Thanks for including Kristi in this video. As a female hiker myself, I appreciate that and would love to see her perspective included in more videos. 👍😊
Love the partner content as my wife is just getting interested in backpacking herself! She has the Flash 45 from REI but comfort and fit are so important on a backpack. Congrats on your engagement and I'll look forward to more spouse/partner content! You guys rock! Thanks for sharing!
I tried this pack on in the store and REALLY wanted to love it. I had been eyeing it up for quite a while because I am an organizational freak. But the hip belt felt just awful for me. Ended up with a Gregory Deva which I found to be very comfortable and LOVE. Now, my husband tried on many different packs and ended up loving the Osprey Atmos (men's version of the Aura). The hip belt is actually one of the things he really likes. Just goes to show how important it is to get the right pack for your body type.
Hey guys! I use to tend to carrying my pack too low on my hips. But when you can get the weight off the pack, adjust the belt at belly height, tighten the straps, then when you stand up it settles about right, it works for me.
I recently purchased the 65L Atmos (male version of the Aura). I am thicker in the shoulders and chest. I was having the same issues with the shoulder blades rubbing the speed clips. It took a lot of tweaking to get it dialed in. Once I did it was very comfortable loaded with 40lbs on its maiden voyage which was a 17 mile hike. I have severaly Osprey packs one being an 85L Aether for Winter backpacking and photography gear. The Atmos/ Aura definitely takes more adjusting to get it fine tuned compared to the other Osprey packs I have. Once it is, it is a very nice pack; for me at least.
Keep playing with the strap extenders and the pack frame adjusters on the side. I eventually found the right combination for me. I have used it on several trips since, and no issues. I chose to take this pack to Yosemite doing the SnowCreek trail, NorthDome, Upper Yosemite Falls loop in a couple of weeks. I think it will do the best for such a steep climb. @@Nonkaist
This is my absolutely favorite backpack. I am a small framed woman 5'5'' and 110 lbs. I have it XS size Aura 65 backpack and I carried cca 55lbs on 100+ mile scout trek in Philmont Scout Ranch and it was a piece of cake.
I got it on REI sale with a coupon for some $120. Hip fit is amazing for me personally. I tried so many backpacks (not ultra) and this one is a dream. Judging by the comments I must have a rare build that this backpack is made for.
COMPLETELY agree with everything she said. I had the early version of the Aura, and had the exact same thing happen to my hips on my first hike with it. I would keep happening if I had not been introduced to the wonders of Leukotape on that hike that my buddy was carrying. Thank the Universe he had it! Or there is no way I was going to be able to take one more step with that fully loaded pack. They were already so badly damaged, raw, and bruised that it still hurt like hell, but I could at least bareably hike out to the car. I loaded ice packs on them as soon as we got home. Literally were visibly healing and bruised for a month. I am glad to hear that they made this easier to adjust. The old version, not so much. And they have much improved on the accessibility of it, particularly the top bag, that I LOVE can double as a quick day pack if you set up camp for the night someplace, but still want to do a quick day hike of the immediate area. But fully agree, the sleeping bag access is much to be desired. It’s literally impossible to get a bag out of there. I don’t even bother. AGain, agree that no pack beats Osprey’s airflow system. But those hips belts have GOT to be addressed. Oh yes, and the only other useless pockets on there are the hip belt pockets. They are so far back and hard to unzip that you can’t get anything out of them, which defeats their whole purpose. I am really glad you reviewed this, as I am looking for a new pack, and was contemplating this one with supposed improvements. While there are some, it’s not enough to drop my limited funds on. Thanks for the honest review, seriously.
I just bought the Aura 65 AG. I used it for a six day trek. Carried 50 lbs. I have the xs-s and I’m 5’6” (185lbs). The md-lg size was too big and didn’t fit well on my back and hips. I honestly liked it. It took a minute to get used to putting it on. I found stepping into the open belt and pulling it up worked well. The next step is to pack lighter. 😅
I have the 50L version. Experienced the same issues with getting the hip belt open enough to swing the pack on and also the straps twisting too. My shoulder blade rubs in the same spot, but I’ve only used this so far with my puffer so it wasn’t too bad. I don’t enjoy having ‘the brain’ hit the back of my head either. Made me feel off balance. I have to say though one thing I love is the ease that the straps pull closed. I bought a different light weight pack that has great reviews but the strap adjustments feel like they’re glued in place! They don’t easily pull to tighten. Other than that, I’m enjoying how light the pack feels. 2 lbs less! Ultimately I will be returning the Osprey (love REI !) because I’m looking to reduce weight overall due to a foot issue. This pack is too heavy for me.
Today I tried on Osprey Kestrel 58L and a MEC 65L Zephyr. Walked around with weights and getting it properly adjusted. I so thought I'd want the Osprey because everyone raves about them, but the MEC backpack had softer less abrasive straps, felt better on the hips and less lower back load. Also 5cm gap with the frame so my back felt nice and cool. Fabric felt the same. buckles looked similar. Went with MEC. I hope it holds up for our 3 months of backpacking!
I have the 50L S/M version of this pack. Most comfortable pack I’ve put on. Haven’t had an issue with rubbing on the hips. 5’8 and waist size is 30 so the extensions on the hip belt are retracted almost fully. Just a couple inches being used. Just retract the extensions fully and you probably won’t have an issue with rubbing
I just got this pack and am still dialing the fit in. Luv the design, the pockets, the fit on the fly ability. I did put my tent were the sleeping bag normally is, since they both are almost the same weight…then the nylofume liner with sleeping bag and all other items to keep dry. I’ve only tried this way of packing once, so I’ll see if I keep it after a few more trips. This pack does feel better than my Osprey Ariel AG 65L, but that pack was too big…even though I did have someone in store fit me.🤷♀️
Both my son and I had Osprey packs and both built very differently. He is slim and narrow as I am plus size and have hips. We both had issues with the hip belts and comfort. We were fitted with these packs and felt ok in the store. Once we put our weighted items in there ( vs the REI weights ) it was very uncomfortable. We tried repacking a few different ways and just couldn’t find comfort. We ended up returning them after our second trip with them.
If you are looking for a comfortable pack that carries weight well, check out Kristi's review of the Bridger 55: ua-cam.com/video/L_PvZ6ekH38/v-deo.html and let me know what you think!
I have the men's version (Atmos AG), and I felt the same way! The air flow was great, but the hip belt dug into my sides when I had it tight enough to relieve stress on my shoulders. Have you all ever tried a Six Moon Designs pack? They have a vest harness much like the Mystery Ranch Bridger series, but the packs are more minimalist and lighter.
I appreciate that Kristi was neutral regarding her comfort for the review on this backpack. However, I think it bears repeating that comfort level is top 3 if not THE most important feature of a backpack. If all you can think of on your trip is "when will I be able to take this dang thing off?!" rather than being able to enjoy your surroundings and put that mental fortitude into your endurance it's only going to detract from your experience. This is especially true if you are on a couple's trip or with a group. A bad attitude on the trail can be very contagious. Don't be afraid to try something else, even if the gear you've chosen is well loved by many other people. Pick something that fits you and your body.
My Osprey and Gregory packs are both starting to hurt my shoulder when carrying a 29 lb load. After watching your videos, I've been considering getting a Bridger 55l. Do you and Christie both feel that the Bridger carries a load better than most packs?
i got the atmos (male ver.)and have literally the same complaints, zipper at the bottom is annoying too open/close and the hipbelt is not comfortable. It actually bruised my hips a bit but im new to hiking soo maybe my hips just arent used to it.
yes hips longer right? i am fit too. and radius of hips not big , the backpack belt are bigger it is possible to tie it but it will ao tie construction will lost some comfort.
Eric As always appreciate the videos. Always top notch and very informative. Kristi Great to see you as well. I have a bit of great news for you... If you are ever in serious trouble Eric is well trained in the "when and how" to bring in the helicopter. Just kidding Eric is the best and truly enjoy the content he puts on here. Eddie
I had mine fitted there. Didn’t help not one bit. Too late to return it to Osprey too. So I’ll have to find someone that it does fit and hopefully sell it.
Interesting to see one of Osprey's updated packs. I stopped looking at their packs all together after I applied for their affiliate program and they declined me saying I wasn't a fit for their brand.... a guy who summits dozens a mountains a year... is not fit for a backpacking brand... hah.. I think I'll stick to Ultimate Direction.
I recently had to return the 50L version of this pack as I was getting extreme bruising on both my hips as well. I don't think this pack is a good fit for people with a waist less than 32" due to the curved hard plastic or whatever they have going on in the hip belt.
The Bridger was a huge disappointment. It was super uncomfortable with pressure points on the back of the hipbelt and a weird fit in general for a petite female. This pack fit very well. Shows how individual bodies are individual. Also this is a sponsored channel by Mystery Ranch.
I hated that pack !! The perfect pack for me is the granite gear perimeter 50. One of the most adjustable packs out there. It even won a gear award in 21 and literally no one has tried and or reviewed it 🤷♀️
after almost 3 decades of backpacking, all I can say is that those expensive premium brands like Osprey do not worth its price as much less known brands like Decathlon's Forclaz for example, can offer almost the same if not the same and sometimes even better quality and features at a fraction the price tag you find with Osprey bags. Backpacking and camping gear, from my experience can be divided in three sections; the premium brands which offer very good quality indeed but charges disproportionally just to bear the brand around and brag about it with your friends on the trail (mere fashion not value) the second one are brands with almost if not the same quality at a price tag that makes sense (value=price) but without the fashion factor of those expensive brands and the third category that are just cheap low quality "gear" (aka Chinese crap). I have never and never will buy Osprey bags, it just makes no sense. Cheers
Worst pack I ever had! My hips were completely raw and bruised after after half a day. I couldn't get the hip belt sninched down small enough for me. And the brain compartment would hit the back of my head.
Thanks for including Kristi in this video. As a female hiker myself, I appreciate that and would love to see her perspective included in more videos. 👍😊
Love the partner content as my wife is just getting interested in backpacking herself! She has the Flash 45 from REI but comfort and fit are so important on a backpack. Congrats on your engagement and I'll look forward to more spouse/partner content! You guys rock! Thanks for sharing!
I tried this pack on in the store and REALLY wanted to love it. I had been eyeing it up for quite a while because I am an organizational freak. But the hip belt felt just awful for me. Ended up with a Gregory Deva which I found to be very comfortable and LOVE. Now, my husband tried on many different packs and ended up loving the Osprey Atmos (men's version of the Aura). The hip belt is actually one of the things he really likes. Just goes to show how important it is to get the right pack for your body type.
Hey guys! I use to tend to carrying my pack too low on my hips. But when you can get the weight off the pack, adjust the belt at belly height, tighten the straps, then when you stand up it settles about right, it works for me.
I recently purchased the 65L Atmos (male version of the Aura). I am thicker in the shoulders and chest. I was having the same issues with the shoulder blades rubbing the speed clips. It took a lot of tweaking to get it dialed in. Once I did it was very comfortable loaded with 40lbs on its maiden voyage which was a 17 mile hike. I have severaly Osprey packs one being an 85L Aether for Winter backpacking and photography gear. The Atmos/ Aura definitely takes more adjusting to get it fine tuned compared to the other Osprey packs I have. Once it is, it is a very nice pack; for me at least.
Got the same problem - how did you solve it?
I’d love to know this also, I’ve just purchased this pack and I can see these points as being an issue for. Not sure how to tweak it to fix it!
Keep playing with the strap extenders and the pack frame adjusters on the side. I eventually found the right combination for me. I have used it on several trips since, and no issues. I chose to take this pack to Yosemite doing the SnowCreek trail, NorthDome, Upper Yosemite Falls loop in a couple of weeks. I think it will do the best for such a steep climb. @@Nonkaist
This is my absolutely favorite backpack. I am a small framed woman 5'5'' and 110 lbs. I have it XS size Aura 65 backpack and I carried cca 55lbs on 100+ mile scout trek in Philmont Scout Ranch and it was a piece of cake.
I got it on REI sale with a coupon for some $120. Hip fit is amazing for me personally. I tried so many backpacks (not ultra) and this one is a dream. Judging by the comments I must have a rare build that this backpack is made for.
you carried half your bodyweight!!! you are absolutely hardcore, that's crazy hahah
COMPLETELY agree with everything she said. I had the early version of the Aura, and had the exact same thing happen to my hips on my first hike with it. I would keep happening if I had not been introduced to the wonders of Leukotape on that hike that my buddy was carrying. Thank the Universe he had it! Or there is no way I was going to be able to take one more step with that fully loaded pack. They were already so badly damaged, raw, and bruised that it still hurt like hell, but I could at least bareably hike out to the car. I loaded ice packs on them as soon as we got home. Literally were visibly healing and bruised for a month.
I am glad to hear that they made this easier to adjust. The old version, not so much. And they have much improved on the accessibility of it, particularly the top bag, that I LOVE can double as a quick day pack if you set up camp for the night someplace, but still want to do a quick day hike of the immediate area. But fully agree, the sleeping bag access is much to be desired. It’s literally impossible to get a bag out of there. I don’t even bother.
AGain, agree that no pack beats Osprey’s airflow system. But those hips belts have GOT to be addressed. Oh yes, and the only other useless pockets on there are the hip belt pockets. They are so far back and hard to unzip that you can’t get anything out of them, which defeats their whole purpose.
I am really glad you reviewed this, as I am looking for a new pack, and was contemplating this one with supposed improvements. While there are some, it’s not enough to drop my limited funds on. Thanks for the honest review, seriously.
I just bought the Aura 65 AG. I used it for a six day trek. Carried 50 lbs. I have the xs-s and I’m 5’6” (185lbs). The md-lg size was too big and didn’t fit well on my back and hips. I honestly liked it. It took a minute to get used to putting it on. I found stepping into the open belt and pulling it up worked well. The next step is to pack lighter. 😅
I have the 50L version. Experienced the same issues with getting the hip belt open enough to swing the pack on and also the straps twisting too. My shoulder blade rubs in the same spot, but I’ve only used this so far with my puffer so it wasn’t too bad. I don’t enjoy having ‘the brain’ hit the back of my head either. Made me feel off balance. I have to say though one thing I love is the ease that the straps pull closed. I bought a different light weight pack that has great reviews but the strap adjustments feel like they’re glued in place! They don’t easily pull to tighten. Other than that, I’m enjoying how light the pack feels. 2 lbs less! Ultimately I will be returning the Osprey (love REI !) because I’m looking to reduce weight overall due to a foot issue. This pack is too heavy for me.
You guys make a great team and love the chemistry.
Today I tried on Osprey Kestrel 58L and a MEC 65L Zephyr. Walked around with weights and getting it properly adjusted. I so thought I'd want the Osprey because everyone raves about them, but the MEC backpack had softer less abrasive straps, felt better on the hips and less lower back load. Also 5cm gap with the frame so my back felt nice and cool. Fabric felt the same. buckles looked similar. Went with MEC. I hope it holds up for our 3 months of backpacking!
and MEC was 40$ cheaper too. the only thing i didn't like as much was the color
I'm 5 feet tall 180 lb I'm looking forward to trying this pack and I'm definitely not worried about it rubbing on my hips😊
I have the 50L S/M version of this pack. Most comfortable pack I’ve put on. Haven’t had an issue with rubbing on the hips. 5’8 and waist size is 30 so the extensions on the hip belt are retracted almost fully. Just a couple inches being used. Just retract the extensions fully and you probably won’t have an issue with rubbing
Not me eying this exact pack in the 55L 😂 you guys have perfect timing!! Much love to you both ❤
Compliments Guys and great test by Kristi! Very useful review and test! 👍👍💪💪Thank you 🙌 D&N 😊😊
I just got this pack and am still dialing the fit in. Luv the design, the pockets, the fit on the fly ability. I did put my tent were the sleeping bag normally is, since they both are almost the same weight…then the nylofume liner with sleeping bag and all other items to keep dry. I’ve only tried this way of packing once, so I’ll see if I keep it after a few more trips. This pack does feel better than my Osprey Ariel AG 65L, but that pack was too big…even though I did have someone in store fit me.🤷♀️
Both my son and I had Osprey packs and both built very differently. He is slim and narrow as I am plus size and have hips. We both had issues with the hip belts and comfort. We were fitted with these packs and felt ok in the store. Once we put our weighted items in there ( vs the REI weights ) it was very uncomfortable. We tried repacking a few different ways and just couldn’t find comfort. We ended up returning them after our second trip with them.
If you are looking for a comfortable pack that carries weight well, check out Kristi's review of the Bridger 55: ua-cam.com/video/L_PvZ6ekH38/v-deo.html and let me know what you think!
Kristi is a complete sweetheart 💕, congratulations to you both!!!
Love your videos Eric! Awesome seeing Kristy involved too 👍
I have the men's version (Atmos AG), and I felt the same way! The air flow was great, but the hip belt dug into my sides when I had it tight enough to relieve stress on my shoulders.
Have you all ever tried a Six Moon Designs pack? They have a vest harness much like the Mystery Ranch Bridger series, but the packs are more minimalist and lighter.
I appreciate that Kristi was neutral regarding her comfort for the review on this backpack. However, I think it bears repeating that comfort level is top 3 if not THE most important feature of a backpack. If all you can think of on your trip is "when will I be able to take this dang thing off?!" rather than being able to enjoy your surroundings and put that mental fortitude into your endurance it's only going to detract from your experience. This is especially true if you are on a couple's trip or with a group. A bad attitude on the trail can be very contagious. Don't be afraid to try something else, even if the gear you've chosen is well loved by many other people. Pick something that fits you and your body.
Would it be ok if you demo the Kelty Redwing? It's supposably meant to be a comfortable hiking backpack
My Osprey and Gregory packs are both starting to hurt my shoulder when carrying a 29 lb load. After watching your videos, I've been considering getting a Bridger 55l. Do you and Christie both feel that the Bridger carries a load better than most packs?
The Bridger backpacks do a great job with comfort and carrying weight! If you try it, I'd like to know what you think.
I tried the Aura in REI for about 20 minutes and found it really uncomfortable. It’s very body dependent though as you say.
How come the new Atmos AG has "airspeed" on its back? Isn't it AG suspension? Or has it changed to airspeed? Thanks.
i got the atmos (male ver.)and have literally the same complaints, zipper at the bottom is annoying too open/close and the hipbelt is not comfortable. It actually bruised my hips a bit but im new to hiking soo maybe my hips just arent used to it.
yes hips longer right? i am fit too. and radius of hips not big , the backpack belt are bigger it is possible to tie it but it will ao tie construction will lost some comfort.
Eric
As always appreciate the videos. Always top notch and very informative.
Kristi
Great to see you as well. I have a bit of great news for you... If you are ever in serious trouble Eric is well trained in the "when and how" to bring in the helicopter. Just kidding Eric is the best and truly enjoy the content he puts on here.
Eddie
This pack has a lot of ways to adjust it close to your body type, it would be worth a trip to REI to fit it perfectly for you.
I had mine fitted there. Didn’t help not one bit. Too late to return it to Osprey too. So I’ll have to find someone that it does fit and hopefully sell it.
Gracias por ser honesta.
Interesting to see one of Osprey's updated packs. I stopped looking at their packs all together after I applied for their affiliate program and they declined me saying I wasn't a fit for their brand.... a guy who summits dozens a mountains a year... is not fit for a backpacking brand... hah.. I think I'll stick to Ultimate Direction.
I recently had to return the 50L version of this pack as I was getting extreme bruising on both my hips as well. I don't think this pack is a good fit for people with a waist less than 32" due to the curved hard plastic or whatever they have going on in the hip belt.
My wife has the. 55l version.
The Bridger was a huge disappointment. It was super uncomfortable with pressure points on the back of the hipbelt and a weird fit in general for a petite female. This pack fit very well. Shows how individual bodies are individual. Also this is a sponsored channel by Mystery Ranch.
I hated that pack !! The perfect pack for me is the granite gear perimeter 50. One of the most adjustable packs out there. It even won a gear award in 21 and literally no one has tried and or reviewed it 🤷♀️
after almost 3 decades of backpacking, all I can say is that those expensive premium brands like Osprey do not worth its price as much less known brands like Decathlon's Forclaz for example, can offer almost the same if not the same and sometimes even better quality and features at a fraction the price tag you find with Osprey bags. Backpacking and camping gear, from my experience can be divided in three sections; the premium brands which offer very good quality indeed but charges disproportionally just to bear the brand around and brag about it with your friends on the trail (mere fashion not value) the second one are brands with almost if not the same quality at a price tag that makes sense (value=price) but without the fashion factor of those expensive brands and the third category that are just cheap low quality "gear" (aka Chinese crap). I have never and never will buy Osprey bags, it just makes no sense. Cheers
5:43 look at Erik's face💀
Worst pack I ever had! My hips were completely raw and bruised after after half a day. I couldn't get the hip belt sninched down small enough for me. And the brain compartment would hit the back of my head.