential for Gregory here but also the biggest challenges.

-Southern Europe (South Italy/Spain/Portugal) are mainly fashion driven and not really technical markets. Low buying power and the economic recession have made us step back from these markets a bit.

-Eastern Europe (Czech Republic/Poland/Slovenia/Ukraine etc) are growing markets but are very price sensitive and for top end brands still very small. Their benchmark is Germany so those markets will grow once Germany is growing again.

Are there technical features, colors, or designs that Europeans seek out in packs?
It seems that Europe needs more bright colors for packs – especially for smaller sizes. Europe is more design driven and packs need to look cool, light and sexy. Top end brands in packs must be different and very technical as otherwise Europeans always tend to buy local brands like Deuter (Germany), Lowe Alpine (UK), Millet (France), Bergans (Norway).

People tend not to understand why packs have so many straps. Europeans try to avoid “strappy packs” and prefer clean design.

What is your favorite Gregory product and why?
I love the Alpinisto 35 because of its clean design, the bright color and multi-use functionality. I’ll also certainly go for the Cairn 48 in hibiscus for my next trip to the Arabic region as this is a great combination of lightweight and comfort with enough volume to carry what I need.

What’s Gregory strongest brand attribute in your mind?
For Europe it’s clearly comfort and fit.

This marks the third year of Gregory partnering with our Chinese distributor CORA (China Outdoor Retailer Association) to host the GAO (Gregory: An American Original) contest through the Chinese outdoor enthusiast website 8264.com. This year’s winners received an all expense paid trip to Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, and Sedona, Arizona.

Over 400 contestants submitted photographs and journal entries of their experiences outside with their Gregory packs. A panel of judges from both Gregory and the Cora team narrowed the finalists to six and selected two winners: Jing Luo and Zhongyuan Wang. Joining the GAO winners were representatives from CORA, 8264.com, and other Chinese outdoor publications. The group left Beijing on September 28^th and arrived in Las Vegas where they were greeted by Founder Wayne Gregory and Director of International Sales, Dion Goldsworthy.

Las Vegas – Welcome Dinner

Wayne and Dion arrived in Las Vegas on Friday afternoon and met up with our guests from Beijing, most of whom had arrived from Beijing several hours earlier. We hosted a Welcome dinner that evening at the Excalibur Hotel and while Wayne and Dion presented special Gregory packs and gifts to the group, the GAO tour members presented us with hand woven bracelets signifying safe travel. After what seemed like a zillion photos, some of us retired at a reasonable hour to get ready for an early start the following day, while others headed out to explore Las Vegas under the neon lights.

Rafting Colorado River– Hoover Dam – Willow’s Beach

The next morning everybody was up early to head to Hoover Dam for our planned float on the Black Canyon of the Colorado, the section of the river below the historic dam. Because we were touring with Black Canyon Adventures, we were able to put in on the river less than ¼ of a mile from the base of Hoover Dam. It is an awe inspiring sight to be looking up the sheer wall of concrete from the river at its base, and our team made the most of the photo opportunities.

We enjoyed a leisurely float down canyon, while learning a lot about the natural history of the canyon as well as the human history, during and following the construction of the dam. We saw marker stations along the canyon walls, where men stayed for two months at a time, taking daily readings of the river’s level, in one case making a daily pilgrimage across the river via a hand powered cart, suspended 80 feet above the river.

We also saw and learned about the many hot springs that lie along the canyon and offer warm waters for hikers and those exploring by kayak.

Our guide showed us rocky cliffs high on the sides of the canyon where elusive Mountain goats can occasionally  be seen, navigating through steep cliff bands. Just as he was pointing out such an area towards the end of our float, we spotted a mountain goat, climbing up and down small rock faces that we would have probably roped up for! Amazing.

After we reached the end of our trip on the Black Canyon, we drove back around to the top of the Hoover Dam to inspect this colossal feat of engineering. It was and is amazing what the team of engineers and construction workers created in 4 short years from 1931-1935. There are so many amazing facts about the dam, which is 660 feet wide at its base and only 45 feet wide at the top. The reservoir created behind the dam, Lake Mead, is 110 miles long and provides 550 miles of coastline for recreation. Today, since the completion of the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge adjacent to the dam, you can walk across the dam, stopping for pictures and take in the sites, since the main traffic is routed across the new bridge. Is it a sign of progress that the new bridge took almost 10 years to complete, despite modern equipment, methods, etc? Our visitors were amazed by the skill of the engineering and the bravery of those who built this marvel in the searing desert heat.

Grand Canyon

Theodore Roosevelt had been quoted saying the following about the Grand Canyon, “Leave it as it is. You cannot improve on it. The ages have been at work on it, and man can only mar it. What you can do is to keep it for your children, and for all who come after you, as the one great sight which every American… should see.” He wasn’t kidding. This statement should be updated to say, “…great sight which every individual should see.”

The group arrived at the South Rim of the canyon where we met Jack and Elaine, our guides from The Grand Canyon Field Institute. It was here that we hiked the South Kaibab trail, where we explored the canyon and learned more about the geology, ecology, pioneer and Native American history. There might have been some words lost in translation, but this didn’t seem to concern anyone. When descending below the canyon rim time seemed to pass by. Every step opened up a new view of the whittled canyon, bringing new memories and appreciation for this majestic landscape. The views of the canyon were absolutely amazing and literally left us all speechless.

After the hike, we got a “behind the scenes” private tour of the famous Kolb Brother’s house/photography studio. Wayne was awfully reminiscent on the Kolb Brothers, since he and Susie met Emery Kolb back in 1972. Wayne said that going back to the studio was a real treat and brought back great memories of that trip and their brief encounter.

The next morning a group of us went to get the quintessential Grand Canyon experience – watching the sunrise at Mather Point. This was probably one of the highlights for the contestants, since all of them are passionate outdoor photographers. It is hard to describe, but it was like time standing still. Watching the rust-color canyon change colors merely by the sun rising was remarkable.

Sedona, Arizona

Our next stop on the GAO tour was further south to Sedona, Arizona. I have to admit, it was going to be pretty difficult to top Grand Canyon but Sedona is absolutely breathtaking. Upon entering town a little exhausted from the heat, we had an impromptu swim session at Slide Rock State Park in Oak Creek Canyon. The park contains a natural water slide that flows into pools – perfect opportunity to cool off, jump off red rocks, and relax before the next day’s activities.

Prior to the trip I had reached out to Larry Lindahl, an amazing Sedona photographer to see if he would be interested in teaching a photography focused, guided hike of the area. I was thrilled when he said “yes” and also that he wanted to spend the entire day with us giving us an insider look at Sedona.

Wakeup call was at 6 am and to my surprise, everyone was ready to go with coffee in hand. Larry took us back to Slide Rock, where we were able to get the epic sunrise photos. The sun hitting the red rocks of the canyon reflected off the water made for timeless memories for everyone. The next stop on the Sedona tour was to hike Cathedral Rock, which is one of the most famous landmarks of the area. We spent a few hours hiking the different trails and also had an unexpected bouldering session. As we were walking down the trail to the cars, I looked at everyone and we all had infectious smiles on our faces. I am not sure if it was the Sedona vortexes or just the dynamics of the group, but again the scenery and week of memories left us all speechless.

To end the day we ventured to Cathedral Rock Crossing to get one last look at the best view in town. Larry took us to “the spot”, again being able to capture the sun going down, hitting the red rocks, and reflecting off the stream made to a perfect ending to the day.

This was my second year planning the GAO Tour and have to be honest it is going to be pretty difficult to top this. For me the trip really solidified what an amazing brand Gregory is. The brand has such a rich heritage that makes a lasting impression on individuals across the globe. To be able to be an ambassador for Gregory and take people from all over to world to some of our nation’s most prized possession, The Grand Canyon, is remarkable.

It is refreshing and almost surreal that we were able to all get together and get back to basics, being outside on the trail with our Gregory packs. Cheers to a great trip and I can’t wait for next year!

We’re going to close out 2012 and head into the holidays with a search for a red-suited man who we’ve heard resides in the North Pole. That’s right, we’re going north in this edition of Parks Friday, waaaaay north, hoping to catch a glimpse of Old Saint Nick as he descends from the Arctic to spread holiday cheer.

Our destination is Gates of the Arctic National Park, the northernmost park in the United States. (We know, it’s not technically a state park. Can you give us a pass on this one?) It’s also the second largest national park in the United States, at 13,238 square miles (about the same size as Switzerland), and lies entirely north of the Arctic Circle. In the U.S., it’s probably the closest you can get to the North Pole.

Even if you don’t spot Santa on your visit to Gates of the Arctic, it’s still an incredible place in its own right. The name comes wilderness activist Bob Marshall, who discovered a pair of mountains (Frigid Crags and Boreal Mountain) that frame both sides of the Koyukuk River, seemingly gates to the great Arctic unknown. Visitors to the park must have exceptional wilderness skills, as there are no established roads, trails, visitor facilities or campgrounds in the park.  The closest road is five miles from the park’s eastern boundary. Most visitors access the park by bush plane from a local village.

But, the payoff is worth it. The park is one of the most remote, pristine areas of wilderness in the country, populated only by moose, grizzly and black bears, wolves, caribou, foxes, and wild sheep. In the winter, the skies are dark nearly all day, lit only by the mystical lights of the aurora borealis. Views of the mountains, glacial cirques, distant storm heads, and winding rivers are otherworldly, with nothing man-made in sight to interrupt the view. Gates of the Arctic remains one the last true strongholds of the great American wilderness. Robert Marshall wrote in the 1930s, “”No sight or sound or smell or feeling even remotely hinted of men or their creations,” wrote Marshall. “It seemed as if time had dropped away a million years and we were back in a primordial world.”

Probably the best time to visit is the height of summer, during July or August. The days are nearly endless in the summer, but this far north the weather is always unpredictable. Even in mid-August, temperatures can drop below freezing. Plan your trip carefully and consult local bush pilots for advice. Good luck!

From the entire team here at Gregory, we want to wish everyone – especially you dedicated Parks Friday readers – a fantastic holiday season and happy New Year. This will be our last Parks Friday post of 2012. We hope that you enjoyed the ride as much as we have, and, if nothing else, are just a bit more inspired to explore our unbelievable country. There’s still plenty of wilderness, mystery, and history to be explored. We’ll see you out there in 2013!

We are very pleased to announce that our very own Katie Hawkins, Black Diamond, Inc. International Account Manager, has won the Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition “First Ascent Award”, which recognizes a woman new to the outdoor industry who demonstrates strong potential for leadership.  This award furthers the vision of the OIWC by increasing visibility of talented young women, thereby facilitating their leadership development.

Katie was nominated by Heath Christensen:

“In relation to BD, Inc. nurturing Katie’s leadership skills will help to round out a predominately male organization.  She is a champion for women in the outdoor industry.  Having more folks like her at BD helps to insure a more diverse workplace.  That diversity in return helps to make it a stronger organization.’

The OIWC was born in 1994 by a casual group of outdoor industry women, to have a formal organization to provide more opportunities for networking, mentoring and promoting opportunities for women in the outdoor industry.  Their mission is simply, yet concise: Advocacy, education and resources for women in the outdoor, bike and snowsports industries.  Have some women in your life?  Feel free to get involved.

 Katie will be honored at the OIWC award presentation on January 25th from 7-9am as a part of the OIWC Awards and Keynote Presentation at the Outdoor Retailer Tradeshow.

Katie began her career with Gregory in Sacramento, and was one of the few that made the move to Salt Lake City almost two years ago.  Check out her staff profile here.  She’s been a blessing to the brand(s), and we’re stoked to honor her for this amazing accomplishment.  CONGRATULATIONS, KATIE!  We’ll have to celebrate properly!  Thanks for representing Gregory and Black Diamond so well in your work with the OIWC, as well as in your everyday interactions with our customers!

We’re going to continue our jaunt through American history this Friday and head out to Missouri’s Lewis and Clark State Park. Or was it Iowa? Or North Dakota? Or Oregon and Washington?

That’s right, folks, “Lewis and Clark State Park” exists in no less than five different states. They are all part of a larger national trail system called the Lewis and Clark Trail, which follow the explorers’ historic exploration of the American west from Missouri to Washington.

The trail is not an extended hiking trail like the Appalachian or Pacific Crest Trails. Instead, it’s a connection of historical landmarks, state parks, and museums that loosely traces their steps. If you’re making a similar journey across the country, the entire trail is arguably worth seeing. But for you Parks Friday diehards, lets take a look at a few of the highlights:

In Missouri, near the start of their journey, the explorers encountered a large lake that Lewis described “full of Geese & Goslings.” Today, that lake is Lewis and Clark Lake, and is surrounded by Lewis and Clark State Park. It’s a great place for family picnics, boating, swimming and fishing. And yes, the lake is still full of geese & goslings.

In North Dakota, the explorers discovered a large lake, now named Lake Sakakawea. Visitors to the park can see the jagged bluffs of the harsh Badlands in the distance. As you take in the rugged landscape in the distance, it’s fascinating to think about how Lewis and Clark must have felt as they moved West, constantly on the brink of the unknown. Before continuing west, take some time to explore North Dakota’s Lewis and Clark State Park on foot, on a bike, by boat, and on skis or snowshoes in the winter.

From there, we’ll skip over the Oregon, near the end of the explorers’ westward journey. Oregon’s Lewis and Clark State Park is located on the Sandy River, near its confluence with the Columbia River. In 1805, the two men camped and explored this same terrain. It remains today much as it once was: a peaceful, tree dotted landscape with scenic swimming holes, great fishing, and relaxing, rambling hikes along the shoreline.

Although Oregon’s Lewis and Clark State Park is the westernmost park on the trail, the explorers continue on to Fort Clatsop, Oregon, where they finally reached the Pacific Ocean. Named for the local Clatsop Native American tribe, the expedition arrived there in December, and spent the winter of 1805-1806 in makeshift shelters along the mouth of the Columbia River. They stayed there until March, when they departed for a long six-month journey home.

If you follow their path west, stopping in at all of the Lewis and Clark State Parks along the way, and finally make it to Fort Clatsop, take a minute to image travelling back to St. Louis, Missouri on foot, with nothing but your wits and wilderness survival skills for comfort. It’s incredible to think that reaching the Pacific was merely a halfway point for Lewis and Clark.

We’ll see you out there!

Full Name:
Rebecca Larsen

How long have you worked at Gregory and in what roles?
I am the Product Line Manager and I’ve been here for 3 months.

What are your favorite activities outside of work?
I love being outside. I am a bit of a generalist, but I do love to ski and mountain bike, although I am up for almost any kind of adventure. I also love to cook for my friends.

What is your favorite Gregory product and why?
I have been using the Maya 18 a ton since I moved to Salt Lake City. It’s very versatile. I take it hiking with my dog and I can carry plenty of water for the both of us. It’s also a great size for mountain biking.

What is one thing that we would never guess about you?
I spent a year living in the Sahara Desert.

What’s Gregory strongest brand attribute in your mind?
Gregory has built it’s reputation on high quality packs that are fit well and are comfortable to carry.

What’s your favorite “Wayneism?
I don’t have one yet. It seems like there’s a new one every week.

Boy, are you lucky today. We’re giving you not one, not two, not even three, but FOUR state parks in one! Gregory Goes There is taking a journey back in time through the history of the American West, from the era of the dinosaurs all the way to the 20^th century. So strap yourself in, and lets take a tour of Big Sky Country.

We’ll start about 100 years ago, in Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park. (How cool is that name?) The park’s namesake, the Anaconda Smoke Stack, is one of the largest freestanding brick structures in the world, a legacy of the Anaconda Copper Company. It’s an old smelter stack (where they extract metal from ore via heating and melting). The smoke stack is 585 feet tall, 75 feet wide at the base, and 60 feet wide at the top. In comparison, the Washington Monument is only 555 feet tall. The stack’s history parallels that of American industry in the 20^th century. Anaconda reached its peak in the 1920s, but was nearly wiped out by the Great Depression and anti-trust legislation. The raw material demand of World War II kept Anaconda alive, but the company and faded to dust in the 1950s and 60s.

Next, we’re going a bit further back in time to visit a Montana ghost town. Granite Ghost Town State Park protects the remains of the Montana’s early gold and silver towns. Vast silver deposits were found in the 1870s, and the area grew into a roughshod town of over 3,000 people. In 1893, the Sherman Silver Purchase Act was repealed, drastically lowering the price of silver. Only 140 residents remained a year later, and the town became entirely uninhabited soon after. For modern day visitors, the park is a fascinating place to take in the speculator history of the American West.

We’re going to continue turning back the clock, to an era when Native Americans dominated the landscape. First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park protects one of the largest “buffalo jump” sites in the country. A “buffalo jump” refers to a place where Native Americans could drive bison up a hill and over a cliff. According to Wikipeida, anywhere from 12-100 hunters would encircle a herd of buffalo a few miles from the jump site and a slowly drive them toward the cliff. They used low stone fences to drive the buffalo in the right direction. As the herd neared the edge, the hunters would startle and scare the herd with loud noises, creating a stampede that would lead the animals right off the cliff. It was an effective way to kill a large number of the aggressive and resilient creatures before the introduction of horses and guns. Archeological evidence suggests that Native Americans began to heavily use the site around 900 A.D., and that at least 6,000 bison died there. Visitors to Buffalo Jump State Park can now visit and climb on the historic cliff face, enjoying panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains. The park is day-use only, but a worthy stop on any road trip.

Finally, we’ll complete our journey back in time by heading to Makoshika State Park. Makoshika is Montana’s largest state park in the eastern badlands, and features the fossil remains of Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, and a number of other dinosaurs. Visitors can walk a real dinosaur trail, explore the impressive badlands, and marvel at what the landscape may have looked like millions of years ago.

Montana and its state parks display an incredible range of history, from dinosaurs to industrialists, that is difficult to find elsewhere. Taken as a whole, it’s easy to get carried away pondering the rise and fall of civilizations. Even in just these four state parks, Montana has seen its share of booms and tragic declines. A cautionary tale, perhaps?

Or, you can just kick back, enjoy a cool breeze, and take in the incredible Montana sunset! We’ll see you out there!

This is one of the first posts I have ever written, it still holds relevant today:

Pack fit, It’s what we do.  One of the most frustrating things for me to see is someone who has an ill-fitting pack.  It seems to be a far too common occurrence, but a few minor things can help to find all-day pack comfort.  And believe you me, I too, was once a skeptic.

I once thought shoulder/back pain, blisters, and sore hips were all a part of the natural progression that is backpacking.  Then I came to Gregory where Wayne ‘fit’ me for a pack, and 40lbs later,  I was an instant believer. I immediately recalled thousands of miles of pain and discomfort and I asked myself, ‘Why?’  It seems so easy, and yet so many get it wrong (myself once included).  We always recommend seeing a retailer for a proper fit and recommendations, but sometimes it just isn’t feasible.  Either way, finding the length of your torso is key. Every brand seems to do it just a little differently, even though we would like to standardize this process across all pack brands … it would help everyone.

If you have yet to see our fit video with the man himself, do be sure to check it out.

We measure ‘torso’ from the C7 vertebrate to the iliac crest.  The C7 vertebrate is the largest vertebrate at the base of your neck.  The iliac crest is the very top of you hip bones and not the boney ‘side’ of the hip as many assume.  An inch or more can be all the difference in getting a pack that ‘fits’.  We see this all too often.  “I have a 24” torso, but you only make packs up to 22”, what am I to do?”  Well, my answer to that is measure your torso again, and I’m right 100% of the time (that’s right).  I’ve personally only seen one torso longer the 21” (not to say there aren’t more than one of you out there, and said gentleman, was definitely at least 7’ 4”), and only a handful that are near 21”.  Contrary to popular belief, and one of the hardest things that we try to pass to our consumers is ** Torso length DOES NOT directly correlate to your height **.  My best example is I’m 5’10” and my boss is 6’2”, both of our torsos are just over 18” (making us both a medium torso).  Combined with his hearty waistline, and barrel chest, he too would have thought a large size pack would fit him better.

Along with being sure you are measuring from the correct points, you going to want the right tools.  Know Gregory Fit-O-Matic?  A flexible tape measure will do the trick, as your spine is not a flat surface to measure.  No flexi tape, simply measure with a string or shoelace, and transfer to a ruler.  Be sure you are measuring with a ‘natural’ stance, as if you are walking down the trail…we’re not measuring how tall you are and if you are close to two sizes, chances are you’ll measure into the larger size and get an ill fitting pack.  Right on the border … we always recommend to err on the small side, always.  If you have exactly a 20” torso, we’ll recommend a medium framed pack.  Just over 20”, congratulations you’re a large.

So you have purchased a pack, how can you be sure it fits?  First, check out the video.  Hopefully you have already confirmed your torso measurement, and no it isn’t somewhere between 17” and 18 ½”, as it is a static measurement and doesn’t float between sizes.  Couple things to look for with a pack:

AFS/CFS packs, along with the DenaliPro/PetiteDruPro – be sure you are in the correct slot of the auto cant panel (or where the shoulder straps attach to the back panel), and this adjustment is crucial.

With a pack on, weighted (with at least 20 lbs), you should be able to lift your leg to 90 degrees without the waistbelt interfering (that’s where my hip joint pain came from).  A pack is not supposed to interfere with your natural walking gait, but a pack that is too big will sit too low and do exactly that.

Your shoulder straps should ‘wrap’ around your shoulder, minimal gap.  If you have one, first be sure your load lifter straps are loosened (these are not designed to ‘bring the pack closer to you).  The yolk, or where the straps connect, should be approximately 2” below your C7 vertebrate.  On our fit guide you will note each pack series is designed with a different angle.  These straps are designed to transfer weight solely on to your waistbelt, if you missed it check the post. http://www.gregorygoesthere.com/how-to/ask-george-what-the-hell-are-all-those-straps-for-anyway/

Side note: Purchasing a pack for a loved one or family member, maybe for the holidays?  Save for the rare exceptions (such as adoption, or a Maury Pauvich episode), men will have the same torso size as their biological father, and women their mother, regardless of height.  Don’t believe me, measure your mom/dad/son/daughter/siblings.

Next installment, we’ll talk about the proper way to put on a pack.  Everyone seems to have their own ideas, many look silly doing so, we’ll show you our way.

What do you do in the Rockies when winter starts to set in, but there’s no snow in the forecast? Head to the desert, of course! Even with the opening of most ski resorts over the past few weeks, the majority of Colorado’s central Rockies are in desperate need of some white precipitation. A quick weekend mission into Utah’s desert gives the adventure junkie his fix. Despite cool nights, the weather is perfect for mountain biking, canyoneering, hiking – anything outside, really.

You’ll have to pick your way down most ski slopes this weekend. That isn’t discouraging this guy.

We’re going to head this weekend to Dead Horse Point State Park, an ominous sounding place that borders the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park. Visitors will enjoy dramatic vistas of Utah’s canyon country, which light up in spectacular shades of orange, bronze and purple at sunrise and sunset.

The park’s main attraction is the “Rim Walk,” a short hike along a high mesa, 5,900 feet above sea level and 2,000 feet directly above the Colorado River. You’ll find the best views of southeastern Utah from the edge of this point. This is the spot that gives the park its name: Legend has it that cowboys used the point as a natural corral for wild mustangs, backing them up against the cliff’s edge. At some point in time (and for reasons unknown), the horses were left on the point, where they eventually died of thirst and dehydration.

The legend serves as an important reminder of visitors. There’s very little natural water in the park, and the nearest town and medical services are in Moab, UT, over 30 miles away. But with the proper supplies, the park will be an incredible immersion into Utah’s pristine deserts and canyons. There are 21 camping sites, a visitor center, and one established hiking trail to several overlooks. Mountain bikes are not allowed in the park, but if you make Dead Horse Point your base camp, the renowned trails of Moab are easily within reach.

We’ll see you out there!

Bonus Fact: The final scene of Ridley Scott’s 1991 classic, Thelma & Louise (one of Brad Pitt’s early movies), was filmed in Dead Horse Point State Park.

Full Name: Brad Johnstun

 How long have you worked at Gregory and in what roles? I’ve been with Gregory for 4 years and am currently in charge of purchasing finished goods for the Gregory brand and also Gregory Global fulfillment.

 What are your favorite activities outside of work?  Making turns on the hill, fishing for hogs, banging heads on the rugby pitch, spear fishing, free diving, hiking, camping, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

What is your favorite Gregory product and why?  Miwok 22; this pack has no bottom.  Still can’t find Hoffa…don’t check my Miwok!

What is one thing that we would never guess about you?  I’ve been struck by lightning… maybe for you it all just makes sense now.  My cousin and I were at the Grand Canyon rim during the monsoon season.  There was a woman standing by the railing holding an umbrella then “BOOM”…lightning struck down, zapped her, splintered through the umbrella and connected with myself and my cousin right at that metal part on the top of a baseball cap.

What’s Gregory strongest brand attribute in your mind?  Superb quality, fit, & function.

What’s your favorite “Wayneism?  Wayne is a great person.  If you walk by him around the office, you might hear..”Are we winning”.

With Thanksgiving tomorrow, we’re thankful for all that we have. Food, friends, health, and happiness. Okay, some booze and a turkey wrapped in bacon never hurt the cause either.

But, as a brand, we’re very thankful for all of the media partners that we work with throughout the year. We’re grateful that writers from publications all over the world enjoy testing our packs and recommending them to their readers. With that support, we can sell our products and again give back to the multiple philanthropic organizations that we support.

Most recently, we learned that the Gregory Cache 22 was selected as Men’s Journal Approved. We think the Cache 22 is a pretty awesome bag and we’re psyched that Men’s Journal agrees. The coolest part is that the bag was actually tested on the road by Mets Pitcher R.A Dickey. Since Dickey just won the NL CY Young Award and travels to numerous cities all year long, he makes a great travel gear tester and we’re even more thankful for this award knowing that it’s been put through the paces by a big leaguer.

Our Baltoro 65 is a staple in the line that continues to be a favorite among many people. Last week, it was recognized with a Top Pick award from Outdoor Gear Lab as the most comfortable and burly backpack. The Baltoro 65 has been reviewed many times and we’re always pleased when an existing product continues to stack up well against newer products from our competitors.

Along with these awards, we’re thankful for all of our colleagues and partners around the world that make working at Gregory such a rewarding experience as well as the beautiful outdoor areas in which to enjoy the bounty that Mother Nature has to offer.

Happy Thanksgiving all!