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- Verified Buyer
Long review, but just have to give a shout out to Osprey Customer Service...four stars only because I have only used this pack once, so far....This is my first internal frame pack - have had an external for 25 yrs that I loved.. however, age and shape (mine) had made the old pack obsolete. After researching, I ordered this pack hoping it would be a favorite and last me the rest of my life. Can't review on the pack so much, as I've only had one trip with it. However, the pack IS comfortable, lots of adjustments to fit your body frame, and it rode on my back very comfortably. There are numerous compartments that will hold numerous 'things' and lots of expansion room. Plus, I love the color!! My only minor complaint would be the main compartment, which is actually huge, is a bit inconvenient to get into...there is a front zipper access to it, and a top access. To access from the top, you have to remove the 'removeable daypack'. To access from the front, I had to remove my sleeping bag which was strapped there. I wanted to pack my sleeping bag in this main compartment, but it would not fit (25 y.o. bag, too. Might be time for a new one!) So I ended up strapping it to the outside of the bag (as seen in the photo). However, the two straps that are meant to be used to tighten up the main compartment after packing, I had to use to strap my sleeping bag. They were a bit short - I managed, but only because the pack was not completely full and there was 'wiggle room'. Ordered a couple of extender straps (generic) from Amazon, but the clips were a different size and would not fit with the Osprey clips. So in desperation, I emailed the Osprey customer service department with a generic email and sent the picture of the straps on the pack (other pic). I wasn't sure what to ask for, nor did I have any expectation of the cost of extender straps that would fit. However, I promptly received a reply from Osprey asking a few detailed questions, and after replying, I waited. Next thing I knew, had a new email from Osprey telling me my 'order' was on the way!! And today I received the perfect extender straps for the pack straps and can now attach my sleeping bag with room to spare!! AT NO CHARGE. This was not even a 'repair' or 'failure' issue with the pack. The customer service I received from this company is outstanding. Just for this reason, I'm keeping this pack even if it's not perfect for me!! But I think it will be. Great Job Osprey!!!At first thought it was going to be too big. I ordered the x-small/small; and the pack fits like a glove. Highly recommend this brand. So many pockets to store things and the quality is unmatched.I put this pack on my 13 year old niece for her first series of backpacking trips this summer. She started out with a 3 mi/day overnight, then graduated to a 45+ mile 8 day backcountry trip in the high Sierra.Obviously I can't personally evaluate the fit of the tailored-for-women Ariel line of packs from Osprey, but my outspoken niece was a great help in that arena. She's on the smaller end of the size chart for the Medium/Large variant, but we were able to adjust the shoulder and hip harnesses to about the middle of their ranges to achieve a very good fit.Starting with performance: our big trip included a couple of strenuous days boulder-hopping, and this pack stuck to her frame like glue. The series of support straps, while complex-looking at first, is well engineered to stabilize the load - this is critical for an internal-frame pack.- The internal red strap keeps the top of the pack near the drawstring opening stable- The four side straps pull the load close to the back- The two 'straitjacket' straps keep the extra back pockets (the difference between the 55L and this 60L) secure- The two straps over the bottom zipper snug up the load in the base of the pack if not used for external loads- The two straps for the top flap, along with the elastic along the top cap, keep the top load snug.My niece felt very stable even while doing some climbing in this pack, and felt her balance was in the right place (of course proper packing is key to this). There is plenty of adjustment range in the harness straps, including the load lifter straps at the top, to ensure a snug and comfortable connection to the back and hips.Features:The Ariel line is basically identical in feature set to the Aether line, with the latter being sized for men's proportions. The "Plus" differs from the standard in the following basic ways:- The top flap is removable and converts to a day pack. I have the Aether 85 Plus and have used this day pack comfortably for 4-6 mile ascents with about 10 lbs in it; the pack seems to be the same size on all models.- The back zippered flap has two extra zippered compartments that bulge out of the back of the pack. I find these really useful for vest, swimwear, rain wear, water pump, and toilet kit as they're accessible without opening the main compartment and much larger than the top flap compartment.- The integral rain cover is moved to a separate compartment beneath the main compartment to make more space on the top pack- There are two additional load-securing cinch straps on the sides of the pack to stabilize the main compartment load- There is a set of loops to hold your trekking poles cross-body for easy access while hiking. The top loop is on one shoulder strap and has a cinch for security, and the bottom loop is on the side of the pack. Poles end up sitting just above the hips and below the arm, though my arm rests on them a little and they stick out to the side if not retracted.- The shell fabric appears to be a little thicker and more robust in wear zones along the sides and bottom.All this adds a little weight, but compared to carrying a separate day pack, the increase is minimal.The "Plus" shares features with the standard line. I am fortunate enough to have an Ariel 55 around for a direct comparison:- The main compartment is the same as far as I can tell, as is the harness and internal frame- Each can fit up to a 3L hydration bladder, and the sip tube can go on either shoulder strap- Osprey's attention to detail on closures is really well appreciated, with thumb rings on every zipper and a clever one-handed cinch on the top opening (oft imitated, never duplicated)- Rain-shedding flaps over all main zippers, and an additional cover for the top cinch when the day pack is removed.- Waterproof coating on the top opening gaiter and bottom to prevent moisture incursion- Foam-wrapped shoulder straps with no seams contacting the body (so no rubbing in the shoulders or armpits)I'm deliberately not focusing on the features that are well-documented in the manufacturer's description, as these are generally accurate and need no additional elaboration. What's truly important is that this pack provides a comfortable, reliable experience for all manner of back-country adventuring, from overnights through to multi-week thru-hikes. I saw hundreds of Osprey packs on the John Muir Trail this summer, and that's evidence for their quality and comfort. While if you're just doing overnights or 2-3 day trips, you could make do with a smaller, lighter pack, if you're looking to get one pack that does it all, this is the one to get.One final note - take the time to adjust ALL the parts of the harness system before you go out, and plan to make minor adjustments as you go (and your body and the pack conform to each other). The system is designed - and intended - to be adjusted regularly as things change, and they definitely do, even on a daily basis some times (pack gets lighter, body loosens up, etc.). This will ensure the most comfortable and enjoyable experience.I hope you find this review helpful - if so let me know. Most importantly - HAPPY TRAILS, GET OUT THERE, AND HAVE FUN IN THE WILD!I have used Osprey packs in the past for hiking in national parks and I’ve never been disappointed! The material is durable and although it will show signs of wear if you love it well, they are made to last and I love ospreys lifetime guarantee that they will repair or replace your bag if needed for any reason. (Definitely makes the price seem more justified)- I was able to test the 70 liter pack as well, and I much preferred the way this 60 felt on my back. The 60 felt way more natural/comfortable for long days, and the top portion wasn’t against and over the back of my head like the 70 was. It felt like all of the extra space on the 70 was all behind my head. If you don’t absolutely need the extra space, I’d quickly recommend the 60 as a more manageable size.One other thing to note is that at 5’7”, I was near the end of the upper/useable range for the torso adjustment. I had to move it as far as I could to get the hip belt to sit in the correct position. If you are much taller, you may need to consider the men’s pack.This is a beautiful pack that is ready for adventure. It has ample pockets and compartments for all of your gear, and the straps are easily adjusted to get a comfortable, close to body fit.Gut verarbeiteter Rucksack.Sitzt gutToll ist der abnehmbare Tagesrucksack
