Osprey Aura AG 65
Everyone knows that when you are looking for a good hiking or camping backpack your first choice is likely going to be a brand name. This isn’t a bad thing, and in fact, when looking at Osprey you are likely going to get your money’s worth and don’t even have to question what you are putting your dime into. However, big names mean you have a lot to choose from with just one source and you want to be sure the one you are looking at meets your needs.
So, what is the Aura AG’s line meant for? It’s a women’s line intended for weekend backpacking rather than long trip backpacking. This means it is built to carry you through for one to three or four days rather than over several weeks.
Let’s look into the more specifics with this article about the AG 65 and see what it has to offer. After all, it is always best to know what exactly you are getting in any particular line as there may be minor changes from one to the next.
Comfortable
Great support system
Versatile adjustment options
Removable top lid
Easy access
Durable
Great ventilation
Heavy
Rigid hip belt
Features
The AG gives you an anti-gravity feature that most of this company’s backpacks offer that gives credence to its comfort and capability to let you go the distance even over just a couple of days with ease. This is created via the mesh which connects all of the straps from top to bottom allowing the weight of the pack to be spread evenly rather than placing most of it on the upper or lower back like many other bags do. The other side of this set up for the pack is that it has quite a few places for straps from top to bottom so that you can snap them where you need them as well as adjust them easily to suit your body build.
The only downside appears to be that the hip belt is a little stiff on some of these which can cause discomfort. Thanks to the great amount of adjustability though, you can set it, so it fits better without digging in. The versatility of this pack will likely amaze you in the long run, which is what many of the owners have been praising in most of their comments.
With the extra padding on several of the straps, you also know you can adjust any of them to assure that you have the best comfort and least amount of pressure possible for any hiking pack. Its top lid can even be removed to remove some of the weight if you feel the need, though many felt it was worth it to keep on.
Materials
The main pack is made of 100D x 630D Nylon dobby material. Nylon Dobby is technically both a process of treatment and a pattern of weave that is used to strengthen the cloth and make it effectively durable in the long run. It has a specific polyurethane coating that makes it liquid-resistant, fire-resistant and helps to prevent the cloth from microbial issues as well as to prevent premature breakdown of the treated fibers.
The outer trim and materials such as the straps are made of high tenacity nylon. What high tenacity nylon refers to is the fact that if your backpack does somehow get a tear in it, that tear is not likely to get bigger without a lot of effort. It is a ‘high impact/ high endurance’ version of nylon that resists breakdown and tearing- the higher the tenacity number, the more durable it is.
The bottom of the pack is made from 420 counts high-density nylon pack cloth which is basically a high strength, high endurance and semi water-resistant cloth for both backpacks and even medical equipment. This particular pack is not stated as being treated with waterproofing, however, so it is only water-resistant.
Comfort
Add to the anti-gravity mesh, the fact that all the straps and belts are adjustable and padded to add even more comfort as you travel and allow you to adjust as needed, so it's suited specifically to you. That same mesh is also touted to create one of the best-ventilated backpacks so that you don’t end up overheated due to carrying it for several hours.
If that wasn’t enough, the pack comes equipped with a walking stick to aid in keeping you comfortable as you go. It also comes with a removable lid to lose a little weight if you want, and an area to store your water bladder as well as extra pockets for water bottles.
It even sports hip pockets along with the straps, so if you need a snack while on the go, they can be readily available to you without having to stop and remove your pack to get to them. They even thought to place a safety whistle onto this pack for the comfort of knowing you have a way to call for aid when you need it right there.
Durability
If you want a backpack that is going to resist tears, break downs and is water-resistant, this one will have you easily covered. For a two to four day trip, you can count on the Aura AG to get you through it.
Capacity
Those who have owned or tested it claim that they felt a definite difference in just how it carries and no one complained that it couldn’t hold what they needed it to.
Some have stated that when filled to capacity it may actually be better to remove the lid as it is a 6.7-ounce weight in itself. Just the one piece being removed makes it even lighter on the back and shoulder- though even with it most said they were still quite comfortable.
Use
With the added extras you can either take it hiking or camping and you’ll find yourself more than a little satisfied about how well it can hold up to the elements and your journey.
Style
There have been a few who tested this pack to more than its intended worth and found that due to its durability, and due to the support system in the straps and mesh, this backpack not only lets them keep balance in more rugged terrain- but also for much longer. Instead of the suggested length of time, they took it out for a week or more. They have stated that it continued to be more than feasible for the trip, and unlike other weekender packs, it didn’t leave them feeling exhausted. Worth the extra pennies? We think so!
Support
The mesh, which is what gives you the zero-gravity weight suspension, isn’t just good for keeping weight dispersed either. It doubles also to assure your back gets the ventilation it needs so your muscles don’t overheat- which is another cause of aches that come from lack of full support.
Organization
With this bag, you definitely won’t have an issue finding what you need without having to dig into the abyss of the main pocket and sift around for what may feel like hours. This pack has a place for your water bladder, your water bottles, and areas for quick snacking or food access which can become the most important parts of any trip out.
Staying hydrated and fueled up is excessively important especially when in more rugged or remote terrains. On top of that, it has a place for a walking stick that it comes with and a safety whistle in case you need it.
All-together this bag has 11 exterior pockets plus the main compartment, plenty to offer you the area space needed for your gear.
Key Features
- Durability
- Flexibility
- Support
- Reputation
Bottom Line
Comfort and support are the main goals here, and they certainly supply in both!