Compass: Charting the Evolution of Outdoor Gear

Gregory History

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1970

Wayne Gregory starts first company Sunbird, making external frame packs

1973

Sunbird is wound up

Wayne Gregory freelance designs for Alpenlite, Gerry Outdoors, Frostline Kits, and Snow Lion

1977

Wayne Gregory starts making internal frame packs, as Gregory Mountain Products, in San Diego, California

releases Cassin pack with contoured profile, side zipper, sleeping-bag compartment and taped seams

1983

Gregory Mountain Products is acquired by Bianchi International, famous for making gun holsters

factory is moved to Temecula, California

Wayne Gregory becomes a vice-president at Bianchi International

releases 22 layer, composite graphite, frame stays, said to be 50% lighter than aluminium

Superlight series introduced, being roughly one pound (450 grams) lighter than standard models

1984

Colin Fletcher's book, The Complete Walker III, espouses virtures of Cassin pack, sales go through roof

1991

a line of Gregory branded tents are offered

1993

Gregory packs account for 40% of Bianchi’s revenue, and 39% of Bianchi’s staffing

1994

Gregory branded tents now become Noall Tents

1995

release Evolution external pack, with nylon frame cross-members and Flo-Form harness

1999

Gregory Packs win contract to supply US Special Forces with 120lb capacity SPEAR packs

2000

introduced AccuCase range of crush-resistant cases offered protection for sunglasses, GPS units, etc.

2004

Bianchi has sales of $36 million USD, with 280 staff

Amor Holdings Inc (a body armour business) acquires Bianchi International for $60 million USD

2005

Gregory acknowledged by both Backpacker Magazine Reader’s Choice Awards and Editor’s Choice Awards

2009

Targhee backcountry ski and snowboard pack wins an Outside Magazine 2009/2010 Gear of the Year Award

2010

Gregory merges with Black Diamond Equipment and Clarus Corporation to become publicly listed business

2011

Gregory management team moves to new premises within Black Diamond building in Salt Lake City, Utah

Gregory Mountain Products now