How would you summarize the vision of the brand in a few words? How does the products represent this vision?
The founder, Mike Pfotenhauer, is still involved in the design of bags since 1973. Their goal is to create bags for different needs that are durable and comfortable. Starting in 2000, manufacturing in the United States was becoming more and more complex. The gradual closure of domestic weaving mills made the supply of quality materials difficult. In addition, Osprey's competition had already moved its manufacture abroad to reduce production costs and therefore prices. There were capacity issues. While Osprey signed contracts with distributors from all over the world, the company was faced with missed deadlines and missed business opportunities. The move of the factory abroad was crucial for the survival of the company. In 2003, Mike and Diane moved to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with their family and opened a design center so that Mike could supervise the factory more closely.
What are the flagship product of the brand and why?
Aether / Ariel: backpacking, AG system, the removable top flap pocket turns it into a DayLid ™ daypack. A bag that has proven itself, one of the most glimpsed styles in long-haul trails (Appalachian Trail, Pacific Coast, etc.). Excellent for backpacking in Thailand.
Farpoint / Fairview: Designed primarily for travel, to hold loads of up to 50 pounds. The main compartment of the Farpoint 55 bag contains a detachable walking backpack to carry your essentials for a hike in the hills or an excursion to the city center.
Talon/Tempest: Excellent for a day hike. Light, maneuverable and extremely comfortable. The redesigned Airscape ™ rear panel and wrap-around support from the lumbar area to the waistband enhance comfort while the fitted suspension stabilizes the loads perfectly for outdoor activity.
Kyte/ Kestrel: Built-in bag guard keeps your equipment out of bad weather. When the sun comes back, it is stored in its own external pocket below the bag.
What sets this brand apart from these competitors?
All models are available in a Man / Woman version for added comfort. Our women's bags come with torso lengths that fit better to women's bodies. All our backpacks have straps and a women's belt. The women's shoulder straps are narrower at the point of entry into the back panel as well as under the clavicle to provide more comfort and freedom to the chest. The women's belt is tilted slightly upwards to better cover the hips and has a narrower profile.
In addition, all Osprey bags are designed to hold a hydration reservoir.
TECHNOLOGY ANTI-GRAVITY™
Watch the video for more details: https://youtu.be/hFFYmnjtGW0
The Aether / Ariel AG ™ model features a continuous suspended back panel made of lightweight mesh extending from the upper torso to the lumbar region of the backpack and provides the user with sublime comfort. For backpacking, hiking and alpine expeditions, the bags of the new Aether / Ariel AG series have a unique composition. That's why the Aether AG 70 and the Ariel AG 70 have been awarded the 2017 Outside Magazine Equipment of the Year Award. Combining anti-gravity technology, a customizable fit and innovative features to create a more versatile and comfortable backpack for long-distance travel on any multi-day trip.
What are the novelties of this year?
Aether / Ariel Pro: Back to the old model without the AG system, for people with stronger hips. Stripped, lighter and lighter is designed for type two adventures that span days or months; mixed climbing expeditions with remote base camps or cross-border treks through unknown landscapes where the only path is the one you create. With a zipper and reinforced hardware, this bag offers worry-free reliability. The belt and shoulder straps are interchangeable and the belt can be molded to fit perfectly this bag.
Demonstrative video:https://vimeo.com/250533029
Exos / Eja & Levity / Lumina: Ultralight backpacking! Combined lightweight materials with durable outer fabrics to minimize bag weight without sacrificing durability. No bag of this weight is as comfortable, airy or with such a load capacity.
Demonstrative video:https://vimeo.com/250533016
Hikelite: Hiking bags 18L and 26L AirSpeed suspension to maximize ventilation, internal hydration pocket, support for walking sticks, waterproof cover. For demanding or more relaxed hiking days, the Hikelite Series bridges the gap between everyday backpacks and outdoor backpacks to create a sophisticated option with technical features at a great price.
Demonstrative video: https://vimeo.com/248373150
How long is the warranty offered for? What does it cover?
To celebrate its 35th anniversary in 2009, Osprey is launching the Powerful Warranty, an enhanced version of its lifetime warranty that was already one of the strongest in the industry. At no cost, the company will repair any damage or defect - whether the bag was purchased the day before or in 1974. If Osprey is not able to repair the bag, it will be replaced with pleasure.
Powerful Warranty: For any product, for any reason, at any time.
If the bag can be repaired, it will be the priority resolution to reduce waste and extend the life of machined products.