Rated 4.3 out of 5 by 3
reviewers.
Rated 4 out of 5 by MorningMist Excellent, with a couple of drawbacks
In addition to the rugged construction, the best feature of this pack is that it's almost impossible to not get a perfect fit with it. That's because the shoulder straps and the hipbelt can be swapped for another size. If you happen to be, say, short and wide, you could get a small pack, a large harness, and an extra-large hipbelt---or any other combination you want. You can even get a men's hipbelt or harness if you prefer---I prefer a straight men's hipbelt to the women's curved belt. Or you can swap out the harness and hipbelt for ones with thicker padding (I don't think that's necessary but some people do it).
To swap parts all you do is call Osprey and get approval to send your original parts back to them. Osprey is a great no-hassle company to work with.
I find the 55L model adequate for 3 or 4 nights. My equipment is medium light. Women who are contemplating the Ariel 65 should ask themselves whether they are able and want to carry that much weight. More volume is not always better.
The Ariel was redesigned in 2010. This new model has a sleeping bag compartment zipper and a J-panel zipper not mentioned in the Bean specs, and the lid converts to a lumbar pack. It weighs 1 lb more than the previous model due to those additions plus thicker padding on the shoulder straps and hipbelt.
I have used this pack to carry about 32 lbs. I found the padding on the hipbelt and the shoulder straps adequate for that weight. I appreciate that the padding is medium weight and flexible, rather than thick and bulky. The Ariel carries a load much better than my previous pack, which was not quite ultralight but had thin padding.
The Ariel has three drawbacks. First, it's a bit heavy due in part to the addition of zippers that I don't personally find useful at all. I would rather forego the zippers and other doodads and carry a lighter pack.
Second, the side pockets and the front stash pocket may look large, but once the pack is filled to capacity there is very little room left to put anything in those flat pockets. I think this is a real flaw as it would be so easy for Osprey to give these pockets more volume.
Third, there are no pockets on the hipbelt. These days backpackers expect those pockets as they are very useful for small personal items and a camera.
I went through five other packs before I found the Ariel. None of those packs fit me due to the lack of interchangeable parts. My long hunt for the right pack ended with Osprey. If your proportions are nonstandard in any way, you need an Osprey.
In sum this is a very comfortable, durable pack that carries its load very well. It would be a perfect pack with larger side and front pockets and hipbelt pockets.
November 3, 2011
Rated 5 out of 5 by dodiem Terrific Pack
This pack is wonderful - and once purchased, is fit to your frame to be perfect for the owner. Lots of pockets, easy to get to your things... terrific in every way!
December 29, 2010
Rated 4 out of 5 by virtuoso Great backpack!
Great pack, smaller than I thought (this was my first backpack!), but really amazing. Constructed with quality material and design. Wish there was a small pocket on the hip belt. This pack has also been through a lot of airports and nothing has broken and it looks like new. Very comfortable, lots of support (I'm 5'4"). Bought this pack to serve as my only piece of luggage to travel to Europe with for two months. Holds up pretty good in the rain too. I'd recommend this pack for sure, and am in love with it!
August 18, 2008