GREGORY's Popular "WILD FLOWER" Textile Makes a Comeback—Timeless Classics Reborn

Born in California, USA, in 1977, GREGORY was founded on the conviction of "creating the world's best backpacks." Its functionality, rooted in mountaineering gear, quickly garnered widespread acclaim within the outdoor community. The brand sparked a massive trend in Japan during the 1990s, becoming a household name. Its backpacks, which masterfully blend function and design, remain beloved staple items for a wide range of uses today.

Among the many iconic pieces from GREGORY's history, a textile called "WILD FLOWER," originally released in the mid-2000s, is set to make a comeback this spring.

We sat down with Kenjiro Nakajima, GREGORY's brand director, to discuss the origins of WILD FLOWER and the new lineup featuring this classic print.

"WILD FLOWER was a pattern released in 2006, marking its 20th anniversary this year. Production was discontinued after 2006, and it hadn't been reissued for a long time.

Last year, recognizing its value as a fantastic archival piece, we revived the WILD FLOWER pattern with a new color scheme, releasing a purple version after a 19-year hiatus.

Then this year, to mark the 20th-anniversary milestone, we decided to release the original white-based colorway."

Gregory's extensive pattern collection is a defining feature

The WILD FLOWER motif was reportedly inspired by a women's floral dress and brought to life by the American design team.

When you think of GREGORY's textiles, the 'TAPESTRY' model from the 1990s comes to mind. Its successor, 'GARDEN TAPESTRY,' launched in 2011, is widely recognized and has cemented its place as a perennially popular, best-selling item.

Let's dive deeper into the story behind GREGORY's iconic textiles, starting with WILD FLOWER.

"It's not just 'GARDEN TAPESTRY'; I believe there aren't many outdoor bag brands that offer such a wide range of patterned items. While other brands use textiles on their bags, what sets GREGORY apart is our commitment to incorporating these unique designs while maintaining the heavy-duty quality required for outdoor use. I think that's a key part of our identity."

"While this WILD FLOWER series is exclusive to Japan, I've noticed a resurgence in the popularity of textile items lately. Last year, we released more patterned designs than ever, including the snow leopard print 'SNOW LEOPARD' and 'MILITARY LEOPARD,' a fusion of military camouflage and leopard print.

This year, as we brainstormed ideas for vibrant patterns and archival pieces that truly capture the essence of GREGORY, we decided to release the original colorway of this WILD FLOWER.

When we released the purple WILD FLOWER last year, we heard from many buyers asking, 'Aren't you going to bring back the original color?'

In Japan, there's a deep-rooted culture of cherishing heritage items, so we really resonated with the demand for the original. That was a key factor in our decision to release the original color to coincide with WILD FLOWER's 20th anniversary.

That said, even though we call it the original color, it’s not an exact replica. We've re-evaluated and fine-tuned elements like the balance of the floral pattern to give it a modern refresh.

Our solid-color GREGORY items are made from nylon, but for textile pieces like this WILD FLOWER, we opt for polyester to ensure the pattern's colors really pop. Of course, both fabrics are selected for their strength and quality, meeting the high standards GREGORY is known for."

WILD FLOWER Featured on GREGORY's Iconic "DAY PACK"

Now, let's dive into some of the items featuring the WILD FLOWER print.

"The DAY PACK is a true icon, synonymous with the GREGORY brand. It's been a staple in our lineup since our founding in 1977. As the name implies, it's the perfect-sized backpack for a day's worth of activities.

While it's a classic model, it has been updated several times over the years to keep up with the times, evolving to better suit modern lifestyles. Some details originally designed for outdoor activities aren't necessary for everyday city use, so we've re-evaluated those features in our updates.

Take the waist belt, for instance. It's now designed to be stowable. Many people don't use it in the city, where it can get in the way dangling down. Some would even detach it and leave it at home, but then it's not there when you actually need it. To solve this, we made it so you can tuck it away, keeping the component attached to the bag. This feature was introduced in 2014.

Also, because it was originally a mountain pack, it didn't have many small pockets. But now, for better usability in the city, we've added an internal key fob and a mesh pocket. That mesh pocket is super helpful when you're trying to find something inside your bag.

One of the signature design features of the DAY PACK is its slanted front pocket, and there's a good reason for that. The diagonal cut makes the zipper path longer, allowing for a wider opening, which makes it much easier to get your gear in and out.

Additionally, it features shoulder straps designed to fit snugly from your back to your shoulders to distribute weight evenly, and a chest strap with an elastic section on one side so it doesn't restrict your movement. It also has points for optional add-ons, along with attachments for trekking poles at the top and a sleeping pad at the bottom, carrying on its legacy as a true outdoor pack."

The "EASY PEASY DAY": A Great Choice for Women Too

Let's look at another recommended model from the WILD FLOWER collection.

"The 'EASY PEASY DAY' was released in 2018, so it's a relatively recent addition to our history. Compared to the 26-liter DAY PACK, the EASY PEASY DAY is a more compact 18 liters, making it a great size for when you're traveling light.

While men can certainly use it without any issues, it was primarily designed as a backpack with features that make it especially convenient for women.

For instance, women often don't carry items in their clothing pockets, so we included side pockets on both sides. They can hold a water bottle, and there's also a pocket for smaller items. It also has a convenient grab handle, so you don't have to place your bag on the floor when you set it down.

The shoulder straps are also designed to be slightly shorter than those on our traditional backpacks. Since the bag itself is compact, we kept the shoulder harness simple and less bulky."

The "QUICK POCKET": An Essential for an Outdoor Bag Brand

Next up, we'll introduce one more item: the "QUICK POCKET." This model is an indispensable piece of gear that truly speaks to GREGORY's identity as an outdoor bag brand.

"Since its release in the 1990s, the 'QUICK POCKET' has been a long-running bestseller. It's a versatile model that can be used as a shoulder pouch, and it has a huge following.

The strap is removable, so you can also use it as a pouch inside a larger bag. Plus, it has an attachment on the back that lets you connect it to the shoulder harness of your backpack.

This little pouch is incredibly important in the outdoors. With large backpacks used for hiking and mountaineering, taking them on and off can be a hassle.

Constantly taking a large pack off and putting it back on not only wastes time but also causes stress and drains your energy. That's why it's crucial to be able to access your essentials without having to remove your pack.

For that reason, attaching a 'QUICK POCKET' to your shoulder harness to hold small, frequently used items has become a standard practice in outdoor gear setups."

Out of GREGORY's extensive collection, we've focused today on the story behind the WILD FLOWER print. This latest lineup, which pairs GREGORY's renowned quality with a special textile that has a 20-year history, is a fresh reminder of the brand's depth and playful spirit.

Why not get active this spring and summer with the vibrant WILD FLOWER series by your side?