Osprey Ariel 55 Backpack

Did my first long distance walk with this bag and super happy with the experience. Very comfortable, easy to use, nifty storage space, durable, high quality

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I fell in love with this pack instantly! My first trek was pretty comfy considering how much weight I carried. I love how adjustable this pack is and how easy it is to adjust in route. This was especially nice on some variable terrain. I will also add that Osprey was a solid choice for the entire crew!

Just completed 6 days hiking in the tough conditions of South Africa / Lesotho Drakensberg. The various compartments and external loops extra were perfect. I especially liked the way the main compartment opened from both the top and the front - vital when in a tiny tent overnight.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I love Osprey! Perfect backpack for my outdoor adventures.

Spent three months backpacking in Europe upon my retirement, at age 65, with this wonderful Osprey backpack! We traveled in all kinds of weather and used all modes of transportation! Also, have been backcountry camping in Canada, California, and Colorado! She still looks new after a busy 10 years on and off the trails! I am currently looking to downsize to a smaller Osprey backpack…walking the Camino in a few months! Only an Osprey works for me!!

Bought this pack for a short backpacking trip on the Napali Coast. I have lower back pain so I needed a pack that distributed the weight very well. My pack was about 30-35lbs and I made it the entire trip without any pain or even soreness in my low back. It was quite incredible considering the many elevation changes- I'm definitely impressed. I will say that toward the end on our hike out my shoulders began to cramp up so I had to do some adjusting to the straps but I think it's just I didn't have it set right. I really really love this pack and it's worth the investment!

I'll start by saying this is my first real backpacking pack but I'm no stranger to thru-hikes. The load lifting straps above the shoulder straps are amazing and do an incredible job taking the load off. We hiked on the Art Loeb for a good few hours just trying to test out the bags with our current gear (just under 30 lbs load for me and ~20lbs for my fiance) and both of us felt almost no strain our back and were ready to keep rolling. We are extremely excited to take some long trips this spring and summer with these packs.

I've had this pack since 2006. It's been on many adventures with me, from backpacking in Canyonlands to training hikes in Teluride to travel through Taiwan. For several years, I used this bag for grocery shopping and going to the laundry mat, when it was often 70 pounds. It's so comfortable that even fully loaded, I can easily dance while wearing it. This pack has survived bear attacks, rain storms, deserts, baggage handlers, and having its capacity tested endlessly. After 15 years, I've noticed the first sign of wear- a small tear in a seam. I'm happy with the longevity of the product, and I'm heartened that I can send it to Osprey for a professional-level repair for just the cost of one-way shipping. The All Mighty Guarantee is one reason I'm so loyal to Osprey- they did a fantastic job repairing bear damage, and they quickly sent me a set of replacement buckles after I damaged one of mine. I love how comfortable the hip belt and harness are, partly thanks to the high degree of adjustability. If it every gets lost or stolen, I will happily buy the same bag. I barely notice my bag while I'm hiking, meanwhile my hiking buddies complain about how uncomfortable their similarly priced non-Osprey packs are, or say how happy they are to get them off. I don't mind how the weight gets divided on group trips, because I know my pack can handle adding on the tent, carrying more than my share of food, and having a few liters of extra water. If you're looking for a comfortable bag that you can use in a range of circumstances for decades to come, look no further than the Osprey Ariel.