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Osprey Packs Ariel 55 Backpack - Women's - 3400cu in
With its incredibly breathable AirScape suspension, the Osprey Women's Ariel 55 Backpack is perfect for carrying big loads in hot weather. Weighing only 3lb 11oz (small), this supportive pack has a back panel that's entire mesh, giving it ventilation that standard packs cannot match. Welded front and side pockets provide easy access to items on the go, and external sleeping pad straps let you overload this bag when it's time to extend your trip past three days. The IsoForm CM harness and hip-belt can be molded by authorized dealer for a perfect fit, eliminating pressure points and dead spots for a comfortable carry unlike any you've ever experienced.
Bottom Line: The Ariel is light, cool and comfortable.
Not A Question: Just wanted to state that the Ariel series packs will be redesigned in 2010 (much like the Aura series was this year) to include new features like ice axe bungees and the 'Stow-on-the-Go' pole carrying system.
I've had this lightweight pack for a few years now and have no need to buy another pack for quite a while (only exception is the possibility of mammoth expedition). It is small-ish so I have to have ultralight gear to do well with it, but the suspension is absolutely amazing. In addition to the fit and comfort, what supremely sold me on it was the notch in the frame just behind the head. I can't describe how much more comfortable this makes the pack for me. It helps maintain head extension WITH a pony tail - joy!! - which helps to decrease upper back and neck pain while backpacking. If I need extra space with this bag, I'll likely buy an Osprey add-on like the daylite. Good job, Osprey! (Oh, downside - the side pockets suck. They need to be roomier - material is too taut to get much in there with a full pack)
I've tried this pack on before and it is very comfortable. I'm looking for a pack to go to Shasta with. We'll just be going for 2 nights and 3 days. We'll also be skiing so I'll have to carry my ski equipment along with a sleeping bag, tent, food, extra clothes, ect. Do you think the Ariel 55 would be big enough for the trip or should I go with the Ariel 65?
My girlfriend and I are looking for a pack for her. It is narrowed down to this pack and the Osprey Kestrel 48L. We are looking for a pack the is comfortable (obviously), and will hold enough for 4-5 day trips. I know both are smaller, 55L and 48L, but I don't mind carrying more stuff in my pack. I guess the real question I have is about the comfort of the two.
Alas, they only make their super high end packs in an xs. I have the xenon 70 and it rocks. The good news is, you'd probably be fine in a small in the ariel or aura series, they are both pretty adjustable.
I was comparing the Ariel 55 to the Luna 70. I realize the Luna is twice as heavy (6lbs vs. 3.75). And, the Ariel I tried on feels great. But, I'm only 5'1" tall and small boned. I was attracted to the Luna. For only $40 more, it comes with a adjustable torso, detachable pack, and a petite (XS) frame. I'm new to backpacking, but wanted a bag that would last me awhile. Do you think at my height, and small torso length, the Luna would fit me better than the Ariel? I'm wondering if I should go with an XS bag vs. the S. I guess there is really no way to know unless I try both of them on, huh.
Did you get someone with an Osprey back measurer to check your torso length? It's key if you want to adjust heavier loads appropriately, and the inch or so too big really can make a difference when you get it loaded up. I'm not much taller than you (5'4"), and my torso is a S. I know that when I have the M packs on, it just doesn't work well for me when they're heavy (I don't notice so much if they're not heavy, so make sure wherever you go to try out packs that you load them up well--your gear will probably be better than their sandbags for trying stuff out, although that could simulate some water weight for you). If you truly are an XS, you probably want a pack that fits you. Size-wise though, you are looking at two different packs (55 litres vs. 70 litres), so you want to keep that in mind when making comparisons. Oh, and it looks like the Xenon replaced the Luna this spring, so either you'll get a good deal on a Luna 'cause it's on it's way out, or you may want to see what improvements they made to it with the creation of the Xenon. I have a Luna 90 from 2001, when they first created it, and I love it still, but I bet there are all kinds of good improvements and updates. Not sure if you're familiar with the "hip-belt, shoulder straps, load adjusters" method/order of adjusting straps, but that's key for a good fit too. Hope that helps! I'm in the market for a smaller personal pack myself right now and it can be time-consuming to make sure you truly get what you want. In the end though, I've found the only way to know for sure is to get it out and use it, so good luck!
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