A well-made hiking or trekking backpack lasts a lifetime at best. In summer or winter, on dry or sweaty backs, after so many ascents and tours, the suspension system starts to develop odours. And no, laundering them is definitely not the answer! Luckily, the backpack experts at Gregory are once again one step ahead and have collaborated with the Swedish ingredient brand Polygiene® to adapt the innovative Polygiene StayFresh™ technology for backpacks. What’s the secret? This technology inhibits the growth of odour-causing bacteria in fabrics. So stinky backpacks are finally a thing of the past. To remove grime and dirt, the packs can still be gently rinsed in the shower or bathtub.
Stinky backpacks are a thing of the past! In close collaboration with the backpack experts at Gregory, the technology cracks at Polygiene have developed a variant of the odour-stopping StayFresh™ technology specifically for Gregory backpacks. It is used in high-end trekking models like the Gregory BALTORO/DEVA, KATMAI/KALMIA and FOCAL/FACET. Polygiene StayFresh™ inhibits the growth of odour-causing bacteria in fabrics, stopping the stink before it develops.
And, yes, we are talking about the typical “smell of sweat”. However: sweat itself has no smell. It’s the bacteria that love to settle in fabrics of all kinds. They prefer warm, moist environments where, as part of their metabolism, they produce fatty acids. And it’s those acids that stink.
From the shoulder harness and hip belt to the back panel, the custom Polygiene StayFresh™ technology is embedded in the suspension system’s mesh surface, ensuring hygienic freshness for the entire lifespan of the packs. The best part: thanks to Polygiene, backpacks don’t need to be washed as often, which saves water and reduces abrasion. And even if backpacks liked being laundered, if the bacteria are already present in the material, they won’t go anywhere at normal washing temperatures. The result: after the wash, the stink returns immediately.
But how does it work?
Polygiene StayFresh™ is based on silver chloride, a salt that is naturally present in water and soil. The silver ions in the salt make it impossible for the bacteria responsible for bad smells to multiply, stopping odour in its tracks. This advanced technology is integrated into the fabric, so freshness is built-in for the lifetime of the garment. And because it’s added during the finishing stage, there’s no additional energy or water required during the application, minimizing environmental impact during manufacture. But wait, there’s more: All Polygiene treatments have undergone extensive sensitivity testing and are completely safe – even when used for long periods. Polygiene StayFresh™ is only active in the material so it doesn’t interfere with any natural bacteria on the skin. Polygiene is accredited by bluesign®, has the Oeko-Tex® Eco-Passport and is compliant with REACH, the EU’s chemicals regulation.
In short: With its innovative technologies, Polygiene creates value for its partners, supporting their efforts to move from fast consumables to durables.
Gregory creates new favourites with Polygiene
Polygiene’s benefits are patently obvious: backpacks shouldn’t be laundered, but will start to develop odours after a while. By integrating Polygiene, odours originating from bacteria and their fatty acids are stopped in their tracks. That’s why this ingenious technology from Sweden is used in Gregory’s larger touring packs with seamless suspension systems like the BALTORO/DEVA or the KATMAI/KALMIA. But this odour-stopping superweapon is also used in light-weight favourites like the FOCAL/FACET and the split-case design BORDER TRAVELLER, where the anti-microbial technology is applied to the ActiveShield compartment. This waterproof compartment separates wet and dirty gear, shoes and clothes from the clean ones. Now, that’s smart!