The Pack
A Guide to Choosing Your Perfect Backpacking Pack
After doing hours and hours of research for the perfect backpack, Cory and I both decided on getting Osprey packs for their amazing reviews. I bought a women’s small Osprey Aura AG 65 L bag and Cory bought the men’s Osprey Aether 70L bag. We both absolutely love them and have used them backpacking several times on trips ranging from two to five nights.
What Should I Look For in a Backpack?
Frame: Packs either have external or internal frames. External frames used to be more common, but most people use internal frame packs now. Internal frame packs are more form-fitting, while externals are good for strapping on lots of gear. Externals are also heavier, while internals have more stability. They are both useful for different situations, but because cutting down on weight is important to me, I went with an internal frame pack.
Size: Backpacking bags are measured by how many liters they carry. For example, my Osprey bag is 62 liters (it is the small size, the medium size is 65L) and I would use it for any length of backpacking trip, as I tend to pack heavy. The top compartment actually comes off for shorter trips, although I have never done this. You will also need the additional space if you are backpacking in bear country, as bear canisters (that store your food safely) take up a lot of room in your pack. Backpacks are also sold in various sizes to fit your torso. The Aura comes in a XS, S, or M. You will want to ensure that you measure before determining your size. I fell into the S range on the Aura, and it seems to fit perfectly on my hips.
Comfort: You want to make sure the bag fits your body well and is going to be comfortable enough for you to carry with a lot of weight. The Osprey bag has an anti-gravity mesh back panel, which contours to the body. The hip belt is very padded, which is great, as you will be cinching it pretty tight around your hips for weight distribution. The shoulder straps are pretty padded as well, but the men’s Osprey Aether has wider straps, which I actually prefer.
Compartments: I wanted a bag that had a lot of compartments for organization purposes. The Osprey Aura has 11 exterior compartments and the main compartment. One of the things that is unique to the this bag, is that it has a separated sleeping bag compartment at the bottom of the bag. It also has a separate inside compartment for a water reservoir up to 3L.
Durability: I have not used other brands of backpacks, but I have found this bag extremely durable so far. It has stood up to extreme winds, rain (you can buy a water resistant rain cover), rugged trails, and rough handling when checking it on a plane. I felt that the ultimate test of durability was checking my bag at the airport. I have done so three times now and although it definitely is a bit dirtier each time, it has held up very well.
What is the Difference Between the Men’s Pack (Aether 70L) and the Women’s Pack (Aura 65L)?
The shoulder straps are wider on the Aether pack, and therefore it has better weight distribution. I have broad shoulders and actually preferred the Aether’s shoulder straps.
The side pockets (where I store my hiking poles and camping chair), are larger on the Aether bag. This is a huge plus and I really wish they were larger on the Aura bag. It was more difficult to get large items in my pockets (such as tent poles), and they do not feel as secure.
The Aether pack has less external pockets (7 instead of 11). This is obviously a win for the Aura bag, as it helps with organization.
Both packs have a top compartment that can be removed to make the pack lighter for shorter trips. However, the Aether’s top compartment can be used as a day pack. We have not tried this out, but it is a pretty nice feature having two bags in one.
Both packs have straps on the outside near the sleeping bag compartment to strap your sleeping pad, tent poles, etc., but the Aether pack does have additional straps that the Aura does not have. I am always envious of these straps, as I try to to find places to strap objects on the outside of my bag, without it becoming too top heavy. For example, the Aether has a stow-on-the-go pole attachment on the outside of the bag, making it really easy to pop them in as you are hiking, without having to take your pack off.
Verdict: Both Osprey packs are great and very similar as far as size (packs marketed for women are always smaller), but the Aether pack (marketed for men), does have more features over all. I have actually used both bags while hiking and actually like them both equally, for different reasons. I prefer the additional 8 liters in the Aether pack, as well as the extra features, but like the 11 external compartments in the Aura, rather than having only 7 in the Aether. My mother actually preferred the Aether as the shoulder straps are wider (better weight distribution), and she felt it fit her torso better. The Aura chest strap came up too high on her and was uncomfortable, even though we are the same height. The Aether also comes in 65L, but this size does not include the removable day pack option.You can find the Osprey Aura AG 65 L here, and the Osprey Aether 70L here.
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