Osprey
Their mission: to create innovative high performance gear that reflects a love of adventure and devotion to the outdoors. Osprey Packs began setting a high bar for backpack makers in 1974 in Cortez, Colorado. They've since expanded to include a design studio in Mill Valley, California, and moved pack production to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. And through it all, the founder and head designer Mike Pfotenhauer has ensured that Osprey packs are still every bit as good as they have been from day one. He lives with his family in Vietnam, taking a hands-on approach to quality control and ensures fair labor standards throughout the production process.
Most of us know Osprey for their bombproof packs – which could easily survive a lifetime of UV on the trails and a few tumbles down granite scree fields. Ergonomic, fully-featured and roomy, these packs have earned a well-deserved place in our hearts. Over the years Osprey has expanded their lineup to include an array of sport-specific collections that are as deep as they are wide – each style is usually offered in a few sizes so you always get exactly what you're after. If you're looking to add a few more Osprey pieces to that tried and true Osprey Impala in you got for your first backpacking trip, check out their proud array:
Leading the charge for more comfortable backpacking, Osprey's very first pack had revolutionary breathable mesh. They're staying on top with other game-changing technologies like custom molded BioForm hipbelts, AirScape Backpanels, adjustable shoulder harnesses to fit any torso length and trekking pole attachment loops for storage on the move.
Using gender specific design and components, Osprey has a pack line for everyone. Here are a few of our favorite backpacking packs for men, women and kids:
These do-it-all multi-use packs are perfect for an overnight trip or a quick peak assault:
Thru hikers and ultralight backpackers rejoice, the superlight Osprey Exos and Hornet packs are back:
For adventures on two wheels, Osprey has a well rounded collection of bike specific packs, whether you're a daily bike commuter, you take on the single track on your weekends or you're headed out for an all-day ride in the woods. The Osprey Verve and Viper Packs are perfect for a few hours of riding. They come with a HydraForm Reservoir and have room for a few tools and an extra layer. Your bike commute just got a lot easier thanks to the comfort-focused and feature-rich design of the Osprey Metron and Momentum Backpacks. And if it's style you want, the retro-inspired FlapJack and FlapJill Packs are worthy of any single speed road warrior.
World travelers know they need luggage they can depend on, from tossing it on top of a bedazzled bus, to bumping it down cobbled alleyways, to hoisting it up to the 10th floor when the elevator breaks down. The Osprey Vector is wheeled for easy rolling and keeps your rig lightweight, while the Sojourn Wheeled Convertible Pack rolls like luggage and can be carried on your back when you deploy the stow-away shoulder straps. The Osprey Waypoint and Farpoint packs combine the comfort of a long haul hiker with the travel-friendly design of a sturdy duffle bag.
You may have little ones now but that won't slow you down on the trails when you're carrying your kid in the Osprey Poco Child Carrier Pack. These kid haulers are designed with an adjustable harness to fit any torso length, an adjustable saddle to fit any size kid, and a cushy, well-ventilated carry system to keep you hiking comfortably for miles. The hydration sleeve helps keep you both hydrated, and while the Poco Premium comes with a sunshade and a rain cover, you can purchase these add-ons for the Poco if you want to start with the basic model.
So many Osprey Packs to choose from -- good thing there are millions of trails out there to keep you busy. Let us know what you think the best Osprey pack is by writing a review of your favorite.
Happy Trails!
