Tag Archive for ‘backpacking’ at Gregory Goes There

Tag Archive for 'backpacking'

Climbing in Joshua Tree for a great cause

One of Gregory’s favorite organizations we support is San Diego based non-profit group Outdoor Outreach. Their mission is to empower at-risk and underprivileged youth to make positive, lasting changes in their lives through comprehensive outdoor programming. They are one of just a few organizations like this in the country to utilize outdoor physical experiences to provide youth with the support, relationships, resources and opportunities they need to become successful adults. Since its founding in 1999, Outdoor Outreach has taken more than 5,000 youth on over 1,500 outings, including rock climbing, snowboarding, surfing, snorkeling, mountain biking and backpacking.

This October, Outdoor Outreach will be hosting their annual Joshua Tree Experience event, a two day, fully catered event where participants can climb, camp, hike and practice yoga, all while fundraising for at-risk and underprivileged youth. To participate, you must raise a minimum of only $350 and there are prizes for different fundraising levels (Gregory packs being one of the available prizes). If you’re unable to attend the JT Experience but still want to help out, don’t be discouraged! You can still set up a fundraising page and qualify for the prizes. In 2001, 80 participants raised over $70,000 to directly benefit Outdoor Outreach. This year’s goal is set at $100,000 and we need your help!

Sound awesome? Told you so. Visit the Joshua Tree Experience page to register and build your own fundraising page. Once you’ve reached the $350 minimum you’ll be allowed to sign up for weekend clinics. Happy fundraising!

Published

Steph

on June 30, 2010

in Events and Sponsorships

. 0 Comments

And the reviews are in…

At Gregory, we put our packs through rigorous testing, and with our new Fusion LTS line, it was no different. We claim that these are the ‘go anywhere, do everything’ packs, and so we had to test them as such. Well the reviews are in, they’re glowing, and we couldn’t be more psyched for you all to give these packs a try yourselves.

So who were these ‘testers’? We gave Gregory Ambassador Joe Kinder a Torre 33 nine months ago, and had one of our female employees, Molly, test two of the women’s specific models over the past 4 months. Both of them LOVE the mountains (obvs), so these were the perfect packs for them to put through the ringer, through a multitude of activities, with each of their very different packing styles. Here’s what they had to say:

Name: Joe Kinder
Pack Tested: Torre 33
Activities: Climbing, Approach, Bolting Routes

The Review: “I’ve been using the Torre 33L for the past 9 months. My objective was to put this joint to use and try to kick its ass, use it in every situation, and then provide feedback. So far…to this day…I haven’t been able to damage it in the slightest. No rips, no holes, nothing. The zipper is still intact, the material is completely fine.

The harness system is amazing. It is a mold that offers total support and comfort. I pack this thing with bolts, draws, my drill, a rope, harness, shoes, water, and food. NO problem. The access to the interior is SO easy with the opening design. I am in love with this pack.”

Name: Molly Maguire
Packs Tested: Inyo 45 & Cirque 30
Activities: Backpacking/Climbing Yosemite, XC Skiing, Snowshoeing, Ice Climbing

The Review: “I used the Inyo 45 for an overnight backpacking trip in Yosemite with some newbies and was amazed at how much I loved it. I usually use a 60-80L pack and have been known to use that 80L for overnighters with new hikers to carry as many creature comforts for them, as possible. I fit everything I wanted to, everything was able to be organized, all the pockets are in good places, and there’s more than enough of them. And after everything was stuffed inside, it was super easy to get to it, this pack’s access is awesome. The approaches when climbing were easy b/c of the narrower waistbelt, so I could be wearing my harness and still take big, scrambly steps. The smaller packs in this line are great for a sport rack, the larger accommodate a trad rack, and with 3 volume sizes, you can do any length climbing/hiking trip.

In Ouray, I used the Cirque 30 as a day pack, out xc skiing and snowshoeing, as well as ice climbing. The Wraptor Stabilizer during the skiing and snowshoeing totally pulls the load up into your back, it feels super stable, like I had total freedom to move and the pack stayed still and stable, and didn’t throw me off balance (which can happen when you pack like me and come in at a whopping 5 feet tall :). It fit all of my climbing gear while I was trolling around the festival - crampons, harness, carabiners, belay devices, an extra rack - and still had enough room for my helmet inside too. I didn’t feel scared at all about throwing it down on the ice, the materials are bomber and super abrasion resistant.”

There you have it folks. Man and woman, coming together and agreeing that these All Mountain packs are AWESOME. What do you all think of these packs? Psyched to try them out? If you’re still not sold, check out the video for some more info on the features, Fusion LTS suspension, and what makes these packs so great.

Published

Steph

on February 10, 2010

in Uncategorized

. 0 Comments

Summiting Mt. Washington Gregory style

Gregory Gives Back, our donation program, is always looking for ways to help out. Two months ago, three Seniors from the University of New Hampshire Jeff Brown, Brett Clark and Dave Shimmel approached Gregory with a proposal to raise money for Gregory’s charity of choice, the Angelman Syndrome Foundation.

The group planned to summit Mt. Washington (6,288ft- the northeast’s highest mountain) for a good cause. We were able to help out by providing them with the pack that could handle some of ‘the worst weather in the world’: the Baltoro 70.

The boys raised over $1,000 for the foundation by posting a fundraising page on the Angelman site. Jeff and the guys were even nice enough to report back and send us some photos of their trip. We loved hearing about it. Congratulations, Jeff, Brett and Dave.

Here’s what they had to say about the Baltoro 70:

“Overall the pack was great. It was very lightweight which made it very easy to hike with. The adjustment straps on the Baltoro 70 allow the user to make the pack feel as if it is a part of them. At times you can hardly tell you are wearing a backpack. Without a doubt the unanimous best feature of the Gregory Baltoro 70 backpack is the amount of storage compartments which can be found all over the bag. The compartments and straps make the bag so user friendly that there was never a time on our trip where we had to unpack our gear in order to get to something. Every location in the pack is easily accessible, which is a great feature to have while hiking.

Thank you Gregory Mountain Packs!”

Jeff Brown
Brett Clark
Dave Shimmel

Published

Lauren

on September 14, 2009

in Destinations and Sponsorships

. 1 Comment

Facebook for outdoor enthusiasts?

With the number of online social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace or the most recent recommendation engine, LikeMe.Net, it’s about time the outdoor community had a network, too. Outdoor enthusiasts meet, Trails.

The Sierra Club recently launched the site in beta with the goal of providing people a place to share their favorite spots to hike, paddle, bike, fish, bird watch, stargaze, identify flowers, hoola-hoop- you get the point.

The site serves as a library of trails described by people like you and you don’t have to be a member of the Sierra Club to join Trails. It’s a great free resource to find trails in your area or search for trails when you’re on the road. You can create a profile, join/make a group, add or edit trails, or read their daily blog, ‘On Track‘. There’s also a section on community trips and events as wells as tips on hiking, camping, paddling etc.

So, if your looking to broaden your knowledge of the outdoors, share your knowledge, or simply meet people who have similar interests like, say, underwater basket weaving, then you should give Trails a spin. While you’re there, make sure you join the Gregory Packs group!

Published

Lauren

on July 27, 2009

in Outdoor News

. 0 Comments

You’ll have more energy if you can actually eat what you bring in your pack

Have you had enough Rice a Roni or things that look like this when you’re planning your backpacking menu? If you’re looking to expand your bag of tricks, here’s a great post from a site that we’ve got on our RSS feed, SectionHiker. As we’ve said before, this site’s usually got meticulously thought-out, very useful info on hiking and lightweight backpacking, if you’re into that kinda thing. It sort of makes sense the guy who runs it’s a software engineer.

Anyway, today’s post talks a lot about the value of dehydrating food to create simple, lighweight, nutritous, great meals on the trail. Then you mix ‘em up in freezer bags for easy prep. If you don’t know where to get started on something like this, this is a great overview from someone who’s clearly done a lot of thinking on the matter.

Not only that, but SectionHiker himself outlines his whole menu for an upcoming trip he’s planning in Maine, complete with links to other sites where he collected info on some meals for his trip.

Who says you can’t be a foodie on the trail? Like a lot of things, this shows it’s all about planning.

Published

Dave

on July 6, 2009

in Outdoor News

. 0 Comments

Did you know June 6th is National Trails Day AND National Doughnut Day?

Nowadays, there’s a holiday for practically everything. Like this Saturday, June 6th. I guess no one noticed when they named the first Friday of every June National Trails Day, that it was also named National Doughnut Day . Whoops. But, just because these two worthy causes don’t seem to go hand in hand, it doesn’t mean there’s not enough time on June 6th to celebrate both.

Here at Gregory, we celebrate any day we can get outside and put our boots to trail. This June 6th marks the 17th year that we will officially celebrate our National trails. More than 1,500 events around the country including trail maintenance, hiking, paddling, biking, horseback riding, and running will take place to celebrate.

It all started in 1987 with Ronald Reagan’s President’s Commission on Americans Outdoors, which, according the American Hiking Society, stated that “all Americans be able to go out their front doors and within fifteen minutes, be on trails that wind through their cities or towns and bring them back without retracing steps.” Sounds nice, right? Well, in 1993, the American Hiking Society built on Reagan’s idea and launched National Trails Day.

As you know, trails don’t just appear out of nowhere. It took some serious planning and labor to create our 200,000 miles of trail. So, this Saturday, say thanks, and get out your front door to explore the trails that wind through your cities, towns, countrysides and mountains. And, if you’re into it, grab a doughnut along the way.

Published

Lauren

on June 2, 2009

in Events and Gregory Community

. 6 Comments

Snow is not gone yet: What that means for early season backpacking

If you’re thinking about dusting off your pack, keep in mind it’s still early- especially for the Western Mountain regions who’ve seen a bigger than average snow year. Good for ski season, bad for early season backpacking. But, with the right gear and preparation, trekking through the occasional snowfield in the high country is not only doable, but can be adventurously fun- glissading anyone?

For obvious reasons, waterproof boots topped with gaiters are a must when gallivanting through ankle to knee deep snow. Bringing a few extra pairs of socks will be key, especially if snow makes its way through your waterproof layers. Also, it’s always nice to have an extra pair of dry socks to throw on at camp.

As far as alpine equipment goes, an ice axe will prove to be your most trusted companion in getting up, down, and across ice and snow. And should you lose your step, it’ll act as an anchor. Make sure you know how to use your ice axe or it won’t do you much good. Crampons act as another stabilizing tool. Generally, the 3 season hiker won’t need crampons, but light crampons may help you avoid an impromptu Bambi on ice routine.

Published

Lauren

on May 26, 2009

in Destinations

. 1 Comment

Gregory Goes to San Francisco

Ticket to Outside Lands Festival from the Box Office: $95
Ticket from the guy I bought one from: $40
Seeing a Gregory Day & a Half Pack there: PRICELESS

We spotted this guy walking around Golden Gate Park this weekend wearing a “vintage” Day & a Half pack. He told us he bought the pack at a garage sale for $1, we told him what a steal that was and to carry on being awesome. Sunday at the park was a good day.

Published

Steph

on August 28, 2008

in Uncategorized

. 1 Comment

Sometimes they let us out of the office

This past weekend, George and I traveled out to Buena Vista, CO for the 2008 Continental Divide Trail Alliance’s Trailfest event. We ditched the car at the hotel and decided to stroll down the road to see what the town had to offer. After a quick drop by The Trailhead - one of our retailers in town - we headed over to the Lariat Bar & Grill on E. Main Street for some lunch. This place is awesome, and if you are ever in Buena Vista, or just traveling through, it’s worth a stop (and be sure to say what’s up to the bartender Ryan for us). This bar is one of the oldest establishments in town and is still in the family. And with all of the good people and fun stuff to do in there-pool, foosball, darts, running the dj booth for an hour-we guarentee you’ll have no trouble closing the place either.

Published

Steph

on July 25, 2008

in Gregory Company News

. 1 Comment

Ask George: How to pack a backpack properly

At Gregory, since we’re a backpack company, we get a lot of questions about backpacks. Good ones.

One of the more common is, ‘what’s the best way to pack a backpack,’ or various variations thereof. That’s a great question, because there are a lot of opinions and theories on the matter. More often than not, Gregory customer service/jack of all trades guru George McCloskey (that’s him getting the faceshot) is the guy to take the phone call, e-mail or Facebook message.

So, in the vein of being of service, we thought we’d put George on the spot find out what he tells folks. Turns out, George just answered the question again recently, so here’s what he said (clearly he’s done a little thinking on the matter):

When it comes to packing your backpack, everyone seems to have their own way, and therefore we only ‘publish’ general guidelines. That said, here are my own personal guidelines (and please feel free to ‘build’ your own):

I typically start with my sleeping bag in the bottom (sometimes with, sometimes without a stuff sack, but I don’t necessarily recommend if for the first timer, because not using one allows you to stuff out the corners really well, which can be tougher when in a stuff sack). And a key point here is that packing your backpack well, ie: using all the space effectively without having dead spots with nothing in them, is essential to achieving positive load transfer, which means transferring the weight effectively to your body, and that’s what you want if you want your pack to carry well.

Published

Dave

on July 17, 2008

in How to ... and Technology

. 14 Comments

Gregory Goes There