Osprey began in Santa Cruz, California. Osprey started with producing custom backpacks and sleeping bags. And now, thirty years later, Osprey is based in Cortez, Colorado. There is also an office in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam which is led by Osprey owner and head designer, Mike Pfotenhauer. It was in 1998 that Osprey's owner Mike Pfotenhauer literally dreams about the Straightjacket suspension compression system. So everytime you look at your Osprey pack you are reminded that this is the vision and creativity of Mike. Look for rain covers to protect your backpack from water. The backpack's come in several different sizes so you will be able to find the one that fits. Backpacks are made for men or women.