Osprey Aura 50 -
For the ultimate in comfort on the trail, check out the Osprey Aura 50 liter pack. This backpack is women’s specific and is made with Osprey’s celebrated AirSpeed™ suspension. This suspension system employs a LightWire peripheral alloy frame with a 3D, tensioned mesh back panel. It keeps the body of the pack off your back and allows air to flow against your body; the result is better comfort and less dehydration. The Aura 50 is a top-loading pack with a removable pack cap and lots of pockets. This bag features a zippered sleeping bag compartment, tool loops, a stretchy front pocket, hip pockets and a fully adjustable hipbelt and harness. Trek in comfort with the Aura 50 from Osprey.
Support and Cushioning:
- Shoulder harness adjusts over a 3 in. range for fine-tuned fit; new pad design with spacer-mesh contact surfaces and ventilated foam provides breathable, supportive cushioning
Insulation:
- Removable lid lets you slim down for side trips
Sizing:
- Gender-specific harnesses available in three sizes
Zippers:
- Dual vertical zip front pockets allow for easy gear organization
Pockets:
- Side stretch mesh pockets with InsideOut compression
- The floating top pocket with under lid mesh pocket can be easily removed
- Floating top lid features a large pocket and an under-the-lid mesh pocket
Fabric:
- Zippered fabric hipbelt pockets for storing a trail snack
- The Osprey Aura 50 pack is made with a lightweight yet strong 210- and 100-denier fabric set that offers excellent durability and less trail weight than heavier fabrics
- Zippered fabric hipbelt pockets provide secure, accessible storage
- Front stretch woven pocket, side stretch-mesh pockets, zippered hipbelt pockets and 2 large front zippered pockets help organize gear for quick, convenient access
- Lightweight, high strength fabric for durability
- Durable nylon construction resists abrasion
- Made with 210D high tenacity twill nylon, 100D high tenacity mini-ripstop nylon
Fit:
- Updated AirSpeed™ suspension offers fully adjustable torso length and adjustable hipbelt fit
- Hook and loop adjustable over 3"/7.5 cm range to allow fine tuned fit
- Hipbelt uses dual-density foam for improved support and spacer mesh for breathability; exclusive adjustment system lets you customize the fit while wearing the pack
- Three frame sizes each for Atmos and Aura provide precise fit
- Shoulder harness and hipbelt are specifically cut and contoured to fit women comfortably
Padding:
- Removable sleeping pad straps add a level of performance versatility
- Trekking pole, ice tool, and sleeping pad attachment points let you secure gear externally to save space inside the pack
- Pads able to extend 3"/7.5 cm each side for 6"/15 cm total adjustment range
- Pack exterior features removable sleeping pad straps, Stow-on-the-Go™ quick stash trekking pole attachment system and dual ice axe loops with bungee tie-offs
Ventilation:
- LightWire™ alloy frame creates low-profile air space optimizing balance and ventilation; 3D tensioned mesh back panel ensures excellent breathability and supportive fit
- Scalloped side openings for enhanced cross ventilation
Hydration:
- Hydration Sleve
- All Atmos/Aura series packs are hydration compatible with tube exit ports on both sides of the pack
- Large main compartment with hydration sleeve and reservoir clip
Size and Dimensions:
- Dimensions are 29 in length (height) x 17 in width x 14 in depth. (Women's Medium)
Straps:
- Slide adjustable sternum strap
- Side compression straps stabilize your load
- FREE shoulder strap and belt swap available upon request
Features:
- Each Atmos/Aura Series pack features dual ice tool loops and bungee tool tieoffs
- Torso adjustable/interchangeable shoulder harness
Zappos.com
Great for super-light backpacking or active adventure, the women's-specific Osprey® Aura 50 provides plenty of room while keeping the weight down.AirSpeed™ Suspension system consisting of a LightWire™ alloy frame and 3-D tensioned breathable mesh backpanel with crescents for side ventilation.
Cross struts provide excellent flex.
BioStretch™ Women's Harness features mesh-covered cool perforated waffle foam contoured to fit comfortably on a woman's torso. This sewn-in harness is wider through the collar bone area with a taper in the chest area and offers women-specific sizing.
BioStretch™ sewn-in hipbelt features a women-specific cut and cant with mesh-covered cool perforated waffle foam and ErgoPull™ closure. The hipbelt is canted to ride securely on a woman's hips and has a narrower cut allowing for shorter hip to rib distance. Women-specific sizing accommodates women of all sizes and shapes.
with under-lid mesh map pocket.
Two side zippered front pockets.
Two side stretch woven pockets with InsideOut™ compression.
Two zippered hip belt pockets.
Stow on the Go™ trekking pole attachment.
Two ice tool loops with bungee tie-offs.
Hydration compatible backpanel sleeve.
Osprey will repair for any reason, free of charge, any damage or defect in their product − whether it was purchased in 1974 or yesterday. If they are unable to perform a functional repair on your pack, Osprey will happily replace it.
Moosejaw
FEATURES of the Osprey Women's Aura 50 Pack.
SPECIFICATIONS of the Osprey Women's Aura 50 Pack.
Backcountry Edge
A favorite among female AT thru-hikers and fast-and-light backpackers, the Osprey Aura 50 Women's pack combines durability, storage capacity (2800+) and lightweight performance. Adjustable harnesses and hipbelt ensure a proper, comfortable fit.
FontanaSports.com
The Aura 50 provides the ideal volume for your next superlight backpacking experience. At 3000 cubic inches and with an average weight of just over 3 lbs./ 1.5 kg, you can carry your superlight essentials with ease and comfort. A traditional floating top pocket/top load design and twin front pockets with welded water resistant zips makes loading easy. Other features include an internal hydration sleeve, zippered mesh pockets on the hipbelt and removable sleeping pad straps.
Features:
Volume and Weight:
Medium:
3051 cu. in.
50 liter.
3lbs 2oz.
1.42kg.
Dimensions: (Medium)
In: 29 x 17 x 14.
Cm: 74 x 42 x 36
Backcountry.com
The Osprey Women’s Aura 50 Backpack uses an AirSpeed suspension system to provide serious ventilation for the hottest days. Mesh shoulder straps and a mesh waist-belt increase the cooling power, so you won't melt as the sun beats down. Several pockets and a large front flap help you stash all the necessities and keep them all organized.
Appalachain Outdoors
The Aura 50 Backpack from Osprey is designed specifically for women. This lightweight pack is loaded with features to enable you to have a perfect backpacking experience.Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS)
The Osprey Aura 50 L defines the lightweight hiking pack with a custom ventilated fit that lets you tick away the trail miles in comfort. With a radically updated AirSpeed suspension systems, new fabrics and a lighter trail weight.REI
The women's Osprey 50 pack redefines expectations for weight, ventilation and comfort. An updated suspension provides a customized fit for greater comfort than ever on the trail.
Imported.
SummitHut.com
The series that redefined expectations about weight, ventilation, and comfort in backpacking, is about to do it again. The radically updated AirSpeed™ suspension of Osprey’s Atmos now provides customized fit, with fully adjustable torso length, interchangeable harnesses, and adjustable hipbelt fit. It all adds up to an even better fit and greater comfort on the trail.
Mountain Gear
Lightweight versatility at it's finest.
Half-Moon Outfitters
Vertical zippered pocket
Average Price History:
| Access: | Top Loading |
|---|---|
| Access Type : | 5003 |
| Activity: | Backpacking |
| Adjustable torso: | Lightweight backpack |
| Backpack Features: | Sleeping Bag Compartment, Top Loader |
| Backpack Style: | Multi-Day Pack |
| Bottom Width: | 14 in |
| Capacity: | 3051 cu in / 50 L (Medium) |
| Depth: | 12 in |
| Detachable Daypack: | n/a |
| Detachable Pack: | no |
| Dimension: | (H x W x D) |
| Dimensions: | 29" x 17" x 14" |
| Dimensions Cm: | 74 x 42 x 36 |
| Dimensions In: | 29 x 17 x 14 |
| Fabric: | 210D Twill Velocity Cordura®, 160D x 210D Window Ripstop Cordura®. |
| Fits Torso: | Small: <18.5" Medium: 18"-20.5" |
| Fits Torso Length: | Small - 16 - 18 in |
| Fits Waist: | Small: <31" Medium: 30"-34" |
| Fits waist/hips: | No |
| Frame material: | 47 liters |
| Frame type: | Backpacking |
| Gear capacity (L): | Internal |
| Gear capacity (cu. in.): | Internal |
| Handle Drop: | 3 in |
| Handle Length: | 7 in |
| Height: | 29 in |
| Helmet Carrier: | no |
| Hydration Bladder Included: | Not Included |
| Hydration Compatible: | yes |
| Ice Axe Loops: | yes |
| Item Weight: | Small: 3 lb 1 oz Medium: 3 lb 2 oz |
| Key Fabrics: | 210D high tenacity twill nylon; 100D high tenacity mini-ripstop nylon |
| Laptop Sleeve: | None |
| Material: | 210D High Tenacity Twill Nylon and 100D High Tenacity Mini-Ripstop Nylon |
| Max Load Capacity: | 50 lb / 23 kg |
| Maximum Weight: | 40 lbs |
| Middle Width: | 11 in |
| Number of Pockets: | 4 |
| Number of exterior pockets: | 3,234 cubic inches |
| Number of stays: | 50 liters |
| Optimal Load Range: | 25-40 lb |
| Organization Pocket: | no |
| Pack Capacity: | 47 L |
| Pack Fabric (Primary): | 210D nylon100D mini-ripstop nylon |
| Pack Size: | 3000-3999 cu in |
| Pack access: | 3,051 cubic inches |
| Pack loading: | 2,868 cubic inches |
| Primary Access: | Top Access |
| Raincover included: | 3 lbs. 2 oz. |
| Recommended Use: | Multi-Day Lightweight Backpacking |
| Shovel Pocket: | yes |
| Ski / Snowboard Carrier: | no |
| Sleeping Bag Compartment : | Yes, Removable sleeping pad straps |
| Sternum Strap: | Yes; Adjustable Position |
| Strap Drop: | 15 in |
| Strap Length: | 33 in |
| Suspended mesh back panel: | 53 liters |
| Suspension: | Framesheet |
| Top Width: | 11 in |
| Torso Adjustment: | Yes |
| Torso Fit : | Fit-On-The-Fly hipbelt |
| Torso Length: | S <18.5 in.M 18-20.5 in.L >20 in. |
| Trekking Pole Loops: | yes |
| Trip Length: | Extended Trip (>3 nights) |
| Type: | Internal Frame Backpack |
| Ultralight: | Internal |
| Use : | Hiking, Caming, Travel |
| Volume: | S 2868 cu. in.M 3051 cu. in.L 3234 cu. in. |
| Volume Range: | 46-59 liters |
| Warranty: | Lifetime |
| Weight: | S 3 lb. 2 oz.M 3 lb. 5 oz.L 3 lb. 8 oz. |
| Weight - metric: | Lightweight backpack |
| Weight Capacity: | 30-50 lb. |
| •LG: | 3 lbs 10 oz. |
| •MD: | 3 lbs 7 oz. |
| •SM: | 3 lbs 3 oz. |
Compare specifications to related products.
Subcategories of Backpacks, Daypacks & Bags:
Related Categories:
- Osprey Backpacks, Daypacks & Bags
- Backpacks, Daypacks & Bags
- Everything from Osprey.
Osprey Aura 50 Reviews:
Positive Reviews:
Great size for the AT
I used the Aura 50L for 1700 miles on the Appalachian Trail this year, after switching from another ill-fitting pack nearly 500 miles in. I'm in between torso sizes, so having an adjustable back panel was critical for me to get a customized fit. I carried 30-35 lbs with no problems from the suspension, even when I had to go heavier with more water in dry sections. While there are definitely lighter packs out there, for the load I choose to carry this is a great pack for me. Lots of pockets for organization and in particular, I used one of the front pockets for my tent as it was very nice to have a separate area when the tent was wet. I found the fabric to be very durable, I did a lot of scooting across rough rocks in the northeast, and only minor wear is visible.
2 minor design complaints: 1) The elastic on the side pockets is too tight for some water bottles (i.e. 1L gatorade bottle) to be able to take out/put away while wearing the pack. 2) The hipbelt pockets are somewhat small compared to other packs, don't easily fit rectangular items (i.e. phone, camera) due to the shape, and were partially covered where the hipbelt pocket overlapped with the bottom of the frame of the pack. Though, not all women I met who also had the Aura had the same issue, so I think it's dependent on body shape in the hips (fyi, I'm a larger woman and curvy).
Overall, I was very happy with the Aura 50L on the AT this year, it's a great pack if you carry >30lbs.
2 minor design complaints: 1) The elastic on the side pockets is too tight for some water bottles (i.e. 1L gatorade bottle) to be able to take out/put away while wearing the pack. 2) The hipbelt pockets are somewhat small compared to other packs, don't easily fit rectangular items (i.e. phone, camera) due to the shape, and were partially covered where the hipbelt pocket overlapped with the bottom of the frame of the pack. Though, not all women I met who also had the Aura had the same issue, so I think it's dependent on body shape in the hips (fyi, I'm a larger woman and curvy).
Overall, I was very happy with the Aura 50L on the AT this year, it's a great pack if you carry >30lbs.
Fantastic Pack
I really thought the overall design was great and intuitive. I had the small frame and I did notice you may not be able to completely unzip the hip-belt pockets. However, unless you stuffed the hip-belt pockets completely full, I don't see this being a huge issue. The other thing was that if you stuffed a nalgene in the side stretchy pocket angled toward the front (versus stuffed in vertically) I was hitting the nalgene a bit with my arm. I did like the back, easily accessible and stretchy pocket...where I kept all my rain gear that I needed! I didn't feel that the two side access pockets behind that were super useful though. My pack was stuffed and I couldn't get much in those pockets. The top pocket was a little on the small side - or maybe I like to stuff too much stuff in that pocket. It took me a minute to get the fit down, but once I did I felt the pack was comfortable and I only had a little chafe-age because I initially had it too tight on the hip. Also, I am close to bottoming out the small, but was able to find a comfortable fit.
Good Pack
REI specialist helped fit this pack to my body. If I'd bought it without getting it fitted I would have hated it, but it fits great. Very comfortable. I'm 5'5" and 150 lbs and I got the small size.
If you have a smaller tent and sleeping bag this will work for you. I have a one man tent and I strapped it to the bottom. Not a good idea. It pulled my shoulders down my back. I took the stakes out and packed them in the front storage area and then put the tent body in the pack. It felt much better. I have a Marmot Nanowave 45 sleeping bag and it takes up a lot of room in the pack. All my other gear is minimalist and lightweight, so everything managed to fit.
Regular sized Nalgene bottles fit very tightly in the side stretch pockets, not easy to grab on the fly. Smaller botttles would be okay. I recommend getting the Osprey Hydraulics 3L hydration bladder for this pack. Fits perfectly.
I'm happy with this pack for trips of 2-3 days. Any longer and I will be using my Kelty external frame pack.
If you have a smaller tent and sleeping bag this will work for you. I have a one man tent and I strapped it to the bottom. Not a good idea. It pulled my shoulders down my back. I took the stakes out and packed them in the front storage area and then put the tent body in the pack. It felt much better. I have a Marmot Nanowave 45 sleeping bag and it takes up a lot of room in the pack. All my other gear is minimalist and lightweight, so everything managed to fit.
Regular sized Nalgene bottles fit very tightly in the side stretch pockets, not easy to grab on the fly. Smaller botttles would be okay. I recommend getting the Osprey Hydraulics 3L hydration bladder for this pack. Fits perfectly.
I'm happy with this pack for trips of 2-3 days. Any longer and I will be using my Kelty external frame pack.
Exactly what i wanted!
I bought this product for work which requires me to hike 8 hour shifts in various terrain and weather. My old 35 L bag couldn't hold all my gear and equipment. This 50L bag was perfect. not only does it have a great fit, the weight of the bag is distributed well when loaded. The number and size of the separate compartments were a big selling point. Many bags of this size had a lot of zippers and openings but they mostly led to one big compartment. There are separate pockets for all my gear in this bag and I don't have to dig through all my stuff to find one what i am looking for! I also really liked the safety whistle on the buckle and the clip for my keys. i missed those when I bought it and was happy to find those little conveniences later. the only negative thing that i have found so far is that the water bottle pouches are fairly ackward to reach without taking off the bag.
Love it!
I'm planning a maiden backpacking trip with a 5-day AT/Bartram Trail hike in late May. This is the pack I've decided on, and so far, so good. I've completed a couple training hikes using the Aura 50. I'm in between sizes for torso length so went with the medium instead of the small. I was able to adjust it down so it fits nicely. The straps are well padded and very comfy. My daughter is a minimalist hiker and she thinks this pack is too big for any hike I would reasonable be expected to do, but I think it's perfect. (She hiked the back country of Denali National Park for 2 weeks with a 35 liter pack) The only issue I have found is that the side pockets are a bit small/tight and it's hard to get water bottles out on the fly. If I use a hydration bag, that won't be an issue at all. Overall, I love the Aura 50 and it fits my needs exactly.
Great 1st Backpack
I'm pushing 60 and just starting backpacking (a life-long dream!). By this time I'm dealing with ailments (back, neck, shoulders) that I'm trying to make accomodations for. I was looking for a pack that would allow me to carry a sufficient load for 3 days, but that would not leave me crippled at the end of the day. I'm pleased to say, that I took this pack out for a 7 mile hike, loaded with the gear I hope to carry (around 20-25 lbs) and I am extremely pleased. One, it was easy to pack and had plenty of pockets for storage. Two, it allowed for all the necessary adjustments for my very small shoulders, contoured nicely to fit my body, and was all in all very comfortable. Three, this wonderful pack will allow me to make a long-awaited backpacking trip in a few weeks. I couldn't be more pleased.
I really like this pack. I switched last fall from the pack I had when I was 16, to this one at age 27. The waist fits perfectly on my wide hips (I'm 5'0 & 120lbs) and the length is also perfect. This bag is durable. I have taken this on many backpacking trips to the Adirondacks, and also Hawaii and Costa Rica. I will be testing it out again on the Inca Trail in August and can't wait. I love that it has a million pockets because I am the OCD packer and like to have a spot for everything so this works out great. Highly recommended! The only think I wasn't crazy about was the purpleish/maroonish color but it doesn't show much dirt.
Love this pack so much I had to buy 2 more for my daughters (one of whom is a Nat. Park Ranger!) who kept stealing mine!
Love the light weight, and the breathability. The fit is so adjustable all it took was a tug here, a slip there to change the fit from me to either daughter.
The pockets walk the fine line between "I wish I had a spot for this" and "where in the heck did I put that?".
People comment, compliment, and quiz me about it each time I use it-I have even let a couple of ladies wear it along the trail for a bit to see if they liked it. They always do!
Fabulous Backpack
I just went overnight on the AT in 95 degree heat with this pack. I had the Osprey 3L hydration onboard. I could not be happier. The pack fit perfect on my 5' frame. It vented well with air between my back and pack. While scrambling, the pack moved with me and was not a burdon at all. Total weight starting out was 23lb. Some thru hikers use rain covers on their packs all the time to protect the bottom from wear. Fit should be set before leaving the store from trained sales staff. Better stores have a Osprey sizing board for proper fit. Storage was plenty as well.
GREAT pack but lightweight material rips
LOVED this pack. It's super comfortable, has pockets on the hip belt which are great for keeping camera, GPS, and food handy. The mesh back did a great job of keeping my back cool - a first for me on a backpacking trip.
Unfortunately the nice lightweight material on the pockets and bottom of the pack didn't stand up well to rough usage: dragging on rocks and bumping into trees ripped both. I'm swapping it out for an Osprey Ariel 65, which has tougher material on the bottom (yay!) but no pockets on the hip belt (boo).
Unfortunately the nice lightweight material on the pockets and bottom of the pack didn't stand up well to rough usage: dragging on rocks and bumping into trees ripped both. I'm swapping it out for an Osprey Ariel 65, which has tougher material on the bottom (yay!) but no pockets on the hip belt (boo).
Negative Reviews:
I wanted to LOVE this pack but...
I wanted to love this pack so much. I had even been waiting for it to come out in a new color after eyeing it for a couple years (and when it came out in purple, my favorite color, I was over the moon and snagged it up right away!). I love the pockets and organization - they're fantastic. I love the back panel - my back barely sweat at all when ususally I'm soaked.
Unfortunately I'm now bruised across my backside from this pack though. The bottom horizontal stay (across the hip belt) has no padding, and as I have a bit of 'junk in the trunk' so to speak, this bar hit right across my rear end - bruising it over the course of a two and a half day backpack (with right around 30lbs in the pack). I was nearly in tears from it by the end of the trip and will be returning the pack this week.
One other negative I notcied is the zipper (specifically on the front two stash pockets) were easy to get off line and snag - making you have to open the zipper all the way to realign the teeth. Happened at least 6+ times to me over the weekend, and it wasn't stuffed TOO full.
Unfortunately I'm now bruised across my backside from this pack though. The bottom horizontal stay (across the hip belt) has no padding, and as I have a bit of 'junk in the trunk' so to speak, this bar hit right across my rear end - bruising it over the course of a two and a half day backpack (with right around 30lbs in the pack). I was nearly in tears from it by the end of the trip and will be returning the pack this week.
One other negative I notcied is the zipper (specifically on the front two stash pockets) were easy to get off line and snag - making you have to open the zipper all the way to realign the teeth. Happened at least 6+ times to me over the weekend, and it wasn't stuffed TOO full.
horribly uncomfortable after a few days
This bag might work great for somebody, but not me. I bought it for a long backpacking trip because it was lightweight and had the awesome ventilated back. Both those features were great but after a couple days I started to get a sore spot on my right side where the bottom of the molded frame fit against me. I had to stop and stretch the muscle out every 5 minutes. After a few days, my left side went almost completely numb around the area of the hip belt. It was pretty disturbing. Basically I think that while the torso length fit me (small), the hip area, which is molded plastic at the back, was designed assuming I'm more slender than I am. I'm not particularly wide-hipped but I do have a short torso for my height so the proportions Osprey assumed were just off. There is basically no adjustibility in this pack so if you don't have the shape that they assume for your torso length, then it's not going to fit.
Could have been a great pack but not for me.
Could have been a great pack but not for me.
Wanted to love it!
I was so excited when I bought this pack on sale. Planning a JMT adventer had it packed and did a trial 5 mile hike. Well everything was great but the bar on the top kept touching my head! I have a very sensitive neck and kept trying to adjust it. I had to take off my brimmed straw hat but felt very restricted. It really hurt me going up hill I had to force myself to look down so it wouldn't hit the back of my head! Forget looking at birds! I was in so much pain after I had to take meds and lay down!I took it back and tried on other packs and seam to have the same problem. The guy helping me in the store the second time seemed perplexed and said,"I had very good posture" It was after another big sale and they didn't have my size in any of the packs I'm very disapointing since I'm leaving in two days! When I got home I tryed on my older heaver pack and it felt great!
Needs more padding
I'm going backpacking in the Grand Canyon and I bought the medium size in this backpack, although the REI rep at the store wanted to see me in a small given my torso size (16.5 - 17). They didn't have the small in the store, so I ordered it via phone. Meanwhile, I tried the medium size pack twice to see how it would feel. I loaded 20 lbs into the pack. At first it seemed okay, but after I was done on my 6 mile walk, my hips were a little sore. I went out again, and the same thing happened. The small sized pack arrived and I tried that one. It was even worse. The pack dug into my hips and shoulders and just didn't fit right. I returned both to the store. I have a small framed body and fairly bony hips and shoulders so this pack did not have enough padding for it to be comfortable.
Nice enough pack, awkward fit
My friend loves hers (and men's Atmos 50) and I really wanted to like these packs. I tried both the Atmos 50 and the Aura 50 and found that the shoulder straps are incredibly narrow at the top where they meet the bag. This meant that not only did it not sit on my shoulders in a comfortable fashion, it also pinched badly when the bag was loaded. No matter how I and the REI specialists adjusted the straps and load it didn't help - the fit was really awkward, pinched, and the load also pulled backwards. I had to return both bags.
I also found the lack of bottom access to the bag frustrating.
In short, it seems like a decent pack if you don't mind the narrowness of the shoulder straps, weight leaning back, and lack of access to things at the bottom of the pack.
I also found the lack of bottom access to the bag frustrating.
In short, it seems like a decent pack if you don't mind the narrowness of the shoulder straps, weight leaning back, and lack of access to things at the bottom of the pack.
Disappointing Backpack!
I was very excited about this pack; the ventilation is great, and I love the general design. But I have taken it on two one-night backcountry trips, and I don't know if I am loading it wrong or going over the weight capacity or what, but both times it has rubbed an open wound into my lower back. I am very thin, so maybe that is part of the issue. I have reasonably lightweight gear, but it seems to throw the balance of the pack off. It really is just a daypack, I guess. I also noticed that after just these two overnight trips and a few dayhikes, the metal frame has worn through the fabric on the inside of the pack, and is turning into a large tear. Pretty disappointing for such a promising-looking pack!
Neutral Reviews:
Wanted to like this pack!
The pack felt great when I loaded 30 pounds of pillows and rice bags in the store and walked around a bit. I really liked how it felt and looked. Was very happy with the pack -- straps were easy to adjust and the design of the pack to keep ventilation between the pack and my back seemed like a good thing.
My first leaning towards wariness was while i was packing my gear -- I have a small bear container that i never had a problem with in my other pack that suddenly made packing awkward. I couldnt use my compression sack with my sleeping bag or fit my tent in once the bear cannister was in the bag. I figured out a way to eventually pack my gear and everything was well balanced, though while tightening the straps I noticed odd pockets of empty space bunching up -- ideally they'd be good cram space but there was no way of accessing the bottom/middle sides of the pack easily in order to take advantage of it and trying to use the space before cinching the straps made packing difficult.
After about two hours out on the trail the sides of my hips were in agony because of the rigid frame. The frame was digging into my sides and even when I added my fleece as a buffer it didnt alleviate the pain. My left shoulder was also being irritated by the way the strap was fitting to my body. After two more hours I was hating it! That night I tried to adjust the pack so I'd rest it more on my shoulders ( I know -- a bad idea, but my hips were bruising!) That seemed to help, but after two hours the next day, my hands started going numb. I really wanted to like this pack -- and wanted to use it for 2 and 3 day trips but ended up having to exchange it. I had friends who backpacked with it just fine and they raved about the pack -- but it just wasnt a good match for my small torso...
My first leaning towards wariness was while i was packing my gear -- I have a small bear container that i never had a problem with in my other pack that suddenly made packing awkward. I couldnt use my compression sack with my sleeping bag or fit my tent in once the bear cannister was in the bag. I figured out a way to eventually pack my gear and everything was well balanced, though while tightening the straps I noticed odd pockets of empty space bunching up -- ideally they'd be good cram space but there was no way of accessing the bottom/middle sides of the pack easily in order to take advantage of it and trying to use the space before cinching the straps made packing difficult.
After about two hours out on the trail the sides of my hips were in agony because of the rigid frame. The frame was digging into my sides and even when I added my fleece as a buffer it didnt alleviate the pain. My left shoulder was also being irritated by the way the strap was fitting to my body. After two more hours I was hating it! That night I tried to adjust the pack so I'd rest it more on my shoulders ( I know -- a bad idea, but my hips were bruising!) That seemed to help, but after two hours the next day, my hands started going numb. I really wanted to like this pack -- and wanted to use it for 2 and 3 day trips but ended up having to exchange it. I had friends who backpacked with it just fine and they raved about the pack -- but it just wasnt a good match for my small torso...
wanted to like this
I really wanted to like this pack. I bought this yesterday, for a 3 day hike in the Kalalau trail in Hawaii. The trail is very strenous and needed a light and comfortable backpack. As I am new to buying backpacks, didn't really understand much and bought it based on the weight and usability. The REI employee herself did not seem to know much about backpacks any way(otherwise she would have told me what to look for in a backpack and that this one is not the one for me). Infact at a point she asked me to buy a northface terra youth pack...later when I rejected that she said yea....maybe you are right.
Brought it home and realised that the back is too long for me, the site says this model has an adjustable torso...however I looked and there is no place to adjust the back actually. When I strap the hip belt on...the shoulder straps rise up not staying put on my sholders. I am 5.5 140 lbs. Now I have to go to another store to return and exchange it two days before my trip starts. I went to REI thinking they would give me personal attention and help a new-comer make a good buying decision...not so. Who knows maybe the small or medium would actually have fit me!
Please reailze, the back is really lightweight and seems to be well made, with a lot of features. However the non adjustable torso(which the description says it has), is a deal breaker for me.
Brought it home and realised that the back is too long for me, the site says this model has an adjustable torso...however I looked and there is no place to adjust the back actually. When I strap the hip belt on...the shoulder straps rise up not staying put on my sholders. I am 5.5 140 lbs. Now I have to go to another store to return and exchange it two days before my trip starts. I went to REI thinking they would give me personal attention and help a new-comer make a good buying decision...not so. Who knows maybe the small or medium would actually have fit me!
Please reailze, the back is really lightweight and seems to be well made, with a lot of features. However the non adjustable torso(which the description says it has), is a deal breaker for me.
I wasn't sure what size pack I should get so I got fitted for one at a store nearby and then ordered the size that fit best from here.
I had under 20 lbs in the pack and after 3 miles my back and shoulders hurt so bad I couldn't go much farther. Maybe the lady who fitted me did a horrible job but I had bruises on my back from where the padding stopped and the pack sat on my hips. I kept trying to adjust the pack and readjust hopping that the shoulder strap wasn't right or the hip belt was too low but with so many options to change the pack I couldn't tell what it needed. I thought maybe I just packed stuff wrong and repacked the pack, but that didn't help. I am really bummed because the space and size of the pack are perfect. I am going to keep messing with it and hopefully I figure out something that is more comfortable.
Packing a few flaws
Used the pack for a 5 week backpacking trip in Kauai, HI. Very comfortable to hike with. Side zipper broke on first day and ripped seam on top cinch within a week. Found that Nalgene water bottles don't quite fit in the side water pockets. And lack of bottom zipper made packing/unpacking a more difficult process.
Other Recommended Products
