Osprey Takes Variant and Mutant Series to New Heights

 Osprey Packs, Inc., a leader in creating top-quality, high-performance, innovative packs to comfortably and efficiently carry gear, keeps the needs of alpinists top of mind for Fall/Winter 2014 with upgrades to its popular Variant and Mutant Series.

“Utilizing feedback from everyday users, athletes and professionals, we have made significant changes to our two climbing pack series,” said Erik Hamerschlag, product line manager, Osprey Packs. “The Variant Series gets updated with a streamlined feature set that is lighter weight without sacrificing durability. The Mutant Series has been completely redesigned for four-season use on rock, ice or snow.”

Variant Series
The Variant Series has long been a staple in the Osprey line, with targeted design features inspired by feedback from mountain guides, professional alpinists and weekend craggers. Perfect fit remains a priority, and the new Variant Series offers multiple torso sizes and interchangeable hipbelts.

Thoughtful upgrades for 2014 include the addition of Osprey’s innovative FlapJacketTM closure system for weather-protected lidless use, simplified shove-it pocket and use of durable yet lightweight fabric. The redesigned dual ice-tool holster includes bungee tool tie-offs and lower side release buckles to ensure secure storage and one-handed quick access and removal. Finally, the expedition suspension and thermoformed, contoured backpanel ensures a high level of comfort and load transfer with minimal snow and ice buildup on the user’s back.

For the alpine minimalist, the Variant can be stripped down, thanks to the removable top lid with integrated FlapJacketTM, removable frame and framesheet and removable hipbelt, shaving off an extra 1 pound, 6 ounces.

Mutant Series
Designed for fast and light alpine climbing, ice climbing and ski mountaineering, the Mutant Series is perfect for the vertical enthusiast looking for a streamlined, lighter weight pack. This season, the series has been redesigned for four-season use on rock, ice or snow, making the Mutant ready for year round vertical adventures in any climate.

Key features include the reinforced HDPE framesheet with aluminum stay to handle heavy loads combined with a reverse spacer mesh backpanel for breathable comfort. The new and innovative Dual ToollockTM Attachment System, threads into the axe head and includes bungee tie-offs to secure the shaft, providing secure and lightweight ice tool attachment and access. Finally, the unique Reverse Wrap Hipbelt, allows the user to wrap the padded hipbelt out of the way of a climbing harness while leaving a low profile webbing belt for stability.

Like the Variant, the Mutant series is built to be stripped down for ultralight action with removable compression straps, removable helmet and rope carry options as well as removable framesheet and aluminum stays. Additionally, the Mutant 38 features a removable top lid with integrated FlapJacket™. The FlapJacket™ lid deploys to provide main compartment protection from the elements and top-down compression to keep the pack load stable.

Osprey Packs
Independent, celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2014, and still anchored by the design genius of company founder and owner, Mike Pfotenhauer, Osprey Packs has long set the standard for creating innovative, high quality gear carrying equipment. The collection includes packs and bags designed to help adventurers enjoy their outdoor, biking and travel pursuits.

The location of company headquarters in Cortez, Colorado, near the rugged San Juan Mountains on the edge of desert canyon country, provides a constant inspiration and a superb testing ground for Osprey products. Osprey also maintains a product development office in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, near the factories where they manufacture their products, ensuring face-to-face relationships and transparency with their suppliers. In 2009, Osprey opened a design office in Mill Valley, California, a hub of design talent and the birthplace of mountain biking. All three of these offices play a crucial role in creating Osprey gear that lasts a lifetime.

To celebrate its 35th anniversary in 2009, Osprey launched the All Mighty Guarantee, an enhancement of a lifetime warranty that was already one of the most robust in the industry. Free of charge, the company will repair any damage or defect in its product – whether it was purchased in 1974 or yesterday. Every Osprey product reflects the company’s commitment to protect the wild places its customers love to explore. For more information, visit www.ospreypacks.com.