U.S. backpack specialist Gregory has just unveiled an industry first for the U.S. and Canadian markets with its new Plus Size Collection. The collection comes at a time when more and more people are spending time outdoors as a result of the ongoing pandemic. It addresses size gaps and offers backpacking solutions for hikers and backpackers of all body shapes and sizes, the company said. The Gregory team worked hand-in-hand on the development of the collection with U.S. columnist Jenny Bruso and her group Unlikely Hikers, a diverse, anti-racist, body-liberating outdoor community that advocates for underrepresented outdoor people.
Bruso and her team provided valuable feedback every step of the way, assisting the designers with prototype testing, fit testing, and product evaluation. The end result is a collection of comfortable backpacks for wearers of clothing sizes 2x to 6x. There are 14 models to choose from in the categories of day hike packs, multi-day backpacks and lifestyle backpacks in a variety of designs, colors and price ranges.
Gregory says this is just one of many initiatives that fall under its larger Gateway’s Program, which is all about creating a more inclusive outdoor space.