Osprey Ariel 65 AG Womens Backpack Review after a weeks hike

This is an honest review of how this bag stands up to its hype and in this video I go into detail about the featured design elements and practical usability. Hopefully this will help those of you still looking and trying to figure out if this is the right bag for you.
Last Autumn I took up the Hadrian's Wall challenge - a 135km (84mile) backpacking hike across UK. For the purpose I purchased the Osprey Ariel 65 AG bag and put it through trial by fire via this 8 day adventure. As the bag requires an investment of almost £200, I have put together this lengthy review to help you make an informed decision.
If you are planning to purchase this bag, please consider supporting the channel by using one of the affiliate links bellow. It costs nothing extra to you, but I may receive a small referee bonus that helps to continue making videos.
For UK shoppers:
amzn.to/30rJRsA
For US shoppers (please note that most USA options don't have a waterproof cover, but the top turns into a day bag instead):
amzn.to/3eIdZVH
If you'd rather read a more concise version of this review follow the link bellow to my blog where I address the key points:
TBC
Please support the channel by liking this video and subscribing.

[@sandywieringa7421]

at 9:12, the pocket in the back of the pack is for a hydration bladder. The little hole you stuck your finger thru is for the straw (hose) that you drink from. The clip attaches to the top of the bladder so it doesn't slide down.

[@antaazure1795]

Thanks for the details. I haven't used a reserviour with this bag and as it has an external reservior sleeve as well, didn't put 2 and 2 together and notice this important setup.

[@erikaleanne25]

That small flap in the back of your pack is for a water bladder if you choose to carry one. That tiny opening you stuck your finger through is for the hose of the water bladder :) I watched this video mostly to see if it had that. Water bladders to me are a must

[@antaazure1795]

Hi Erika, thanks for your feedback. I've now learned about the water bladders since making this video. Glad it helped, I tried to show all the features even when unsure what they are for. :)

[@Arla934]

I really loved those side pockets as I hiked somewhere with less water and needed the inside for my gear so I could store 4 water bottles at the side :)

[@antaazure1795]

That is a fantastic solution. It is such a decent volume. :)

[@johannajonsson3196]

Thank you for sharing this detailed video, I found it very helpful!

[@antaazure1795]

Thank you Johanna! Very glad to hear that.

[@-ewen]

Hi, How tall are you to go with the WS version? Brilliant review by the way.

[@iametoh]

Splendid! What a nice review ❤️🦊🏕

[@antaazure1795]

Thank you! ⬅️🎒🏃‍♀️🏞️

[@kaheels]

Great video! Thanks so much for posting this. It was really helpful in my research for a new pack.

[@antaazure1795]

Thank you! Extremely happy to hear it helped. :)

[@nicoleowen3161]

cAN you make it completely secure with locks when put in the hold on flights and bus journeys etc?

[@antaazure1795]

I'm inclined to say no, unless you add extra straps and lock those. The top is pull cord only and some of the zippers don't go full circle, so can't be locked together. If I ever have to put it in airplane hold, I am getting the cling film special wrap. Otherwise I worry rough handling could rip parts.

[@adinanica4395]

Hi. Thank you for this video! I just bought a backpack myself and I do have fitting problems, especially with the hip straps - the bottom part is pushing into the skin. Do you have any tips or tricks in regards to that?

[@siapakamu]

I have questions..is the the backpack still standing after you put all the equipment inside? Cause somehow my backpack when its full it will keeps falling to the front. Or maybe I packed it wrongly?

[@lauri3898]

Make sure you fill the sleeping bag compartment area fully, and it stays upright. Does not have to be the heaviest items, but make sure the base is filled, ie socks, fleece etc.

[@antaazure1795]

Heya, It doesn't stand upright when fully packed, but that's normal. Mine falls as well. As long as you pack to distribute weight throughout the bag you should be alright. As long as it doesn't fall sideways :)

[@susilabhandari3300]

Do you think this will be a good bag for a 6 month backpacking trip around Southeast Asia???

[@antaazure1795]

Hi Susila, I haven't been on a several month backpacking trip, therefore may not be the right person to answer this. However if I was heading out for and adventure, I would stick with this bag instead of looking for something new as I trust it to remain sturdy and don't think it would break. The mesh system should prevent your back from getting sweaty and that's quite important to feel comfortable on such a long journey. Have a fantastic adventure!

[@FogoFox]

Thanks for the review. Can the top lid be used independently as a day pack?

[@antaazure1795]

Hi, glad it's helpful. This top lid specifically can't be used a s a day pack, however the US version comes with the daypack option instead of the waterproof cover.

[@jessisworld7710]

Can i ask how tall you are?

[@antaazure1795]

I'm 5' 8 and wear this maxed out. To be honest if I had to buy again, I'd go for the bigger one to have more flexibility, but in the original fitting this bag worked well, so I have this size now. There's an app on Osprey website, to help find your size and they don't just look at your height, but also the length of your torso. Hope it helps :)

[@1strights]

Hopefully you have since discovered that you have two nice packs in one. The removable lid converts into a fully sized and featured day pack. kzbin.info/www/bejne/inacpaejZZmor5o

[@chantal391]

That's only. for the US version ;-)