Tag Archive for ‘climbing’ at Gregory Goes There

Tag Archive for 'climbing'

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

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Back to the grind

We’re back in the office in Sacramento after after an exceptional weekend at the Red Rock Rendezvous. The weather was perfect this year, no high winds or hail storms to deal with as in the past, and everyone was psyched to be there. Tons of sponsors came out to support the event, and with product, trip, and other donations from each of these companies, we were able to raise $10,000 for the Access Fund! In one night, in one auction! Proper.

Published

Steph

on March 23, 2010

in Events

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Red Rock Rendezvous Here We Come

This Thursday, George, Molly and myself will be leaving SacTown on a jet plane. Destination…Vegas.

I know what you’re thinking. Vegas??? Why put yourselves through that?? Well luckily we’ll get to the airport and high-tail it directly west. Out of the city, away from the hustle and bustle (there may be a quarter or two lost in some slots on the way out of the airport) and straight to Red Rock National Conservation Area for this year’s Red Rock Rendezvous.

The Red Rock Rendezvous is one of our favorite events, and we’re psyched to be a sponsor again this year. It’s a climbing festival centered around teaching and clinics for all levels. Some of the world’s best climbers are on hand to teach newbies the basics and help more advanced climbers master specific skills. There are a ton of clinics to choose from and after you register and buy your ticket in, you’re able to select one full day clinic for either Saturday or Sunday and then as many other 2 hour clinics as you can handle on the other day. Climbing not really your thing? There are also clinics offered for mountain biking, yoga, backpacking, wilderness first aid, trail running, trail cooking, photography, and the list doesn’t stop there. There are slideshows every night, a dinner for ALL attendees on Saturday, and plenty of music, revelry, yoga, comps, and service projects to keep you busy all weekend. You can view the entire festival schedule HERE.

So what’s our part in all of climbing fun and madness? We’ll be on site in the vendor area showing off some of our brand new product - namely the Fusion LTS line of packs that our ambassador, climber Joe Kinder, helped design. Stop by the booth to get fit for a Gregory Pack and learn why they are the most comfortable packs on earth (and maybe even beyond). Joe’s going to be at the event all weekend as well, he’ll be running clinics on Redpointing, both on Saturday and Sunday. We’ll have tons of Gregory goodies to give away, including some packs, so you best be there. George will be there to answer all of your technical pack questions and get you fit for a pack. We also sponsor the service project for trail maintenance and to help clean up during the event so we leave the gorgeous Red Rock area just as pristine as when we got there.

Still not convinced this event is for you? Stay tuned for Joe’s perspective on the event, from the eyes of a climber. We’re sure he’ll get you psyched and inspired. If you can’t make it out to Vegas this week, mark Red Rock Rendezvous on your calendars for next year. It is always at the end of March and is a yearly event. Once you go, you’ll never miss one again. We haven’t.

Published

Steph

on March 15, 2010

in Events

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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

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Gregory’s Weekend Warriors

Here at Gregory, we definitely play harder than we work (shhhh, don’t tell the boss-man) and try to get out as much as possible. Molly from Customer Service and Dustin from the warehouse recently road tripped to the Ouray Ice Festival in Ouray, CO to do just that. We weren’t exhibiting there this year, but they were able to see some awesome slide shows, drink a couple of well deserved beers, get a little star struck, and of course test out some of Gregory’s new 2010 product with friends before it hits the shelves in February. Check out Molly’s recap and photos of her long weekend away from the office (we’re a bit jealous too).

So Dustin and I headed to Ouray, CO for the Ice Fest with a few key things on our agenda: climb some ice, try our hand at cross-country skiing, go snowboarding (or in my case, ride down the hill on my backside), chat up the folks at the local gear shop, and slide shows, slide shows, slide shows!

After 16 hours in a car we met up with some old climbing buddies from Phoenix and were super stoked to test out the new Gregory Fusion LTS packs for the first time. They are awesome by the way, launch in February, and were perfect for everything we did this weekend. Stay tuned for more info on those packs and my full review in the next couple of weeks.

On Thursday before the event started, we decided to climb in the Ice Park to find some good routes and to try to beat the crowd. Dustin had never climbed ice before and was a pro in no time. After a few hours it was back to town to check out Caroline George and Andres Marin give some awesome slide shows, complete with delicious (and complimentary) Fat Tire beers.

The next day, when the comps and clinics started in the Ice Park, we went out in search of the Ironton Park Ski Area. I remember being the fastest cross-country skier EVER…when I was 12. Three and a half hours, and a few extra trails later, we made it back to the car. Needless to say, we had earned our right to those free beers during tonight’s slide shows from Steve House and Majka Burhardt. Maika’s slide show “Waypoint Namibia” was stellar, though I might be biased because she signed a frisbee for me.

On Saturday, we headed out to find some fresh pow and a jump we had heard about from the local gear shop (huge thank you to Ouray Mountain Sports). I was the professional photographer for the day, as Dustin, again, looked like a pro. We headed back to the Park just in time to see the finals and Josh Wharton and Ines Papert win the Ouray Ice Comp. We were able to check out some of the other vendor’s booths and gear, and I’m not really sure which is my favorite part of a climbing festival - the raffles and free gear, or the slide shows and free beer. We ended the night with a special premiere of the movie “North Face“, which was great. Side note, if you are 4′11″, check to see if the movie you are about to watch has subtitles, and if so, don’t sit behind the only 6′5″ person in the room.

Our trip was wrapping up, but there was one thing left on my to-do list that I have thus far forgotten to mention: get Conrad Anker’s autograph and a picture with him. SUCCESS! Not only did he give me his autograph, he signed my hatchet, AND drew mountains on the other side. My 2010 is off to a pretty amazing start.

Published

Steph

on January 21, 2010

in Gregory Community

. 1 Comment

Red Rock Rendezvous

George and I are back in the office after another awesome year at the Red Rock Rendezvous in fabulous Las Vegas. Mountain Gear puts on a great event every year and we are stoked to be a part of it. For those of you who haven’t heard of it yet, Red Rocks is for climbers - everyone from first timers to those working on nailing down their technique. We had the Gregory booth set up, full line of products on display, schooled attendees on the importance of having a properly fitted pack, and gave a few bags away to some lucky individuals.

Joe Kinder was on hand to give 2 clinics on redpointing - you can check out some pictures from those clinics on his blog. There was a huge dinner on Saturday night for everyone who was attending, and the line was super long, but everyone got fed and hung around for the Access Fund auction and music provided by a solar paneled dj booth. And for your viewing pleasure, here are a few more outtakes from the event - hope to see you there next year.

slacklining clinic

joe!

dyno comp

sunset

some nightime hooping fun

Published

Steph

on March 30, 2009

in Uncategorized

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Come join us at Sacramento Pipeworks

CRAGS is hosting the REEL Rock Film Tour on October 25th at Sacramento Pipeworks.
Doors open at 7 pm.

Admission is $10 and includes a raffle ticket and free beer/beverage. There will be a DJ on hand spinning reggae before and after the films (and who doesn’t like reggae).

Reel Rock will be premiering a new film, The Sharp End by Peter Mortimer, Nick Rosen, and Sender Films. The film features Sacramento’s own Alex Honnold, Dean Potter, Mike Patz, Steph Davis, Tommy Caldwell, Jonny Copp, Lisa Rands, and many more as they risk everything on the world’s most dangerous and committing routes. Watch as they run out trad routes, boulder highballs, scale ice covered alpine walls, and commit to all or nothing free solo ascents.

Gregory will be supporting our local climbing organization CRAGS, by donating prizes for the raffle at this event. Come out to Pipeworks for some good movies, a good cause and good times. For a complete schedule of the Reel Rocks film tour, check out their website, http://www.reelrocktour.com/.

Published

Steph

on October 22, 2008

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New 13-pitch route in Madagascar

Got this update from Verdon Tomajko, who took part in an expedition in August and early September to Madagascar, where - with his friends Dusan Beranek and Richi Nyeki - they established a new route on the Tsaranoro Massif. ‘Old Master’ is 13 pitches and checks in around 5.12d.

Here’s what Verdon had to say, and he sent over these images of the climb and the trip, which was as much a cultural adventure as a climbing one.

I flew from JFK airport in New York on Aug. 23 and arrived in Paris the following morning. From there I met up with my climbing companions from Slovakia, and on to Madagascar.

After a 12 hour flight, we arrived in Antananarivo, the capital city of Madagascar (population 1.2 million). A small van was waiting at the airport to take us to the camp. We loaded our four large “pigs” (hauling bags), seven adults each with backpacks, and the driver and his helper (as required by law when renting a vehicle) into the van for another 12 hours of driving.

Published

Dave

on September 29, 2008

in Gregory Company News and Sponsorships

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Climbing update from Tsaranoro Massif

Here’s a little update on the climbing expedition Gregory helped co-sponsor to the Tsaranoro Massif in Madagascar from Tabatha Tomajko, who’s married to one of the climbers on the trip, Milos ‘Verdon’ Tomajko.

The guys are doing great! They arrived at their camp in Madagascar on Monday, Aug. 25, after almost 48 hours of traveling! They are staying at a camp that is powered entirely by solar energy, so they only have electricity for a few hours a day, so obviously no internet connections. I received an email from (Milos) two days ago. He said that they have finished bolting and building the climb.

The climb is 13 pitches total, each pitch 180-200 feet, to a height of 2300+ feet. After a day or two of rest, they are now ready to complete the first ascent, each climber, the entire route, with no falls. Once they climb it, they will then be able to grade the climb. And then hopefully they’ll have a little extra time to explore more rocks and more routes! Or to just relax and enjoy the scenery!

We’ll look for a full report when the crew is back.

Published

Dave

on September 8, 2008

in Athletes and Sponsorships

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Gregory Z30 pack wins Alpinist’s Mountain Standards Award

After ranting the other day on pack suspension (really, it is the most important thing in a backpack), we were super psyched this morning to log on to Alpinist’s web site and find out that mountain guide Aimee Barnes, who put the Gregory Z30 to the carry test (she says she averages 200-plus days a year carrying a pack), awarded it five stars, bestowing Alpinist’s prestigous Mountain Standards award.

Alpinist obviously has a different take on equipment testing, since they use mountain guides who are working day-in and day-out in the gear to decide on the ratings in their tests. That, along with the fact that mountain guides are notoriously picky about the gear they use, and very specific about the feature sets they want on gear, makes this a different animal than some of the other gear tests out there.

Barnes says one of the big criteria in her tests was overloading the Z30, which Gregory rates as able to comfortable carry up to about 25 to 30 pounds of gear (which is a good bit for a 30-liter pack), with 35 pounds of gear. Ah, yes, again, the special demands of a mountain guide, like schlepping around particularly heavy loads. She wanted to put Gregory’s claims about its Jet Stream DTS suspension to the test. Her take?

“The system carried better than any other pack I’ve owned. My back stayed dry. And true to Gregory’s claim, the suspension system support automatically adjusted each time I added or decreased my pack weight. It felt like an extension of my body.”

Doesn’t get much better than that.

Published

Dave

on August 29, 2008

in Awards

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Gregory Goes There