Customer Reviews Osprey Aura 65 AG

I loved my Aura pack. I have hiked over 100 miles with it, however it squeaks and sounds like a loud rocking chair with every step and has since day 1. I tried everything to fix the problem. If the squeaking could be fixed it would get a 5 star review.

I wanted this pack to work so badly, but my bony hips made it impossible. I love my Kyte pack which I use when climbing and needed to replace my big pack. I'm 5'4" 130lbs and I have a long torso--was measured for a small. I carry a 30-40lb load. I had it fitted and went on a 10-mile backpack which destroyed my hips to the point where I had to adjust the fit so the belt wasn't rubbing on the way back. I had it fitted again before my last 25ish mile trip and wore moleskin on my hips. Again, the skin around the moleskin was left raw and scraped. I also had to tighten the straps to the point of leaving bruises on my collarbones to not get the sense of being pulled back. In the end, I loved the pockets, the ease of packing, the zippers were very smooth, it tightened down easily, the capacity was great, it was highly adjustable, so many good things. But, I hated putting it on--the belt is annoying to get around because of the stiffness, it dug into my lower back (probably because I had to shift my load due to the feeling of being pulled back), and the hip scrapes sucked. It's a good pack, just didn't work out for me. So, back to the drawing board. I may try an Ariel or something else.

So much thought was put into this product. I think, the description video doesn't do justice to all the features packed into this piece of gear. Very impressed. The pockets are huge. The mesh side pockets with dual access are really handy. Even the hip belt pockets are useful, while in other backpacks I couldn't fit my phone in there. The suspension system is very comfortable. I took it on a couple overnight trips. Took me a short while to get used to the hip belt, which holds its shape, as opposed to regular hip belts that are just pieces of fabric essentially. But I figured a quick way to get into it. Also, after hiking with it a couple hours, I started to feel pain in my hipbones, like a weird pressure was applied to them. I adjusted the hip belt to its maximum length, and it got a little better, but I already had my hipbones in pain, so it didn't go away completely on that first trip. But couple days ago I went on another trip, and this time the hip belt was really comfortable! For reference, I got the 65L XS, and my hips measure about 91cm. Something I was surprized about is how the bladder pocket is built. On the last trip, my water bladder started leaking and I was concerned about other stuff in the pack. I knew about the leak because I felt water running down my butt. Which is not nice. But after I took out the bladder and reached out to the bottom of the pack to check other stuff - there was no moisture at all outside the bladder pocket! Some (minor) cons: - It doesn't have a rain cover, nor a special rain cover pocket. - Also, I still haven't figured out a convenient way to hang the water bladder hose on the pack shoulder strap. There are a couple stretchy bands, but I find them too stiff and water gets sprinkled when I try to get the hose through them. - I feel the shoulder straps are a bit too close to each other and there is a slight pressure on the base of my neck. But I might need to figure how to adjust it.

This is the most comfortable pack I've put on. Its my first backpacking pack and I've had it for a couple years now. Its only been on a few trips in the backcountry, but I also like to use it for over night trips in our Jeep or cold weather camping to fit all my extra layers. I like that if i don't have enough to fill the whole pack, I can take off the lid. My first backpacking trip I borrowed an old external frame pack and I was miserable the whole time. I did a lot of research to make sure my first pack would be comfortable, and I am so glad I found this one. Osprey's guarantee on its packs makes them worth the price, too. There are also so many pockets and features so everything has a place. My only complaint about the pack is the hip belt pockets are a little difficult to zip when the pack is on. This could be because I have wider hips and the zippers are farther for me to reach, but the rounder shape of the pockets could be a factor as well. I'm still able to get into them, its just a little difficult. Overall, its everything I could ever need or want in a backpacking pack.

It's a terrific pack. Very comfortable even with 12-14 kgs onboard. My ONLY quibble are the two hip belt pouches are pretty useless as their zippers while the pack is on are almost impossible to close as the zip direction is wrong IMO. But otherwise it's a perfect pack for long walks. Ive taken it on the Great South West Walk (6 days) and the 3 Capes in Tassie.

It super light weight and comfortable, can't wait to try it out on upcoming hikes. More then enough room to fit everything. The draw string is a bit hard to use to open and close up the main part. Also there's no guidance given of how to adjust really. But overall super happy with this product!

I've had this pack for a couple of years now and I've loved it from the first moment that I tried it on. It fits beautifully. I love how I can adjust the pack frame. The mesh on the back keeps me cool. And the hip belt is well padded and comfortable. But yesterday I gained a new appreciation for it. We were heading down a steep, rocky, off-trail scramble. I handed my pack down to my partner during a particularly steep section. He meant to drop it two feet and we watched in amazement as it bounced towards the meadow 1000' below. It picked up speed and the bounces got bigger and bigger until it dropped over a cliff and out of sight. As we climbed down the 500 or so feet to reach it I was sure the buckles would all be busted. When we finally reached it it had two small tears in the fabric, but was otherwise fine! The buckles have some scratches and gouges, but they all function! I strapped my pack on and finished my hike.

Have used several Osprey packs, down-sized in volume and weight from Xenon 85 to do Wonderland Trail on Mt Rainier. 65L volume was right for multi-day backpack. Pack fit was good - giving ventilation but keeping weight close to my body. Shoulder straps were comfortable. Was able to carry weight on waist which is what I prefer rather than more on shoulders or way down on hips. Expected hip pockets to be more useful, but I found these hard to zip closed when wearing pack. Missed having top pouch turn into day pack as on other Osprey packs, will work on trying adaptions to make that happen as it is nice to have that option. Also missed having integrated pack cover, used Osprey brand pack cover which worked but ended up with lots of loose cord when cover was tightened resulting in this getting tangled in straps and hydration tube at times. Having integrated pack cover would mean one less item I need to remember to bring or might end up falling out/left behind.

I'm newer to backpack camping, but I cannot express how happy I am with my Osprey Aura 65L. My first big adventure with it was over 13 miles in varying terrain (crossing fast flowing streams, melting snow, avalanche debris, rock scrambles). I completed the trek excited and ready for another experience which says a lot bc usually you are ready to be free from your pack. The anti gravity was perfect for me as I'm a hippier gal and I felt like a happy donkey in the backcountry. I love the mesh panel air flow and felt zero shoulder pressure. If you're debating on size go with the 65L! All my gear is backpacking size and it was a tight squeeze (I used the bag "lid" for my clothes and kept it inside my pack). The few extra ounces are worth the size and you can compress it down.The mini drawbacks: the drawstring can cause a fight sometimes but I understand why Osprey went the simple route. I would have loved a backpack rain-cover to be included, but know many people pack their gear in dry bags. Also wish the hip pockets were bigger so you can fit your phone in a convenient spot but it stays secure vertically with zipper open. I'm really happy about this purchase and the experiences it will lead me to.

I bought my version of this pack a little over 2 years ago. I bought it hoping I would never have to get another large pack again since I love my long hiking/camping trips. I find this to be the case. I have used it in the Arizona desert for at least 2 weekends of every month since I bought it. I have even done some rock crawling and had to use the pack to assist me in bracing, not what it's designed for, but helped keep my footing. I am ready to have it readjusted on me again or resized, but this is after 2 hard years on the pack. I will tell anyone that this was one of the best and durable packs I've ever bought. It fits great. I have the smallest frame, and it causes me no discomfort. I have to keep the waist at a 28 and I have a size small pack, should have a xs. This has never caused me any kinds of issues. For every other brand of pack I have looked at or bought I had to buy JR size packs, not here. The AG design makes it for a very comfortable breathable hike. I can load down to 55 lbs on my back with no discomfort. I have had no issues attaching anything to the pack. When I have been going on day hikes I've just been collapsing the bag down to the smallest it will go because I have yet to find a day pack quite as comfortable even when looking at other osprey AG packs. I would recommend this bag to anyone who like to do serious hiking, climbing or any other outdoor activities. To put icing on the bag for me it was able to strap to my kayak with no tip issues when centered in the middle due to its natural weight distribution. I waited to write a review until I got some real use out of the pack and I could share the truth of my experiences. If I have to replace this pack or buy one for my daughter, this would be my choice again. I am a clumsy person and have fallen back on this pack more then once, I have dirt on the pack to show for it. It looks used but completely intact. I love this pack.

This is my first 65 ltr pack I have ever bought. I have looked and tried on many brands of packs and was never happy. As soon as I was fitted with this one I fell in love. Once adjusted the fit was perfect. I am so happy with my purchase. Most of my Back Packing friends have an Osprey Pack so they highly recommended Osprey, so pleased I went the Osprey way. I am now looking at purchasing a smaller Osprey for day tramps, I will ditch the day pack I have now.

Straight up, this is my third Osprey pack and I will NEVER go back to any other backpacking pack. It rides super smooth, great fit, and has so much storage and stash options...you can't go wrong. I can carry 40lbs and feel like it is NOTHING. Love the new AG suspension -- definitely worth the added weight. Ps. If it came with a rain fly, that'd be killer.

Such an amazing pack! Has everything I was looking for and is the most comfortable pack you could ever find. Can't recommend enough!

I recently upgraded from my 11 year old Osprey to this new pack, and I am in love. I am five foot five inches, 115 pounds - my previous pack was so old that I would get bruises and bone calluses on my shoulders and hips. Although I am somewhat of a minimalist with gear, this pack exceeds expectations in terms of comfort. I frequently go on big group multi-day trips, carrying 25+ pounds of gear and this backpack is absolutely perfect.

I spent months looking for a backpack with an adjustable hip belt and this pack is very comfortable, especially if you have big hips. I did a two week trip to Europe and never had a problem. My pack was heavy loaded, but I didn't feel the load on my back thanks to the aerodynamic back pad. I would recommend this pack to any woman.

I am very fine boned and bruise like a peach! I am 5' 3" and 110b. I have struggled backpacking because my pelvic bones and collar bones get sooooooooo sore and bruised! I have tried adding padding to the packs and to my bones with not much relief. I recently bought this pack and much to my surprise and delight I DID NOT BRUISE!!!! Barely even sore over my collar bones and pelvic bones. I just finished a 41 mile hike carrying about 36lb. without pain! Best investment ever!

I have used this pack on many adventures now, and it is seriously not comparable to any other backpack I've ever tried!

This pack is wonderful. I do a lot of waterfall photography and I am able to carry my tripod and camera gear along with everything else for a camping trip with no problem. His is my first 'real' backpack purchase. I highly recommend this pack.

I just got back into the woods so I thought I would spend money where it counts. So happy I saw this pack advertised at the time I was looking. I still overpack and I probably don't pack well, but the weight of the pack hasn't been a problem. No hip or back problems at all. The anti-gravity suspension is the real deal. I am looking forward to taking this to Ice Lake and beyond in Oregon.

Overall I love this pack. It is comfortable and I can carry a heavy load easily in it. While I prefer lighter loads, when backpacking with my dogs, I sometimes have to carry a bit more food and water so the extra comfort is GREATLY appreciated. My only complaint is about the floating lid. It would be great to use it as a day pack on extended hikes but doesn't easily convert.

I have loaded this pack beyond the recommended weight limit and it has performed amazingly well! Bear Vault 500 fit between lid and main pack. I have used all the features to get a solid fit, no bruises, no chafing. I can trim it down to day pack use. I know it sounds crazy but 40lbs on this pack feels waaaay lighter than 40lbs on a different brand name pack. I just wish the hip pockets weren't so tight, hard to get stuff out. And a longer hip belt would be a great option for us wider pear shaped gals.

This pack is extremely customizable making it fit great - very comfortable! I could wear it all day - and have! - without any hot-spots, pinching or loss of blood flow. (I've had trouble with other packs cutting down circulation in my arms.) My load stays balanced and snug through stream hopping and falls - easy to get back up as the load and pack do not shift. I don't care for slogging through rain and mud, but when I have to I LOVE this backpack for making it easier! I like the large side pockets and the ability to divide the main inner pouch into 2 spaces. The array of straps makes it easy to adjust how I carry items for different trips. I wish that the top "lid" (which can be removed to reduce weight) also functioned as a fanny-pack for day hikes and exploring from base-camp.

I purchased this pack for the ten mile trek into Havasupai, AZ and was so pleased with how well it performed. I like to eat and sleep well when I'm camping so I had EVERYTHING in this pack. Also, I was so excited to get to camp and play in the water that I ran a good portion of the 10 mile trail in. The pack was so easy to adjust that I never felt like I needed to take if off and rest. Even when it started rain, I just pulled open the zipper to the rain flap and tucked it carefully around the bag without taking it off of my back. In fact, on the way out when my friends would stop to take their packs off and give their shoulders a break, I usually just kept mine on because it was comfortable. The blisters on my feet have since healed, my boyfriend is gone, but this pack remains loyal, and I feel we have many more adventures awaiting us!

A really great pack with a competitive Zappos price. Super comfy, adjustable all over for that perfect fit. I also love the AG frame. It's cool and molds to your body. And you gotta love the osprey guarantee. I'm also appreciative of the super speedy shipping and great customer service of Zappos.

I use this for backcountry trips to Alpine Club of Canada Huts. Water, sleeping bag, food, wine, a change of clothes and hygiene kit. This is a perfect size.