In the fall of 1997, while climbing Mount Whitney in California, the idea for a new kind of tool belt was born. After a long day of hiking with a high-end backpack that provided exceptional waist and shoulder support, the hiker—an experienced construction professional—noticed how strange it felt to remove the pack and lose that comfort. With over 20 years in the construction industry, he realized that this same kind of support should be available to contractors who wear heavy tool belts every day.

Inspired, he returned home and immediately began developing a prototype: a sculpted foam belt with back support and air channels, designed to accommodate tool pouches. Through trial and error and eventual collaboration with other industry professionals, the design grew to include innovative pouches that featured a squared, box-style base for durability and structure—unlike the traditional bag-like versions. The first prototypes, framer pouches, impressed a major wholesaler in Salt Lake City, officially launching Gatorback tool belts. Soon, the line expanded to include electrician and foundation setter pouches, setting a new standard in tool belt design.