Arc'teryx  Aerios 18 Pack

I’ve been on the lookout for a daypack that’s light and comfortable without losing functionality. This fits the bill. I think what makes it so unique is the shoulder straps and the way they spread out wide over your shoulders to spread out the weight of the bag and then the twos chest straps come across to secure makes it feel unified with your body. Incredible design. Couldn’t recommend it enough.

The Arc'teryx Aerios 18 is a quality made pack. It holds about 10 lb. The harness system is made better than others that I have seen of this kind. The two front chest straps seem a little flimsy to me. They are, I guess, made this way to reduce the weight. They hook into the main shoulder straps, which take a little work to get in. But they can be adjusted. I like the material that the main pack is made of. It should last a long time and hold up to adventures through rough country. The "hip belt" does stabilize the pack to allow you to move swiftly, at least it did for small weight for me. The small front pocket does hold sunglasses and a few other small items. The interior zipper pocket is good for small items too. But it is not like the outer small pocket. You can put some medical items, rain jacket, gloves, t-shirt, extra socks, or equivalent inside the main compartment without a problem. What about wet items? Bring a plastic bag. Why? I'm not a fan of the bungee cord system. The one on this pack is easy to adjust. But it goes into the small front pocket. The load lifers help some. If you pull them too much the should straps start to buckle to much for me. I want a smooth "round" strap on my shoulders. I can say much about rain. I did not try it in the rain. My guess is that you'll need a rain cover for downpours. I don't see that snow is a problem. Now, the problem that I had, as well as with others with this harness system, is: It doesn't fit this small body very well. I wanted to run with it as if it were part of my body. It came very close to fitting like I wanted it. But it did not fit good enough. And, lastly, I wonder how it would work when carrying 10 lb at a quick pace for twenty miles. My guess is: if it fits you comfortably and you are in good strong health, you'll be fine. You can attach poles or axe.

Love this backpack!! I brought it with me on a 4 month trip in Asia, and it was the perfect smaller backpack to have. I brought it on shorter 3-4 day excursions leaving my main pack behind, and it was the perfect size to fit clothes, toiletries, a small towel, everything you need. I love the front pockets along the straps as well, It's a perfect spot for your phone for easy storage and grabbing. It also fits very comfortably on the body, and lastly I got major use from the straps on the back of the pack, I would stuff my jacket or shoes in there which made packing all of my stuff a lot easier.

I picked this up from REI for a lightweight/less technical day hike pack - had 3 days planned in Mt. Ranier (summer - so didn't need the capacity for extra layers). The running vest shoulder straps paired with some external pockets and lash straps was everything I needed externally; I never got close to filling it all the way up. I didn't experience the loosening of the sternum straps (Arc'teryx-specific design/construction) like some have complained about (in fact I quite like them), but wasn't thrilled with how low-cut and angled the side pockets were. Taller water bottles didn't feel fully secured (even when tightened), so I added some packmod bungees on both sides. Would I have liked that in the original design? Sure. But despite it all it's now my go-to day hiking pack. Sizing info: I'm 6'2" 185lbs and the fit is great. Even has small load adjuster straps!

LOVE using for school! I use the Aerios 18 for my school backpack. It perfectly fits my computer (macbook air 13) , ipad air, notebook, a book, my 18oz hydroflask, and keys. I like the strap mesh pockets, perfect for straggler hairties, keys, or chapstick. One small thing, if the pack gets too bottom heavy (ipad, heavy calculator), the frame of the back will curve a bit. I usually have no problem because I have my laptop to even out the weight but on those days I don't it looks a bit wonky!

The size is perfect for a day hike. I love the hole for the water bladder and that the backpack has pockets in the front for snacks or your phone so that you have quick access and you don't need to take your backpack off completely. Super comfortable and I like the colour!

Overall I think the backpack is great: - the volume is perfect for day hikes - I really like the running vest-style straps with pockets,which let me carry my phone and soft flasks easily - the wide side pockets are a nice concept - I found myself carrying there much more stuff than the usual water bottle or poles - I appreciated the compatibily with the helmet net from the Micon backpack, so I can use this pack also on climbing trips and makes it super versatile during summer - comfort has never been an issu, even after 8+ hours of wear HOWEVER the mesh used on the back panel, as many others have pointed out, is way too harsh. It has ruined all my technical t-shirts by causing pilling. Cotton shirts are unaffected, so for urban/daily use it’s not a problem, but for outdoor use I now expect every polyester technical tee to get damaged. It’s not a dealbreaker, but I honestly wonder how such a major issue wasn’t caught during product development and testing. Please update the back panel material in future generations — the pack is excellent in every other way!

Very, very good for everything. Comfortable to carry, not too warm because of the design. It takes rain trousers, rain jacket and a warmer long sleeve pullover at the same time, so good capacity.