Gregory Packs Partners With Unlikely Hikers, Builds ‘Plus-Size’ Packs
In partnership with Unlikely Hikers, Gregory has debuted a plus-size pack collection for 2021.
Gregory introduced its first plus-size pack line, with a variety of sizes and pack styles for literally everyone. The new line is part of Gregory’s push to grow its Gateways Program, promoting inclusivity in the outdoors.
Gregory’s first plus-size backpack collection includes over 14 products across the day hiking, hydration, multiday backpacking, and lifestyle categories. The new plus-size collection addresses sizing gaps and provides more pack options, according to Gregory.
We spoke with the product designers and Jenny Bruso of Unlikely Hikers to hear all about what went into this collection.
“We wanted to launch a comprehensive collection,” Gregory explained.
“Better fitting gear means empowerment, inspiration, and the comfort for everyone to do what they desire,” said Bruso.
Gregory Plus-Size Packs
Here are some of the pack line details:
- Designed for sizes 2X-6X, or a 40-60″ hip belt circumference
- Depending on the type of pack, they are sized as “one size and fully adjustable,” or S/M, M/L size ranges
- Includes unisex and gender-specific offerings
The Gregory design team worked hand-in-hand with Jenny Bruso and her organization, Unlikely Hikers, to listen to and understand the fit and comfort needs of plus-size hikers. Overall, the brand took feedback from 10 to 12 long-term testers.
“I want to reiterate this isn’t just making a pack’s hip belt larger. We have different body types — the entire pack was refit and redesigned,” explained Bruso, who’s been testing a variety of new daypacks and backpacks for over a year.
These plus-size packs feature lots of design updates compared to standard fit packs, including the following features:
- A larger hip belt and length
- Redesigned pocket placement
- Extended shoulder harness length and new shape
- A wider shoulder strap angle
- A longer sternum strap (adjustable in length, width, and height)
“This new line has been years in the making. We couldn’t be more excited to launch this new collection, not just with two or three products, but with a line that represents the breadth of our entire backpack collection,” said John Sears, VP of Gregory. “And we’re thrilled to have a partner in a group like Unlikely Hikers to help us make sure we nailed it out of the gate.”
The plus-size pack collection will be available at REI Co-op as of May 20 and at select in-store retailers. View the full collection at Gregory or REI.com (coming May 25).
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