Review: Osprey Ariel 65 pack for Spring 2010

Recently, over the course of a four-day backpacking trip, I had a chance to test out Osprey’s updated Ariel 65 pack, to be released with their Spring 2010 line. The women’s-specific pack is designed for multi-day treks, and would be suitable anywhere from a weekend to about five days. While most of the general design of the pack has remained the same, there are a few changes. One of these changes shaves a few ounces off the pack, by changing the straps and closures of the built in sleeping pad straps. In previous models, a wider webbing was used, but now the Ariel features the same style webbing and closures as their ultralight Exos pack, and the thinner webbing was more than strong enough to contain the Therm-A-Rest Z-Lite pad I carried. They have also lightened up the outside mesh pocket, and updated the lid of the pack.

Right away, the pack was extremely comfortable and much of this can be attributed to the women’s-specific design. The shoulder straps have a much narrower opening (as apposed to a wider shoulder allowance on a men’s or unisex pack) and the hip belt is curved to shape a woman’s hips. The back panel uses their AirScape suspension technology, which helped keep the pack directly off my back during the trek. Adjusting the pack is a simple task, as there are only a few points where you can adjust, which was a nice relief from messing with straps all over the pack to adjust a custom fit.

Although the Ariel does not have lots of bells and whistles, there are a few nice features that were quite useful. The pack features a lower compartment separated from the main compartment, perfect for storing your sleeping bag; the sleeping bag I was using (Mountain Hardwear’s Lamina 45) packed down small enough that I was able to fit a stuff sack of clothing in the compartment as well. The main compartment is roomy enough to fit the rest of my gear, including a 3-person tent and a full 2-liter hydration bladder without being stuffed to the brim. Want access to the main compartment but don’t want to have to open the lid and drawstring every time? There is a quick-access zipper to the main compartment on the outside of the bag. The stretchy mesh outside pocket holds a surprising amount of gear, and is perfect for holding the trail map, bug spray, and other quick-access items. The lid of the pack does double-duty–not only is it a large storage compartment with a built-in key hook, it also removes completely from the rest of the pack. This feature is perfect for those shorter hikes you go on after you have set up camp.

The pack also features two ice ax loops, side pockets large enough to fully contain a Nalgene bottle, quick-access trekking pole loops, and is hydration compatible. And for when you have to carry a very full load, there is also the possibility of attaching straps to the lid using the provided attachment points. However, the pack was roomy enough that I didn’t have to go that route. A surprise feature was a quick-reference of the Leave No Trace principles screen-printed inside the pack (in English and French).

Overall, the Ariel 65 was an excellent pack and functioned very well. The model I tested will be available for Spring 2010; no word on pricing yet, but the current model of the Ariel 65 retails for $250.