Since Osprey was founded in 1974, every single product design has passed

through the hands of owner and founder Mike Pfotenhauer, who created his first

backpack at age 16. In Santa Cruz, California, the young entrepreneur opened a

retail shop in the front of his rental house where backpackers and travelers

came for custom-fit, made-to-order packs constructed over several days by Mike

himself. As the demand for the great-fitting packs increased, Osprey found

itself relocating to its current home in Southwest Colorado. Today, Osprey is

a melting pot of diverse personalities, backgrounds and abilities. All share

the common belief that adventure is open to everyone and found anywhere.