Compass: Charting the Evolution of Outdoor Gear

Sprayway History

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founded

1992

£3 million turnover and based in Manchester, UK

1995

Sprayway sponsored alpinist/mother, Alison Hargreaves, dies on K2 expedition

The company cops flak for continuing to use Alison in adverts after her death

1997

release technical mountaineering Ice Jacket and Pants in 3 layer R49 Ripstop Gore-tex

£10 million turnover

1999

release PACS side venting R49 Gore-Tex Shells

Earn two Malden Mills (Polartec) Apex Awards

bought out by J. Langdon Limited and parent company, Kintbury (Dublin, Ireland based)

2000

launch Odyssey jacket in new 25% more breathable Gore-Tex XCR

2001

add 38 new products to their range, including their first Gore-Tex Paclite garments

release Resolute and Whistler goose down jackets

Launch Zone 1 Impact Top in Polartec Thermal Pro (aka Patagonia’s Regulator fleece)

2003

Langdon is unable to pay debts of €12.7m after UK’s 2001 Foot and Mouth outbreak curtailed British outdoor activities

Sprayway’s parent company, Langdon, is acquired by Swiss Cutlery (UK) Limited

Swiss Cutlery (UK) aka Bollin Group also own Mountain Equipment, Bridgedale, and Ron Hill

Andrew Denton, ex-owner of Mountain Equipment, becomes Product & Marketing Director

Andrew Denton oversees the new (less technical) direction of the Sprayway brand, under Bollin Group

2005

release 487gm Cloud Peak jacket in a combination of Gore-Tex XCR and Paclite fabrics