What Gregory is known for
Backpack maker founded in San Diego in 1977 by Wayne and Suszy Gregory, built around Wayne's Active Suspension System for pack-to-body fit. Acquired by Bianchi International in 1983; owned by Samsonite since a 2014 purchase from Black Diamond for $85 million.
Wayne Gregory designed his first backpack at age 14 as a Boy Scout project, and in 1970 launched an earlier venture, Sunbird, making external-frame packs - it folded by 1973. In 1977 he founded Gregory Mountain Products in San Diego with his wife Suszy. The company's packs were built in the back room of Wayne's retail store, based on the principle that a pack should be worn, not carried, leading to Gregory's Active Suspension System. Bianchi International acquired the company in 1983, and it relocated to Temecula, California. Black Diamond Equipment later owned Gregory before selling it to Samsonite International in 2014 for $85 million.
Best for — Backpacks, outdoor
USA / Asia
Where next
- Natural Art Surf Shop / In the Eye Surfboards — United Kingdom
- 17th Street Surf Shop — United States
- Kitty Hawk Kites — United States
Hand-curated for ORBIS · no paid placement