Osprey Argon 85 Pack

Comments about Osprey Argon 85 Pack:

Initial observation:
Multiple Access to main compartment. (Top, Side, Through collapasable wall in sleeping back compartment)
Easily removable top pack for use as a day pack. 30 sec. tops
Easy use of hydration pack in combo with bottomw stratps as simple day hydration.
Moldable foam belt for true custom fit.

After first hike (8 mile uphill w/ 40 lb):
Because of the uneven terain and proximity to edge of valley ledge balance was a big thought. Make sure to properly balance your pack contents as this helps with fitting the straps corretly. After getting the pack up and adjusting to a comfort fit with the load straps I never moved the buckles again. Though a short hike I had most of the gear as my nephews were along. It seemed that the more I put to the pack the better it felt. Most of the time it felt as though it was not there. Do make sure to strap everything down as you do not want to throw off any balance. I was able to pack lunch in an easy to hit spot so not to disturbe the pack and also because of strech pocket had quick access to needed rain gear. Hiked more of the way in heavy rain without a rain cover on the pack and no gear was wet.

Second Hike (4 Mile Fishing Trip):
Though so short I really wanted to get this pack out and just go so I got stuck with most the gear. I think the pack total was about 15 - 20 lbs. The compression ability of the pack made it easy to shrink the bag and leave enough room for the fishing gear. I never felt like I was carrying a huge duffle tied to my back. Most annoying thing was I forgot to chill a hydration bag so a grabed a couple water bottles. It is difficult to get to the side pockets while walking.

Third Hike (30 day Multi Day trip):
I am loading the pack after I write this and will update on the longer length hike. Target pack weight will be 50 lbs or so.


Final Thoughts:
Do get fitted if possible and do not be afraid of mixing and matching belts and sholder harness with pack size. Not everyone is a med. through and through.
Get the belt molded, it really only takes 20 min or so and is well worth the extra comfort.

I currently have used 3 diff North Face packs, 1 Colmen and 1 Gregory packs (all similar size) with mixed success on features and realiablility. Though none have even come close to the comfort as this pack. If the purpose of the design is to have a pack for any day, load, or weather without feeling a thing Osprey did just that.

Oh and one cannot forget the handy dandy emergency whistle.

Comments about Osprey Argon 85 Pack:

This is a massive and comfortable pack. I loaded this sucker up with 47+ pounds of mine and my wife's gear and we hit Mount Si for some training. It was stable and balanced and held the weight great. Had my packing been more organized there would have been room for much much more. The sleeping bag compartment fit my uber bulky synthetic -15 degree bag with no problem. Must agree with another review I read that the water bottle pocket does not allow easy access on the move. Plenty of poackets for me and places everywhere to strap and tie down gear.

Comments about Osprey Argon 85 Pack:

If you don't pack heavy (i.e., don't need 5k cu in) then I wouldn't recommend this pack (try one of the other more suitable smaller Ospreys instead -- I like the Kestrel but to each his own). However, if you need some serious gear space b/c you lead trips or, as in my case, find yourself carrying the gear no one else can/wants to carry, this is your pack.

I've done several multi-day hiking/camping/fishing trips and this pack has performed admirable in every case. I've had this loaded with as little as 15kg and as much as 31kg and it's been comfortable and extremely well balanced in every case. In backcountry winter and some late fall and early spring trips, this pack has taken some abuse (doused in a river, rolled over an incline fully loaded) and you couldn't tell by looking at it. It's still just as good looking and comfortable as when I got it.

I also love the removable fanny pack (the roomiest and most comfortable I've ever seen) and the hydration pouch with the built-in hydration routing port. Two great features that are well worth the entry price.

Quick note: I marked this pack as "Lightweight" in the Pros above but it should be noted that rating is relative. For the size and durability and harness padding, this pack is lightweight, but it is NOT a daytrip weight pack by any stretch of the imagination.

Also, I highly recommend a rain cover (Osprey recommends water proofing but I'd spring for the cover) as, like most packs, this is decidedly NOT water proof.

Comments about Osprey Argon 85 Pack:

Just did 8 days in Nepal (15kg load) with this pack and a few observations. First off, I can't rave enough about this pack.
1. Your pelvis (front and top side) will hurt the first few days (know 3 people who have this pack and we all had this issue). The amazing thing is that your body and pack become well acquainted and the more you use this, the better it feels.
2. If you fly with this, take off the hip belt before you check it. Or better yet put it in a large duffel. I nearly lost mine b/c the lumbar pad that secures the hipbelt came undone en route. This is a design flaw that Osprey has no answers for (I asked).
3. You can use the awesome hip belt with the top fanny pack. Use the hip straps that attach to it to secure the pack around the hip belt.

Comments about Osprey Argon 85 Pack:

I got this pack after my old pack busted on me in the middle of a 27 mile hike.
I take alot of people out into the back country and usually end up putting alot in the pack and this thing will eat anything you shove into it. I wouldnt reccomend it if you arent going to put alot into it but for people like me that pack alot and lead trips it is great.
The fit of the bag is amazing. The heat molded hip belt and ability to mix and match belts/bags/straps makes the pack fit like a glove. You can hike for miles and not even feel it.
The bag is super tricked out. Between the pockets, the detachble top, the side entry, and the convertable water bladder holder ther arent any other packs out there on the market that offer what Osprey does.
Bottom line, if you need the space, or maybe even if you dont, this is the best pack on the market.

Comments about Osprey Argon 85 Pack:

I've been using this pack for about 6 months now in a rugged high desert setting doing wilderness therapy -- 8 days on backpacking, 6 days off. Since it's work you start to take your nice gear for granted and abusing it more than you normally would on a trip with some friends, but the Argon doesn't care.

It has a lot of cool features: "Side Orders" that can mate perfectly onto the main pack via laser cut slots, an *awesome* easy pull hip belt tightening system -- and you can take the hip belt off and run it through the brain of the pack for an extended day pack which already has it's own simple strap, but using the full hip belt makes it more comfortable. Also love the fact that you can take the sleeping bag straps off the outside of the pack & attach them to the removable bladder sleeve to use it as a day camelback.

Really like the pocket system although the external zipper access to the main pocket can be a hassle to get to if you've got it packed pretty full. Zippers are excellent except for the left side pocket where you would normally keep a water bottle, the stretch material (which I otherwise love) doesn't seem to pull well and the zipper catches sometimes because of it. Oh, and the right side water bottle pocket of that same stretchy material takes a bit of getting used to, but you grow to love it pretty quickly - can fit 40oz Klean Kanteens and normal Nalgene's too.

Side note -- if you order this pack you may want to get a different rain cover: it's nice and ultralight but the packable design is rather poor.

Comments about Osprey Argon 85 Pack:

In the last few years there hasn't been a lot of innovative designs in backpacks. Osprey is the exception. The argon has a suspension and frame that balances the load between back, hips, and shoulders. With a seven day load I was quite pleased that the usual pressure points on my hips weren't acting up. Once adjusted, its like an extension of yourself. The dual density foam with softer spots by the arm pit and neck helps with pressure points. IMO the hipbelt is more substantial than the Aether, and a better choice for big loads. The only thing I wish for is a larger external pocket to organize bits and pieces. At 6 lbs in weight its fairly heavy, but this is a pack made for longer trips-and you won't be disappointed by the deluxe features.

Comments about Osprey Argon 85 Pack:

I have the previous model. I have used it for about a year. Yesterday I hiked 2000 feet of elevation up and down in about an hour with 25 pounds in the pack. I felt no stress on my back or shoulders or hips. Amazing.

Comments about Osprey Argon 85 Pack:

It's the bang for your dollar. As it should be for the price, what can beat an Osprey? It's a big pack that rides very light. Hiked 2300 vertical feet first time I had it with about 30 pounds. It rode great!

Comments about Osprey Argon 85 Pack:

Of all the packs I've tried, this one is bar far the best. A bit pricey to say the least but worth every penny. With severe back problems, (herniated disc), this pack was the only option with its ability to form to my body style. The entire load is easily carried on my hips with no weight on my lower back. Only problem is I need stronger legs. The only side pocket could stand to be slightly bigger and it would be nice if the back zippers opened the entire compartment for access. Otherwise, this pack handles large loads, heavy weight and multiple days with no problems. Stands on its own when taken off! Love it!