Osprey  Mira AG 34 Hydration Pack - Women's - 2.5 Liters

I've used this pack for hiking and biking, and the new anti-gravity suspension system makes it so I can barely feel it on my back! It's not perfect, however, so let's start with the features I feel could use some work: 1) The sizing. Both REI and Osprey's own website and user manual states that the S/M women's pack fits a waist/hips up to 53". Now, although I am a solid-sized woman (size 12) my waist size of 31" is not even close to the 53" maximum stated in the description. However, when I pull the belt tight I don't see how the extra belt on either side could possibly total 53". Maybe there is another adjustment that I'm not aware of; feel free to correct me in future reviews if needed! 2) The zippers on the hip belt pockets are at sort of a goofy angle so that they are difficult to open when the pack is on. I don't have this issue at all with my full-sized Osprey backpack. I alleviated this problem somewhat by lubricating the zipper but the fact remains that the mechanics will need adjusting in futures versions of this pack. Now for the things I love the most about this pack: 1) As stated at the beginning of this review, the suspension system on this thing is marvelous. It's sort of like a combination of the traditional firm mesh of a really nice support system, except almost elasticised. It both firmly supports AND clings to your body, so that the load stays centered with each movement. I use this on my bike for in-town errand rides and barely feel it pulling. It also has a cool helmet connector. 2) The hip belt pockets on both sides of the waist are large enough for my iPhone 6 in an Otter Case (someone wrote in the Q&A section here that the largest it would fit is a 5S so I just wanted to clarify that they do indeed fit a 6!) and although I've had some positional issues with the zipper I do love having the pockets there. 3) The hydration system in this pack is awesome! I've had issues with Osprey reservoirs in the past so I was at first very skeptical, but I've had no problems thus far. The pack comes with the Hydraulics Lte 2.5 reservoir, which differs from the "regular" version in that it does not have a hard shell back. I love the fact that this reservoir is completely integrated into the pack; you just I flip the hose and remove only the bag part, so that if you're refilling at a stream you don't inadvertently dangle your hose on the dirty ground. The bite valve is a weak point, but that's probably an issue with a brands so I'm not too worried about it. 4) The integrated rain cover is a nice feature and adds to the value. My full-sized pack did not come with one and it was another $40 to purchase one, so it's nice that the Mira AG 34 comes with one in its one comparment and is easy to deploy. I haven't had to use it yet so I cannot comment on the waterproof factor. Overall although this is a pretty pricey pack, it's worth it to me for the suspension system and the peace of mind that if any part of it gets torn or damaged Osprey will fix or replace it.

Although this pack fits well and has some nice features, I really wish I had not purchased this pack because it is SO LOUD. I read a review about the squeaking before purchasing this pack but I hoped it was an anomaly because otherwise the pack seemed perfect. The top of the frame squeaks horribly and right in my ear. When I am out hiking, enjoying my beautiful and peaceful trails, I really do not want to hear that constant squeaking! I have tried a number of things to try to reduce the sound but nothing has worked. It makes me sad because for the most part, I like the rest of the pack. Another negative, the hip belt pockets are fairly useless because although I can unzip them with the pack on, I cannot zip them back up because they are situated too far back.