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