Osprey Ariel 65 Pack - Women's

Comments about Osprey Ariel 65 Pack - Women's:

I have been using Osprey packs since the mid-nineties and loved them. But, my pack was worn out and it was time to get a new one. So I read reviews and found the Ariel seemed to be the best pack for me. I tried it on at the store, with weight bearing bags, and it seemed to be the perfect pack for me. But I was extremely disappointed when I packed up and left for a five day trip into the high sierra's. First, When the pack is full, the water bag bulges out against your back and causes discomfort. Second, The straps and padding are insufficient. They cut into my hips - causing shooting pains down my right leg. I was miserable. I put on my buddies bigger/heavier pack - with thicker padding and couldn't believe the difference it made. On the return trip, after we ate all the food, the pack was much lighter and it wasn't as painful as it was on the way in. But I still didn't love the padding system. But the pack itself has some nice features. It compacts tight and feels extremely balanced. It also has a zipper entrance in the front that I liked. So, if you aren't doing bigger packing trips, and you can keep your weight down - it might be a good pack for you. Otherwise, I would highly discourage this pack.

Comments about Osprey Ariel 65 Pack - Women's:

In preparing for a recent guided trip to Yellowstone, I was unsure whether I wanted to upgrade my backpack. I've had an old REI model for over 12 years. After discussing the advantages and disadvantages with a REI sales associate, I was sold on the Osprey Ariel 65. I'm so glad I upgraded. My gear packs well in the Ariel 65, the load is distributed evenly. I was very comfortable every day during my Yellowstone backpack packing trip. I also used it on a trip in muggy Virginia. Would like hip belt pockets for easy access, other than that I wouldn't change a thing.

Comments about Osprey Ariel 65 Pack - Women's:

When I volunteered to chaperone a 7 day venture crew backpacking trip in Wyoming I realized I needed to take the plunge and purchase my own pack. My duaghter owns an older version (2008 or 2009) of the Ariel 65 and we are about the same size and build, so I loaded it with weight and headed to the woods for a couple of hours at a time. After several outings I decided this was the pack for me, and headed down to the local outfitter to purchase one. Unfortunatly Osprey redesigned the pack for 2010 with a completely different shape to the metal frame, and try as we might with the pros in the store, it was impossible to get it to fit me at all. I think Osprey might have been going for better air circulation and bowed the frame outward, pulling it away from the back, which completely threw me off balance. Too bad, because I liked the new trekking pole stow and the front zipper. Although they lost a sale, the guys in the store advised me to get an old version of the pack online. After a bit of searching, I finally found a 2009 in the right color and size, and have been very happy with it on the practice hikes and an overnight trip.

Comments about Osprey Ariel 65 Pack - Women's:

If I'm taking a trip to a foreign land or backpacking for a few days I like to pack light. This pack was recommended to me for long distance hikes by the sales reps at three notable outfitters. Despite packing light, I find that this bag is absolutely uncomfortable for an extended hike in the woods. By hour two I begin to question the design. Starting at the top of the pack, the zipper on the top compartment hides between your neck and the pack and is located facing downwards so that all the weight in that top compartment is leaning on the zipper. So let's say your map or your first aid kit is in there and someone else is asking for it - they can't get to it. Your pack must come off and then you have to balance the pack while you try and locate the undercarriage with the zipper attached so that nothing comes bursting out of your pack when you open your zipper.

Similarly, loading and unloading this pack is not easy. The first time I opened my pack the fastener broke right off in my hand! There is a natural curve to the inside of this pack. However ergonomic this design might seem, the pack doesn't allow for easy packing or retrieval. You will need to master the art of wedging and smushing one item until your belongings are pushed to the bottom to fit the next thing in.

My first pack was a Kelty. It was a men's pack and waaaay too big for me. Even still, this pack was the most comfortable and cheapest pack I've ever owned. If only woman's packs would offer the same padding. Men's straps are wider and have thicker cushion. Hip belts are surprisingly much larger and have much more cushion than women's hip belts. Maybe the designers think that women don't carry weight? Or they have big burly men to carry weight for them? I walked two days carrying the majority of weight while traveling with my male companion. I think this trend of thin straps has to go.

I'm 29 years old, a former professional athlete, 5'6" and 140 lbs. I am still active and very strong today. This pack is uncomfortable. Save your money and buy something with actual padding, even if it's a dude's pack.

Comments about Osprey Ariel 65 Pack - Women's:

This was a graduation present from my mum and dad, and I took this bag on a trip through Europe this past summer, and I could not have been happier with it. While everyone was busy scrambling and dragging their suitcases onto the night train, trying not to get left behind because the train was only in the station 20 minutes, I had already gotten myself and my bag on the train, in the car, and was in the dining car with an espresso in no time. The last day of the trip, when my bag was the heaviest, I managed to get my shoulders sunburned. Of course, this was not a problem, as I could adjust it so that my hips took more weight. I'm planning a to hike part of the AT this autumn, and I wouldn't think of taking anything else.

Comments about Osprey Ariel 65 Pack - Women's:

I bought this pack a few years ago because I wanted a lighter pack that could still carry a good sized load. I tend to go on one to two night backpack trips. This pack is designed for women so I thought it would fit me better. What I found out was that, "designed for women" really means, "cut corners in quality despite appearing cute and attractive." Although this pack seemed great in the store, as soon as I got on the trail I was cursing the lack of padding in the hipbelt and the shoulder straps. They really bite into your flesh and generally make you miserable. Also, every time I try to buckle the hipbelt, I start down the trail and the darn thing pops open. My former pack, a Lowe Alpine was such a dinosaur but I'd welcome the heavily padded straps and solid buckles over this overpriced, poorly designed "female" model.

Comments about Osprey Ariel 65 Pack - Women's:

Bought this pack for a three month trip and it was one of my best investments. It's durable and tough - lasted through many bus trips, train rides, and flights. The access points are perfectly positioned, but require just enough work to dissuade any pick-pockets. The bag is easy to adjust and comfortable. Wore it up to 5 hours at a time and did not feel discomfort in my hips or back as was common with my previous pack.

A few notes:
-If it's raining, your things will get wet. A raincover would be a good idea or just line your pack with a garbage bag if you expect rain.
-Before I left, I tried the hood as a lumbar pack option. It's tricky to get the hood off and not worth it once you do. I just brought a separate day pack.

Comments about Osprey Ariel 65 Pack - Women's:

I've had this bag for about a year and have done 6 backing trips ranging from 2 to 6 knights. I have also used the pack on several day trips going into the field for work. The weight I've carried in the bag ranges from ~25 to 55lbs.

Thus far it has been a great bag, great space, durable material, and comfortable on the woman's torso. The bag adjusts well to what ever amount off gear or oddly shaped gear I have to bring into the field.

The only con is that the water holders on the sides of the pack are difficult to reach while the pack is on. Luckily I always have a friend or co-worker around to get my water out of the pack....but it can be a little annoying at times.

Overall I really enjoy this pack.

Comments about Osprey Ariel 65 Pack - Women's:

I was very picky before purchasing this bag, partly because I'd never bought a hiking bag before, and partly because I had had so many bad experiences with bags I've used for hiking.After hiking multiple day/night trips with this bag, I'd have to say I am impressed. The easy access bottom compartment has been handy for storage. I can't tell you how much of a relief it is to stop after a long day with no energy to do anything but sleep, and find your sleeping bag one zipper away. I've found it a little confusing in regards to which side the zipper for the top flap is on, however I've found the convenience to be more than accomidating due to the quick over the head grab, or the detachable hip pack. Maybe if there was one more small zipper for easy access on the other side for when the top pouch is loose and hanging... I've had to reattach it just to get my things out so to prevent everything from falling out. That can get annoying.All the straps are a little confusing, but after having an [...] representative get me fitted, I was able to make small adjustments just fine. As long as I don't make the pack top heavy, the weight distribution rests perfectly on my hips. I especially like the ability to bring in or out the two top section straps for if I'm climbing up vs down hill.There is a small amount of abrasion and soreness from the shoulder straps simply because it doesn't fit me exactly right. This always take some work to get perfect during the hike. This pack having a female design definately helps at least. I don't feel any negative pressure on my chest.The outside straps and pockets are light weight additions and extremely convenient when I'm on the go. Once I get everything strapped in just right, I don't feel like a bag lady monster at all. I feel tightly packed in myself, and free with movement. I am one with the bag.I suggest this pack for anyone who needs a great bag for long term useage.

Comments about Osprey Ariel 65 Pack - Women's:

I have used this pack for more weekend backpacking. I really enjoyed how easy it is to pack and the divider in the bottom of the pack that separates the sleeping bag. This makes it easy to remove the sleeping bag from the bottom without having to unpack everything.

The straps around the hip would have been better if they had more padding and maybe a pocket or two for a camera or chapstick or something. The pockets for water on the sides were large enough for a 32 oz nalgene but were difficult to reach. Unless you have someone with you, you'd have to take off the whole pack.

I purchased the raincover for this pack but haven't had a chance to use it yet.

I wish there was more ventilation for your back because sweat soaks right in.

Overall for a first pack I had no problem with this one, however I may stick to cooler weather with this one.