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Osprey

Mike Pfotenhauer thinks of backpack design as “3D kinetic sculpture: it has to move with your body and what’s more complex than the human body?” Pfotenhauer, founder of Osprey, has over 45 years of experience designing packs. He got his start as a teenager when an ill-fitting backpack, drove him to ask his mother for sewing lessons so he could create a custom pack for himself.

In 1974, he opened a shop where he crafted made-to-order packs for backpackers and travelers. It took several days to fill an order. For his customers, the legendary packs, known as Santa Cruz Recreational Packs, were worth the wait. By 1987, Osprey packs could be found in stores across the country. The number of styles continues to grow, and even today every design still passes through the hands of Mike Pfotenhauer.

At Whole Earth Provision Co. you’ll find a generous offering of Osprey products. We have a wide assortment of daypacks for both men and women. You’ll also find Osprey backpacks, duffels, travel packs, some with wheels, as well as hydration packs, and travel accessories.

Each year Osprey focuses on a particular line for a major redesign effort. In 2019, Osprey is introducing new hydration packs to their collection. The Osprey Manta 24 was created for day hikes. It includes a 2.5 liter reservoir in its own dedicated compartment, a sternum strap magnetic bite valve, as well as a handy assortment of pockets for stashing necessities. The backpanel is ventilated and the harness adjustable. And there’s an integrated raincover ready for rapid deployment should the clouds let loose while you’re on the trail.

As many women will testify, packs made for men rarely work well on a woman’s body. The Osprey Skimmer 16 hydration pack was designed for women. It’s styled as a sleek rucksack that includes a 2.5 liter reservoir in its own dedicated compartment, a sternum strap magnetic bite valve, as well as a handy assortment of pockets large and small for stashing sunglasses, a jacket and other items you might deem necessary. Take it on the trail for the day or to your favorite festival.

The Osprey Raptor 14, a hydration pack for mountain biking, is a redesign for 2019. It sits close and comfortable on the back at speed on rough terrain and is designed to carry a helmet, tools in a removable, roll-up pouch, a 2.5 liter reservoir in a direct access zippered compartment, and a sternum strap magnetic bite valve, as well as assorted pockets for everything else you may need to carry.

One final feature of note is Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee.  They have a lifetime commitment to quality and will repair or replace any damage or defect for any Osprey pack, beginning in 1974 through today, for any reason, free of charge when the customer returns the pack directly to them.