Earlier this week, news broke about the discovery of a number of Ansel Adams’ missing photographs. As the story goes, Rick Norsigian of California bought old negatives at a garage sale for $45 (after talking the seller down from $70) some 10 odd years ago. A decade later, Mr. Norsigian came to find the negatives he held were in fact worth $200 million.
It was first believed that the negatives in the 64 year-old man’s possession were taken by the famous Ansel Adams, but now, many are claiming they could be the work of other 1920s photographers, namely ‘Uncle Earl‘ or ‘Pop Laval.’ Both stories seem to have reasonable and viable leads as to who these photographs originated from, so it looks like it will be some time until the confirmed photographer is named.
So while the debate remains heated over who created these Ansel Adams-esk photographs of Yosemite National Park, it’s pretty darn cool that these majestic photographs from the 1920s have been uncovered and shared with the public. Not to mention, I bet garage sale attendance will be up this coming weekend- I know I’ll be attending a few!
Photo via CNN
In 2009, a record number of people, 3.15 million, visited 
Yellowstone National Park. As shocking as that number might be, it’s all the more shocking to realize how many of those visitors only see Yellowstone from their car or bus window. So, while it sounds slightly horrifying to visit America’s oldest National Park with 3.15 million of your best friends, as backpackers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, you won’t have to.
This past weekend, I took an all-girls (or, as we call it, JUGS- just us girls) trip into Yellowstone and expected to see the famous sites along with the rest of middle America. What I didn’t expect to find is how much of Yellowstone goes unexplored. We summited Avalanche Peak the first day and quickly learned how easily we could we could avoid the swarms of people.
After learning that 90 percent of people spend their lives indoors, the Barenaked Ladies, founders of Green Music Group, took it upon themselves to motivate people outdoors.
How you might you ask? Luckily, they won’t be trying to serenade people outside with ‘One Week‘ or ‘If I Had a Million Dollars‘ (oh, the 90s). Instead, they’re asking people to simply get outside and document their experience with a camera for a chance to win $1,000 Sierra Club Outing gift certificate. The certificate can be used toward hundreds of camping, hiking and kayaking trips.
So as the other 10 percent of the population, this contest should be a no-brainer, especially for the chance to put $1,000 toward Sierra Club adventures of your choosing. The contest ends July 30, so hurry up and post your photos here.
Via TreeHugger
It’s not everyday Gregory Mountain Products is recognized by the likes of Matt Lauer and Ann Curry, so we’re psyched to the share excitement with the Gregory Goes There community.
Backpacker Magazine’s, Kristin Hostetter, appeared on the Today Show 
this past Saturday to give a run-down of the must-have camping gear this summer and featured the Gregory Z35.
Big thanks to Kristin and the rest of the crew over at Backpacker Magazine. We’re honored the z35 is considered one of your ‘favorite backpacks.’
When it comes to backpack fit, Gregory’s team of expert backpack makers scrutinize all pack-carry angles to build solvent technology that ensures comfort and correct pack carry.
The Wraptor Stabilizer is one of many Gregory systems that guarantee optimal carry by employing the idea of stabilizing the pack at the lumbar region. The popular Alpinisto as well as the new Fusion LTS series use the Wraptor Stabilizer. Essentially, the Wraptor Stabilizer technology allows the wearer to put the pack on normally and then pull both shoulder straps to ‘suck’ the backpanel to the small of your back. Once the pack has auto-located to the lumbar region, the pack-load will carry evenly and prevent bounce.
What makes this system unique is the ‘V’ like strap structure with two separate attachment points as a opposed to the traditional vertical downward, one attachment point strap structure. With a quick pull of the Wraptor Stabilzer, the ‘V’ shaped straps ensure a smooth and forward (toward your back) movement for optimal placement.
See minute 1:19 of the LTS series video for a demonstration of use.
When I first heard the term ‘flashpacking,’ I thought of fastpacking at night with some sort of flashlight contraption. Ya…it turns out the term has nothing to do with flashlights or fastpacking, but more to do with the being a ‘flashy’ backpacker.
There’s a new generation of traveling backpackers who are neither hairy nor living on dime. No, this kind of backpacking requires a little more $$ and little more flash. What do I mean by flash? Well let’s just say they expect a little more TLC from their hostels and their pack isn’t holding only a t-shirt and a couple pairs of shorts. Rather, these backpackers have more than a few outfits and a pack full of the latest in electronics.
Scoffing at the idea? Well, according to a 2006 Hostelworld study, twenty-one percent of people carry laptops, 54 percent carry an mp3 player, 83 percent carry a mobile phone and 68 percent travel carry a digital camera.
So as it were, most of us are probably considered, ‘flashpackers.’ I don’t know if I’d go as far as to say that every backpacker with a camera should be considered flashy, but you get the point. Either way, flashpacker or not, we could all use the reminder to simplify and lighten the load because that’s what it’s all about, right?
Via How to Travel the World
Backpacker Magazine is looking to expand their site’s digital map room and they’re asking YOU to help out in exchange for a trunk full of 2010 Editor’s Choice gear. All you need is a GPS unit and an itch to explore new terrain.
As the Gregory Goes There reader is likely A. a hiker/backpacker, B. an outdoor adventurer, C. a working stiff living vicariously through GGT, D. a gear nut, or E. all of the above, I don’t think we’ll have to twist your arm on this one.
Not to mention, our very own Gregory Z55/Jade 50 won the Editor’s Choice for ‘Best All Around’ pack. So not only do you have the chance to digitally pave the way for other backpackers to explore new trails, you also might be in the running for the award-winning Z55.
Here are the details:
The most productive contributor to the digital map room will win 2010 Editor’s Choice gear as well as a trip to the Colorado Rocky Mountains with the Backpacker map editors. To add to the digital map room, simply create a profile on the Backpacker community page, check the trips data base to make sure you’re logging a new hike, and start hiking with your GPS and camera.
Click HERE to find out more.
Happy Trails!
Beginning Saturday the 17th, the National Park Service will open all 392 National Parks free of charge until April 25th for ‘National Park Week‘. There will be a good number of special events throughout the week, so make sure to look into what maybe happening at the National Park near you.
So if you’re like me, paying the entry fee or buying the Annual Park Pass in exchange for exploring our National Parks is an easy trade. However, if your friends are anything like mine, well, let’s just say they’ll have no excuses come April 17th.
Also, feel free to post pictures on our Good Life page of you and your Gregory pack enjoying a free day at the park!
Via Wend Blog and The Goat
Last month, Gregory sent 148 day packs and 150 messenger bags to the Development Services Network, a private non-profit located in our own backyard so to speak, Sacramento, California.
The DSN non-profit that serves individuals with developmental disabilities like cerebral palsy, mental retardation, or autism. The network consists of six-bed community homes where about 1,200 people receive daily care.
The residents of homes operated by United Cerebral Palsy of Los Angeles were the recipients of Gregory’s pack donation. Most of the people served in this community leave for school, work, or attend daily activities in which they need backpacks to carry their necessary belongings, including lunch, clothing, and medical items. Some may use the packs as emergency grab bags in the case of earthquake, flood, or fire situation. Also, many homes keep a bag packed for each person containing a change of clothes and any other items that cannot do without.
Pictured below are two of the Gregory pack donation recipients.
Larry carries his Gregory pack behind his wheelchair everyday to go to his job site.
Dorothy uses her pack to carry all her belongings to the day program she attends daily.
