Osprey Ariel 65 Backpack

[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!

Great fir for my daughter carrying heavy loads on 10Tors training and multiple night expeditions

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!!

I bought this last year. Used it for backcountry camping trips, no complains at all. Comfortable! Has a Detachable small pack turns into a bag for easy hikes up the mountain while on backpacking. Rain cover not included.

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.

Ordered this bag for an upcoming trip, haven’t tried it on the trail yet, but it packed well and feels nice to wear. I am 5’11” and found the adjustable harness just fits. It was nice to get a female framed pack that has enough length, as I typically need to wear a male frame for my height. Didn’t give it a 5* as I haven’t tried it on a trail yet, but I’m sure it will be great!

West belt pocket… One side seems sew nicely but the other side was not. The fabric is taut and sewn then made pocket smaller than the other. Got defect one?

The picture shows this bag to be very dark, and it’s labelled as black. It’s a light/medium grey colour in person and doesn’t have a single black part to it. Very disappointed in the colour.