Gear Review: Osprey Aura AG 65 Backpack
Value Rating: 10
Durability Rating: 10
Overall Rating: 10
Location of Test: Lost Coast Trail, California
Duration: 3 days-2 nights
Product Name: Aura 65 AG Backpack
Product Brand: Osprey
Best Use: Multiple day backpacking trips
Sizes: XS-Medium sizes available
Volume: 3661 in3/60L
Dimensions: 27h x 25w x 15d in.
Weight: 4.18 lbs.
The first day of the trip was very sunny and warm, and the pack impressed me by staying well ventilated, no extra back sweat, whaaaat! The second day was super rainy, and I didn't have a pack cover. The pack did a wonderful job shedding the rain. Although I spent hours in the pouring rain, my belongings were still dry, except for what was stowed in the outer mesh pocket.
As the rain continued into the second night, our tent did not hold up to the rain. It soaked us and everything in the tent, my pack included. The hip belt was sitting in a puddle of water all night. After hiking back and returning home, I set my pack out in the sun to dry. Within a few hours, it was completely dried out! My companion's pack took two days to fully dry out, so I felt very lucky!
The Good:
The removable floating top.
Flapjacket main compartment cover.
Secure compressions straps.
The fit-on-the-fly hipbelt pads.
Fully adjustable harness.
The Bad:
The weight of the pack felt pretty heavy before packing it.
High initial cost.
The Bottom Line:
It's only taken me three days to fall in love with this pack. The extra comfort is well worth the weight. The lifetime defect warranty and quality are well worth the pretty penny.
The first day of the trip was very sunny and warm, and the pack impressed me by staying well ventilated, no extra back sweat, whaaaat! The second day was super rainy, and I didn't have a pack cover. The pack did a wonderful job shedding the rain. Although I spent hours in the pouring rain, my belongings were still dry, except for what was stowed in the outer mesh pocket.
As the rain continued into the second night, our tent did not hold up to the rain. It soaked us and everything in the tent, my pack included. The hip belt was sitting in a puddle of water all night. After hiking back and returning home, I set my pack out in the sun to dry. Within a few hours, it was completely dried out! My companion's pack took two days to fully dry out, so I felt very lucky!
The Good:
The removable floating top.
Flapjacket main compartment cover.
Secure compressions straps.
The fit-on-the-fly hipbelt pads.
Fully adjustable harness.
The Bad:
The weight of the pack felt pretty heavy before packing it.
High initial cost.
The Bottom Line:
It's only taken me three days to fall in love with this pack. The extra comfort is well worth the weight. The lifetime defect warranty and quality are well worth the pretty penny.