We outdoor enthusiasts love Osprey in NZ. It’s one of the biggest sellers in our entire range and that comes down to one simple thing: all Osprey products are of the very highest quality. As far as we’re concerned, Osprey packs, backpacks, bags and travel accessories are made to the most exacting standards anywhere in the world. While we’re proud of all the products we sell at Gearshop, and happily use them ourselves when we’re in the outdoors, Osprey stands out as a brand that is extra well made. If you want to know why just look to the man who first started making Osprey gear all those years ago.
Osprey was founded in 1974 by Mike Pfotenhauer. He was a very young entrepreneur and outdoors enthusiast based in Santa Cruz, on California’s central coast. Mike opened a shop in the front of his house where backpackers and travellers would come to get measured for custom-fitted, made-to-order packs. Each pack was made by Mike himself, and although it took several days for each one to be completed, his customers were more than happy to wait. The quality of his custom-made packs had become legendary among the backpacking community, so his ever-growing customer base was prepared to be patient rather than grab a product off the shelf.
Of course, Osprey is a much bigger enterprise these days, and Mike Pfotenhauer no longer makes every pack himself. But he is still heavily involved with the company and is still considered to be its face. Every single product development passes through his hands and must receive his seal of approval. Because of all this, he has a legendary reputation to live up to, and although it’s the Osprey brand on every pack, bag and travel accessory, it’s Mike’s good name that is at stake. That is why Osprey products continue to be some of the very best we sell, and have been for a very long time.
There’s been no downturn in quality since Mike started doing his thing in 1974. In fact, they’re probably better than ever. Obviously, we can’t recommend Osprey products highly enough. So, if quality is as important to you as it is to us, and you want the best brand you can buy for your next travel adventure, you really can’t go past Osprey for packs, bags and travel accessories. Feel free to contact us to find out more about this one man brand!
