Learning From Trail Days 2011: Osprey and the AT Thru Hiker

 

Ever wonder where you should go to test the limits of your gear and perseverance?  In the Southeast, it’s the Appalachian Trail.  The AT is the perfect breeding ground for product testing, feedback, and innovation.

Osprey Packs took full advantage of the opportunity to learn from this year’s hikers at Trail Days 2011, sending company owners Mike Pfotenhauer and Diane Wren, Marketing Manager Sam Mix, and repair masters Otis and Alix.  What a crew!  Mike held interviews with AT hikers, personally sewed pack repairs, and even made it out to a few late night camp fires.

If there is a cooler company founder out there, OSM hasn’t met them.

What were the hot topics in backpacks on the AT this year?

-Ultralight aspirations. Hikers continue to push for ultralight packs, and Osprey certainly has them (Hornet, Talon, and Exos specifically).  Before going that route, have a conversation about the customer’s other gear choices and possible trade-offs.  The trade-off of lighter packs are less customization and frame support, perfect for the customer with lightweight gear and a consistent weight.  However, if the customer does not have the gear to execute ultralight backpacking or envisions losing weight on the trail, a customized fit provided by the Aether, Ariel, and Xenon will be more appropriate.

-Customized Fit. We encourage people to not underestimate the value of fit.  As customers wear a pack for hours a day, months on end, we don’t think they’ll underestimate it either.  Osprey packs with custom molded hip belts, ventilated back panels, adjustable straps, and torso size options provide the best fit possible.  Utilize Osprey’s fit tool to help your staff educate and fit the customer- let us know if you need one shipped your way!  The end result will be a happier, more appreciative customer.

-Hydration Integration- required. Osprey gives users several options in this category with hydration sleeves, back panel storage room, and top loading access points.  Osprey’s magnetic valve ensures the mouth piece is always easily accessible and stays put.  Both 2L and 3L reservoir options are available.

What does Osprey’s presence at Trail Days mean to you, the dealer?

-Osprey invests in your customer base and brand image, providing free repairs and replacements to your most well respected customer, building brand loyalty to your store and initial salesmanship.

-Osprey will continue to be at the forefront of pack innovation, combining trail feedback and forward thinking designs to build on excitement in the industry.

Osprey and Outdoor Sports Marketing are excited to support Trail Days again in 2012.  We hope to see you there!