Compass: Charting the Evolution of Outdoor Gear

Osprey History

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1974

Mike Pfotenhauer and Laurie White start up Osprey Packs in Santa Cruz, Ca

1976

Breathable mesh panel introduced on Osprey packs

1977

offers custom fit internal frame mountaineering packs

1978

Slide adjustable chest strap introduced on Osprey packs

1979

First Osprey travel pack – the Outlander

1982

Outside Magazine reviews 2.5 lb., 4000 cu. inch Ariel backpack

1984

Convertible top pocket/fanny pack is introduced

1986

adds partners Gabriella Salinas and Diane Wren and begins selling packs wholesale

1990

Mike Pfotenhauer and Diane Wren move Osprey into former Gore-tex factory in Dolores, CO (population 864).

Hires new skilled workforce, primarily from Navajo Reservation.

1991

Fortune Magazine profiles Osprey in article on “America’s Best”

1992

Women’s harness and hipbelt introduced

1993

introduces the Isis an innovative custom fit women's backpack

1994

Fusion EX Suspension is introduced

develops first diecut laminated and taped shoulder straps

moves production to new location in Cortez, Co.

1995

Pika kid’s pack receives Backpacker Magazine Editor’s Choice Award

1995

Recycled HDPE framesheets introduced in Osprey Packs

Osprey’s first email address acquired

begins annual canyon testing trips with sales force

1996

Vector compression/accessory add-on system introduced

1997

begins sewing Leave No Trace principle tags into their backpacks

Osprey athlete, Anatoli Boukreev summits Everest, Lhotse, Gasherbrum II and Broad Peak

1998

Mike Pfotenhauer literally dreams the Straightjacket suspension compression system

ErgoPull hipbelt closure introduced

Advent wins Editor’s Choice from Backpacker Magazine

1999

expands facility in Cortez and all operations are moved from Dolores.

2000

begins to move some production offshore to Korea and Vietnam

2001

begins adding independent distributors around the globe

Erik Weihenmayer, first blind climber to summit Everest while wearing an Aether 60. Both on cover of Time magazine.

2002

Aether 60 receives the Grand GG award from Outdoor Life Network

2003

Aether 75 receives the Outside Magazine Gear of the Year Award

Osprey partners Mike Pfotenhauer and Diane Wren and family move to Vietnam

Design and Quality Control Center in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is formed with Vietnamese staff  

2004

Switch 55+5 is awarded Editors' Choice by Backpacker Magazine

Osprey’s first dedicated travel line is introduced

2005

Osprey introduces Custom Molding technology

Atmos 50 is awarded the 2005 Outside Magazine Gear of the Year Award

2006

Meridian 22, Osprey first wheeled travel pack wins the 2006 Outside Magazine Gear of the Year Award

2007

Circuit daypack with 71% recycled materials by content earns Outside Magazine’s Green Gear of the Year Award

Osprey expands Cortez, Colorado headquarters incorporating LEED-like standards

2008

Osprey Packs, Inc. awarded REI’s Vendor Partner of the Year Award

Osprey expands U.S staff to a total of 30 team members while the Vietnam Design Studio increases to 14

Osprey selected by Outside Magazine as one of America’s Best Places to Work

2009

Osprey 35th Anniversary Celebration