Gear Army: Osprey Women's Ariel 65 Pack
Think rain, wind, hundred-degree temps, and, well, llama feces. That's what this lightweight pack has been through with me. From day hikes to 29-mile treks in Peru, Costa Rica, and up California's Mount Baldy, the Osprey Ariel 65 ($249) stands up to what I need it for. And without wavering.
The lightweight aluminum frame supports clothes, food, and gear without excess weight and, even if you stuff it to its fullest (I've had thirty pounds in it for ten days straight), it can handle the heavy load. The customizable foam hip belt means that I can tighten my pack down onto my hips without chafing, while its dual-density foam relieves any thoughts of pain. And, if I feel it leaning one way or another, I can quickly redistribute weight with the various straps and easy-to-reach adjusters.
The bottom compartment is roomy. It not only held my sleeping bag, but a down jacket as well. And, I love the accessibility. Should it rain, the stretchy front panel-pocket has you covered. It's perfect for holding a rain jacket, rain cover, a hat and even a pair of sandals for the end of the day.
Finally, the top of the pack can be worn alone as a hip-belt if you're looking to lighten your load. While this feature is great if you're using your pack as luggage when traveling and need something to carry around for the day, I'll be the first to admit it's not the most attractive. I would rather pack a small crushable day pack than use a ‘fanny-pack’--even if I am in the middle of nowhere.
Pros: Custom fit hip-belt, well-ventilated back pad, adjustable and lightweight.
Cons: Top-loading only. Needs internal pockets in top compartment.
Verdict: A solid buy--worth your money.
--Rose Cameron, a Southern Californian, gets away from her comfort zone often (think South America). But, that makes her an apt gear tester: "Treks abroad take on a whole new level of gear requirements! Not to mention water safety and first aid issues." Her next big plan includes Mount Shasta and two glaciers in Yosemite.
Want to test gear for Outside magazine? Apply to be a member of our Gear Army, here.
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Love Osprey. (Written from the heart of Arc'teryx land.)
Posted by: Darcy McGee | May 09, 2009 at 11:45 AM