The Osprey Aura Ag 65 is a classic backpacking pack. It's women-specific fit makes it the most comfortable women's expedition backpacks.
Quick Guide
Category: Women's Backpacking Backpack
Sizes: XS, Small, Medium
Colors: Gamma Red, Challenger Blue, Vestal Gray
Weight: 4.34 lbs (1.97kg)
Gear Capacity: 60- 65 liters
Pros: Many storage options for gear; Lower center of gravity; Women’s-specific fit.
Cons: Heavy; Large front panel takes away space from the main compartment.
Best Suited For: Extended (2-5 night) backcountry adventures.
Also Check Out: For more durability and versatility, consider the Osprey Ariel AG 75.
Final Verdict: The Osprey Aura AG 65 is the most comfortable women's backpack in its price range.
A hiking backpack is a must-have whenever you head into the backcountry. They are used to carry food, water, and other essential supplies.
Finding the right backpack for all your hiking needs can be tricky, to say the least.
To help you find the right pack for any adventure, we’ve created these short Osprey Backpack reviews.
Osprey’s line up of gear includes some of the best backpacks available on the market today and they have a fantastic selection of women’s-specific packs.
Osprey Aura AG 65 Backpack Review
Osprey has long been a leading brand in the outdoor industry for packs of varying sizes.
The Osprey Aura AG 65 is a classic backpacking pack designed with women in mind. This pack features a shorter height, which helps to lower its center of gravity.
A lower center of gravity is particularly helpful for shorter hikers. Especially those with smaller torsos.
Additionally, the Aura AG 65 has one of the best-fitting harness systems around. The Osprey’s AntiGravity suspension system provides a contoured, yet seamless fit. This makes it super comfortable for all-day use.
Plus, the Aura AG 65’s harness is 100% adjustable so that you can get that perfect fit.
As far as storage goes, the Osprey Aura AG 65 provides lots of options. It has zippered hip belt pockets and side and front mesh pockets, as well as a zippered front compartment.
Oh, and it has ice tool loops and a zippered sleeping bag compartment for added versatility.
For more durability and versatility, consider the Osprey Ariel AG 75. The Ariel uses extra-tough fabrics. Also, it has some added features that are perfect for mountaineering overnights.
Key Specifications:
Pros & Cons:
Osprey Aura AG 65 Backpack Key Features
- Anti-Gravity suspension - feels like you are carrying less weight than is in your pack
- Removable floating top lid with dual zippered pockets and web attachment points
- Integrated FlapJacket protects gear when top lid is removed
- Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment allows you to stow your poles in steep terrain or whenever you need your hands free
- Adjustable harness and Fit-on-the-Fly hipbelt to dial in perfect fit
- Internal hydration reservoir sleeve accommodates up to a 3L reservoir
- Front stretch mesh pocket stores rain gear for easy access when skies darken, or wet gear after the downpour stops
- Dual access stretch mesh side pockets for storing water bottles and other gear with InsideOut side compression straps
- Dual upper and lower side compression straps stabilize loads and maintain a streamlined profile
- Zippered hipbelt pockets keep snacks and smaller items close at hand
- Lower zippered sleeping bag compartment with removable divider
- Dual ice tool loops
- Removable sleeping pad straps
- Sternum strap with integrated safety whistle
FAQs
What is a Backpacking Backpack?
A backpacking pack is a large backpack designed to carry your gear on overnight trips. They are generally between 50 and 110L in size.
The capacity you choose for your pack depends on the length of your trip and the season you’re backpacking in.
Backpacking packs differ from day packs in terms of size. Yet, you’ll find some features on a backpacking pack that are not included on a day pack. Such as extra straps for sleeping pads.
Why are Osprey Backpacks Good Value?
Osprey is one of the oldest backpacking gear manufacturers in the United States.
They are known for making high-quality equipment that’s very versatile. We love that Osprey builds their packs with plenty of features to make your life easier when you’re out and about.
Plus, Osprey stands by the quality of their packs. They offer their All Mighty Guarantee.
The company will repair any damage or defect on their packs, free of charge, regardless of when you bought it.
Should I buy a Gender-Specific Backpack?
These days, it is possible to get a women’s specific backpack. Having “gender-specific” hiking packs may seem odd.
However, many women’s models are better suited for people with smaller bodies.
A women’s pack will usually have a shorter length, which is better for people under about 5’9” (175cm) in height.
Additionally, these packs usually have wider hip belts and curved shoulder straps. These adjustments are to accommodate a woman’s body better.
How to Pick the Right Backpack?
A backpack is a critical piece of gear when it comes to hiking. Thus, it’s vital that you fully understand what you are looking for before you buy.
So, when shopping for your next hiking backpack, here are some of the main factors to consider:
Intended Purpose - When we buy a piece of outdoor gear, we usually intend to use it for a specific purpose. In particular, backpacks come in many shapes and sizes. Some of which are best suited for a specific activity.
Hike Duration - A day hike can be as short as half an hour while a backpacking trip can last for months. The length of your hiking trip will have much impact on the pack you choose to use.
Comfort - Comfort is key when it comes to buying a hiking backpack. Keep in mind you’ll carry your pack over varied, uneven terrain for hours on end. You don’t want to purchase something uncomfortable.
Capacity - Backpack capacity is traditionally expressed in terms of liters of volume. In general, the capacity of pack that you need is dependent on three things: the length of your trip, the season, and the type of activity.
Here’s a rough guideline for choosing your pack capacity:
- Summer day hikes: 10-30L
- Winter day hikes: 30-50L
- Summer backpacking trips: 60-90L
- Winter backpacking trips: 75-110L
- Extended (14+ day) expeditions: 90-110L
For more information check out our Best Backpacks Buying Guide or our backpack in-depth reviews for more backpack recommendations.
Key Takeaways
Although there are a lot of good backpacking backpacks on the market these days, you really can't go wrong with the Osprey Aura AG 65.
It's women-specific design, Anti-Gravity™ suspension system, and a women-specific fit, make the Osprey Aura AG 65 pack one of the most comfortable on the market.
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