Gregory Goes There

At its core, Gregory has always been about creating backpacks - and more precisely, backpack suspension - that lets you concentrate on what it is you’re doing outside rather than the weight that’s on your back.

Now, Gregory’s getting ready to raise the bar a couple of notches in lighter trail packs.

Usually retailers get first crack at seeing all the new technology at the Outdoor Retailer show, where the gear for the next season is debuted each summer and winter. This time, we thought we’d let the Gregory community have the first look as we head into the OR show here in a few days.

The suspension’s called Bio-sync, and what’s unique about it is that Gregory’s designers looked to bio-mimicry to design it, essentially studying the way human tendons work during activities like running, hiking and cycling to create a system that ebbs and flows more with the body’s movements.

So how’s it work? First off, it’s worth noting that this is a suspension designed specifically for smaller, lighter packs that are used in more active endeavors like trail running, day hiking, mountain biking, ultras, etc. Given that it’s for packs with smaller loads, this suspension is much more about having the pack mimic and move with your body than achieving load transfer through the spine and hips, as you want with bigger packs.

If you look at the attachment points of the shoulder harnesses and waist belts on these new packs, you’ll see they attach at two different points on each harness at waist belt. Again, think how joints have multiple tendons that stretch and retract as that joint moves through different motions. In the Bio-sync suspension, there’s  elasticity built into those attachment point that allows them to move more like a shoulder or a knee would instead of a single, static attachment point. It’s the elasticity and multi-anchor points that make the whole thing work. The same way tendons allow your feet to adapt to changing terrain during a trail run.

Bio-sync will be available on four new men’s packs and four new women’s packs. There are smaller 6 and 8 liter models for mountain biking, trail running, ultra-running etc., including one model designed specifically for long-distance races. Then there are larger models in the 11/12 liter and 17/18 liter range for full-day hikes, adventure races or anything where more gear’s required. Harness systems on the women’s packs are tailored for women’s fit.

Gregory’s been field testing its designs for the new line for more than a year on some its sponsored athletes, so it’s exciting to approach the official unveiling, which happens at Outdoor Retailer later this week. If you happen to be headed to the show, stop by and check it out in person at booth 24027.