Osprey Ariel 65 Women’s Packs

Osprey Ariel 65 Women’s Packs – women’s backcountry pack with superior load stability

The Osprey Ariel is one of the bestselling packs in the 60-70 liter range.  The newly updated pack features a custom heat-moldable hipbelt and a women’s specific fit.

The fit of this pack is simply superb – the custom molding hipbelt conforms to the shape of your hips and the ErgoPull closure cinches easily along both the top and the bottom of the belt to relieve pressure on the hips.  A dual-density foam harness encourages airflow and wicks away moisture during warm weather.

The Ariel has an externally accessible bottom pocket great for storing a sleeping bag and the front/main pocket is accessible from both the top and the sides.  The bag is also hydration system compatible with a built in reservoir sleeve and exit ports (hydration reservoir sold separately).

Two of my favorite features of the pack are the detachable lumbar pack and the “Stow on the Go” trekking pole attachment.  The top pocket can be removed and turned into a lumbar pack plus the hipbelt can also be removed to make carrying the lumbar pack more comfortable .   The “Stow on the Go” trekking pole attachment lets you store away your trekking poles without having to take off your pack.

The quick & dirty:
Where you can find one:
REI: $249

Why they rock:

• Women’s specific pack with an average weight of 4 lbs. 15 oz.
• Available in 3 sizes and fits a wide range of torso sizes
• Women’s moldable, removable hipbelt provides excellent load support
• Women’s dual-density foam harness with spacer mesh promotes airflow and comfort
• Top pocket and hipbelt can be detached and converted into a lumbar pack
• Separate sleeping bag compartment is accessible at the bottom of the pack
• Superior compression system with 3 horizontal straps lets you securely compress your load
• Plenty of external loops and attachments for sleeping pad, trekking poles, and ice axe
• Hydration compatible design

Seat-of-the-pants rating: 7 out of 10

The pack is designed for comfort and distributes the load amazingly yet it lacks some design features of the other bags.  If you are looking for a simple, solid pack that performs well then give the Osprey Ariel a try, but if you prefer the extra organization like hipbelt pockets, bucket pouches, and small zip pockets take a look the Gregory Jade.

Looking to buy? Here’s where you can get one:
REI: $249