How to Choose a Backpack

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With a heat-moldable hipbelt, adjustable torso and women-specific contours, the customizable Osprey Ariel 65 pack offers unparalleled personalization for lasting comfort on your multi-day adventure.
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View the Osprey Ariel Product LineView all Osprey Backpacking PacksBest Use | Backpacking |
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Frame Type | Internal Frame |
Adjustable Torso Length | Yes |
Material(s) | Ripstop nylon/nylon oxford |
Frame Material | HDPE framesheet/metal alloy peripheral frame |
Number of Stays | 1 aluminum center stay |
Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
Pack Access | Top / front |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 6 + main compartment |
Sleeping Bag Compartment | Yes |
Gender | Women's |
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Last week was the 1st time using it and 1st time breaking them in. I had carry this pack up to 37-45lbs and it was still very comfortable at the padding and the fit. I had hiked over hills, flats, wet lands, sand, and boulders for 5-6 hours from 7500-9500 evaluation. The only thing that the straps due to the weight and movement that I need to readjust the straps to be lifted more back to place. But I'm sure that would be for every other back. Oh, I love all those side pockets and easy access places that I'm able to reach and get while I was hiking, instead of taking off and on my pack! that was very helpful. I thought it was a great pack and it did it's job.
I bought this product for my youngest child four years ago and she used it for a couple of summer trips. Then, this past summer, my middle child used the pack to hike the Pacific Crest Trail and... the pack really delivered. When she came home, she wanted to get a couple of parts of the pack refurbished and Osprey said -- Absolutely. When she sent it in however, they realized that the pack had died a valiant death and they sent a new one for my youngest child. And so, we are buying another Osprey pack this week for my middle child. The product is top notch and the company stands behind it 100%. I couldn't recommend the product or the company more. Worth every penny!
I bought this pack at an REI Garage Sale a couple years ago. The sternum strap had broken. I fixed the strap myself and brought it back in to get fitted. They taught me a few tricks on how to adjust it when it's loaded too. Fits great! I've taken it on some weekend trips and it did the job. But, I just got back from doing 28 miles in the Smokys and oh man, it really showed me what it could do. All around support on my back and shoulders, great amount of easily accessible pockets and I love the day bag that the top piece turns into. Really came in handy. I didn't get too sweaty on my back and never felt like the weight was unevenly distributed. I cannot say enough good things about this bag. I don't think I'll go to another brand for another backpacking pack when this (if this) pack dies.
I took this pack on a 5 day backpacking trip to the Colorado Rockys. I gave it quiet a beating; scraping it on rocks and trees and it still held up well. The only thing was it needs more access points. I had to unpack most of the pack to get to some things near the bottom. I also wouldve liked more room as well. We did some bouldering also and it was difficult with the pack. But all in all, I'm really happy with the pack and it was well worth the money spent obit.
Prior to buying this pack, I had been using a 17+ year old REI pack for all my hiking endeavors. The pack worked fine, but had to have some adjustments throughout the years and was never a "perfect fit"- it was a hand me down, to say the least. I finally splurged on my own, brand new pack for a 77 mile upcoming Oregon PCT trip, and boy, was it well worth the money and time trying on different brands. Osprey does an excellent job with the hip straps on this pack, which is my problem area. There is ample padding, adequate storage, and plenty of side-pockets for small gear. I also like that this pack has water-bladder capabilities, as well as a pouch in the front for quick access. Every time I go out on a test hike with it, I love it even more! Comfortable and durable, and I'm sure it will last me for years.
I bought this as my first pack after previously renting. I brought it on a one month backcountry trip in the ranges of Alaska. I was worried it wouldn't have enough room for my things but it was surprisingly adjustable and easily fit a large, 0 degree sleeping bag, a bear canister, group gear, and my personal items. The removable brain was awesome for day hikes and very comfortable, even without removing the hip belts. I have a feeling I'll be using it for a long time, although the side pockets are rather delicate and have a few holes from placing my collapsed trekking poles in them.
Recently updated my backpack to this one. Spent several days in the Utah desert with it. Really like the fit, weight, adjustability and comfort. Was just right. However the top pack has its' zipper placed in such a manner that I ended up dumping everything out several times. If you leave it open and someone moves the pack, dump again. If the zipper was on the OTHER side of the pouch, no problem. I ended up being VERY VIGILANT about this feature. Otherwise, it was a delight to wear and kept my back cool even on some cross country dry hot routes. Would recommend this pack witht he above reservation.
I have been using this pack for about a year now, and I love it every time. I used to have the Gregory Deva 70, but eventually decided the pack itself was too heavy for my purposes. (That being said, the new 2015 Gregory Devas and Baltoros are amazing packs with fabulous new designs). I find the back support of the Ariel fits me perfectly, and it has all the features I like on a pack without having too much going on that adds weight. I've taken loads as heavy as 60 lbs backpacking and the Ariel supported the weight very well.
It's a good pack but not for my preferences. I tried it on several hiking day trips, packed for a overnight outing, but exchanged it for the REI Crestrail 65. Even without a ponytail the top of the pack was very close to my head and I found it confining, especially when looking to see uphill ahead. There were not enough separate compartments for the items I like to keep handy and separate, and the trekking pole holder was hitting me under my left arm as I walked. The REI Crestrail 65 has a cut out for ponytails, three extra outside compartments, an extra zipper in the top bag and the waistband is supposed to move with me. I am hopeful this bag will be everything I want and need That'll be my next review.
This is the kind of pack you will use for 20 years. I made three visits to the store before committing to the Ariel 65. On the third visit a female staff person fit me with a small belt and a long pack, and sunlight burst through the clouds. This pack has taken me hundreds of solo miles in all seasons. Shown is a full load of winter gear for 8 nights in the unpredictable Blue Ridge Escarpment in SC/NC. Your pack needs to fit as well as your boots, and this one does. As an aside, I've had to wash out sour milk that somehow got spilled on it, and it came out fine.