Outdoor Products Backpacks: Who Makes Them?

Outdoor Products backpacks are made by The Outdoor Recreation Group, a US-based company. They've been manufacturing outdoor gear, including a wide range of backpacks, since 1973. Their focus is on providing functional, durable, and affordable products for everyday use and light outdoor activities.

Key takeaways:

• Outdoor Products is a brand of The Outdoor Recreation Group, founded in 1973.
• The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, USA.
• Their products, including backpacks, are designed in the USA but manufactured primarily in Asia.
• They offer a "Plain + Simple Lifetime Guarantee" on many items, covering defects.

Who is The Outdoor Recreation Group?

The Outdoor Recreation Group is the parent company behind the Outdoor Products brand. They started in 1973 and have grown into a significant player in the outdoor gear market. Their main office is in Los Angeles, California. They're not just about backpacks; they also produce duffel bags, hydration packs, dry bags, and various outdoor accessories. The company's mission has always been to make outdoor recreation accessible to everyone by offering reliable gear at reasonable prices.

Where are Outdoor Products backpacks actually made?

While designed and developed in the USA, Outdoor Products backpacks are primarily manufactured in Asia. This is a common practice for many brands to manage production costs and keep their prices competitive. Countries like China and Vietnam are typical manufacturing locations for their product lines. This allows them to offer durable gear without the high price tag often associated with entirely US-made products.

What kind of backpacks does Outdoor Products make?

Outdoor Products offers a diverse range of backpacks, catering to different needs from school to hiking. You'll find everything from basic daypacks to larger internal frame packs. They are known for their practical features, like multiple compartments, water bottle pockets, and durable zippers. Many of their backpacks use tough polyester or nylon fabrics, often with a water-resistant coating. For instance, a popular school backpack might feature a 1000-denier polyester construction for longevity.

Here's a quick look at some common types:

• Daypacks: Smaller packs, usually 15-30 liters, perfect for daily use, school, or short hikes.
• Hydration Packs: Designed with a bladder compartment and tube routing for easy access to water during activities.
• Internal Frame Packs: Larger capacity, typically 40-70 liters, for longer trips or backpacking, offering better weight distribution.
• Duffel Backpacks: Hybrid designs that can be carried as a duffel or a backpack, often seen in travel lines.

Are Outdoor Products backpacks good quality for the price?

Honestly, yes, for their target market. Outdoor Products backpacks are generally considered good value. They aren't designed to compete with high-end mountaineering brands like Osprey or Gregory, which often cost 2-3 times more. Instead, they focus on durability and functionality for everyday use, school, travel, and casual outdoor activities. You'll find features like heavy-duty zippers (often YKK), reinforced stitching, and sturdy fabrics like 600D or 1000D polyester. For example, their popular Shasta backpack often retails for under $40 and can withstand years of school use.

The catch is, while they are durable, they might not offer the same advanced suspension systems, specialized technical fabrics, or ultralight designs found in premium brands. But for the average user, they hold up very well.

What is the "Plain + Simple Lifetime Guarantee"?

Outdoor Products stands behind many of its products with what they call a "Plain + Simple Lifetime Guarantee." This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for the normal life of the product, for the original owner. This means if a zipper breaks due to a manufacturing flaw or a seam comes undone under normal use, they will repair or replace the item.

It's important to understand "lifetime" here means the expected lifetime of the product, not your actual lifetime. It doesn't cover normal wear and tear, accidental damage, or misuse. Still, it's a solid commitment that gives consumers confidence in their purchase, especially for a brand in their price range. For instance, if the stitching on a shoulder strap fails after a year of school use, that's likely covered.

How do Outdoor Products compare to other budget backpack brands?

When looking at budget-friendly backpacks, Outdoor Products is often compared to brands like JanSport, High Sierra, and sometimes even store brands. Here's a quick comparison:

Outdoor Products often wins on the absolute lowest price point while still offering a reliable product and a strong warranty. JanSport is arguably more iconic for school, and High Sierra sometimes offers a few more organizational pockets or slightly more robust padding at a slightly higher cost. For a basic, no-frills, dependable backpack, Outdoor Products is a very strong contender.

Who should buy an Outdoor Products backpack?

An Outdoor Products backpack is a great choice for:

• Students: They're durable enough for daily school use, carrying books, laptops, and lunch. Many models feature dedicated laptop sleeves that fit up to a 15-inch laptop.
• Commuters: For carrying essentials to and from work, especially if you're not hauling heavy professional gear.
• Casual Hikers: Daypacks are perfect for short hikes, carrying water, snacks, and an extra layer.
• Travelers: Their duffels and larger packs can work well for weekend trips or as an extra bag.
• Budget-conscious shoppers: If you need a reliable backpack without spending a fortune, they offer excellent value.

Who should skip Outdoor Products backpacks?

You might want to look at other brands if you need:

• Technical Mountaineering: For multi-day treks, heavy loads, or extreme conditions, you'll need specialized packs with advanced suspension systems, more durable materials, and specific features that Outdoor Products typically doesn't offer.
• Ultralight Backpacking: If every ounce counts, you'll find lighter options from brands focused on minimalist gear.
• High-Fashion/Designer Bags: Their focus is on utility, not high-end aesthetics or brand prestige.

Ultimately, Outdoor Products has carved out a solid niche by providing accessible, dependable gear for the everyday adventurer. They deliver on their promise of functional backpacks that won't break the bank.

Photo by Alice Donovan Rouse on Unsplash