Osprey Women's Ariel 65 Backpack

Couldn't wait for this pack to arrive.Unfortunately, all the compression belts, straps, and buckles take away from the versatility of the pack.The J-zip for access to the main compartment and the front mesh pocket are both great features to have,however once the pack is buckled in and cinched down, you cannot access either without unbuckling the top two compression straps.While this may not sound like a big deal, this is not "providing quick access to the main compartment" in my opinion.Not a fan of the floating lid becoming a lumbar pack.This feature added more weight from the built-in straps and buckles that tuck up into the lid when not in use as a lumbar pack,and it also took away from having the normal mesh storage pocket I have come to love under the lid.The new IsoForm CM hipbelt is really comfortable and I'm sure even more so when custom molded for precise fit.Not sure how I felt about the external hydration sleeve - because I returned the pack did not get a chance to field test.It seems like a great feature, however with the heavy floating lid slash lumbar pack, it was difficult to access.Please don't get me wrong, the pack is awesome and is loaded with all the features that we have come to expect from Osprey,but this particular pack did not wow me like I hoped it would, and I sadly returned.

Awesome pack! It looks good. Feels strong. Holds a decent amount of weight securely. Plenty of pockets. Its my first pack so I am not yet picky about compartments.BUT the hip and shoulder straps seem to cut a bit after day 3 or 4 of backpacking in July. It could be the way I had it packed or strapped. A solid pack. I like the color. Durable. Otherwise comfortable. Recommend wearing shirts with sleeves as this rubbed my shoulders raw by the third day with welts from the strap fabric. Its kind of rough when combined with sweat and friction. I ended up using my bandana to cover shoulders and they were fine after that.

Great bag. The entire purchase was informative, clear, with loads of options for size and use! I purchased an EX-SMALL but had to return it for a SMALL. I am 5' 125lbs. I also exchanged it for the larger capacity the 75L. I am away on trips for 4+ months. Return policy is great too. I would say that if I had to purchase this backpack again, I would have gone to a dealer to be fitted properly and shown how to use the bag in all its bells and whistles. Oh I forgot to mention: my backpack did not have the water camel included in the purchase, it has the area to place the camel but not the camel itself. Still, the product is very well made and feels modern and well thought out.

I LOVE this pack! I've used it for countless backpacking and climbing trips, and it has such great versatility. For shorter day trips away from base camp, the lumbar pack comes in handy. I love that I can access stuff in the middle easily, and all the straps make it a "cinch" to compress the pack into the best size for what's in it. I have used it in Switzerland, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Wyoming, and many other places. I used it on our trip to summit Grand Teton. I love this pack!

This is the best pack ever! I just returned from a trip to Alaska where I backpacked for 8 days. This pack was just perfect - my guide and the other trekker both had Ospreys too. I am now a fan for life. One suggestion I'd make to the manufacturer to make the bottom compartment more water proof as my sleeping bag got a bit wet on the surface. Nothing major, but I did stress about where I could place my pack.

I love Osprey packs, and this one is not an exception. There is so much space and just enough pockets. I love the streamlined body of the Ariel compared to other brands. It sits well on my hips and feel very stabilized while I'm backpacking. I wish they came in a few other colors. I always feel that the "girl" packs are given just bleh colors. I do recommend going to a store like Osprey or REI to get fitted. I wouldn't have thought to get a small pack and now realize that if I went with a medium, it wouldn't have been as comfortable.

Wow I am just in LOVE with this backpack! So nice and very comfortable on my shoulders! Fits a lot of stuff but honestly I could even get one size bigger with all the stuff I have. Great for traveling and so many lil pockets and cool places to put all your things. I'm very happy with this purchase and very glad I bought this! Fast shipping and no damages to item! Oh and the color is PERFECT!!

Nice backpack with lots of space. My only wish would be to have organized zipper compartments similar to the Kyte series in the top pocket. I am 5'1" and 120 lbs and went with an x-small due to my short torso. I've spent one month on the AT with it and am pretty pleased and would recommend it.