If you’ve traveled or backpacked around Australia, chances are you’ve seen the iconic Ozpack packs carried by travelers and locals alike. Known for their durable construction and quintessentially Australian style, Ozpack backpacks have become hugely popular across Australia and abroad.
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Ozpack’s History
Ozpack was founded in Melbourne, Australia 1987 by avid outdoorsman Mark Dawson. As Mark spent more time hiking, camping, and backpacking around Australia, he grew frustrated with replacing flimsy backpacks every year or two. He designed a pack line specifically for the Australian terrain and climate.
The first Ozpack packs were constructed from thick canvas with leather reinforcements. This heavy-duty construction was ideal for venturing into the rugged Australian Outback while carrying heavy loads. As the packs grew popular for their durability, Mark focused on adapting the design for greater comfort during long treks while retaining the hardy bush-ready construction.
Today, Ozpack offers many backpacks, daypacks, and accessories. But even as materials and suspension systems have evolved, they uphold Mark’s original commitment to quality and performance in the bush. Modern Ozpacks utilize cutting-edge fabrics like durable ripstop nylon and weather-resistant polyesters while drawing inspiration from those very first rugged canvas packs.
Ozpack’s Signature Backpacks
Ozpack’s flagship multi-day hiking pack is the Explorer. This pack offers 65L capacity, with an optional 15L add-on, and comes loaded with features for extended trips into remote areas. The thick padded harness and hip belt ensure comfort even when carrying heavy gear, food, and water. An internal aluminum frame provides support and stability.
The 45L Drifter pack provides ample space in a more compact form factor for shorter trips. The roll-top closure cinches down to compress the load but expands when extra storage is needed. Side handles allow you to grab the pack from a vehicle quickly. Attachment points throughout will enable you to strap on additional gear as necessary.
The Junction backpack range targets urban commuters and travelers. Available in sizes from 20L to 35L, these packs include dedicated laptop and tablet sleeves, airflow mesh padding for comfort, and pockets sized for water bottles, umbrellas, and other daily essentials.
Rounding out Ozpack’s backpack lineup, the Outback is specifically engineered for multi-day trekking trips throughout rugged Australian landscapes. It offers an incredible 90L capacity while focusing heavily on ergonomics and load distribution for long days on the trail. An internal frame composed of lightweight aluminum keeps the bag rigid. Plush lumbar padding and shoulder straps ensure you remain comfortable carrying 20kg or more in remote areas. Storage options like dual side pockets, front stash pockets, and built-in rain cover provide quick access to essential items.
Materials & Construction
From small daypacks to large multi-day treks, Ozpacks emphasize durability and functionality for adventures of all types. Their packs utilize thick fabrics reinforced with extra bar tacking and rivets at stress points. Zippers from reputable manufacturers like YKK resist snags and failures. Daisy chains and rows of reinforced webbing allow flexible lashing options. Padding on shoulder straps and hip belts strikes an ideal balance of plush comfort and long-term resilience.
The most common fabrics on Ozpack packs are durable polyester blends that resist abrasion, water, and general wear and tear during remote adventures. Certain models incorporate canvas fabrics with old-school appeal, paying homage to those original packs from the 1980s. Interior pack panels often feature polyester ripstop for reduced weight and water resistance, while high-visibility interior fabrics help you spot stored items.
Ozpack’s shoulder straps often include daisy chain webbing for clipping on additional pouches or gear. The sternum straps on many packs feature an integrated safety whistle for emergencies. Some packs even include attachments designed to carry fishing rods or trekking poles.
With decades of experience building packs purpose-built for the bush, Ozpack understands robust materials and clever features transform an ordinary backpack into a reliable long-term companion. They field test each new pack design under harsh conditions so you can trust it is ready for wherever your adventure leads in Australia.
Carrying On The Aussie Tradition
In addition to technical excellence, Ozpack bags capture the free-spirited essence of Australian adventure. Their lifestyle brand celebrates the idea of wanderlust and venturing outdoors rather than following trends. Ozpack’s unique style often shines through in little touches like the colorful interior fabrics, stylized logos of kangaroos or boomerangs, canvas patches with Australian themes, and Aboriginal-influenced detailing.
This dedication to Australia permeates company culture as well. Ozpack retains headquarters and a manufacturing facility in Melbourne. They partner with several Aboriginal artists and organizations to produce limited edition pack runs. Even the name “Ozpack” ties directly to Aussie slang – Oz referring to Australia.
While many outdoor brands focus solely on technical prowess, Ozpack melds performance and dependability with a vibrant Australian spirit. Their packs allow you to safely carry all necessities for multi-day hikes or sea-to-summit expeditions while expressing a sense of antipodean pride.
Ozpack packs truly capture the essence of free-spirited Aussie adventure. Their calico bags symbolize the importance of enjoying Australia’s natural gifts like beaches, rainforests, and the Outback while protecting what makes those environments uniquely spectacular. Bushwalking through pristine landscapes carrying everything you need, self-reliant, embodies the Australian bush ethos. An Ozpack backpack allows even novice trekkers or urban backpackers to safely experience Australia’s remote wildness while bearing the colors of the Aussie flag.
