Osprey have totally re-designed their award winning womens Aura pack with the revolutionary Anti Gravity suspended back system. A tensioned one piece mesh sheet completely moulds to your body, a bit like a hammock, from shoulders to hips and provides unsurpassed levels of breathability. Because the load is spread so effectively you can load the Aura AG 50 right up and still feel incredibly comfortable. The usual pressure points on the shoulders and hips are completely eliminated by the suspended mesh and the pack seems to "float" on your body.
A constant air gap is maintained between the suspended mesh and the body of the pack allowing superb ventilation, even across the hips where traditionally heat would build up and cause hot spots and rubbing. To further increase the breathability the shoulder straps are made from Exoform perforated foam to allow heat to escape and maintain comfort.
The AntiGravity Suspended back system has complete adjustability and is available in two sizes with the sliding shoulder harness providing an additional 10cm of adjustment per size; there are two sprung webbing cam locks behind the adjuster that need to be released to slide the shoulder harness up and down. Osprey have also incorporated their Fit-on-the-Fly hipbelt which easily adjusts by using Velcro to get the padding in the correct position over your pelvis.
The Aura AG is the perfect all weather trekking pack that works in all conditions and Osprey have packed in all their usual features to make using this superb pack easy and practical. The main compartment is easily divided to separate wet kit or to store a sleeping bag and extra storage is available from the twin stretch mesh side pockets, a stretch front stash pocket, twin lid zipped pockets and hip belt pockets.
Another great feature is the removable top lid, if you want to strip the pack down or just dont need the extra storage you can remove the top lid completely and use the integrated "FlapJacket" cover to retain the weather resistance of the top closure.
This brilliant pack is aimed squarely at serious end users who demand the best load carrying comfort and breathability from a pack stuffed with features and weighing under 2kg.
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Designed for women
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AntiGravity 3D suspended mesh backpanel/hipbelt
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ExoForm/BioStretch harness with load lifter 'bar'
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Adjustable AirSpeed trampoline suspended mesh backsystem
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Sternum strap with emergency whistle
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Top lid access
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FlapJacket top cover for use without lid
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Stretch front pocket
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Twin zippered hip belt pockets
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Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment
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Twin ice axe loops
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Integrated & detachable raincover
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Sleeping bag base compartment with internal divider
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Fit-on-the-Fly adjustable hipbelt
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Compatible with Hydraulics Reservoir
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Base zip entry
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Internal top load compression strap
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Light weight peripheral frame
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Lower compression converts into sleeping pad straps
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Stretch mesh side pockets
Getting the correct fit for your rucksack is as important as getting the fit right for your boots. A badly fitting pack can inflict misery and discomfort and completely ruin your adventure. This guide is designed to help you get the best fit and comfort from your chosen pack so that carrying all your kit becomes a pleasure and not a chore.
ADJUSTING THE BACK LENGTH
If the pack has an adjustable back length, adjust this to your correct level. Your back length is not related to your height but your torso length. Many packs, and specifically the bigger and more technical packs are available in different back lengths or feature adjustable back systems. Contrary to popular belief, your torso length and not your overall height is the key to getting a well fitted pack. Tall people don’t necessarily have long torsos, just as shorter people don’t always have a short torso length.
Your torso length can be found by measuring from your C7 vertebra (the bony protrusion at the back of your neck when looking down) to the height of your iliac crest (top of your hip bones, where you put your hands on your hips). This measurement will give you an idea of which pack back length to choose.
Once you've got the back length sorted, either by selecting the correct size pack or adjusting the back system, you can begin to follow these simple steps to help achieve a comfortable carry.
LOOSEN OFF ALL STRAPS
Before you start fitting the pack, loosen off all the straps as this will make it easier to get the correct tension later.
TIGHTENING THE HIPBELT
Fasten the backpack hipbelt, the general position is the same as where you’d put your ‘hands on hips’ This area is called the pelvic girdle, and what you can feel when you rest your hand on the area is the bony protuberance, the iliac crest. The iliac crest can support the weight from a pack comfortably, and for sustained periods. The padded section of the hipbelt should encompass this and fit securely.
Tighten the straps so the hipbelt feels secure and held firmly around your body. Ensure that the lumbar pad is centered to your lower back to give you maximum support. Remember that your hips carry most of the weight of the pack, so this should be firm but comfortable.
ADJUSTING THE SHOULDER STRAPS
Next, adjust the shoulder straps, pull them until they start to become snug, but ensure that they are not too tight as to lift the pack off your hips. Remember tightening them will stabilise the pack but will increase pressure over the shoulders. If the back length of the pack is correct the shoulder straps will be flush to your shoulders whilst the hipbelt sits in place comfortably. The point where the shoulder straps attach to the main body of the pack should be roughly half way down your shoulder blades; this ensures that the shoulder straps rolls evenly over the top of your shoulders to distribute the weight correctly.
FASTENING THE CHEST STRAP
Fasten the chest strap and pull until taut but not tight, the elastic section should not be extended. This helps keep the shoulder straps from catching in your shoulder joints and keeps the stability of the pack when moving over rough ground.
ADJUSTING THE TOP TENSIONERS
Top tensioner straps link the shoulder straps to the top of the pack. When tightened, their main function is to stabilise the top part of the pack. The optimum angle for these straps in 45º, but they will stabilise the load even when horizontal or at a more obtuse angle. Tighten them until you feel the top part of the pack rest against your pack, over tightening them will create excessive pressure on the front of your shoulders.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE TENSIONERS
Side tension straps are linked to the hipbelt. By tightening these straps you can stabilise the load but reduce the hipbelt flexibility. Where balance is critical tightening them can help you feel more secure. However, if you are striding out over easy terrain it’s better to loosen these straps to allow full hip flexibility.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE COMPRESSION STRAPS
Side compression straps come next, pulling these tight does two things: firstly, it stabilises the load, secondly it can lift the lower part of the pack, repositioning the load closer to your back.
ADJUSTMENTS ON THE GO
Following these steps should give you a comfortable but secure fit on your pack. Sometimes adjustments will need to be made on the go depending on the terrain or the load you are carrying. The perfect fit is very much a personal preference so experiment with different tensions on the pack to find what suits you best.