Osprey Packs Partners with REI Outessa to Offer Women Outdoor Experiences, Inspiration and Adventures

Cortez, CO – March 23, 2017 – Osprey Packs today announced its sponsorship of REI Outessa, immersive, three-day outdoor adventures designed to connect women with the outdoors in a supportive learning environment. Now in its second year, these women’s getaways are filled with activities and inspiration, offer access to coveted gear and products, serve up great food and wine, and create the environment for making new friends and lasting memories. Registration is now open at www.REI.com/Outessa.

As the official pack, travel and hydration sponsor, Osprey will be hosting multiple clinics including Intro to Backpacking, How to Pack and Pack, Backpacking with Kids and Hydration 101. Intro to Backpacking is a two-part series that includes how to fit a pack as well as an introduction to backpacking. Osprey will explain proper pack sizing and adjustment as well as how to pack for a comfortable carry and efficient access to frequently used items. The second part of the series allows participants to head out for a hike to a nearby scenic destination and set up camp. Osprey in partnership with Big Agnes will offer tips on all the essentials including how to identify a good site and how to set up your campsite – including tent and sleeping bag selection. Other topics will include Leave No Trace principals, water filtration and more.

“We are thrilled to return for a second year as a sponsor of REI Outessa,” said Vince Mazzuca, Senior Marketing Manager at Osprey. “Last year was an incredible experience that further fueled Osprey’s long-standing commitment to empowering women to get outdoors. We look forward to seeing familiar faces and first-time adventurers at this year’s events.”

“Last year, REI Outessa was a transformational experience for hundreds of women. We are excited that Osprey Packs has signed on as the official pack, travel and hydration sponsor. Together with Osprey Packs, we will help women tap into an emotional and profound connection to nature in her journey to live a life outside,” said Sally Johnson, the events manager for REI who helped create the Outessa series.

More than 20 of REI Outdoor School’s top female instructors will partner with leading outdoor brands to host a full range of adventures, including hiking, trail running, mountain biking, rock climbing, trail photography, paddle boarding, kayaking, climbing, yoga, backpacking, wilderness survival training, outdoor cooking and more.

2017 REI Outessa events will be held at three breathtaking mountain playgrounds. Destinations were chosen for their inspirational alpine environments, sweeping views, pristine lake, and adventure-ready terrain with miles of trails for running, hiking and mountain biking. Each offer resort hospitality and proximity to major airports, making travel is easy for participants. The dates and locations are:

• July 14-16: Kirkwood Mountain Resort in Kirkwood, California near South Lake Tahoe
• August 18-20: Mt. Hood Skibowl in Government Camp, Oregon and 12 miles from the Mt. Hood National Forest
• September 22-24: Waterville Valley Resort in Waterville, New Hampshire in the White Mountain National Forest

Registration is $799 per person, which includes classes led by REI’s professional guides, use of on-site gear, chef-prepared meals, wine and beer, evening entertainment, inspirational speakers, and a goodie bag packed with products and gear. Attendees will customize their weekend from start to finish. They will choose accommodations from three options and their daily schedules from more than 200 activities based on personal interests, outdoor goals and skill levels.

To learn more about the retreats and locations of the epic weekends, visit www.REI.com/Outessa.

Osprey Packs
Independent since 1974 and still anchored by the design genius of company founder and owner, Mike Pfotenhauer, Osprey Packs is a leader in technical packs for outdoor, cycling, travel and urban adventures. Osprey’s dedication to create innovative, high performance gear reflects the brand’s love of adventure and devotion to the outdoors.

All Osprey products are backed by the brand’s All Mighty Guarantee. Osprey will repair any damage or defect for any reason free of charge – whether it was purchased in 1974 or yesterday. If Osprey is unable to perform a functional repair on a pack, they will happily replace it.

Osprey Packs can be found online at www.ospreypacks.com and in outdoor specialty retailers in over 60 countries worldwide. To learn more about Osprey and its products, visit www.ospreypacks.com. Follow all brand updates on Instagram (@ospreypacks), Facebook (@ospreypacks) and Twitter (@ospreypacks).

For additional details about REI Outessa, contact:

Deborah Pleva, JAM Collective for REI
503-250-4750
deborah@jamcollective.net