Celebrating 50 Years of Osprey: A legacy of adventure and innovation
A Brief History of Osprey: Crafting Excellence Since 1974
In 1974, a legacy of meticulous craftsmanship began with the first stitches placed by Mike Pfotenhauer, the founder of Osprey. From a young age, Pfotenhauer was driven by a passion for creating the perfect backpack. At just 16, he crafted his first backpack, setting the foundation for what would become a renowned brand in the outdoor gear industry. In front of his rental house in Santa Cruz, California, Pfotenhauer opened a small retail shop where backpackers and travelers could get custom-fit, made-to-order packs, each meticulously constructed over several days.
Over the years, Osprey has evolved into a melting pot of diverse personalities, backgrounds, and abilities, united by a shared belief that adventure is accessible to everyone, anywhere.
Celebrating 50 Years at ROX Bonifacio High Street
The 50th anniversary celebration of Osprey Ph was held on June 21 at ROX Bonifacio High Street, a memorable event attended by media partners, guests, and members of the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines Inc. (MFPI). The event offered a retrospective on Osprey’s remarkable journey over the past five decades.
Among the highlights was an inspiring talk by Ms. Anna Tolentino, the winner of the Osprey Adventure Contest. A dedicated Osprey user, Anna shared her experiences of traveling the world with her reliable Osprey gear. The celebration also featured the awarding of a limited-edition 50th Anniversary Arcane Bag to Anna.
The festivities commenced with a warm welcome from Ms. Aiza Dagdagan, Sr. Brand Executive of Osprey Philippines. “Osprey started with a dream to create innovative and high-quality gear that would support adventurers in their quests. From summit climbs to snowy adventures, trail rides to sunrise runs, Osprey has been there, helping you carry your legacy,” Ms. Dagdagan shared.
Osprey Anniversary 3-leg Hike: (from left to right) Mt. Makiling, Mt. Talinis, Lake Holon
In honor of this milestone, Osprey Philippines organized a three-leg hike in partnership with ROX Peak Pursuit, showcasing the breathtaking landscapes of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The hikes took place at the majestic Mt. Holon in South Cotabato, the beautiful Mt. Talinis in Negros Occidental, and Mt. Makiling in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. A compiled AVP of these hikes was showcased during the event, highlighting the beauty and adventure that Osprey gear has supported throughout the years.
Osprey’s Partnership with the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines Inc.
A significant highlight of the anniversary celebration was the formalization of Osprey’s partnership with the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines Inc. (MFPI). The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed by Mr. Erwin Nava, VP Luzon of MFPI, and Ms. Aiza Dagdagan, representing Osprey Philippines. Since 1979, MFPI has been the umbrella organization for major mountaineering and outdoor clubs in the Philippines, promoting responsible mountaineering and outdoor activities.
As part of this partnership, Osprey handed over various products to MFPI, underscoring its commitment to supporting the organization and its members. This collaboration promises exciting opportunities and adventures, reinforcing Osprey’s dedication to fostering a vibrant outdoor community.
Looking Forward: The Next 50 Years
Half a century later, Osprey remains as passionate as ever about inspiring adventurers in their pursuits, whether it’s a summit scramble, a snow-capped thrill, a singletrack lap, or a sunrise run. As we reflect on this remarkable milestone, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the community that has supported us from untrodden trails to well-worn paths.
Here’s to the boundless opportunities, countless adventures, and endless lessons that lie ahead. Here’s to the next 50 years of Osprey.
ADVT.
This article is brought to you by Osprey.
