Banana Equipment records, 1974-1983
Table of Contents
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- Grimes, Nancy
- Title
- Banana Equipment records
- Dates
- 1974-1983 (inclusive)19741983
- Quantity
- .5 linear ft., (1 box)
- Collection Number
- UUS_ORA 034
- Summary
- This collection contains photographs, financial records, correspondence, marketing materials, catalogs, and a scrapbook related to Banana Equipment and its successor, Chinook Sports.
- Repository
-
Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections and Archives Division
Special Collections & Archives
Merrill-Cazier Library
Utah State University
Logan, UT
84322-3000
Telephone: 4357978248
Fax: 4357972880
scweb@usu.edu - Access Restrictions
-
No restrictions on access, except: not available through interlibrary loan.
- Languages
- English
Historical Note
Nancy Grimes was a trailblazing entrepreneur and outdoor gear innovator in the outdoor recreation industry in the 1970s. Together with Jim Heiden, she co-founded Banana Equipment, a company based in the area of Estes Park, Colorado, which became known for its bright, colorful, and durable backpacks and climbing gear.
Grimes stood out not only for her creative flair but also for her presence in a male-dominated industry. Under her leadership, Banana Equipment gained popularity among climbers and backpackers for its unique aesthetic, often using bold yellows and reds, and practical, lightweight designs. The company was among the first to utilize nylon materials and bright colors, helping to usher in a new era of outdoor gear that combined function with fun.
Banana Equipment was sold to Clermont Corporation in 1980, changing its name to Chinook Sports. Grimes continued as General Manager and Sales Manager until resigning in December 1981.
Content Description
This collection contains early business records, photographs, financial records, correspondence, marketing materials, catalogs, and a scrapbook related to Banana Equipment and its successor, Chinook, dating from its founding in 1974 until approximately 1983.
Use of the Collection
Restrictions on Use
It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.
Permission to publish material from the Banana Equipment records must be obtained from the Outdoor Recreation Archive Curator and/or the Special Collections Section Head.
Preferred Citation
Initial Citation: Banana Equipment records USU_ORA 034. Special Collections and Archives. Utah State University Merrill-Cazier Library. Logan, Utah.
Following Citations:USU_ORA 034, USUSCA.
Administrative Information
Return to TopDetailed Description of the Collection
-
Description: First invoice bookDates: 1974-1975Container: Box 1, Folder 1
-
Description: Early Banana Equipment business recordsDates: 1975-1979Container: Box 1, Folder 2
-
Description: Photographs of employees, business locations, catalog shootsDates: 1975-1978Container: Box 1, Folder 3
-
Description: Assorted correspondence, notes, drawingsDates: 1976-1981Container: Box 1, Folder 4
-
Description: "A Brief History: Banana Equipment"Dates: 1976, 1979Container: Box 1, Folder 5
-
Description: Young Career Woman application, letters of support, speechDates: 1978Container: Box 1, Folder 6
-
Description: Job descriptions: general manager, sales manager, production manager, engineerDates: 1980Container: Box 1, Folder 7
-
Description: Correspondence, notes related to Grimes' separation from ChinookDates: 1981-1982Container: Box 1, Folder 8
-
Description: Banana Equipment, Chinook catalogs, price listsDates: 1980-1983Container: Box 1, Folder 9
-
Description: Scrapbook pages
These pages trace the history of Banana Equipment and include photographs, brochures, price sheets, newsletters, news articles, and catalogs. Digital access copies are available by contacting USU Special Collections and Archives.
Dates: 1975-1981Container: Box 1, Folder 10-21
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Outdoor recreation--Clothing trade.
- Sports and Recreation
