Osprey Aura 65

Even on a small frame like mine, this large pack is an excellent choice for a longer hike!

First, I have to admit that I haven't actually been on a hike with this yet. I am training for a larger hike in May on a treadmill, but seeing as how this is my first pack ever (aside from childhood backpacks for school), I am extremely pleased!

Osprey has a killer pack here. Here are the details:

1. The "floating" back. I mean, there is wonderful mesh that allows for airflow between your back and the pack, no matter what you have inside it.
2. The "floating waist belt" is a little strange at first, but once you learn the best way for you to put it on (there is no "one" way to do it...find what works best for you), it's simple and a very wonderful invention. Even though this seems to be a one size fits all belt, there is a fancy, interesting velcro system to adjust it to larger/smaller waist sizes. Hard to describe, and I thought it was pointless at first, but I have realized that it's actually pretty slick.
3. Detachable top flap. If you need the extra space for a longer hike, it's there with two pockets. But a shorter hike or a summer hike where you don't need as much "stuff"...take it off. There is still a flap that buckles down to cover your things in the pack.
4. Bottom entry for your sleeping bag: nice to have so that you don't have to "fiddle" in the late hours to find your sleep things. Could be used for PJ's etc if you are only using a hammock and have extra room for other items.
5. Water space: there is a hydration pack "slot". I have heard that it's best to buy an Osprey hydration pack (they fit better in their own bags), but I have not tested that out...I don't use one. I just use it as extras space for flat items.
6. Once loaded properly, it's very comfortable. If you have it cinched right, it kind of "floats" on your hips. A great buy!
7. Not to mention, it's backed by Osprey's INCREDIBLE guarantee. Check out their no questions asked policy on their website!

Ultra comfortable. light and super durable, this pack is the pack of my dreams.

I love Osprey packs. I also own a Kestral 48 that I use for winter day hikes.

The Aura is a dream to carry and to pack. The outer pockets are a little tough to reach into when hiking and the thing refuses to stand up when I place it on flat ground, but these are minor annoyances.

I would recommend this pack to anyone. It's good looking too, I have the plum one.

Awesome pack!!

I have no experience wearing a pack so bought this based on reviews, and it certainly lived up to its name. It comes with different sized harnesses, so I had mine fitted at the store to ensure the correct fit.

I wore the pack for an introductory mountaineering trip, so had to carry a lot of gear a reasonable distance. I loved all of the compartments, especially provision for ice tools, sleeping pad and mat, and that the compartment for sleeping bag was accessible from the bottom of the pack.

Apparently I have a small form, yet once properly adjusted I didn't feel the 20kg load, which sat firmly on my back. The crampons did not damage the pack, nor did the snowshoes when swapped over. The rain cover and airporter were great extras that came in very handy.

The only issue I found was that the waistband at the hip was really stiff, so I had to get help putting the pack on—couldn't throw it over one shoulder as advised—but once on it was incredibly comfortable. This might settle with time, otherwise Osprey might have some tips. The instructors even commented on what a great pack it was, so that reaffirmed that I made the correct decision.

I couldn't be happier with this pack, even the light colour suited me.

My wife loves this pack! She wears it even on overnighters because she loves the comfort so much. There is a lot of storage which makes me happy.

She has never once complained about any pinching or chaffing or uncomfortable fit. Before this she had the smaller 50 and we decided to trade up since we will be hiking the A.T. soon and she said she couldn't be happier that she did.

Her favorite thing is the mesh backing, she said she is so much happier with the load on her shoulders and having the wind blow by her back.

I picked out this pack and then got it as a Christmas present in 2008. I had been torn between it and the Gregory Deva, but ultimately chose the Aura because I found a great deal on it. I have not looked back, since then I have used it on numerous weekend backpacking trips and I love it.

It holds a very reasonable amount of gear, is reasonably light weight, and I like the crescent suspension. While this feature can make packing a little bit more difficult, it provides a wonderful space for my water bladder and keeps the heat of the pack off of my back.

My only issue at all is the hip belt. It is waffle foam, which brings great breathability, but is not as cushioning as some other hip belts. At the end of some trips I have had burns on my skin from the hip belt rubbing, even through my clothes. My fiance has the men's version (the Atmos 65) and is thinking about replacing the hip belt with a heat moldable version that might fit better. The only downside that I see here is that it could be much hotter.

I think that I will keep on using my pack as is and see how this goes for him before investing in a change!

So comfy.

Straps are padded well and the back has air venting.

The weight falls on my hips. There are a lot of pockets and tie-offs. I can put my sleeping bag in bottom zipper and the bear canister above it and the stuff around it and in the pockets.

Have not messed with the compression straps much.

Had it fitted at REI and they said I had a short torso. I would have bought a medium because i am 5'7" and 140 lbs. My torso is longer and my legs are shorter, but i took their advice and am glad I did. 

Have had it on a few 2-4 day trips and also use it as a day pack, but it is really too big for that and it seems to be holding up so far.

I recently went on an 8 mi hike with a cheap day pack, maybe 10 lbs or less, my shoulders were really sore after a few minutes and I vowed to never be so unnecessarily uncomfortable again, a pack is so important.

I use this pack for work every week. ( I do conservation work, build trail etc. ) and I never leave home with out it. I have put it through the ringer and it only gets comfier. I would recommend it for any female!!