Wayne Gregory designed his first backpack at only 14 for a Boy Scout project. Shortly after this experience he met Andy Drollinger, the founder of San Diego California Adventure 16. Andy really liked Wayne's design and over the next few years Wayne could be found hanging around the Adventure 16 factory, buying raw materials and experimenting with a variety of backpack ideas. He soon became the young companies second employee.

After Wayne dissolved his first company, Sunbird, in 1973, he spent a few years working as a freelance designer in the newly emerging outdoor speciality industry.  Intrigued and excited by the new direction soft packs and internal frame packs were moving, Wayne jumped back into backpack design and founded his next company, Gregory Mountain Products, in 1977 out of San Diego.  Today, Gregory backpacks are recognized for their quality and comfort.  Designed for people who love the outdoors, Gregory packs set the standard.

Gregory offers a full line of packs for men and women.  At the top of that list and #10 in our list of top 10 hiking backpacks, is the Z 30.  This pack is simply amazing and worth every single penny of the price.  Although not a pack but a duffle, their Stash Duffel might just be the perfect duffel: super strong, easy access, simple and versatile. With haul handles on all four corners and a two-way carry strap, the options are almost endless.  Duffles are a great option over traditional suitcases, they offer lighter weight and an come in many different sizes.  I personally love the Stash from Gregory.