What is the Ariel 65?Ideal for a weekend getaway or a week-long adventure, the Ariel is fully adjustable, ultra-supportive and loaded with virtually every feature you could possibly want from a trekking pack. If you're carrying heavy loads, this is the pack you'll want on your back.
What is it made of?The entire bag is made from an ultra-tough 420D high-tenacity Bluesign-approved nylon. This fabric is equipped to deal with the most rugged conditions and is Bluesign approved, meaning those making the fabric are working in a safe environment and the process itself is as environmentally-responsible as possible. Bluesign traces each fabric's path along the manufacturing process, making improvements where necessary at every stage, from the factory floor to the finished product.
Which backsystem does it use?It uses Osprey's AirScape Suspension backsystem. This is a super-breathable, comfortable and adjustable system made primarily from soft foam and mesh. Foam is used throughout the back panel with cut-outs in strategic areas to improve breathability, then layered with mesh to grip securely to clothing. The back panel, hipbelt and shoulder straps all follow this same theme... because it works! Additional padding is placed lower down to improve lumbar support and the entire system is vertically adjustable to suit a wide range of users.
What are its features?A massive U-zip opening on the front of the pack lets you access almost the entire bag's contents without having to empty a single item.
In the lid, you'll find an internal pocket with a handy clip for your keys and an external zipped pocket for other essentials. Other pockets include dual zipped pockets on the lid, zipped base compartment which is perfect for a sleeping bag, a front shove-it pocket to store a wet tent flysheet or waterproof clothing, dual-access mesh side pockets for bottles and twin hipbelt pockets for snacks, a GPS, your phone, etc.
An integrated and removable raincover keeps your kit dry when the heavens open. If you'd rather not use bottles, there's an external hydration sleeve for a 3L bladder. Twin ice axe loops and Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment points keep your accessories secure and within easy reach, even while on the move. Side compression straps pull the weight closer to you for a more secure carry and prevent items sloshing about if the bag isn't completely full.
- Compatible with the Daylite Series
- Integrated & detachable raincover
- External hydration access
- Fit-on-the-Fly adjustable hipbelt
- Internal zipped divider
- Internal key attachment clip
- Zip pocket in top lid
- Twin ice axe loops
- Top lid access
- Sternum strap with emergency whistle
- Sleeping bag base compartment with internal divider
- Side compression straps
- Removable sleeping pad straps
- Reinforced base
- Reflective graphics
- Internal top load compression strap
- Fully adjustable AirScape backpanel with foam ridges for comfort and fit
- Front shove-it pocket
- Dual access mesh side pockets
- Fit-on-the-Fly adjustable harness
- Floating lid with dual zippered pockets
- Injection moulded Airscape HDPE backpanel with EVA foam padding
- Inverted U-Zip Opening
- Twin zippered hipbelt 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.