Gear Review
Osprey Packs Ariel 65 Backpack - Women's - 3600-4150cu in
Not what I expected
By E and K Matyskiela
Ranked #689 - Weekend Packs (3000-4500 cu in)
March 17, 2009
BIG HUGE PLUS with buying from Backcountry - I returned this thing, they promptly refunded. No questions asked. Live up to their refund promises. That combined with superior customer service definitely will keep me buying from them!!!
Now about this nightmare of a pack:
If I am uncomfortable, I slow down. Not good in a number of outdoor situations. This pack in uncomfortable all around. I am 5'4" petite female. I am narrow in my shoulder girdle. That being said, I could never get this adjusted right. I even went to see experts for help. The response was the same: You're too narrow. I would adjust the sternum strap where I was comfortable hauling a 40# load. However, adjusting the sternum strap just where I wanted it resulted in the shoulder straps being pulled too inwardly which either gave me great 'lift' (lol) or would rub my clavicles raw. Thus, I could never adjust that part of the bag just right enough and was left in pain and/or blistered. I truly hated this pack and returned after 5 major hikes and realized it wasn't breaking it. Only good thing: When my water bottle leaked, nothing inside got wet.
View Details: Osprey Packs Ariel 65 Backpack - Women's - 3600-4150cu in
Helpful Votes: 2 Yes
Tech Specs:
- Material:
- nylon (210D)
- Volume:
- (extra small) 3600 cu in, (small) 3800 cu in, (medium) 4000 cu in, (large) 4200 cu in
- Support/Suspension:
- , aluminum stays
- Waist-Belt:
- yes
- Hydration Compatible:
- yes
- Detachable Daypack:
- yes
- Access:
- top
- Pockets:
- 2 side, 1 front
- Sleeping Bag Compartment:
- yes
- Weight:
- (extra small) 2.09 kg, (small) 2.12 kg, (medium) 2.24 kg, (large) 2.32 kg
- Recommended Use:
- expeditions, multi-day hikes, weekend trips, hiking
- Manufacturer Warranty:
- lifetime
Change me.
4 Comments Last Reply: April 21, 2010 By: Phil Maher
Hey. Andrea is right- packs are an incredibly subjective thing to fit. Let's add to the list of packs to try out- Arcteryx Altra 62. Harness width is adjustable, and if you can get away with slightly less volume, the pack my wife uses is a Deuter ACT Lite 45+10 SL. She swears by the comfort of the suspension system.
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
eva, Pack sizing is such a unique thing that trying packs on is really the only way to find one that's just right for you. However, as another person who doesn't fit Osprey packs, I sympathize. In the 65L range, I have only ever tried on 2 packs that actually were comfortable when loaded. I've had great experiences with the Lowe Alpine pack that I finally chose. Their women's packs (the Narrow Dimension, or ND) line, are pretty narrow through the shoulders.
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
Today, I tried on a few packs in shops and I'm narrow in my shoulders as well. I could not find one pack from 3 different brands to fit me. Not one assistant cared, just trying to make a sale. I hopefully find one in the next few days so I can order from here. Anyone has got any suggestions?
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
my fiance is the same size and has exactly the same problems with this pack; it's just terribly uncomfortable on her shoulders!
Helpful Votes: 2 Yes