Osprey bags are popular and beloved backpacks known for their high quality construction and lifetime guarantee. But where exactly is the company located? In this comprehensive article, we will uncover the headquarters location of Osprey and delve into their history and background.
Quick Answer
Osprey Packs is headquartered in Cortez, Colorado, United States. Their corporate headquarters and flagship retail store are located here.
Where are Osprey Backpacks Designed and Tested?
In addition to their headquarters, Osprey has a design lab located in Vietnam. This state-of-the-art facility opened in 2012 and serves as a place for Osprey to design, sample, rigorously test and improve their backpack designs.
According to Osprey, they intentionally located the lab in Vietnam so they could be close to their manufacturing operations. This allows for tighter collaboration between designers and sewing operators during prototyping and sample builds. It also enables faster implementation of changes and improvements based on testing results.
Where are Osprey Backpacks Manufactured?
While designed in Vietnam, the actual manufacturing for Osprey packs takes place in several different facilities around the world:
- Vietnam – Large volume production facility for many of their top packs including the Aether, Ariel, Exos and more.
- Dominican Republic – Newer facility focused on their travel specific packs and luggage.
- China – Some regional models are produced here for Chinese domestic sales.
- United States – Smaller production runs and limited edition models.
According to the company, having multiple manufacturing sites gives them flexibility, expertise and optimizes logistics. Each factory specializes in certain packs and gear types.
Osprey Company History and Growth
Osprey was founded in 1974 by Mike Pfotenhauer in Santa Cruz, California. Mike was an avid outdoorsman who began handmaking custom backpacks targeted at climbers and hikers.
In 1983, Osprey moved their fledgling operations to Cortez, Colorado where Mike could enjoy mountain living. At this time they employed just 3 people. Throughout the 80s and 90s, Osprey slowly grew into an iconic premium backpack brand popular among outdoor enthusiasts.
A major breakthrough came in 2000 when Osprey adopted advanced suspension technology utilizing an innovative tensioned mesh backpanel. This improved comfort and ventilation, establishing Osprey as a true technical leader in the industry.
Osprey’s reputation for impeccable quality, technical innovation and strong eco-conscious values propelled them to become one of the most respected and successful backpack companies. They now offer hundreds of products distributed in over 60 countries worldwide.
Key Milestones
- 1974 – Founded by Mike Pfotenhauer in Santa Cruz, CA
- 1983 – Relocated to Cortez, CO
- 1989 – Introduced the Manta/Manta Ray, early technical daypacks
- 1996 – Launched updated Mutant pack with mesh hipbelt
- 2000 – Developed tensioned mesh backpanel technology
- 2010 – Opened state-of-the-art design lab in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- 2013 – Sold majority stake to private equity firm JH Partners
- 2019 – Celebrated 45 years in business
Osprey Headquarters in Cortez, Colorado
As mentioned earlier, Osprey’s headquarters is located in the southwest Colorado town of Cortez. Cortez rests in the Four Corners region of Colorado, near the borders of Utah, Arizona and New Mexico.
Some key facts about Osprey’s HQ:
- Address: 115 Progress Circle, Cortez, CO 81321
- Also home to the company’s only company owned retail store
- Features a warehouse, distribution center, service center, corporate offices and visitor center
- Employs approximately 150 year-round staff
- Free public tours available with advance reservations
In addition to centralized operations, the Cortez HQ provides valuable access to real world testing grounds. The nearby San Juan Mountains, Canyon Country deserts, rivers and forests offer diverse terrain for product testing and recreation.
Osprey Backpack Brand Values
Throughout decades of growth, Osprey has stayed true to their core values focused on quality, sustainability, innovation and service:
Quality and Durability
All Osprey packs are designed for rugged durability and outdoor performance. They select only high quality materials from trusted vendors, and every pack comes backed by Osprey’s famous All Mighty Guarantee – a lifetime warranty against defects.
Sustainability
Osprey emphasizes environmental sustainability throughout their operations. All facilities utilize renewable energy and work diligently to minimize waste. They partner with the non-profit brand 1% For The Planet to donate to conservation efforts.
Innovation
Osprey dedicates significant resources towards research and development. Their Vietnam design lab enables them to continually design inventive upgrades using the latest technology, materials and carry systems.
Customer Service
Providing exceptional customer service through policies like the lifetime guarantee has always been a focus. Their “Office of Concrete Customer Service” goes above and beyond to ensure complete satisfaction.
Popular Osprey Backpack Models
Over 45 years, Osprey has expanded from humble beginnings handmaking custom packs to offering hundreds of products covering backpacks, luggage, travel accessories, hydration packs and more. Here are some of their most popular backpack lines:
Backpack | Volume | Key Features |
Aether AG Series | 60-85L | Lightweight suspension, ventilated backpanel, removable top lid, hydration compatible |
Ariel AG Series | 60-85L | Women-specific fit, ventilated backpanel, hydration compatible, removable daypack |
Exos Series | 38-68L | Ultralight, ventilated backpanel, removable lid, trekking pole attachment |
Atmos AG Series | 50-65L | Anti-Gravity suspension, ventilated backpanel, removable top lid, daypack compatible |
Eja Series | 48-58L | Women-specific fit, Anti-Gravity mesh, integrated raincover |
Levity Series | 45-60L | Ultralight pack with durable laminate construction, external hydration access |
Daylite Series | 13-20L | Lightweight daypack great for travel, hiking, cycling, and more |
Raven Series | 14-18L | Women-specific technical daypack, hydration compatible, ventilated backpanel |
Conclusion
Osprey’s corporate headquarters, distribution operations and retail store are located at 115 Progress Circle, Cortez, Colorado 81321. This southwest Colorado town provides access to rugged mountain terrain for testing and recreation.
Although Osprey got its start as a small custom pack maker in California in 1974, today they operate globally with facilities in Vietnam, Dominican Republic and China producing their wide range of bags and gear.
Through steady growth while maintaining superb quality, innovation, sustainability and service, Osprey has cemented itself as one of the premium outdoor brands and a leader in the backpack industry.