The Ariel 65 from Osprey comes in 2 women's specific sizes. Osprey have optimised the fit of the super breathable backsystem, IsoForm hipbelt and shoulder harness to suit the average female body shape. The shoulder straps have a narrower width and the hip belt is positioned to suit the female form. The IsoForm hipbelt can be customised to exactly mould to your shape. These systems all work together to distribute the weight of a heavy pack onto the load bearing skeletal structure of your body putting less strain on your muscular structure for a more comfortable carry and a much better fit.
This pack is ideal for multi-day adventures or backpacking your way around the world. There is plenty of space and pockets for you to organise and store your gear; you can even remove the lid and use it as a lumbar pack (a.k.a. bumbag). The front of the pack has 4 reinforced cord loops for you to attach an additional Osprey Daylite pack or crampon pocket, front opening for easy access and a stretch pocket for the stowing of jackets and maps. If you don't fill your pack make sure to use the straight jacket compression strap to secure the internal load as no-one likes a rattly pack and it will stop the contents from shifting and throwing you off balance.
Building on last years model, the newest edition of the Ariel improves the comfort and fit even further, with a suspended mesh backpanel now encompassing the entire back and hipbelt, meaning your back isn't in contact with the pack itself but the mesh. This massively increases the breathability and comfort whilst still being supportive and functional. The mesh also aids lumbar positioning and grips around the hip bones in a more advanced way than past models.
There is a built in rain cover that will keep out a good down pour but we would always recommend the use of dry bags to absolutely make sure precious loads are kept safe and dry. Dry bags also compartmentalise and organise your kit which is key when on long adventures or when you need to get to your first aid kit or ID documents in a hurry.
There is easy access to water bottles in the stretchy side pockets without having to remove your pack and you can quickly store you're walking poles on the move using the clever Stow-on0the-Go system and there is an external entery port for your hydration system so just that little bit easier to refill your bladder. Osprey have also thrown in walking/ice axe loops, a seperate bottom section for your sleeping system and removable sleeping mat straps.
In short this is an incredibly comfortable and versatile bag that you can cope with all your kit wherever you choose to travel.
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Womens specific
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AG Anti-Gravity 3D suspended mesh backpanel and lumbar
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Top lid access
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J-Zip front panel access
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Adjustable torso length
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Integrated and detachable raincover
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Pre-curved IsoForm CM moldable hipbelt
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Stow-on-the-go trekking pole attachment
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FlapJacket top cover for use without lid
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Stretch mesh side pockets with InsideOut compression
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StraightJacket compression
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Side compression straps
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Light weight peripheral frame
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External hydration access
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Removable top lid with dual compartments
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Base zip entry
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Removable sleeping pad straps
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Sleeping bag base compartment with internal divider
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Stretch front pocket
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Twin zippered hipbelt pockets
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Twin ice axe loops
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Sternum strap with emergency whistle
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Internal key attachment clip
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.