Customer Reviews Arc'teryx Aerios 45 Backpack

I absolutely love this pack! As I read the reviews, I can tell the people who don't like it bought the wrong pack. While not a pack for 99% of the hikers out there, where it excels, it has no equal. Fast and light run/hikes with small light packable gear. Water bottles in front mean you can fill without removing pack as well as evening out the load with 1 kg on your chest. Infinitely customizable, you need to get creative to make full use of it. When near empty, it folds down and becomes its own summit pack/running vest. Thank you Arc for creating such an incredibly run focused multi day pack and please don't let uninformed buyers sway your awesome r&d!!!

I absolutely love this pack! As I read the reviews, I can tell the people who don't like it bought the wrong pack. While not a pack for 99% of the hikers out there, where it excels, it has no equal. Fast and light run/hikes with small light packable gear. Water bottles in front mean you can fill without removing pack as well as evening out the load with 1 kg on your chest. Infinitely customizable, you need to get creative to make full use of it. When near empty, it folds down and becomes its own summit pack/running vest. Thank you Arc for creating such an incredibly run focused multi day pack and please don't let uninformed buyers sway your awesome r&d!!!

30lb load carries exceptionally well and "feels" very light. The mesh cone style back panel breathes exceptionally well. Not sure how I feel about the large side pockets. They seem wonky, but I feel like I might be missing an optimal way to use them. The daisy chain loops are amazing and I'm glad they are on the harness as well. The harness feels like a running vest and I think is part of why it feels so light. I purchased two 500ml soft flasks for the pockets on the harness and they are a great fit. I love the stretch material on the harness pocket and hip belt pocket. Seems like a decent "quick" setup for trekking poles, but I have only test fit and not actually used that. Holds an ice axe well. If you don't have the bag full, the top of the side zip gets covered up by the roll top. So, access is limited. Material is pretty water resistant and seems to have a good waterproof coating on it as the rain beads up and rolls off. Depending on the way you roll the top, you may have rain drip down your back. Overall, I am very pleased and impressed with this pack.

30lb load carries exceptionally well and "feels" very light. The mesh cone style back panel breathes exceptionally well. Not sure how I feel about the large side pockets. They seem wonky, but I feel like I might be missing an optimal way to use them. The daisy chain loops are amazing and I'm glad they are on the harness as well. The harness feels like a running vest and I think is part of why it feels so light. I purchased two 500ml soft flasks for the pockets on the harness and they are a great fit. I love the stretch material on the harness pocket and hip belt pocket. Seems like a decent "quick" setup for trekking poles, but I have only test fit and not actually used that. Holds an ice axe well. If you don't have the bag full, the top of the side zip gets covered up by the roll top. So, access is limited. Material is pretty water resistant and seems to have a good waterproof coating on it as the rain beads up and rolls off. Depending on the way you roll the top, you may have rain drip down your back. Overall, I am very pleased and impressed with this pack.

I recently picked up this pack with the intention of taking it on multi day trips. My first impression was the light weight and simplistic design that I appreciate from Arc'teryx. The fabric is thin and light but feels bombproof, as are the seams and stitching. The main pocket is big enough to hold all of the essentials for a multi day trip. There is lots of possibility for customization with the extra loops that are sewn on. The extra large side pockets can carry a tent or multiple layers, anything really, they're huge. I'd recommend a larger pack for long (multi-week) expeditions but the Aerios works great for a weekend out. The pack is comfortable and the weight is spread evenly throughout. I love the dual chest strap design that has some stretch to allow easy breathing. The multiple easy access pockets on waist and shoulder straps are great to keep all of your small items close. I give this pack 5 stars. It is comfortable, well laid out and durable.

I got this for use on the Camino - initially was worried about the size of it but loved how light it was. I got a size that ended up being bigger than what I needed, but nice to know for future trips I have the space if I require it. It was comfortable, and I liked the bucket/roll-down feature of the bag closure - it was really easy to open and root through. The side zip also a convenient feature. I only wish it had some compression straps to make it more compactable, and the lack of a dedicated pocket for a water hydration pack left something to be desired, but I remedied it by placing the hydration pack into a wet pack and used the designated clip so I didn't get other things in my bag wet. Overall, very happy with the bag and functionality.

Great pack for a light weight kit and a few nights out. High value, you get a great pack for the price and it stacks up well against boutique brands. I bought it mostly since it has running vest style pockets on the harness which are functional and not overdone. They hold water flasks and bear spray well. The size and shape of the body is perfect and the single exterior pocket is very functional. I've found the side pockets to be excellent which contrasts from other reviews here. My gripes are that the tensioners used for the sternum shock cords loosen very easily, I'll need to replace these with a different setup as they are not functional at all. The rear panel shock cord system is over complicated the way it goes into the pocket, it's clean but a little silly. Same goes for the side access zipper - it's just unnecessary on a pack this size with a giant roll top opening. The back panel is very board like and lacks much of any lumbar curve, this combined with a minimal hip belt is not the best combo for load carry. A bit of curve or give and a bit more padding would go a long way in the lumbar / hip belt area. Great pack, but could use a few tweaks to be outright excellent.

Great pack for a light weight kit and a few nights out. High value, you get a great pack for the price and it stacks up well against boutique brands. I bought it mostly since it has running vest style pockets on the harness which are functional and not overdone. They hold water flasks and bear spray well. The size and shape of the body is perfect and the single exterior pocket is very functional. I've found the side pockets to be excellent which contrasts from other reviews here. My gripes are that the tensioners used for the sternum shock cords loosen very easily, I'll need to replace these with a different setup as they are not functional at all. The rear panel shock cord system is over complicated the way it goes into the pocket, it's clean but a little silly. Same goes for the side access zipper - it's just unnecessary on a pack this size with a giant roll top opening. The back panel is very board like and lacks much of any lumbar curve, this combined with a minimal hip belt is not the best combo for load carry. A bit of curve or give and a bit more padding would go a long way in the lumbar / hip belt area. Great pack, but could use a few tweaks to be outright excellent.

Really nice pack harness carries 25-30lbs like a breeze. Pack also has a removable frame which is great as it can easily fold up when you need it too (kayak touring). Not a huge fan of the side pockets or the the bungee cord on the pack as it seems kind of useless and is sure to wear out pretty quick. The side pockets are just kind of award and don't seem to hold anything too well. However the zippers, pack material and frame are all excellent quality.

After a good 70 miles in 3 weekends with this rucksack on my back, I am overall happy with my purchase. BUILD QUALITY: I can see this pack lasting a whole lifetime already; the materials, the buckles, the straps, and everything else about this pack feel extremely solid and well put together. In classic Arc'teryx fashion, this won't give out on you anytime soon. FRAME: The frame sheet and panel provide good structure, but obviously are not as comfortable as a complete internal frame + suspension system package. I would not call this pack ''uncomfortable'' at all, but be aware it won't be as cushy as some other (and heavier) packs out there. LOAD WEIGHT: Arc'teryx weirdly do not provide a weight limit rating for this pack, but after some testing of my own I can say I would not feel confident loading anything over 30 - 35 pounds maximum. The bag itself and its structural integrity does not break a sweat at that weight, but it does start to feel noticeably uncomfortable at that 30 - 35 pound threshold. POCKETS + FEATURES: Love the numerous pockets that are easily accessible (4 shoulder strap pockets and 2 hip-belt pockets) and the daisy chain in the front of the pack is great to hang wet rain jackets, rain covers and socks. HUGE side pockets (much bigger than they appear in the pictures) where you can easily store tent poles, sleeping pads or up to 3 water bottles in each! And as a size reference for that front zipped pocket: I can fit both my hands in it and not much more; great for small first aid kit, phone and glasses. There is a small pocket inside the main compartment with a key chain attachment. Also, as it is hard to see in the pictures, there is a side zipper to access the bag from the side. It came as a surprise to me, but a welcome one! SIZING: I am 5'9 (175cm), my torso length comes in at 18 inches and the Regular size fits me almost perfectly. Arc'teryx advertise it as an 18.5 inch torso length pack and I think that is accurate. Overall, this pack as an amazing build quality, there is no doubt about it. It also manages to remain lightweight (not exactly ''Ultralight'', but close). To do so though, you do sacrifice a little bit of comfort, especially as you go up into the 25+ pound loads (would definitely not go above 35 pounds for comfort reasons). If you already have your gear dialed in at a lesser weight than that, you should not have any comfort problems and will probably love this pack as much as I do!

Very comfortable and lightweight bag but two major issues which I am astounded made it through the design process. The shoulder straps squeak right by your ears, it's infuriating. I have to adjust my gait to reduce it. Secondly, the chest straps seems like a great design (super lightweight) but they loosen constantly. I'm thinking of changing out the elastic for something thicker. Was this bag never tested?

Had a year with this pack, and was my primary pack for my backpacking trips. Went through various terrain and weather. My base weight was about 18lbs. The good: 1. The strap system is well designed with a ton of organization options. It uses the same strap system from the packs trail runners wear so its wide and sits on your shoulders and chest comfortably. The hip belt is also constructed similarly. The front sleeves on the shoulder straps can fit a bear spray can and a 750ml water bottle comfortably, and is separated from the zipper pockets. 2. The side pockets is huge and versatile. I was able to fit in a packed tent (Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2) and stakes comfortably, and tied it closer to the bag using the built in straps, which has it's own customizability as well. 3. Tough but light material - I have scraped this bag through rock and sharp branches, and didn't even make a scratch. The bad: 1. My biggest gripe with this bag and honestly the reason why I switched, is that it squeaks A LOT. Literally every step that I took, it made a loud creaking sound. It's gotten so bad that I started wearing headphones and listening to music while I hiked. When hiking with friends, I'd literally have to stop to hear them. Looking at other reviews, it seems this is a problem inherent with the Aerios line, regardless of capacity. A lot of people say it's the back panel, but I couldn't fully diagnose the issue. It might seem like it's one of those "first world problems" type of critique, but if you're like me and you like to go into the backcountry for some peace and quiet - you'd want to light this bag on fire after a few km's. 2. The sternum and hip belts loosen after a few minutes on trail, which required me to adjust every now and then. Not ideal if your bag is heavy. Improvement suggestions: 1. I'd love to see the bungee system on the front replaced with a large mesh pocket or something. I found it not ideal to hang stuff of it, and have actually dropped things when I did. 2. Make the buckles for the roll top compatible with each other, so that I can close the bag that way. 3. Perhaps offer more fit sizes. Went with the regular because the tall wasn't available, and still found that it might be a bit too big for my back. Overall, I honestly loved the bag. I switched over to the HMG Southwest 3400 and though I enjoyed the peace and quiet the bag offered, and the lighter weight, I constantly looked back into this bag hoping one day Arcteryx will improve it. It's also one of the best looking bags in my opinion, and have gotten compliments on trail. If you are thinking of picking this bag up, I highly suggest you visit a store and test the fit of the bag, and go through it with a staff member to really learn how to use it. But if Arcteryx just crossed a few t's and dotted a few i's, this bag would be perfect.

I have owned this backpack for 6 months now. I got it as an early Christmas present to myself, on November 9th 2021, as something to remember my exchange semester by. This is by far the most comfortable backpack I have ever owned. As far as comfort goes, I would recommend it every single time. Moreover, it is incredibly lightweight, making it an even better choice for travel. I have faced two major shortcomings, which made me strongly reconsider my purchase. First of all, living in Sweden, you can realize I have not done a lot of backpacking during the ongoing winter, since I bought it in November 2021. So I have been mainly using the backpack as a carry-on when flying. With a 10kg carry-on limit, it has not been excessively overloaded either. I use this backpack for school too, as it is very spacious, and can fit everything from a laptop to sporting gear. Unfortunately, the back support is now "cracked". As in, it does not form the arch on the back. Instead, it lays flat on my back, and the spot where it cracked is sort of wobbly, like a flying door. That would be my best description of it. After 6 months of usage, it is a pity to see it go before I have even had the chance to use it properly in summer. Secondly, I don't know if anybody else has noticed it, and I would not believe the design/testing team has not come across this, but this backpack is loud! There is this creaking sound at every single step. I have tried loosening/tightening the straps, rolling the top less/more tightly, but nothing alleviated the issue. This sound is completely alienating during any hike or walk, removing any immersion from the hiking experience. I must admit it is an incredibly intense sound. I really regret this backpack gave up on me so badly, because it is honestly the most advanced one I have ever owned. The quality of materials is outstanding. This is the first time I have owned an Arcteryx product and I am impressed by the well thought-out little things, like the side zipper which gives access to the inside of the backpack. The zipper and the side pockets (which can fit a yoga mat and a thermos bottle easily) were the reason I chose this one in favor of others. I am still convinced it is worth every dollar, and would presume that I stumbled upon a dud this time around. I have attached a photo of the "crack". I can record a video of the creaking sounds too, should it be required.

I have owned this backpack for 6 months now. I got it as an early Christmas present to myself, on November 9th 2021, as something to remember my exchange semester by. This is by far the most comfortable backpack I have ever owned. As far as comfort goes, I would recommend it every single time. Moreover, it is incredibly lightweight, making it an even better choice for travel. I have faced two major shortcomings, which made me strongly reconsider my purchase. First of all, living in Sweden, you can realize I have not done a lot of backpacking during the ongoing winter, since I bought it in November 2021. So I have been mainly using the backpack as a carry-on when flying. With a 10kg carry-on limit, it has not been excessively overloaded either. I use this backpack for school too, as it is very spacious, and can fit everything from a laptop to sporting gear. Unfortunately, the back support is now "cracked". As in, it does not form the arch on the back. Instead, it lays flat on my back, and the spot where it cracked is sort of wobbly, like a flying door. That would be my best description of it. After 6 months of usage, it is a pity to see it go before I have even had the chance to use it properly in summer. Secondly, I don't know if anybody else has noticed it, and I would not believe the design/testing team has not come across this, but this backpack is loud! There is this creaking sound at every single step. I have tried loosening/tightening the straps, rolling the top less/more tightly, but nothing alleviated the issue. This sound is completely alienating during any hike or walk, removing any immersion from the hiking experience. I must admit it is an incredibly intense sound. I really regret this backpack gave up on me so badly, because it is honestly the most advanced one I have ever owned. The quality of materials is outstanding. This is the first time I have owned an Arcteryx product and I am impressed by the well thought-out little things, like the side zipper which gives access to the inside of the backpack. The zipper and the side pockets (which can fit a yoga mat and a thermos bottle easily) were the reason I chose this one in favor of others. I am still convinced it is worth every dollar, and would presume that I stumbled upon a dud this time around. I have attached a photo of the "crack". I can record a video of the creaking sounds too, should it be required.