How to Choose a Backpack

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Starting with a dreamlike suspension, the Osprey Aura AG 65 pack stores and carries gear in 9 external pockets, enhancing mobility and comfort while toting heavier loads through the backcountry.
Shop newer versionBest Use | Backpacking |
---|---|
Frame Type | Internal Frame |
Adjustable Torso Length | Yes |
Material(s) | Nylon |
Frame Material | LightWire |
Number of Stays | 1 peripheral hoop |
Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
Suspended Mesh Back Panel | Yes |
Pack Access | Top/bottom |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 9 + main compartment |
Sleeping Bag Compartment | Yes |
Gender | Women's |
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I got this pack to replace my previous Aura, which had a slight defect that gave me a hot spot on my back. Took it to Yosemite and tested it over 3 days and 45 miles and it was perfect! It never felt like it touched my shoulders, my back was ventilated and sweat free, even on the hottest of days, and it was super easy to adjust on the move. My only suggestions would be a slightly larger waist belt pocket (doesn't fit a phone and things can be hard to get out of the pocket) and a small net like pocket in the lid for very small items that are easily lost and/or fall to the bottom of the pack. It's a great pack for the value and even with my tendency to pack too much, I had room left over for longer treks and more gear.
I got this pack and the Osprey Atmos for my 13-year-old son and 11-y-o daughter. You will not find a more finicky and honest pair of product critics. Their review is overwhelming positive. We camp a lot and trail blaze a lot so how a pack rides is equally important to the practicality/functionality of its construction. From the moment my kids tried these on in the store to our recent outing under load they have had nothing but praise about the Anti-Gravity suspension and how it has officially redefined what backpacking is supposed to feel like. While my kids can comment on this packs precision harness, cloudlike rideability and convenient access to water & gorp I can comment about its utility. My only issue with this this pack is that it does not have daisy chains. Most packs don’t these days. Daisy chains & a carabiner are a convenient way to quickly fasten a random thing. Why have they disappeared? Overall this pack wins. If I didn’t love my 20-year-old backpack so much I’d get one myself. The hype is inspirational.
I purchased this pack last spring and since then it has seen many miles from Alaska to Iceland and throughout the Washington Cascades! It is by far the most comfortable pack I have ever owned. The hip straps seem to just hug your body and I haven't experienced any hot spots or bruising. The outside pockets are great for stuffing shed layers and its nice the water bottle pockets go up or to the side. I didn't really see the point in the separation flap, so I cut that out. Overall, I definitely recommend this pack for everything from an overnight trip to a long distance trek!
I bought this pack for a trip in Washington and I was thanking myself everyday for doing so. I had no discomfort, even on long 20+ mile overnight trips with my pack weighing about 25 lbs. There is no weight on the shoulders at all and it fits very snug on the waist. The pockets are well placed and helps organize gear. I did my whole trip with the lid removed and was able to use the bag as a carry-on on my flight. I only wish they made the lid convert to a day pack - it is the perfect size…but I think I might try to rig something up. A rain cover included would also be a plus! Regardless, its a fantastic pack and I highly recommend it.
I have a 14” torso and got the XS, 65L in this pack for my trip to the Enchantments in WA. We had a lot of up hill and a lot of down hill on this hike. The pack hugged my body and the mesh helped keep the heat off my back. The hip fit on this pack is like a dream; all of my previous packs caused me so much pain in my hips and glutes. I love all the pockets and straps on this pack. My only wish is the waist pocket was big enough for a phone and the top pocket had a small mesh pocket for smaller items, like chapstick etc. other than that it was amazing!! I don’t think I will need another pack for many years to come!
I mainly use my pack for travel, not exactly hiking. I have a Deuter 70L that I have taken all over the USA and to several countries and back. Loved this pack. Unfortunately on a flight home from New Zealand it was destroyed. I was very reluctant to purchase a new pack. The Deuter was an extension of me. After purchasing this Osprey... that poor Deuter is not even an option! I Love this pack. it fits me perfectly. The way the hip support contours to the female form is spot on for comfort. I found all of the compartment locations convenient more so than I thought they would be. I am one happy customer and can't wait to take this pack on more adventures.
While I can't compare to other packs, since this was my first, I did do a lot of research and used this on my first 4-day, 30 mile, backpacking trip at RMNP. Of course, being a newbie, I packed too much, and subsequently learned what I could do without. This pack didn't leave any kind of soreness anywhere. It really felt molded to my back, and was easy in adjusting my load. I don't like a sweaty back, and this design kept me cool and comfortable as the temps climbed while descending. It took some beating - and I was surprised how the dirt didn't stick to it. The silver was the only available color at the time and I really had my reservations about it, but it looks brand new still. I'm hooked and am looking forward to using this for many more years!
I bought this pack prior to a 5 day trek through Big Sur. During the fitting and random walks up and down stairs with it loaded it felt great. Not realizing 2 hours into my hike; sweat and friction would turn my once breathable mesh straps into a skin cheese grater. Thank goodness for a sturdy hipbelt because I definitely took the straps off completely at some points. Rip to my better halfs underwear which we had to cut up and ziptie on my straps to avoid further skin breakdown. Loved the idea of the breathable mesh but it just didn't work out.
Bought this in silver at the beginning of last summer. Spent 4 hours in REI trialing different packs and this one just hugged my body. I love the back vent because I was getting so sweaty with my day pack (which doesn't have a vent). The color silver actually doesn't show a lot of dirt if anyone cares. I packed this sucker up. Had a bear canister halfway exposed on top. There are tons of fun straps and securing hooks you can use to secure extra overflowing items. I've had my tripod in the hiking poles loops. Fits great. No real complaints. Solid purchase. Has been thrown down. Fallen over. Gotten wet and overfilled. Still a solid purchase. But don't ever buy a backpack online based on a review ;-) Try them on. Everyone's body is different. :-)
The salesperson at REI assisted with fitting and purchase of pack. I was told "don't buy a pack for the color or pockets, but how it fits." Of course, my body liked one of the most expensive packs....but I had no sore spots on my first time out. I did find it to be quite cumbersome to get on and off as the hip belts get caught behind and it was difficult to pull them around. There is a backwards zipper in the back panel of the pack that no one seems to know it's function, so it remained functionless. Overall, I liked the pack and had no issues. I was able to fit everything I needed (or thought I needed) for a weekend trip.