Osprey  Aura AG 65 Pack - Women's

Used on a 30 mile, four day hike on the Superior Hiking Trail in Sept. 2020. This pack is my everything. The pockets are wonderful for organization. The hip belt and anti-gravity system is divine. My pack was 36 pounds on day one and did not feel like 36 pounds. I did not have back or hip pain using this pack.

The Aura AG is a dream. The new cherry red color is gorgeous and the technical aspects of the pack make trekking comfortable and accessible. The pockets on the hip belt perfectly fit my iPhone 8+ (which as that's my main source of photos, made it accessible). The other easily fit a days worth of snacks to eat while walking. The compartments are perfect to keep everything organized and again - accessible. The small improvements from previous versions make it even better. I love all the places to adjust the sizing so that it truly can be a perfect fit. My girlfriends were jealous of the bag and kept asking about it. The only change is that I wish it could magically be lighter!

I have had the opportunity to take the updated Osprey Aura AG 65 pack out on two backpacking trips. I was excited to see what updates have been made to the pack as I also own the first Aura AG pack. I was pleasantly surprised. The following are updates that I have noticed for those of you who are on the fence about upgrading to the newest version: 1. The removable top lid is even easier to remove with buckles instead of the original strap adjusters where you had weave the strap through to reattach. 2. One of the best updates was a larger opening to thread the water reservoir hose through. On the prior version it was difficult to place the hose through and now it's a breeze. 3. The side mesh pockets are larger and easier to fit items into. As on the prior version, there is an opening at the top and side, making it easier to place a variety of items (water bottle or bandana). The pocket is easy to access when on the trail and I tend to place more frequently used items here. 4. The zippered hipbelt pockets are larger. I use my IPhone 7 Plus to take pictures when I'm out backpacking and it fits easily into the pocket as compared to prior versions of the pack. 5. I really loved the AG on the prior pack and this version has even more cushion on the chest straps. The first trip, I was sharing a tent, water filtration, and stove so I was able to split the load, with my bag weighing 30#. The second trip, I carried everything including a bear canister with my pack weighing 37#. The pack was heavy but I did not have any shoulder or neck pain that I have had in the past. Features that are not new but I like about the pack are: 1. The "Fit-On-The-Fly Hipbelt", makes sizing the pack to your waist easy. There is a Velcro panel that you separate and adjust using markers on the panel to adjust. It literally took 2 minutes to adjust. 2. The adjustable harness took a little longer as it wasn't quite as apparent how to adjust. I had to look it up on Osprey's website because I couldn't recall how to adjust it from my prior pack. It would be nice to have a tag that gives directions on how to adjust right on the bag but looking it up online did not take long and once I read the instructions, it only took one minute to adjust. 3. I like the separate sleeping bag compartment. I find it makes it easier to compress down the bag into the bottom of the bag to allow for organizing of the other items. I have also used this compartment for placing a larger bear canister on longer trips. 4. I like the removable "sleeping pad straps", although I usually use them to carry my tent. 5. The adjustable bungees on the sides of the large mesh pocket meant to hold the handle of an ice axe are a nice option if needing to hang something from the side of the pack. Overall I would definetly recommend this pack. It is by far the most comfortable pack that I have owned and can't wait to take it out again!

I thru-hiked the entire Appalachian Trail and more (around 3,000 miles put on it) with this backpack. It has held up wonderfully. The suspension is one of my favorite features, it keeps the pack off my back so that I don't get overheated or super sweaty. The pack its self is extremely durable, it's been dragged acorss rocks, submerged in water and has held up to all the abuse i've subjected it to. Pros: Bottom zipper compartment. Removable and large brain. Sturdy and lifting hip straps with pockets. Cons: It's slightly heavier than what I currently want, but for the price point it is fantastic (i'm just turning into an ultralight junkie).

I just took the Osprey Aura AG 65 out for its first overnight hiking trip, and I really enjoyed it. The bag itself is just big enough to carry everything you need for an overnight or two night hiking trip. The lightweight mesh frame kept the bag off of me, so I never had a sweaty back. It was lightweight and surprisingly really comfortable even after 15 miles. I loved all the different compartments this bag had and how easy they were to access. I especially like the two part top compartment which is detachable, converting your bag into more of a day pack if you don't need the extra storage. I put my snacks and camera lenses in this part and was able to easily unzip and access them without removing my pack. The bottom compartment also has a separator inside creating two separate spaces, if you pack light you can fit your sleeping bag in here and then still have room inside the main compartment for clothes and food. Many outside pockets also had stretch built in which was really great for fitting in an oversize water bottle and my dogs bowl which I always need quick access to. Overall I loved this bag for its variety of zipper compartments that are easily accessible without having to take a bunch of things out. The elastic stretch and adjustable drawstrings on each part of the bag make it easily customizable for a huge array of gear. I was even able to attach my solar charger to the outside of the pack with a few carabiners.

Bought this in 2020 attempted 2 backpacking trips that were cut short due to the California fires. 2021 ❤️ I just came back from a 4 day backpacking trip in Yosemite and I am so happy with this backpack. I started with a total weight of 35lbs. Just lifting the pack up feels heavy but as soon as you have it on and make the adjustments it feels lighter. I love all the compartments. The hip belt zipper pockets are sometimes tricky to open/close it’s easier if left unzipped slightly. Not a big deal. I haven’t used any other backpacks so I cannot compare this one to others. Overall it’s a very comfortable backpack and I can’t wait to use it on my next adventure!

Took my Aura 65 to Havasupai three weeks ago. 35lbs for 12miles felt like nothing. I could've gone another 10 easy, as I did not feel the weight on my shoulders at all. I was debating between this one and the Deuter, which felt slightly more comfy. I ended up choosing the Aura because of the side pockets and brain - the layout was just more convenient than the Deuter. I did feel the weight a bit more on the uphill hike out of the campsite, but that could be due to many different reasons, and may have been avoided if I had readjusted the pack. For sure: go to REI to get it fitted to your body (i.e. don't just expect to buy and it's good to go - needs to be fitted to your body/size, which is something I did not know as this was my first time backpacking).

I originally tried the Gregory Deva 60L before getting this pack. The shoulder straps on the Gregory were incredibly uncomfortable on my larger chest. I traded it in for this Osprey because I had an Osprey day pack that I loved. The shoulder straps and back panel were quite comfy on this pack and the hip pockets were large enough for my iPhone XR with a case on! I had no issues with shoulder or hip chafing and the back was well ventilated. Hip belt was snug but not uncomfortable by any means. This bag was very roomy and kept me organized on my trip. It carried 27 lbs very comfortably and I love that the brain can be detached. Definitely a fan!

I absolutely Love this backpack. For someone with a long torso and legs with a slender bone structure this backpack is incredible - with 50LB on I can hardly tell I’m even carrying anything on my back.

I had my storage unit at my apartment broken into twice in 6 months and this has always been the hot ticket item they snag off the floor. I love this pack so much I'm about to buy it a 3rd time. The zero gravity back panel is a dream when hiking and keeps you really well ventilated. I'm fairly short and petite and the XS fit like a glove after adjusting the back panel. I like the extra pockets it has even if all the bells and whistles adds a bit of weight. I'll sacrifice a couple pounds to have a strudier and more durable pack that can carry more weight without fear of tearing. I really recommend this to anyone who needs a spacious, breathable, reliable pack that still isn't too heavy.