Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections & Archives
Jack Gilbert papers
Gilbert, Jack
UUS_ORA 023
2 linear feet
4 boxes
1968-2023
This collection contains the records relating to outdoor recreation companies with which Jack Gilbert was involved as either executive officer, director, or investor.
English
.
This collection includes annual reports, planning documents, newspaper and magazine clippings, financial records, board of directors packets, advertisements, and catalogs primarily from The North Face, Mountain Hardwear, and Simms Fishing Products, but also include materials from other companies with which Jack Gilbert was involved.
These materials are grouped by business or company in roughly chronological order.
No restrictions on access, except: not available through interlibrary loan.
It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.
Permission to publish material from the Jack Gilbert papers must be obtained from the
Outdoor Recreation Archive Curator
and/or the Special Collections Section Head.
Initial Citation: Jack Gilbert papers USU_ORA 023. Special Collections and Archives. Utah State University
Merrill-Cazier Library. Logan, Utah.
Following Citations:USU_ORA 023,
USUSCA.
Jack Gilbert donated these materials to USU Special Collections and Archives in 2024.
The catalogs and magazines that were included in this donation have been moved to the Outdoor Recreation Archive: Catalogs, USU_ORA 001
and the Outdoor Recreation Archive: Periodicals, USU_ORA 002
Born and raised amidst the rugged landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, Jack Gilbert developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors from an early age. Gilbert's passion for outdoor adventure and his expertise in engineering led him to create innovative gear for outdoor enthusiasts. After joining The North Face in 1968, Gilbert played an instrumental role in shaping the company's strategic direction, focusing on areas such as product development, marketing, and global expansion. His efforts helped solidify the brand's position as a leader in the outdoor industry, known for its high-quality gear and apparel catering to outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers.
In 1993, Gilbert and colleague Paul Kramer left Odyssey Industry, the conglomerate owner of The North Face, Outdoor Retailer, and Sierra Designs, to start Mountain Hardwear, focusing on developing high-performance equipment for climbers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Under his leadership, the company gained recognition for its commitment to quality, durability, and environmental sustainability.
Later business ventures included Simms Fishing, Jetboil, Hydroflask, and Stone Glacier, where Gilbert served in such roles as member of the Board of Directors, investor, and Board chair.
His vision and dedication have contributed significantly the growth and success of the outdoor recreation industry.
See also Interview transcripts with OutInUnder
Outdoor recreation--Equipment and supplies.
Outdoor recreation industry.
Expeditions and Adventure
The North Face documents
1968-1991
Manufacturing records and reports
1968-1973
1
1
Financial records
1969-1973
1
2
Sales meeting agenda, notes
1970-1971
1
3
Sales projections
1970-1978
1
4
Current and possible sales accounts
undated
1
5
Annual reports
1979, 1983
1
6
Annual reports
1985-1986
1
7
News and magazine articles
1984-1993
1
8
Long range planning documents
1985
1
9
Long range planning documents
1987
1
10
Windy Pass catalogs
1987
1
11
Expo/trade show materials
1990-1991
1
12
Employment agreements
1969-1971
2
1
"Red suspender" photograph
undated
2
2
Photograph of topless female skier with strategically placed red suspenders, and a note that reads, "Jack - think The North Face ought to carry red suspenders"
City Sports magazine
1989 April
2
3
Article on The North Face on page 44
Materials related to other outdoor equipment companies
1991-2011
Outdoor Retailer convention and media kits
1991
3
1
Sierra Designs product catalogs, newsletter, workbook
1990-1991
3
2
Mountain Hardwear, Inc.
2000-2009
Report on Consolidated Financial Statements
2000-2001
3
3
Financial forecasts for 2001-2005
2001 January 24
3
4
Financial forecasts for 2002-2005
2002 February 5
3
5
Board of Directors meeting
2002 March 14
3
6
Financial packet for Patagonia (proposal?)
2002
3
7
Investment financial records
2003-2008
3
8
Strategic planning meeting notes
2005 September
3
9
News and magazine articles
1997-2009
3
10
Promotional booklets, fabric samples, other ephemera
1998-2003
3
11
Simms Fishing Products
2007-2011
Investor documents
2007
3
12
Advisory board meeting - Q1
2007
3
13
Advisory board meeting - Q2
2007
3
14
Advisory board meeting
2008 February 21
3
15
Benchmark reporting by ATAC Network
2008
3
16
Board of Advisors discussion materials
2009
4
1
Board meeting agenda, notes - Q3; TackleTrade magazine
2011
4
2
Jetboil: Information packet, board portal and data room CD
2007, 2014
4
3
Hydroflask: Strategic Planning materials
2014
4
4
Sitka, Stone Glacier: notes, Gear Summit
2008, 2016
4
5
Stock certificates: General Recreation Inc, Wilderness Experience
1974, 1984
4
6
Other assorted articles, reports
1987-2023
4
7