Osprey  Ariel 65 Pack - Women's

This is great if you are looking to get pack that gives you both space and light weight reliability. My ONLY problem with this pack is the lack of a hip belt pocket. But given that I always use REI hiking pants when I go backpacking, those pockets are sufficient enough for me.

I have had this backpack for a year now and it has been a great investment. I have taken it on extended backpacking trips of up to 7 days and plan on bringing it with me to the Bridger Wilderness area for an extended trip. It has also proven great for overnights. It packs everything perfectly, is comfortable and well constructed. [...]. It is easily adjustable in multiple areas to create comfort throughout a 10-12 hour day of strenuous hiking. I even hiked with it for 18 miles, 12 hrs. with a 40lb. load and had no problem putting it on the next morning for another long day. That's when I knew I found the right backpack!

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.

I ordered a cheaper pack from an online store originally. I did the measurements like the site suggested and took it on a 3 day hike. It was one of the worst experiences of my life. My back was killing me, my shoulders were killing me and I couldn't wait to get the pack off. I sold the pack on [@] and went to REI to get a pack fitted to me. The REI rep was awesome - showed me how to fit it and make adjustments. I settled on the Osprey because it was the most comfortable. I took it on a 3 day hike 2 weeks ago and it was a night and day difference to my previous experience. I had 35 - 40 lbs and my hips, shoulders, and back never noticed. I love all the access points and the adjustments. The best pack ever!!!

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.

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.

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.

I took this pack on the JMT last year and it was an all-star!. Once you get down how to properly adjust this pack, it is super comfortable and carries a heavy load with max comfort! I often found myself offering to carry stuff for other people who were not so fortunate. I have (unfortunately) carried this bag on trips when it was half of my weight and still did not have issues with the padding or comfort. I use this bag for traveling, backpacking and random tasks wherein I need to carry a lot of stuff (don't have a car), and it champions all of them!

This pack is absolutely awesome. Although it is my first I have owned, I have borrowed and used friends' packs and they never quite reached Osprey's quality. When I bought it at REI, they molded the waist straps to my waist so it was unique to my body, which believe it or not helps! I also love the suspension and quality of the pack itself. It has plenty of room for anything you'd need too. I bought mine before my trip to Scotland and hiked Ben Nevis and 4 days after that. My pack was there every step of the way and didn't let me down. To make your pack even better, I suggest buying an Osprey rain cover and buying a Platypus insert for your pack (it has a pouch for it in the pack and a hole for the tube as well). I highly recommend this product!

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.