Attention to the "Gregory" Business Bag Equipped with Outdoor Backpack Technology

Founded in 1977 by backpack designer Wayne Gregory in San Diego, California, the brand "GREGORY" operates under the belief of "making the best backpacks in the world." This outdoor bag brand is beloved worldwide, catering to activities from serious mountaineering to everyday use.

Gregory offers a rich lineup of bags suitable for business use. Tracing its roots, we find the item known as the "3way Mission Pack."

This time, we have Kenjiro Nakajima, brand director of the Gregory division at Samsonite Japan Co., Ltd., to introduce the history of the 3way Mission Pack and items that carry its DNA.

The current business-use bag, the 3way Mission Pack, was released in the late 1980s and continued production until around 2011.

Since then, it has been released multiple times as special editions for major select shops and department stores, but there has been no re-release as part of Gregory's standalone collection to date.

However, many models have been released that are based on this 3way Mission Pack and inherit its DNA, thus expanding its use as a business bag.

What is the 3way Mission Pack that Became the Root of Business Bags?

The 3way bag, which can be used as a briefcase with a handheld handle, as a backpack with a storable shoulder harness on the back, and as a shoulder bag with the addition of a shoulder strap, is said to have possibly originated with GREGORY's 3way Mission Pack, making it a groundbreaking item at that time.

Let’s first learn about the history of this bag.

"While Gregory's mainstay is backpacks for outdoor activities, in the 1980s, the 'Day Pack' was used in various daily scenes, especially by students. The 3way Mission Pack emerged against this backdrop.

"Previously, a Japanese staff member had asked Gregory himself why this 3way Mission Pack was created, to which he replied, 'It's called the Mission Pack because it’s designed to accomplish the missions, or tasks, you have to complete in a day.' This design seems tailored for carrying paperwork and books for studies or work.

"The exterior design is simple, without pockets, and opens widely with a central zipper that runs in three directions. It features a straightforward construction with one pocket each on the front and back inside. The shoulder harness used was the same as that of the Day Pack at the time, while the shoulder strap was sold separately.

"Upon its release, it became particularly popular in Japan, ending sales in the U.S. first, but continued to be popular in Japan and was available until 2011."

Next-generation Model of the 3way Mission Pack: "Covert Extended Mission"

Stemming from the 3way Mission Pack, Gregory has developed various models that have now become an entire category of business bags. Here, we will introduce one model that strongly inherits its DNA.

"If we are to talk about the next-generation business bag that most closely follows the 3way Mission Pack, it would be the model 'Covert Extended Mission.'

"In 2012, a collection called 'Covert Classic' was created, leading to the release of several models following the 3way Mission Pack, among which the Covert Extended Mission became a bestseller, updated four times in 13 years to reach its current model."

First, the contents of what we carry have changed from the 1990s to the present, leading to an increase in size. Additionally, a shoulder strap that was previously sold separately is now included. If we look at the specifications, there are two large pockets on the front with a zipper that is shaped like an L.

This 3way bag is designed to be used in both vertical and horizontal orientations, allowing access from either position. This is also reflected in the pockets within the main compartment, which are divided into two sections: one is mesh and the other includes a pouch for holding gadgets and similar items.

Innovatively, items inserted from the side into the bag are designed not to fall down inside regardless of the orientation. The pocket for laptop or tablet devices is located on the back side and features a water-resistant zipper to prevent rain from entering.

Moreover, the shoulder harness for use as a backpack can be stored internally. This feature was present from the time of the 3way Mission Pack, but it has evolved significantly since then. The sternum strap that secures around the chest now has a sliding mechanism for infinite adjustment. This design is borrowed from Gregory's outdoor packs.

The material used is 100% nylon from "Cordura® ," and this has resulted in the currently completed item, the Covert Extended Mission.

In an era when outdoor brand business bags were still not widespread and divided into either formally made business bags or casual outdoor bags, GREGORY's business bags were beloved by those working in casual fashion.

As lifestyles have changed significantly in recent years, it is not an exaggeration to say that the diversified business scenes have caught up with Gregory's business bags.

The Covert Extended Mission, built with the performance that only Gregory, a brand that continues to create outdoor bags, can offer, is likely to support a comfortable business life.