Osprey Packs

You could say Osprey Backpacks was born when Mike Pfotenhauer, the company’s founder, sewed his first backpack at age 16. The backpacking pack he was using at the time had an awful fit, and he had a vision of how to improve upon the design. He asked his mother to teach him to sew, and soon he was making his own custom-fitted packs under the name Santa Cruz Recreational Packs. Before long Mike opened a retail shop where backpackers and travelers, having heard his reputation, would come and be fitted. Each pack took a couple days for Mike to sew, but his customers considered it well worth the wait. Mike officially founded Osprey in 1974. By 1976 Osprey was introducing exciting innovations in pack design, such as the breathable mesh back panel, and soon Osprey began to make a splash in the fledgling outdoor industry. Over the course of the next two decades, Osprey enjoyed industry success and accolades, as well as two relocations—one to Dolores, Colorado in 1990 and another to its current location in Cortez, Colorado in 1994 as the company grew. At first, Osprey fought the trend of outsourced manufacturing by employing local tradespeople to sew packs, but the need to stay competitive was crucial, and eventually Osprey moved its production to Korea and Vietnam. Mike, however, didn’t want to lose touch with his workers or with Osprey’s production, so in 2003 he moved his family to Vietnam, where they stayed for four years, visiting the factories daily to ensure the designs were produced accurately and faithfully. Since the early 2000s, Osprey products have received many notable accolades, including several prestigious Gear of the Year Awards from Outside Magazine. Many of these award-winning designs span the range from backpacking packs like the women’s Aura and the men’s Aether to running and cycling packs like the Rev or Raptor series and travel options like the convertible Ozone, the wheeled Contrail, or the smaller Portal laptop shoulder bag. One of the reasons for Osprey’s long string of achievements is its dedication to innovation in a single product group. As CEO tom Barney says “We’re a pack company, and every season we have to get it right on packs. We can’t have a good footwear year but a bad apparel year. We have to have a good pack year every year.” This dedication shows in every item that leaves the Osprey factory, its All Mighty Guarantee and lifetime warranty, and it shows in every decades-old Osprey pack that you see on the back of a rider or runner churning out the miles on the trail.

Osprey takes technical packs to a new level with their backpacks. Find great deals and a large selection of Osprey packs at Backcountry.com. 

Osprey Packs - Bags & Backpacks

Osprey takes technical packs to a new level with their backpacks. Their intuitive design and clean lines may make them appear simple, but beneath the surface lies the fruits of exhaustive research and innovation. From the Versatile Switch series to the shockingly light and comfortable Aether and Ariel, Osprey makes a pack for every occasion and every backpacker.

You could say Osprey Backpacks was born when Mike Pfotenhauer, the company’s founder, sewed his first backpack at age 16. The backpacking pack he was using at the time had an awful fit, and he had a vision of how to improve upon the design. He asked his mother to teach him to sew, and soon he was making his own custom-fitted packs under the name Santa Cruz Recreational Packs. Before long Mike opened a retail shop where backpackers and travelers, having heard his reputation, would come and be fitted. Each pack took a couple days for Mike to sew, but his customers considered it well worth the wait.
 
Mike officially founded Osprey in 1974. By 1976 Osprey was introducing exciting innovations in pack design, such as the breathable mesh back panel, and soon Osprey began to make a splash in the fledgling outdoor industry. Over the course of the next two decades, Osprey enjoyed industry success and accolades, as well as two relocations—one to Dolores, Colorado in 1990 and another to its current location in Cortez, Colorado in 1994 as the company grew. At first, Osprey fought the trend of outsourced manufacturing by employing local tradespeople to sew packs, but the need to stay competitive was crucial, and eventually Osprey moved its production to Korea and Vietnam. Mike, however, didn’t want to lose touch with his workers or with Osprey’s production, so in 2003 he moved his family to Vietnam, where they stayed for four years, visiting the factories daily to ensure the designs were produced accurately and faithfully.
 
Since the early 2000s, Osprey products have received many notable accolades, including several prestigious Gear of the Year Awards from Outside Magazine. Many of these award-winning designs span the range from backpacking packs like the women’s Aura and the men’s Aether to running and cycling packs like the Rev or Raptor series and travel options like the convertible Ozone, the wheeled Contrail, or the smaller Portal laptop shoulder bag.
 
One of the reasons for Osprey’s long string of achievements is its dedication to innovation in a single product group. As CEO tom Barney says “We’re a pack company, and every season we have to get it right on packs. We can’t have a good footwear year but a bad apparel year. We have to have a good pack year every year.” This dedication shows in every item that leaves the Osprey factory, its All Mighty Guarantee and lifetime warranty, and it shows in every decades-old Osprey pack that you see on the back of a rider or runner churning out the miles on the trail.

Thule

Although the history of the Thule brand doesn’t begin with the world’s best car racks, it still involves the smart practicality of Swedish design and a love of life in the outdoors. In 1942, a Swedish outdoorsman named Erik Thulin put his name on a pike trap he designed for local fisherman. The trap, a lethal-looking device with a spring-loaded steel hook, kicked off a growing business. Thulin continued to design practical products for his company and in 1955 Thule’s first car product was introduced—a metal grill for protecting headlights while driving on rugged dirt roads. By the 1960s, Thule had focused the majority of its business on automotive products. In 1962 the first ski rack was introduced and just two years later it debuted the roof rack with a basket—a design that was improved upon in ’68 with a fastener that made mounting the rack faster and easier. In 1977 Thule brought its first roof box (the Ski Box TB-11) to market. The TB-11 was endorsed by Swedish skiing superstar Ingemar Stenmark (the most winning World Cup alpine ski racer in history); fittingly, the boxes’ bright blue and yellow colors matched the suit of the Swedish ski team. Recognizing an opportunity to help a diverse range of outdoor enthusiasts transport gear, Thule introduced surfboard carry systems in 1983, the iconic Combibox 250 in ’84, and in 1992 it debuted their first hitch-mounted bike carrier. Before the decade came to a close, Thule had become the world’s largest producer of roof boxes—a long way to come for a company that got its start making traps for fisherman. Today, Thule operates under the motto “Bring Your Life,” and with its diverse range of products designed for function, safety, and style, it’s clear the company lives up to it. Beyond versatile carry-it-all roof boxes, ski racks, and smart carry systems for both road and mountain bikes, Thule has continued to expand its line with racks designed specifically for kayaks, and it supports all of its products with a full line of accessories and parts. It can even help you get up to the mountain with its selection of snow chains. In addition, Thule Chariot strollers make it easy to run, bike, or ski with youngsters in tow. Thule even has a smart configurator tool that takes the guesswork out of finding the perfect rack for the type of car you drive. Whatever your passion, you can bet on Thule having the carry system you need to bring whatever you need along for the ride.

Check out our wide selection of Thule racks, boxes, roof rails, bike carriers and trailers. Find great Thule deals on Backcountry.com.

Thule - Roof, Hitch, & Trunk racks for Bikes, Skis, & More

To many outdoor junkies, Thule is best known for vehicle-mounted racks for sporting equipment, but the Swedish brand's history started elsewhere in the outdoors—fishing traps, to be precise. It was 1942 when Erik Thulin designed the aforementioned trap and introduced it to local fishermen; as you may expect, it was the result of an unadulterated passion for spending time outside. The shift to automotive racks didn't come until two decades later, when the first ski rack was introduced in 1962, and it was followed up shortly thereafter by a roof basket. That led the way for the 1977 introduction of Thule's roof box for carrying skis, another product whose descendants remain in production to this day. The focus on versatile, user-friendly carrying solutions led Thule to develop a strong following that has only grown with time. Through a series of acquisitions, Thule has expanded into a wide range of product categories, but despite that growth, the focus on functional products that enhance the outdoor experience remains unchanged. Of course there are the iconic ski racks, and equally beloved bike racks that adorn vehicles at trail heads and resort parking lots every weekend. The luggage line has become widely popular as well, with a range of storage and transit solutions for travelers. And in an effort to ensure that the next generation is connected to the outdoors, Thule has introduced a range of products aimed at parents. It includes joggers, strollers, and car seats, all of which are intended to make getting outside with children easier and more enjoyable. Whatever your destination or your goals when you get there, odds are that Thule offers a well-executed solution to make your journey easier, and that's backed by well over half a century of devotion to the cause of getting outside.

Although the history of the Thule brand doesn’t begin with the world’s best car racks, it still involves the smart practicality of Swedish design and a love of life in the outdoors. In 1942, a Swedish outdoorsman named Erik Thulin put his name on a pike trap he designed for local fisherman. The trap, a lethal-looking device with a spring-loaded steel hook, kicked off a growing business. Thulin continued to design practical products for his company and in 1955 Thule’s first car product was introduced—a metal grill for protecting headlights while driving on rugged dirt roads.
 
By the 1960s, Thule had focused the majority of its business on automotive products. In 1962 the first ski rack was introduced and just two years later it debuted the roof rack with a basket—a design that was improved upon in ’68 with a fastener that made mounting the rack faster and easier. In 1977 Thule brought its first roof box (the Ski Box TB-11) to market. The TB-11 was endorsed by Swedish skiing superstar Ingemar Stenmark (the most winning World Cup alpine ski racer in history); fittingly, the boxes’ bright blue and yellow colors matched the suit of the Swedish ski team.
 
Recognizing an opportunity to help a diverse range of outdoor enthusiasts transport gear, Thule introduced surfboard carry systems in 1983, the iconic Combibox 250 in ’84, and in 1992 it debuted their first hitch-mounted bike carrier. Before the decade came to a close, Thule had become the world’s largest producer of roof boxes—a long way to come for a company that got its start making traps for fisherman.
 
Today, Thule operates under the motto “Bring Your Life,” and with its diverse range of products designed for function, safety, and style, it’s clear the company lives up to it. Beyond versatile carry-it-all roof boxes, ski racks, and smart carry systems for both road and mountain bikes, Thule has continued to expand its line with racks designed specifically for kayaks, and it supports all of its products with a full line of accessories and parts. It can even help you get up to the mountain with its selection of snow chains. In addition, Thule Chariot strollers make it easy to run, bike, or ski with youngsters in tow. Thule even has a smart configurator tool that takes the guesswork out of finding the perfect rack for the type of car you drive. Whatever your passion, you can bet on Thule having the carry system you need to bring whatever you need along for the ride.

Outdoor Research

Outdoor Research is dedicated to inspiring the journey ahead with award-winning technical apparel and accessories. Based in Seattle since 1981, it is committed to improving its customers’ experiences through innovative materials, purpose-driven features, and versatile products that are backed by its Infinite Guarantee. Outdoor Research relies on the real-world testing of its athlete ambassadors, mountain guides, and local adventurers involved in its core sports: alpinism, rock and ice climbing, hiking, backpacking, paddling, trail running, and backcountry skiing and snowboarding. Outdoor Research is here for the fun, adventure, excitement, and For the Journey Ahead&trade;.

Find a wide range of Outdoor Research clothing, including jackets, pants, shirts, tents and more at Backcountry.com

Outdoor Research - Jackets, Gloves, Pants

In 1980, Ron Gregg and his climbing partner set out to ski 100 miles to the base of Alaska’s Mount Denali with all their climbing equipment, summit Denali, and ski back. About halfway up the mountain, Ron’s partner’s gaiters filled with snow, forcing snow down into his boots. He was eventually airlifted from the mountain with severe frostbite. Ron, however, refused the ride back, opting instead to descend the mountain and ski back under his own power. Somewhere along that lonely trek, Ron decided to dedicate himself to improving outdoor equipment and devote the rest of his life to his passion for the outdoors. Outdoor Research was born.
 
Ron’s first mission was to design a gaiter that could stand up to the punishment that he dished out on Denali. His X-Gaiter was snug, insulated, tough, and popular enough to launch an outdoor gear company. Outdoor Research was, and still is, based on the idea that a new piece of gear should solve a problem, and create a better outdoor experience through innovation. Early examples of this direction are the Water Bottle Parka, the first soft-side medical kits designed for outdoor adventure, and Modular Mitts—two-piece mittens with a liner and a removable Gore-Tex shell that made it easier to dry the mitten overnight. These and other innovative products, such as a Gore-Tex rain hat and the famed Brooks Ranger Overboots, earned OR a reputation for innovation and, by the end of the ‘80s, had solidified the Outdoor Research name as one of the most trusted in the outdoor industry.
 
Outdoor Research enjoyed a long period of growth through the end of the ‘90s. It stuck to its original goal of only designing products that offered something new, such as a line of bivvy shelters that revolutionized the category. Everything was going well until 2003, when Ron was killed in an avalanche. OR, and the entire outdoor industry, were rocked by the tragedy. After several months of assessment, it was decided to sell the company. Fortunately, the buyer was Dan Nordstrom, a passionate outdoor enthusiast who has managed to ably move OR forward in the same direction that Ron Gregg had established in the ‘80s—creating functional solutions for human-powered adventure.
 
Since then, every aspect and category of OR has been scrutinized and improved, with careful upgrades for the classic favorites and the introduction of new equipment and clothing. Today, in addition to gear like gaiters, bivvies, hats, gloves, storage systems and backpacks, it offers a full line of clothing. This encompasses not only technical outerwear and layers for just about every outdoor pursuit, but jackets, pants, and other clothing as well for when it’s time to kick back and relax.
 
The future looks bright for Outdoor Research. Under the direction of its new ownership and with the feedback of hundreds of dedicated ‘Lab Rat’ outdoor enthusiasts, its products continue to evolve and its goal remains the same: to improve the outdoor experience through innovative design and real-life testing.

NEMO Equipment Inc.

Shop NEMO Equipment Inc. on Backcountry. Expertly curated outdoor gear and clothing for the adventurer in you, from big brands to the small and undiscovered. 

Kelty

Kelty makes a wide range of strollers, child carriers, tents and backpacks.  Kelty's gear is some of the toughest and best-designed equipment money can buy, and every piece is backed up by the ultimate lifetime warranty, often imitated but never duplicated.

Patagonia

Patagonia's founder Yvon Chouinard started climbing in 1953 at the age of 14. By age 18 he was manufacturing climbing gear, and by 1970 Chouinard Equipment had become the largest supplier of climbing gear in the U.S. Before long, Chouinard realized that the standard climbing gear of the time was damaging popular climbing routes, so he developed an entirely new type of climbing gear—nuts instead of pitons—and started all over again. Patagonia, originally a clothing division under the Chouinard Equipment brand name, was created in the mid-'70s and stayed true to the brand's spirit of environmental awareness. Through organizations such as the Conservation Alliance and 1% For The Planet, Patagonia has since led an environmental charge in the world of outdoor clothing. Patagonia jackets, pants, shirts, board shorts, T-shirts, and other men's and women's apparel feature goods designed and manufactured using recycled materials, organic cotton, and low-impact construction methods. Patagonia is more than an environmentally friendly clothing manufacturer, however. It has led the way in technical apparel with moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics and other industry-changing innovations. Its timeless designs and legendary durability have made Patagonia one of the most widely respected names in ski and outdoor clothing. Patagonia has also expanded its manufacturing to include everything from backpacks to belts, hats, shoes, and even beanies. Patagonia has also had a huge influence on the outdoor industry from the fashion perspective. Chouinard believed that perfection in design was achieved 'not when there is no longer anything to add, but when there is no longer anything to take away'. Minimalism has been a guiding principle in Patagonia design from the very beginning, allowing form to follow function. This wisdom is recognized and appreciated throughout the outdoor industry. In the early '80s, Patagonia made a bold move that would change the industry forever. It drenched its outerwear in vibrant colors at a time when all men's outerwear was strictly tan or forest green. Soon cobalt, teal, French red, aloe, sea foam, and iced mocha became standard colors for outerwear, and the look of the outdoors changed forever. These days, Patagonia is everywhere. Although it never strove to influence fashion, you can't go to the grocery store, the movies, or the local pub without seeing Patagonia's influence on what we wear every day. Unlike many manufacturers, however, Patagonia put its stamp on the outdoor clothing industry forever while to staying true to its roots and its promise to environmentally conscious ideals.

Shop Patagonia clothing, shoes, & outerwear at Backcountry. Find the latest gear for your next climbing, skiing, fly fishing, and running adventure.

Patagonia - Jackets, Down Coats, Shoes, & More

Patagonia's founder Yvon Choiunard started climbing in 1953 at the age of 14. By age 18 he was manufacturing climbing gear, and by 1970 Chouinard Equipment had become the largest supplier of climbing gear in the U.S. Before long, Chouinard realized that the standard climbing gear of the time was damaging popular climbing routes, so he developed an entirely new type of climbing gear—nuts instead of pitons—and started all over again.
 
Patagonia, originally a clothing division under the Chouinard Equipment brand name, was created in the mid-'70s and stayed true to the brand's spirit of environmental awareness. Through organizations such as the Conservation Alliance and 1% For The Planet, Patagonia has since led an environmental charge in the world of outdoor clothing. Patagonia jackets, pants, shirts, board shorts, T-shirts, and other men's and women's apparel feature goods designed and manufactured using recycled materials, organic cotton, and low-impact construction methods.
 
Patagonia is more than an environmentally friendly clothing manufacturer, however. It has led the way in technical apparel with moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics and other industry-changing innovations. Its timeless designs and legendary durability have made Patagonia one of the most widely respected names in ski and outdoor clothing. Patagonia has also expanded its manufacturing to include everything from backpacks to belts, hats, shoes, and even beanies.
 
Patagonia has also had a huge influence on the outdoor industry from the fashion perspective. Chouinard believed that perfection in design was achieved 'not when there is no longer anything to add, but when there is no longer anything to take away'. Minimalism has been a guiding principle in Patagonia design from the very beginning, allowing form to follow function. This wisdom is recognized and appreciated throughout the outdoor industry. In the early '80s, Patagonia made a bold move that would change the industry forever. It drenched its outerwear in vibrant colors at a time when all men's outerwear was strictly tan or forest green. Soon cobalt, teal, French red, aloe, sea foam, and iced mocha became standard colors for outerwear, and the look of the outdoors changed forever.
 
These days, Patagonia is everywhere. Although it never strove to influence fashion, you can't go to the grocery store, the movies, or the local pub without seeing Patagonia's influence on what we wear every day. Unlike many manufacturers, however, Patagonia put its stamp on the outdoor clothing industry forever while to staying true to its roots and its promise to environmentally conscious ideals.

Shop Patagonia clothing, shoes, & outerwear on Backcountry.com including gear for climbing, skiing, fly fishing, and running.

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