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Osprey has been in the backpack game since 1974 when company owner and founder Mike Pfotenhauer sewed together his first packs at a little retail shop in the front of his Santa Cruz home. The Osprey of today has come a long way from such humble beginnings, but its reputation for employing innovative designs to build quality packs has only grown.
To celebrate nearly five decades of bag-making tradition, Osprey recently launched the throwback Heritage Collection. The predicatble but still fun collection re-introduces some of the brand’s classic everyday designs from the '90s, remixed with sustainable, recycled materials and contemporary features that weren’t as essential back then as they are now (think laptop sleeves and other handy pockets).
Beyond some subtle feature updates, the collection of five bags (and one neat camp cap bearing the brand’s OG branding) also receives a material update that makes use of bluesign-approved recycled nylon fabrics that are considerably more sustainable but still tough enough for years everyday use.
The 20-liter Heritage Simplex Pack ($130) is the standout of the group. It has retro looks but also comes with a central daisy chain and ice axe loop should you want to bring it up any frozen rock faces. An interior padded laptop sleeve also doubles as a hydration reservoir pocket, and it rides comfortably in any environment thanks to its breathable foam straps and EVA backpanel.
Then there's the Heritage Waist Pack ($60), which, despite its retro roots, handily meets the moment hip packs are having now both on trails and in cities. It's equally suited for either with its eight-liter volume; the large main compartment is perfect for stuffing an extra layer or a serious cache of snacks and a series of compression straps help stabilize max-capacity loads, in addition to taking up the slack when carrying just a few necessities. Heck, it could serve as a nice little method of carrying a small film or mirrorless camera setup while traveling, too.
Prefer to keep it simple with a tote? We've picked out the best tote bags for hauling gear around town and at camp.
Ranging from $25 to $180, the Heritage Collection is currently available on Osprey’s website. Each piece carries the brand’s “All Mighty Guarantee,” which covers the repair of any damage or defect for any reason—free of charge!
Published 08-03-2021
