Osprey founder announced as OutDoor Celebrity of the Year
Mike Pfotenhauer, founder of backpack manufacturer Osprey, has been named OutDoor Celebrity of the Year at the trade show in Germany.
Industry expert Frank Wacker said: "Mike is one of the most highly talented pack designers. Thanks to his vision, Osprey has gone from being a small high-end outfit to one of the most influential backpack brands in the world - a very impressive achievement.”
Mr Pfotenhauer started out repairing backpacks after university but realised most could be made a lot better and starting making his own - initially just for himself and his close friends, but word of their quality spread.
He launched Osprey in 1974 and two years later the company became the first to use breathable mesh panels for greater comfort. In 2005, he developed the first hip belt that could be heated and moulded directly to the shape of the hip (custom moulding).
When production moved to Vietnam, he followed suit so he could oversee the operation and train the seamstresses.
Mike Pfotenhauer was chosen by an international panel of leading outdoor journalists and industry representatives: David Durkan (Bergans of Norway, Norway), Richard Jägrund (Haglöfs, Sweden), Susan Viscon (Recreational Equipment, USA), David Laffan (Bivouac Outdoor, New Zealand), Wilfried Teller (Larca Sportartikel, Germany), Petra Thaller (Thaller Media, Germany), Natasha Bloemhard (Salt Magazine, Netherlands), Augusto Rabajoli (Ferrino, Italy) and Peter Schöffel (Schöffel, Germany).
