Osprey Aura AG 50L Backpack

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This pack replaces an 8 year old Aura AG 50. My k9 partner and I do wilderness search and rescue so we are off trail and packs can take some abuse. My old pack was just a tad too short in length, the new one is just right. With even more adjustments. And boy does it feel even more comfortable! I don’t load the pack to its capabilities. I needed the hip pockets and side pockets for extra water for my k9. These pack are terrific for their flexibility in fit and in usage. Very durable as well. Which is why I came back for more of the same.

Small size and great fit for slim female teen starting her adventures. Lovely purple colour is fun and different from anything we have seen. Loads of fantastic little pockets for easy access while walking.

Used this on my first backpacking of 20 miles. I owe the success of my trip entirely to this pack. The weight felt lifted. The way the hip belts grip the hips gave this pack comfort and stability without any pinching or nerve damage. I packed heavy, but it felt like half the weight. The hydration pack insert was a life saver. I would’ve been a lot more sweaty if it wasn’t for that breathable back mesh. I loved everything this pack has to offer. It’s intuitive and saved my body from further fatigue.

I used this pack for the first time on a hut to hut cross-country ski trip for three days. I expected, due to the fact that I hadn't worn it before, to have some aches and pains and some break in, but I was blown away at how comfortable this pack was, and I had zero issues with rubbing, discomfort or pain. I loved the pack for its comfort, I felt like I wasn't carrying a backpack at times, and the little details that Osprey added are amazing. I love how easy it is to adjust the fit on this pack - they call it fit on the fly, and it is a great name. I was able to adjust the pack quickly as needed to make it feel like nothing while out on the trail in the snow and cold temps. The ventilation was also good - so it wasn't hot on my back. I love the little details, like the rain cover, the side pockets being able to hold a water bottle a number of ways (one of which is really easily accessible while the pack is still on - my friends who had to take off their packs to have a drink were jealous), and all the various ways to tighten or clip things on was awesome. Being able to strap my poles to the pack was a plus, and the amount I was able to fit in this pack and keep separate due to the design of the pack was really helpful. Also, EVERYTHING was easy to access - the side zips to the main compartment were really appreciated. This pack is burly - I think it will last me a long time, incredibly comfortable - I took it out of the package and loaded it up and had no issues, and designed with a ton of thought by people who clearly knew what they were doing.

Bought this backpack for my Havasupai Az trip. Worked great. Very comfortable. Easy to keep weight balanced. Packed everything I needed for the week. 33 pounds, easy to get on and off. Lots of extra loops. (I like comfort).

Really like this - the ventilated back is great! Nice purple colour too. Very adjustable though having the back measurements would make it slightly easier (instead of just marks). Hip belts are much more snug than on most rucksacks I've tried. One thing to improve would be to make the side pockets deeper if possible and the side entrance slightly wider to make it easier for taller/wide bottles like 32oz hydro flask.

Such a basic feature - would never have bought if I'd know it had been eliminated. ;-(

I'm super bummed about this pack… I got the Aura AG 50 L for a 2 night 3 day backpacking trip through Bryce Canyon and had a hard time. My personal issues about the pack: After 2 miles in, my hips became swollen and irritated due to the rigid hip belt. In order to keep the load close to my back I had to really cinch down the straps which caused tension. Second, the back suspension/ air way system seems like an amazing idea, but really it wasn't. I wanted to love it, but having the load off my back created an unbalanced load leaving me back heavy when going around unstable terrain (not what I want). I really loved the quality of the pack and amazing zippers that held up great. Each day I would hike I would have to unclip my hip belt and let my legs get more blood flow. Hips were left bruised and numb, my lower back hurt, BUT shoulders felt great. I tried re-packing and distributing weight many different ways so I knew it wasn't user error. I'm bummed this wasn't the pack for me:(