autumn 2012 - 4-Seasons.de

94
Colleague Globetrotter
Whether he finds the perfect backpack for a Globetrotter customer or goes climbing outside: Philipp Clodius feels fantastic.
For some people it takes years to broaden their knowledge about the
perfect equipment. Not for Philipp: he studied everything in fast motion.
He read books, did his research online, asked his colleagues.
into a job that is closely connected to nature. Globetrotter Cologne
was just looking for new staff. Philipp applied – knowing that he did
not have a broad knowledge about the great outdoors or equipment.
Gaining knowledge in fast motion
His lack of experience was no secret to the store manager Klaus
Weichbrodt when Philipp sat down with him. And anyway, why
would a successful man with a diploma want to become a sales­
man? Philipp put his cards on the table: he wanted to learn the job
from scratch. If there was a chance later on to climb the career
ladder he would not refuse… He convinced the boss. Philipp started
in the branch store‘s department for women’s travel, moving to
the backpack department after half a year.
For some people it takes years to broaden their knowledge about
the perfect equipment. Not for Philipp: He studied everything in
fast motion. He read books, did his research online, asked his
colleagues. »At the beginning, I had so many questions and asked
Photo: Ole Schulz
all of them – so I gained lots of knowledge in the
first months.« Philipp’s mentor is the manager of
the backpack department Ralf Hünerbein, who
boasts experience from backpacking in Asia, and
colleague Maik Bunzenthal, who likes to spend his
time on winter treks in Scandinavia. Theory needs
its practise though. So Philipp went around with
his bicycle and canoe, started climbing and
indulg ed himself in his intensive camping trips in
the Eifel. The best thing about his autonomous education
program: He loves it.
In autumn 2011, head of department Barbara Esser
suggested Philipp for the Outdoor Academy of
Scandinavia (OAS) event – a five day trekking tour
through Jämtland. Philipp gets the chance to test
products by Woolpower, Klättermusen, Optimus,
Hilleberg and Haglöfs and broaden his know­how
at the same time. A priceless experience.
The perfect advice on backpacks
Meanwhile Philipp has got infected with the outdoor
virus, and happily passes it on to everybody
else. »You are moving under your own steam, you
overcome obstacles and experience yourself and
nature so intensively – that’s the best about outdoor
tours! When you come back into everyday
life, you feel truly grounded.«
By now, Philipp knows all the backpacks in the Globetrotter
range by heart. More than 50 models, from
daypacks to backpacks for touring, trekking and
climbing. Backpacks for children, bikers and even
dogs. The range is impressive, advice is needed.
How do you give the perfect advice? First of all,
Philipp says, you need to know the area of use. It
is a common mistake to use the wrong backpack
in the wrong area. »Some people use a touring
backpack as a trekking backpack or as a backpack
for long distance travel. The touring backpack is
usually made for a weight of up to 12 kilograms –
most of the time, it is overloaded. So it’s no surprise
when it is uncomfortable and fits like a wet
bag on the back.«
The fit is similarly important. »We convince the
customer to choose the backpack that fits the
best«, explains Philipp. »Brand and colour are not
so important.«
Globetrotter’s most sold backpacks are mainly day
and touring backpacks: backpacks for daily use
when shopping, going to work or for shorter and
longer hiking tours like the Eifelsteig or the Camino
de Santiago trail.
Super light daypacks start off at 15 euros. The
most expensive model is Bergan’s Alpinist Large,
almost as big as a fridge and it might get as heavy
as one. 135 litres volume, more than 30 kilogram
capacity. »This is a very special backpack made
for long independent trekking tours where you
take lots of fuel and food«, says Philipp. »For example
when you go on a winter trekking tour with
warm clothes or on hunting trips. The Alpinist
Large costs almost 500 euros. It does not get sold
very often. However, if somebody really needs this
backpack and buys it, the customer will be very
happy with it…«
All backpack models are packed with weights so
customers can get a realistic test experience.
Daypacks usually take 5 kilograms, trekking
backpacks for men around 16 kilograms, a little
bit less for women. »We send our customers on a
little travel tour through our store, up the stairs
and down again for at least 15 minutes. Then
you will start to notice if the backpack moves
around and how the weight sits on your muscles
and the body.«
Philipp also helps to adjust the backpacks so they
sit perfectly and the pressure is on the right spot.
»Often, the backpack hangs too low. Customers
cannot understand why it feels so heavy and pulls
them backwards. Everybody’s body shape is different
and we help to adjust the backpacks to fit perfectly:
customers feel the difference. They are
suddenly in a totally new world of backpacking«
Friendly and easy-going
Philipp really likes to work with customers: »Every
day, even when it gets exhausting, I enjoy giving
advice and having direct contact to customers. It
is exciting every day, there is always something
new. A man came in the other day in full hiking
outfit and started talking shop about the backpacks
30 and 40 years ago.«
As different as colleagues and customers can be,
they all have one thing in common: »Everybody is
very friendly and easy­going. I haven’t met any
outdoor person who is uptight.«
This opinion seems to be mutual. Cologne’s
head of the backpack department Ralf Hünerbein
will go on a longer vacation from autumn
on. The young man who came to backpacks only
two years ago will represent him during that
time: Philipp Clodius.
Last question: Which backpack does Philipp use
the most? Like almost every Globetrotter employee,
he has a full range at home. His first
choice for climbing and weekend trips or tours to
the Eifel in summer is the Deuter ACT Trail 32. »It
is perfect for my back and I can carry up to 12
kilo grams: sleeping mattress and sleeping bag,
clothes, dinner and breakfast; and a bottle of beer
or wine for the after­work drink in the tent.«
Philipp Clodius does not need much more to be at
peace with himself and the world around him. <
CRUISE PWS
JACKET ///
WWW.MILLET.FR