For half a century, Osprey and Nikwax have been helping people explore the outdoors with confidence and care. Born just a few years apart in the 1970s, both brands grew from a simple belief: that adventure should deepen our connection to nature – and never come at its expense. Today, as both celebrate 50 years of innovation, that shared ethos feels more relevant than ever.
From thoughtfully designed backpacks to high-performance aftercare, Osprey and Nikwax are united by a commitment to sustainability, durability and responsible exploration. Both are proud members of the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA), supporting grassroots environmental projects worldwide. Nikwax has never used PFAS chemistry, while Osprey has worked tirelessly to eliminate it from its products. Both believe the gear we rely on should be built to last – and cared for properly.
Over the years, Nikwax has supported Osprey with product samples for testing and care guidance, reinforcing a natural partnership: great gear deserves great aftercare.
Summer Adventures, Formulated for Camping
There’s something timeless about summer camping. Long evenings under canvas, early starts with the sun, the rhythm of packing, walking, cooking and resting outdoors. Camping invites us to slow down and rediscover the essentials – shelter, food, water, companionship, and reliable kit.
Osprey’s approach to summer adventure is rooted in comfort, performance and durability. Whether it’s a multi-day trek through the hills or a spontaneous weekend at your favourite campsite, dependable gear makes all the difference. But adventure doesn’t stop when you get home. Looking after your equipment is just as important as choosing it.
Sunlight, mud, sweat, campfire smoke and salt air can all take their toll during the warmer months. Dirt and grime don’t just affect appearance, they can compromise fabric performance and reduce the lifespan of your pack. Responsible adventure means building care into your routine – cleaning, refreshing and reproofing gear so it’s ready for the next journey.
With the right aftercare, your camping kit will stay trail-ready for years to come.
Dependable Packs, Trusted Care
At the heart of any camping trip is your pack. Osprey’s designs are renowned for their fit, functionality and resilience – crafted to carry what matters most, wherever the trail leads.
The Kestrel and Kyte LT series are ideal companions for lightweight, multi-day adventures. Engineered for stability and ventilation, they offer a streamlined yet capable carry, perfect for summer treks where every gram counts. Built with durable materials and thoughtful organisation, they balance rugged performance with all-day comfort.
For gear-hauling versatility, the Transporter Squffel 70 blends the practicality of a duffel with the carry comfort of a backpack. Tough, weather-resistant fabrics protect your kit from campsite scuffs and unpredictable weather, while multiple carry options make transitions seamless – from car boot to trailhead.
Meanwhile, the Transporter Gear Tote 60 is a campsite essential. Spacious, structured and easy to load, it keeps cooking equipment, layers and loose essentials organised and accessible. It’s the kind of bag that quickly becomes indispensable on family camping trips and van-life weekends alike.
Osprey’s commitment to responsible design underpins each of these packs. As a bluesign® System Partner, the brand works to ensure safer chemical management across its supply chain. Osprey has eliminated PFAS-based DWR treatments and continues to increase its use of recycled fabrics. And with the 30-year All Mighty Guarantee, every pack is backed by a promise of repair and longevity – a powerful statement in a throwaway culture.
To keep these packs performing at their best, proper care is key.
Start with Nikwax Stain Scrub to tackle stubborn marks and ground-in dirt. Its applicator brush is easy to use and targets high-wear areas like harness systems and base panels without soaking the entire pack.
Follow with Nikwax SolarWash®, designed to clean and refresh outdoor gear while enhancing UV protection. Summer sun can degrade fabrics over time, so regular cleaning with SolarWash helps maintain fabric strength.
Finally, apply Nikwax SolarProof® to restore water repellency and add UV protection. This easy-to-use spray-on treatment helps protect synthetic fabrics from both moisture and sun damage – ideal for packs exposed to long days outdoors.
Together, these simple steps extend the life of your gear, maintain performance and reduce the need for replacement. It’s a small investment of time that makes a big difference.
Sustainability in Action
Osprey and Nikwax share a belief that loving the outdoors means protecting it.
Osprey’s sustainability journey includes removing PFAS-based DWR from its products, expanding recycled content and partnering with bluesign to improve environmental performance across manufacturing. Through EOCA membership, Osprey helps fund conservation initiatives that safeguard wild spaces for future generations.
Nikwax has always been PFAS-free and water-based, creating high-performance cleaning and waterproofing solutions without harmful aerosols or fluorocarbons. The company is a long-standing partner of World Land Trust, supporting habitat conservation and carbon balancing projects worldwide. Like Osprey, Nikwax is also an EOCA member, reinforcing its commitment to grassroots environmental action.
Both brands recognise that sustainability isn’t a marketing message – it’s an ongoing responsibility. By designing durable products and promoting effective aftercare, Osprey and Nikwax empower adventurers to buy better, care better, and explore longer.
Your Next Adventure Starts Here
As summer unfolds, the call of the outdoors is hard to resist. Whether you’re planning a remote backpacking trip, a coastal campsite escape or a relaxed weekend under the stars, the right gear – and the right care – will help you make the most of every moment.
Adventure isn’t just about the miles you walk or the peaks you climb. It’s about connection: to landscapes, to community and to the values that guide how we travel through the world.
With Osprey on your back and Nikwax in your kit cupboard, you’re equipped not only to roam further, but to do so responsibly. Clean it. Care for it. Repair it. Use it again.
Here’s to 50 years of shared heritage – and to many more seasons of sustainable camping adventures ahead.Top of Form
