I bought an Osprey Aura AG 65 and I’m looking forward to testing it out.
This is my second pack, the first pack was a Gregory that I bought for $50 from my friend Sam.
Because I wasn’t sure if backpacking was something I was going to enjoy, I wanted to spend the least amount of money I could.
My first backpacking trip was in Malibu and I fell in love on my first trip. The Gregory pack I got from Sam is about 10 years old, Sam got it from her friends mom who had it for several years before Sam got it from her. A lot changes in 10 years and the technology for packs has improved significantly. The pack I was using didn't even have a good place to hold the bladder or where to run the bladder hose.
The Gregory pack was the only one I ever wore and I wasn’t sure if the discomfort I felt was just part of backpacking or if there was a way to make it more comfortable.
Once I decided to purchase a new backpacking pack, I went online, read a lot of reviews, made a list of my top packs, then went to REI to try them on. The Osprey Aura AG 65 was not on my list but the girl that was helping me recommended it. The Aura was the last pack I tried on, as soon as I did, I knew it was the one for me, it felt so light and comfortable. I’ll be putting it to the test on a trip to the Easter Sierras.
Update:
Absolutely love my pack, it was really comfortable and perfectly balanced. Since I have something to compare it to I realized that a pack doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. Very happy with my purchase.
My recommendation:
We are all different, different height, weight, shape and I highly recommend trying on different packs before making your purchase. One size/style does not fit all, if you see yourself backpacking find a pack you love.
