How to Choose a Backpack

This product is not available. Good news: we have a newer version.
The Osprey Aura 65 pack for women redefines expectations for weight, ventilation and comfort. An updated suspension provides a customized fit for greater comfort than ever on the trail.
Shop newer versionImported.
View the Osprey Aura Product LineView all Osprey Backpacking PacksBest Use | Backpacking |
---|---|
Frame Type | Internal Frame |
Adjustable Torso Length | Yes |
Material(s) | High-tenacity nylon/mini-ripstop nylon |
Frame Material | Metal alloy |
Number of Stays | 1 peripheral hoop |
Suspended Mesh Back Panel | Yes |
Pack Access | Top / front |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 8 + main compartment |
Sleeping Bag Compartment | Yes |
Gender | Women's |
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
Both my friend and I each used this pack when we walked the Camino de Santiago in Spain last summer. We both averaged about 18 pounds in our pack for four weeks straight and it was perfect. My only complaint is that it's nearly impossible to reach the side pocket to retrieve your water bottle while wearing the pack. We solved the problem by carrying each other's bottles... But it would be nice if it was within reach. The vented back is wonderful... and when it's adjusted properly you can't beat the comfort. I plan to use this great pack again next summer for another camino hike!
I bought this pack for my and my 12 year old son's first overnight hiking trip and it worked great! We each carried about 25 pounds worth of gear with no back strain or pain. He has the Atmos. Plenty of pockets and places to stash what we needed. Highly adjustable with the shoulder load lifters, the torso length adjustments and hip belt -- can adjust the fit on the fly and keep it all comfortable. I have some pretty severe back problems and this pack was completely comfortable, distributing the weight evenly with no pressure on the low back at all. Agree with one other reviewer that a daisy chain somewhere would be nice but all in all a great pack.
I used this pack on my thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. I carried it from Georgia to Maine, and it did amazing. The fabric is really durable. I tossed my pack on the ground multiple times a day. There were lots of times I had to sit down on rock and slide, which dragged the bottom of my pack on the rock. It never tore a rip or even damaged the fabric. The pack is super comfortable. The cut of the hip belt and shoulder straps are great for average to smaller frames. Not to mention, the torso is adjustable to find the perfect fit. The mesh back panel kept my back from getting too sweaty. The pack is also spacious on the inside, but it's also compact. I didn't feel like I had to carry a bulky pack. It was easy to fit into cars, and I never had any problems with it snagging on branches or anything. The only problem I had was that the front zipper pocket broke on me. It was inconvenient, but I will gladly accept that one negative for all the good things about this pack.
I was inspired to write a review of this product after a conversation between friends on a recent backpacking trip (my first trip and my first time using this pack). "Backpacking is always uncomfortable" my friends said. "You just deal with it because the reward at the end is worth it". At which point I noted that while I was exhausted from hiking with the weight on my back, I was not experiencing any actual discomfort - thanks to my Osprey pack. This pack fit me like a glove and fit all my supplies like a champ. Everything had it's place and once I committed to memory where I put everything, was easily accessible. Also, as my hiking companions would tell you, I also really enjoyed the whistle on the chest straps. Finally, though I know aesthetics should come far behind comfort and functionality, I love the appearance of this pack. I can't wait to take it on another trip!
I bought this pack and took it on a 15 mile roundtrip overnight hike. Number one, I loved how the pack organizes your things. The two zippered front pockets are great, and stretch stuff area in front worked great for stashing my rain coat. I also loved the pockets on the hip belt. But... (here it comes) at about mile four the pack started to dig into my back in two spots. I'm 5'4" and 148 lbs, so maybe my shape is wrong for this pack. The pack dug into my lower back where the suspended mesh back connects to the hip belt. The bends of the hip belt into the narrow mesh back were very uncomfortable. Also where the pack adjusts for the torso length has this rigid bar. This started to dig right across my shoulder blades. I have to take it back.. and I'm so bummed! I loved everything else about this pack. Sadly for me it was not comfortable.
I bought this pack at REI in Southside located in Pittsburgh a week ago, three days before an overnight trip. My wife and other friends were being fitted for packs and I thought why not see what fits me. So the very helpful and entertaining staff set me up with an Osprey Men's 65 Atmos, this pack just wasn't the right fit for me. So next he tried this one (Osprey Aura 65 Womens) I was hesitant about trying a female fitted pack but I thought what the heck. I tried it on and walked the store for about 25 mins with approx. 20lbs pack inside by the staff. It fit like a dream!!!!!! I am a 5'9" 180 lbs guy with a larger chest. This pack was amazing in a 12 mile hike in a foot deep snow without snowshoes. I had approx. 25-30 lbs of gear pack for the trip. The waist belt pockets are great and the adjustable waist belt padding was nice. I highly recommend this pack and also want to say "guys don't be afraid of a womens pack, color doesn't matter when it comes to comfort". Thank you B-Man!!!!!
I used this backpack for 12 days in the backcountry of New Mexico straight off the shelf. My previous Osprey was slightly too small so I decided to change it out with the next size up. Wow! It made a huge difference! So the right size truly matters. It was very comfortable. I had a few days that were 7-8 hrs long. My pack never bothered my shoulders or back. It adjusted easily throughout the day. It held all I needed, though I only needed to carry 4-5 days of food at a time. If I had more food to carry, it's not big enough. I was able to access the pack easily and it carried my camelback hydration system in the pouch inside. My only complaint is that one of the zippers failed on day 5. It failed up high on the pocket so I was able to continue to use it. However, when I got home, I took the pack back to REI and they gladly replaced it. I would highly recommend this pack. It serves me very well and with great comfort.
I used this pack on a 4-day hike and was amazed at the comfort level. I had used a cheaper pack in the past, and didn't realize what a big difference it would make to upgrade to this one. Definitely worth the investment.
I've used lots of packs- REI, Camelbak, etc. This pack is far and away the most comfortable for someone of my size (5'1", 120lbs). So far it has been incredibly durable, useful, and much more comfortable than any pack I've ever owned.
Small sleeping bag entrance. I have a marmot angel fire. Hard to stuff in through the opening. I tried on many backpacks before deciding on this one. It was comfortable the minute I strapped it on. Very adjustable. Lots of storage pockets. Too many for me, but it's great that they are there for organization sake. Can fit a lot in the main storage compartment!