Backpacks: Backpacking Packs
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Women-Specific Packs •
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Osprey Packs: Women's Ariel 65 Backpack
The 2006 Backpacker Gear Guide rated this pack as a Best Buy for backpacking and climbing.
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Multi-day alpine traverses and grand backpacking loop trips define the uses of the redesigned lightweight Osprey Ariel 65 women's backpack. State-of-the-art durable materials custom fit options designed for a women's specific fit and innovative practical features combine to create the superior fit and function of this surprisingly affordable pack. In fact Backpacker magazine's 2006 Gear Guide edition recommends it as a Best Buy. The deep front pocket made of tough two-way stretch woven nylon with Lycra® is a great example of the innovative use of advanced materials found on this pack. The pocket serves as a versatile catchall for carrying anything from a climbing rope to a pair of snowshoes or any other straggling piece of camping gear you forgot to load when breaking camp. But most importantly the load carrying comfort of the Osprey Ariel 65 women's backpack is far superior than one would expect given the affordable price. The IsoForm hipbelt is custom moldable using heat to warm the belt in preparation for achieving an exact fit. These hipbelts come in four women's specific sizes. Furthermore the Isoform shoulder harness is available in four sizes also contoured to fit women best. The pack to body surface of both the hipbelt and shoulder harness are entirely seamless reducing the chance of pressure points developing. A fabulous harness system is useless however unless a quality suspension can transfer the load to these weight-bearing surfaces. Enter the AirScape suspension a carefully assembled sandwich consisting of an internal framesheet with single aluminum stay ventilated rubber foam backpanel and peripheral 7075 AL rods. And like the front pocket described earlier the Osprey Ariel 65 backpack features two dual access stretch woven side pockets deep for cramming all sorts of necessities within easy reach and perfect for one liter bottles. Other great features include a zippered sleeping bag compartment option to convert the top pocket and hipbelt into a fanny pack and an internal backpanel hydration pocket with twin tube exit ports. For a smaller very similar version be sure to check out the Osprey Ariel 55 backpack.
This pack not only fit great--it performed. 
by Deborah Edgerton
Even with a bad back this pack performed and road on my hips and back without any pain. Loved it and hope the design only improves.
great fit, carries loads well! 
by lauren from boston
after 10 years with an old REI pack whose retirement time i spent about 9 months reading reviews and trying on different packs even hauling my personal gear around to various boston shops to be sure the pack would hold *exactly* what i wanted to carry... this pack carries a load evenly and comfortably whether you've just picked up your food drop or you're only out for a day trip -- load distribution is a huge deal for me and this pack performs well largely helped by the compression straps when carrying smaller loads... i haven't had a chance to try it with a full winter load and skis yet but i have high hopes it will hold up well... my only beefs are the lack of internal pocket within the 'brain' of the bag and a small zipper pocket on the waistbelt for a map would be nice as well... so would gear loops on the waist belt... you won't find one pack to do *everything* but this one comes as close as i've found.
Near perfect pack
by Anonymous
This pack is ideal for weekend trips or longer if you pack light! Fits great comfortable for long treks. Only gripes: wish it had pockets on the waistbelt.
