Glen Van Peski is a native Californian who grew up in the western outdoors. Through his youthful involvement in Boy Scouts, he developed a love for being in the backcountry that continues to this day. When his oldest son joined Scouts as a pre-teen, Glen got involved again, serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop Committee Chairman, and Backpacking Program Director. Through those experiences, he became intrigued by lightweight backpacking.

Bringing to bear his degrees in Engineering and Business Management, Glen soon started sewing his own backpacks and other gear. His personal efforts gradually developed into GVP Gear, generally acknowledged as one of the first cottage manufacturers of ultralight backpacking equipment. With the recent brand change to Gossamer Gear, the company has expanded it's offerings to a full spectrum of innovative ultralight gear. Gossamer Gear products have been featured in Backpacker and National Geographic Adventure magazines.

Known for his humorous, information-packed presentations, Glen is a sought-after speaker on ultralight backpacking equipment and techniques. He has been interviewed by numerous publications, including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and Footprints magazine. Dubbed "The Guru of Lightness" by one writer, Glen has developed a loyal following for his innovative designs, and his commitment to showing people the "way of enlightenment" for their pack weights without unduly lightening their bank accounts.

Glen is a past Board member of the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA), and is the Ultralight Backpacking Program Director for Wilderness Outings, Southern California's educationally-oriented outdoor skills program. He lives in Carlsbad, California with his wife of 25 years, Francie, and has three sons Brian, Derek and Grant. A professional engineer registered in three western states, Glen works as a consulting civil engineer to public and private clients. He has hiked the first 1300 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, and continues to knock off chunks as time allows. Glen has also wandered the backcountry in other parts of the Western United States, and on the Appalachian Trail.