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.