Gregory Targhee pack wins Outside's Gear of the Year Award

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Besting a field of more than 20 winter- and ski-specific backpacks, Gregory Mountain Products’ Targhee backcountry ski and snowboard pack this week won an Outside Magazine 2009/2010 Gear of the Year Award.

The Gear of the Y ear Award is announced in the Fall/Winter 2009/2010 Outside Buyer’s Guide, which is out this month and remains available for the duration of the fall/winter season.

“This is one of the toughest, most versatile winter packs we’ve seen,” said Buyer’s Guide editor Sam Moulton. “With a 2,100-cubic- inch volume, slick design, and various ski and board carrying options, it proved ideal for everything from quick dawn patrols to all-day tours.”

Moulton added that the Targhee’s super-durable, proprietary fabric was another point in its favor.

“This fabric is bomber,” he said. “After four days of constant abuse – including throwing it in the helicopter’s basket and boot-packing up narrow rock chimneys – it still looked brand new.”

The Targhee is the first ski-specific backpack that ties the ski and snowboard carrying system directly to the pack’s suspension for optimal load transfer and the most comfortable carry. It carries skis diagonally, vertically or in the classic A-frame style, and accommodates a snowboard in the vertical position as well. The straps include a lockable attachment point, so skis and boards won’t shift in transit.

Other details include a quick-access shovel pocket with integrated sleeves for climbing skins, a dedicated side pocket that accommodates probes, shovel handles and snowsaws, an insulated shoulder harness sleeve to prevent hydration tubes from freezing, and a unique zippered top access. That main zippered access is a cross between a traditional top loader and a panel loader, works great in the snowy environments for which the Targhee was designed, and allows access with skis or a board strapped to the pack. A thermo-molded back panel, drainage holes in the compartments for snow safety tools, a waist-belt pocket and a gear loop cap the details. MSRP: $199.

The Targhee is available in small, medium and large frame sizes for optimal fit.

About Gregory Packs

Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2007, Gregory Packs has been the longtime leader in expedition, backpacking and day packs. Gregory is world-renowned for setting durability, comfort and performance standard in backpacks. In recent years, Gregory won awards for its pack designs from such diverse media outlets as Outside Magazine, Backpacker Magazine, National Geographic Adventure, Popular Science, Men’s Journal, Consumers Digest and Alpinist Magazine. Responsible for many industry firsts in backpacking fit and design, the Gregory research and design team, including company founder Wayne Gregory, continues to lead the way in innovative backpack technology and performance. For more information about Gregory packs, visit www.gregorypacks.com or call 877.477.4292.

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