Osprey Aura 65 Backpack Review: Better Than Osprey Ariel 65?

I’ve had the Osprey Aura 65 backpack for more than 8 years now. I initially purchased this Osprey backpack to prepare for my first backpacking trip across Europe.

Before I left for that trip, a friend of mine asked me if I wanted to go on an overnight backpacking trip. Since I already enjoyed hiking, I had to say yes.

I packed my backpack and headed out on the Williwaw Lakes Trail in Anchorage. It was a short trip and the weather was awesome so I didn’t find it too difficult.

After a good night’s sleep, my friend treated me to eggs and bacon. After thinking this was what a normal morning looked like, I was hooked!

Since that first quick overnight trip, I’ve put hundreds and hundreds of miles of use on my backpacking pack.

In this post, I’m going to share my personal review of the Osprey Aura 65L backpack.

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My Osprey Aura 65 Review

Check Price: Osprey | REI

Choosing a backpacking pack to add to your gear kit is a BIG decision. You want to make sure you get a pack that’s comfortable to wear for multiple days, especially when carrying heavier loads of weight.

I’ve been using the same backpack since my first backpacking trip in 2016. From quick overnights and multi-day hiking trips to a 9-month backpacking adventure through South America, the Osprey Aura has been strapped on my back.

The Osprey Aura is a favorite among women due to its women’s specific fit. This backpacking pack incorporates many features that make it comfortable to carry heavier loads for multiple days.

Let’s take a look at some of the features of this backpack.

Comfort

This backpack was created with comfort in mind. The suspended mesh back system makes it really comfortable to carry the weight of your loaded pack and the separation between the pack and from your back allows necessary airflow.

The hip belt is also fully ventilated and its compression gives you the support you need on your hips to keep going.

Organization

The Aura has plenty of places to organize your gear. You can store items that you want to easily access in the zippered front pockets or top-lid pockets. There is a front stretchy mesh pocket as well that I love using to store my sandals or any wet gear like a towel or rain jacket.

Another one of my favorite compartments is the space for a large sleeping bag at the base of the backpack. This compartment is separated by an internal divider that you can remove if you want.

Other straps and loops allow you to carry items outside the backpack. You can carry ice axes, trekking poles, water bottles, a tripod, or a tent.

Adjustability

The Osprey Aura AG 65 backpack has plenty of adjustments to become a personalized fit. From the adjustable hip belt and torso height to shoulder and sternum straps will ensure comfort and compression.

All of these features are designed specifically tailored to women’s fit, which is pretty amazing.

Osprey Aura 65 Sizing

The Osprey Aura backpack comes in three sizes: XS, S, or M.

Pack Size	Torso Length	Waist/Hips
XS	14-17 inches	24-45 inches
S	16-19 inches	24-45 inches
M	18-21 inches	27-48 inches

What Size Backpacking Pack Should You Get?

Your pack size is mostly based on the length of your torso rather than your height.

Here’s how you can determine your Osprey pack size:

1. Locate your C7 vertebrae
2. Locate your iliac crest
3. Measure the length between the C7 vertebrae and the iliac crest
4. Use this length as your torso length to determine your pack size

I actually went into a local REI store to have someone fit me for a backpack. It was a lot easier to try on backpacks in-store.

Osprey Aura AG 65 Weight & Capacity

The Osprey Aura is not the heaviest 65L pack out there but it definitely has some weight to it. I have a size small, which means I have an extra 4 lbs. 5 oz. to carry around.

This may not be the pack you choose for the Appalachian Trail, but you’d be surprised at how comfortable it is to carry with its large capacity. This all comes down to how it was designed.

If you want to cut some weight off the pack, you can easily detach the top lid from the rest of the backpack.

Pack Size	Gear Capacity	Weight
XS	60 liters	4 lbs. 4 oz.
S	62 liters	4 lbs. 5 oz.
M	65 liters	4 lbs. 7 oz.

What’s Included With The Osprey Aura 65L Backpack?

The newer Osprey Aura 65L backpack comes with an integrated and detachable rain cover. This is pretty awesome because you won’t have to purchase a separate rain cover for those trips in the rain.

Click here to see if it’s still included.

You’ll also find an emergency whistle attached to the sternum strap. It’s one less piece of safety gear you have to remember to bring with you.

Osprey Aura 65L Pros & Cons

There were so many things that I loved about the Osprey Aura 65L backpack, here’s some pros:

PROS

• Women’s specific fit. I can’t tell you how much of a difference this makes in a backpack.
• Fits all your gear inside. The 65L capacity fits all of the gear you’ll need for a backpacking trip.
• Amazing back ventilation. It feels so good to have airflow on your back while you’re hiking.
• Comfortable. I’ve never had a problem wearing this pack for multiple days! It’s super comfortable on your back.

Even though there’s so many things I love about this pack, there are a couple of things that could be improved:

CONS

• Adjustments. It’s much easier to adjust the pack with it on but there are a lot of adjustments you need to make and sometimes it feels like you do it twice to get the right fit.
• Irritating straps. The straps can be irritating against your skin so I usually avoid wearing tank tops.

Osprey Aura 65 vs Osprey Ariel 65

So, this leads to the questions: Is the Osprey Aura 65 better than Osprey Ariel 65?

Well, the Aura and Ariel backpacks share a lot of common features, but here are some main differences between these two women’s Osprey backpacks.

The Aura AG is a little lighter than the Ariel, which means that you’ll cut some weight. The technology on the Aura is a little more breathable as well as the hip belt is ventilated.

You’ll find a changeable hip belt and arm straps on the Osprey Ariel whereas the Aura doesn’t have this.

The last thing to note is the price difference. The Osprey Aura AG is cheaper than the Ariel, which means you can put those savings into another piece of gear.

Conclusion: Osprey Aura 65L Backpack Is Better Than Osprey Ariel

Overall, I love the Osprey Aura 65L backpack. It’s a versatile backpack that can be used for all of your adventures, from quick overnights to week-long trips.

After using the backpack for more than 8 years, I am happy to see how little wear and tear it has and I’m confident that it’s going to last for many more years.

The Osprey Aura is a great choice for backpacking and I highly recommend this backpack if you’re looking for a women’s specific backpack.

After comparing the Osprey Aura 65 to the Osprey Ariel 65, I have to say that the Osprey Aura 65L backpack is better than Osprey Ariel.

Check Osprey.com for FREE Shipping.

Thank you for reading this review. I hope it answered any questions you may have but if you have more, please leave me a comment below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Get a Backpacking Pack?

A backpacking pack will allow you to comfortably carry heavier loads of weight for longer trips in the backcountry.

Is the Osprey Aura waterproof?

The Osprey Aura is not waterproof.

Does this pack come with a rain cover?

Yes, the Osprey Aura 65L comes with an integrated rain cover.

Which is the best Osprey backpack?

One of the best women’s osprey backpacking pack is the Osprey Aura 65.

Is Osprey a good brand?

Osprey is a good brand and they are known for carrying a line of women’s specific backpacks.

How do you fit an Osprey Aura?

You can fit an Osprey Aura backpack by measuring the length between the C7 vertebrae and the iliac crest.

Can a large bear vault be packed horizontally in the bag?

Yes, you can fit a large bear vault inside of the Osprey Aura 65L backpacking pack.

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