Outfitting the planet with a rugged array of all-purpose backpacks for hunters, campers and search and rescue crews, Oregon Pack Works in Bend is enjoying unprecedented growth and enthusiastic response to its cutting-edge product line.
As the sole owner and co-founder of Oregon Pack Works, Karl Findling finds himself extremely busy these days.
“We make what I like to call the Leatherman tool of backpacks,” he said. “We can do so many things with our packs because we created the third dimension of backpacks by making it very versatile, adding modularity where things clip on and can be taken away. From our basic suspension system in our products you can create and alter 23 different options. There are few packs that can come close to that.”
Findling is an Oregon native with over 32 years of hunting, backpacking and outdoor experience. He’s been employed as a paramedic and professional firefighter for more than 30 years, currently stationed in Bend. Product design is where this entrepreneur finds his creative outlet, and it’s found in every thread of his distinctive Oregon Pack Works product catalog.
Focusing on functionality, high-tech materials and unparalleled adaptability have made Oregon Pack Works’ Greengate Pack System the first and only truly interchangeable modular pack system offered today. Their patent-pending “universal” One is All suspension system provides unmatched flexibility, comfort and toughness in the competitive hunt pack industry.
In 2009 Oregon Pack Works started aggressively testing their innovative products and formally launched in March of 2010.
“I manufacture out of a company in Eugene and I’m very happy with them,” he said. “My new binocular pouch is made in Harrisburg, Oregon.”
The genesis of this innovative pack system was born in a Redmond garage out of both frustration and necessity.
“I’m a lifelong hunter and outdoorsman,” Findling explained. “When I started backcountry hunting I couldn’t find a suitable hunting pack that was scalable. So we created one and perfected it for nine years before starting the business. So now we’re looking for other industrial applications and that’s really exciting for the future.”
Oregon Pack Works’ shoulder straps and waist belt are tied together with an aluminum frame, making up the clever One is All suspension.
“As a small business, we don’t have a lot of money and capital to advertise so we’re mainly word of mouth. I run all things myself, so with two young kids and a full-time job as a firefighter in Bend, it gets chaotic. I’m running in a million directions, pitching our product and trying to find investor groups for the right fit. We started small and didn’t want to grow too fast so I think we’re right on track.”
Findling’s unique masterstroke makes it possible for clients to own one single suspension system for a number of pack bodies.
“Our pack systems carry the necessary gear for an extended stay in the wilderness, yet become a smaller pack for day hunts, on-the-spot. We use a waterproof, burr-proof and quiet fabric for all of our big game packs. We designed our own camouflage and non-camouflage material, a proprietary blend of triple-laminated polyester PVC with a nylon ripstop backing.”
The essential idea is to purchase the basic suspension system and build from there, or add on with any Oregon Pack Works bag or body; they all fit together like one happy family, built with brute strength in mind to carry 10 pounds or more than 100.
“Responsiveness to the needs of the customer is what led us to innovate in a market that has had few true innovations in the last 25 years.”
Oregon Pack Works hopes to change the paradigm of what an indispensable backpack should be, responding to the evolving demands of the customer and listening to their cares and concerns.
“I’d love to meet with any accredited investors to further discuss our business plan,” he added. “I’m about to break into the bird watching market with my custom binocular pouch made from the same non-camouflage fabric, so we’re definitely looking for interested partners. There’s about 48 million birders out there so we’d like to get about two percent of the market and that’s what we’re shooting for. I’m looking forward to this new phase of life and just going along for the ride.”
For pack demos, testimonials or more info, visit Oregon Pack Works online at www.oregonpackworks.com or call 541-410-0538.
