by Alicia MacLeay
As a backcountry site we’re focused on getting you geared up for your outdoor adventures, not your daily commute. So we don’t cover the multitude of lifestyle “gear” put out by outdoor companies. But, there’s always an exception, and this time it’s Osprey’s ReSource Series, four daypacks and two courier bags made almost entirely from recycled materials (70 percent by content, 80 percent by weight).
The ReSource Series, available for fall, is exciting in its own right. But it’s even more significant for its implications to technical backpack design. Sure, you can already find a non-technical tote or book bag made with recycled fabric. But having Osprey, a leading backpack manufacturer, design functional, good-looking, quality, recycled daypacks (without a price premium) is a giant step toward more environmental pack offerings all around.
I’m eager to see how Osprey and other pack manufacturers work recycled components into their more technical backpacks (Mountainsmith now makes Day (Recycled) and Tour (Recycled) lumbar bags). And they will.
Gareth Martins, Osprey’s PR manager, told me, “ultimately we want to evolve the concept into our entire line.” Based on the positive energy around the ReSource Series’ debut at last month’s Outdoor Retailer trade show, I expect that’ll start happening soon. I'm now eagerly awaiting the first recycled internal frame pack.
