Customer Reviews Osprey Ariel AG 75

I love my Osprey Ariel 75 AG !! It's absolutely fabulous, it keeps on rockin' on in ways that have surprised me. I consider my skill set at hiking and backpacking at the beginner/intermediate level, with most of my hiking experience originating from side trips while attending summer ballet camp in the Adirondacks over multiple summers. However, my go-to backpack as of the last several years, has been my smaller Osprey women's travel backpack, and I have been well served by the ingenious use of mesh and load control straps that Osprey makes extensive use of. I was equally well-pleased, at the least, with the Ariel 75 AG. When I took my Ariel 75 AG out of its packaging, I was immediately wowed and also felt out of my depth with the intricate strap system and other devices built onto the pack. To test it out wearing it around the home, I packed it with the core heavy items that would prove what kind of baseline of a load I would be dealing with. Again I was impressed with how well balanced the pack was, especially as I tightened some of the compression straps. The hip belt felt comfy and fit perfectly for me, so I did not need to have it customized yet. I did not encounter anything digging into my hip or shoulder, as I packed it correctly. Plus, one might find that getting the hip belt customized to their shape, will alleviate lots of discomfort. However, I was curious to find out what more experienced hikers thought of the Ariel (or the Aether, which is the men's version). Armed with their input, I was even more satisfied with my purchase. I now realize what were seemingly useless places to have straps, or some odd placing of an equally odd cord, were targeted positions that help one haul heavy gear with ease and more efficiency.

I used this pack to thru hike the PCT. Right after I flew to Hawaii and spend two months backpacking the islands. I lived out of this pack for 10 months and it did not disappoint. I'm about to take it back out in a couple of weeks for some backcountry exploring. I can't begin to tell you how durable and well made this pack it. The comfort of it (when fitted properly) is unmatched. The detachable pack is a huge saver when I set up base camp yet need to make quick runs that require me to carry a few things. I've seen other hikers tote more than they had to because they didn't have this option. I've thrown this pack down the side of a mountain, up a rock scramble, I've slept on it, sat on it, dragged it... I've done just about everything but hump the darn thing. So far.

I would recommend everyone consider buying an Osprey pack. I've heard it said that you have an Osprey pack for life, and I've found this to be true. I had my original Osprey pack for at least 10yrs. It went everywhere - up mountains, on multi day treks, travelling overseas. Great pack, but it was getting a bit worn and the inner lining was peeling, so I reached out to Osprey. They had me ship the pack back to them, and then very quickly they called me and then shipped me a brand new updated pack! They were kind enough to also exchange my Aether for an Ariel - which fits me so much better as a woman! Thanks to Osprey. Exceptional service. I've taken my pack for it's first 3 day hike and it was perfect - very adjustable and comfortable. Next will be an international trip - I'm sure it will hold up great!

I love Osprey. I am writing this review based on the older Aether 60, so keep that in mind... Because of that I can't speak to the new suspension system, but I can speak to the rest of the pack. I've carried this pack for 7 years now. I've backpacked mountains, deserts, and and gorges in many countries and can't speak highly enough of this pack. It is very light weight for all it offers, but is a bit of a luxury pack. The J-zipper is incredibly useful when you're tucked in your tent at the end of the day and need to quickly access the bottom of your pack without ripping everything out the top. The harness is extremely comfortable as is the case with basically all osprey packs. I own three. This pack is great for 2-5 day trips in the backcountry. I use it when I'm going that distance alone or in a group. When I bring my boys I usually upsize to my 85 L pack, but I've made it work with this one as well. After seven years of use this pack is still going strong and shows no signs that it will give up in the next seven years. I just recently had my first issue with a bungie strap breaking. I submitted a claim to osprey and a week later I had a replacement part in hand and installed at no cost to me. Couldn't ask for better service, and especially on a seven year old product. Amazing! If it ever wears out, which I seriously doubt at this rate. I'll definitely be buying from this company again.

I've been using the Arial 75 for almost a decade and have Loved it for everything from 1 week solos to my huge month+ expeditions as an instructor/guide, with weights between 30 and 70 lbs. I tried out the updated pack with the new AG frame for a 2 night trip and was sorely disappointed. I only had about 25-30lb, and it was incredibly uncomfortable! I couldn't pack it to in a way that the weight felt like it was sitting close to my back, and my light pack ended up feeling like it was closer to 50lb, especially on the second and third day of hiking. If you want a high volume, low weight pack and this fits you well, it may still be a good pack, but if you loved the old pack, I would strongly caution you against this new version.

I had used the original Arial 75 for over a decade and recently tried out the new AG for a trip. While my old pack comfortably carried 60+ lbs, my 35lb load in this pack was Incredibly uncomfortable and felt like I was carrying closer to 50-55lb because with the AG, the weight wouldn't transfer onto my hips as much and the load isn't able to be close to the spine like it's supposed to be, and so it's pulling away from you. *Please Note: I am a professional instructor/guide and over the course of the 5 days, I tried every adjustment, re-packing etc that myself and my co-workers could think of to make the pack more comfortable to no avail. I didn't just pack it poorly or have it adjusted wrong. The AG simply makes the pack only good for light weight loads or different body types perhaps.* I'm heartbroken that this pack no longer works like it used to, and that Osprey fell for their own gimmick with the AG and put it on a pack it did not belong on. I am very concerned that I won't be able to find an appropriate and comfortable pack from Osprey when my old Arial finally gives out :(