Packs, clutches, handbags are lovingly hand-sewn by Flagstaff native Santo Manone.
That passion is developing a growing following. GneissPacks has moved beyond clever wordplay (gneiss, pronounced “nice,” is banded metamorphic rock made from other rocks) to custom river gear, high-quality backpacks and stylish accessories for mountain living. The quality is sewn in by Manone himself, when he can be coaxed in from outside.
“I started my sewing career working at the local outdoor store SMR (Snow Mountain River),” he said. “There, I learned how to use a sewing machine as well as how to make products with heavy-duty fabrics. I gained a passion for the art and in 2022, I started making my own products, with the main focus being backpacks.”
Those packs – custom-made to order – are available through his GneissPacks
Instagram (@gneisspacks). Yet fortune favors the brave, so Manone has broadened both offerings and local distribution. “I’m also selling GneissPacks Lil’ Meshies and GneissPacks Sediment Satchels at the Juice Pub & Eatery in downtown Flagstaff,” he said.
Both lifestyle selections, they appeal to those who want smart, practical pieces in town and also serve to grow brand awareness. “My customer base consists mainly of family and friends,” Manone said. And though there are many of those to keep him busy, “Tourist traffic throughout the summer has brought up sales!”
It’s just right for his slow brand build – for now. “My short-term goal for GneissPacks is to supplement my income,” he said. “The long-term goal is to have a brick-and-mortar store. With a storefront I would be able to decrease production time with employment and increase sales with visibility.”
Such a hand-sewn dream has precedent in Flagstaff, from Barry Ward stitching his climbing, biking and rafting a5 “Gimpsman” packs to Rich Shoup (aka “Shoup Dogg”) creating the next gen bikepacking Crater Packs, now based in Telluride (craterpacks.com). “My dad bought me a pack Shoup made and that’s where I got the idea that making a backpack was even possible,” Manone said.
So now, as GneissPacks grows, is it form following function? The other way around? Maybe both? Those are the questions for young Manone as his passion for creating requires time spent inside; yet time outside fuels his passion. As he scrambles to answer questions here, he’s also packing. As a Grand Canyon Youth guide, this will be the first time rowing his own boat full of middle and high school kids down Southwestern rivers. It’s another passion fulfilled by that longing to be out there – only now with a safe, stylish way to bring your stuff. Indeed, as Manone acknowledged, “I’ve had a love for the outdoors since I was born.”
My First Concert
My first concert was Sublime and Rome at the Pepsi Amphitheater in Flagstaff. I went with some friends from high school.
My Favorite Place
One spot in the world I hold close to my heart is the San Juan River. I grew up running it with my family and every time I return, I feel happy and whole.
My Role Model
I have many role models in different parts of my life, but my biggest role model has been my Dad (NAU Geology Professor and Flagstaff super local Mark Manone). He has shown me passion, care and attention to detail when it matters.
One Non-Negotiable Value
One non-negotiable value of mine is care. Have care for what you do. Have care for others. And have care for the greater good.
My Favorite Hobby
Well, for me it seems I’ve turned my hobby (sewing) into more of a job. So recently, when I am not thumping on the machine, I have been flyfishing with my girlfriend in Sedona. FBN
By Billy Miller, FBN
Courtesy Photo: Vowing to return to Northern Arizona where he earned his degree. Tim Kinney founded Kinney Construction Services in Flagstaff in 1995.
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