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.

Hydro Flask

Find great deals on Hydro Flask bottles & accessories at Backcountry.com. Choose from a wide selection, including 18oz, 24oz, 40oz, narrow and wide mouth bottles. 

Hydro Flask - Narrow & Wide Mouth Water Bottles

Fjallraven

From the beginning, Fjällräven has been driven by the mission of offering timeless, functional and durable equipment for getting outdoors and enjoying nature. A necessary part of this is finding innovative solutions to problems. The company’s origins can be found in such an act, when a 14-year-old Swedish boy named Åke Nordin, decided to come up with a comfortable rucksack to carry his gear on an overnight trek. Most backpacks of the 1950s were shapeless, uncomfortable sacks; using his mother’s sewing machine and applying his research into carrying loads, he fashioned a better pack out of cotton canvas, leather, and a wooden frame. Later, during his military service at the FJS Parachute Ranger School in Karlsborg, he noticed that not even the equipment used by the most elite unit in the service made the grade. Inspired by these experiences and by a passion for the outdoors, Nordin founded Fjällräven (Swedish for arctic fox) in 1960. Its goal was to create durable and functional outdoor equipment; its registered office was the family’s one-room flat just outside Örnsköldsvik, Sweden. The workshop was in the cellar, which served as a factory and R&D department during the first year. The first products were backpacks with aluminum frames; in 1968, the first Fjällräven jacket was introduced. Made from tough G-1000 fabric, it was named the Greenland Jacket after a successful expedition to Greenland, and soon became a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.  Another iconic product was the Kånken backpack, launched in 1978. Åke Nordin created this lightweight, basic, durable backpack to give Norwegian schoolchildren a simple, ergonomically correct way to carry their necessities to and from school. Since then it has become one of Fjällräven's most popular products; over the decades the basic design has remained the same, with changing colors and variations (like a laptop version) that reflect the times.  Over the years, Fjällräven's product lines have expanded slowly and thoughtfully. It doesn’t tinker with tried-and-true designs and instead focuses on quality, convinced that products that last longer are better for the environment than trendy items that are only good for one season. So whether you’re looking for a weatherproof jacket, a thick flannel shirt, a beautiful sweater, functional hiking pants, or a sturdy bag or pack, you’re assured of getting an heirloom piece that’s designed to work well and built to last.

Like the name suggests, Fjallraven means Arctic Fox in Swedish. Shop outdoor clothing and bags by Fjallraven on Backcountry.com.

Fjallraven - Outdoor Apparel & Rucksacks

From the beginning, Fjällräven has been driven by the mission of offering timeless, functional and durable equipment for getting outdoors and enjoying nature. A necessary part of this is finding innovative solutions to problems. The company’s origins can be found in such an act, when a 14-year-old Swedish boy named Åke Nordin, decided to come up with a comfortable rucksack to carry his gear on an overnight trek. Most backpacks of the 1950s were shapeless, uncomfortable sacks; using his mother’s sewing machine and applying his research into carrying loads, he fashioned a better pack out of cotton canvas, leather, and a wooden frame. Later, during his military service at the FJS Parachute Ranger School in Karlsborg, he noticed that not even the equipment used by the most elite unit in the service made the grade.
 
Inspired by these experiences and by a passion for the outdoors, Nordin founded Fjällräven (Swedish for arctic fox) in 1960. Its goal was to create durable and functional outdoor equipment; its registered office was the family’s one-room flat just outside Örnsköldsvik, Sweden. The workshop was in the cellar, which served as a factory and R&D department during the first year. The first products were backpacks with aluminum frames; in 1968, the first Fjällräven jacket was introduced. Made from tough G-1000 fabric, it was named the Greenland Jacket after a successful expedition to Greenland, and soon became a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.
 
Another iconic product was the Kånken backpack, launched in 1978. Åke Nordin created this lightweight, basic, durable backpack to give Norwegian schoolchildren a simple, ergonomically correct way to carry their necessities to and from school. Since then it has become one of Fjällräven's most popular products; over the decades the basic design has remained the same, with changing colors and variations (like a laptop version) that reflect the times.
 
Over the years, Fjällräven's product lines have expanded slowly and thoughtfully. It doesn’t tinker with tried-and-true designs and instead focuses on quality, convinced that products that last longer are better for the environment than trendy items that are only good for one season. So whether you’re looking for a weatherproof jacket, a thick flannel shirt, a beautiful sweater, functional hiking pants, or a sturdy bag or pack, you’re assured of getting an heirloom piece that’s designed to work well and built to last.

Dometic

DAKINE

DAKINE was founded by Rob Kaplan in 1979 to produce surf leashes that could stand up to the beatings dished out by Maui’s North Shore. His first product was, as Rob put it, "the first leash you could pull a car with." The development of this ultra-tough leash actually opened a few unsurfed breaks because of the reduced risk of losing a board. It was a great start for a brand that, like its products, would stand the test of time. By the early '80s, Rob and DAKINE were leading the windsurfing industry with its first adjustable footstrap, seat harness, and waist harness. Its Coffin board bag became a favorite for surfers who travelled to events, beaches, and breaks around the world. In 1986 DAKINE moved its office, manufacturing facility, and warehouse to Hood River, Oregon, which was at the time the mainland epicenter of windsurfing. It also happens that Hood River is home to world-class mountain biking, kayaking, kiteboarding, hiking, skiing, and snowboarding. Because of its year-round snow, Mt. Hood hosts summer ski and snowboard clinics that attract pros from around the world. By 1989, DAKINE had invested heavily in the snowboard market with board bags, gear bags, and jackets, as well as an accessories line including hats, beanies, and wallets. In 1993 DAKINE began manufacturing gloves and mittens. The Heli Pack, the original dedicated, low-profile backcountry snowboard-specific backpack, was developed soon thereafter. The Heli Pack was so successful that it was followed with several different versions, included men’s and women’s versions. There were also countless colors and patterns. Since the '90s, DAKINE has become involved with just about every action sport. It produces bags, clothing, and accessories for snowboarding, skiing, surfing, windsurfing, mountain biking, skateboarding, kiteboarding, and stand-up paddleboarding. There is also a full line of DAKINE luggage and bags for just about any occasion or purpose, from beach totes to photo backpacks. After more than 35 years, DAKINE continues to make durability its first priority. It’s not uncommon to see the original DAKINE Heli Pack backpack in the tram line or slowly making its way up a boot-pack in the backcountry. That’s because these packs, like everything else DAKINE makes, were built to withstand many years of harsh weather and abuse and keep going.

Shop DAKINE backpacks, gloves, luggage, clothing & snowboard bags at Backcountry.com. Find great deals, consumer reviews, and a 100% satisfaction gear guarantee.

DAKINE - Backpacks, Luggage, & Snowboard Bags

Unlike other brands, DAKINE actually understands the core of the culture. Andrew Shandro, Matt Hunter, and the rest of DAKINE's solid crew of riders give input for on every piece of gear. Anyone from  cross-country riders to freeriders and dedicated trail builders can find a tool in the DAKINE lineup to help get the job done. 

DAKINE was founded by Rob Kaplan in 1979 to produce surf leashes that could stand up to the beatings dished out by Maui’s North Shore. His first product was, as Rob put it, ""the first leash you could pull a car with."" The development of this ultra-tough leash actually opened a few unsurfed breaks because of the reduced risk of losing a board. It was a great start for a brand that, like its products, would stand the test of time. By the early '80s, Rob and DAKINE were leading the windsurfing industry with its first adjustable footstrap, seat harness, and waist harness. Its Coffin board bag became a favorite for surfers who travelled to events, beaches, and breaks around the world. In 1986 DAKINE moved its office, manufacturing facility, and warehouse to Hood River, Oregon, which was at the time the mainland epicenter of windsurfing. It also happens that Hood River is home to world-class mountain biking, kayaking, kiteboarding, hiking, skiing, and snowboarding. Because of its year-round snow, Mt. Hood hosts summer ski and snowboard clinics that attract pros from around the world. By 1989, DAKINE had invested heavily in the snowboard market with board bags, gear bags, and jackets, as well as an accessories line including hats, beanies, and wallets. In 1993 DAKINE began manufacturing gloves and mittens. The Heli Pack, the original dedicated, low-profile backcountry snowboard-specific backpack, was developed soon thereafter. The Heli Pack was so successful that it was followed with several different versions, included men’s and women’s versions. There were also countless colors and patterns. Since the '90s, DAKINE has become involved with just about every action sport. It produces bags, clothing, and accessories for snowboarding, skiing, surfing, windsurfing, mountain biking, skateboarding, kiteboarding, and stand-up paddleboarding. There is also a full line of DAKINE luggage and bags for just about any occasion or purpose, from beach totes to photo backpacks. After more than 35 years, DAKINE continues to make durability its first priority. It’s not uncommon to see the original DAKINE Heli Pack backpack in the tram line or slowly making its way up a boot-pack in the backcountry. That’s because these packs, like everything else DAKINE makes, were built to withstand many years of harsh weather and abuse and keep going.

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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Accessories For Everyday Adventures