OSPREY AURA / ATMOS BACKPACK REVIEW | POST THRU-HIKE

[@anitavincent7447]

You are soooo good at explaining things in your reviews, a lot of detail which is very appreciated. Thank you for all you do Mary. 👍🏻🙏🏻❤️

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

You are so welcome, thank you so much Anita!

[@o.brygier2364]

Hi Mary, thanks for this great review! I just bought a used Atmos AG 65 and I learned 2 things from you: 1. How to tuck away the overlength of the hip belt straps and 2. how to totally open the drawstring closure so easily. Best regards from Germany!

[@johnmoquist4303]

I was so happy to see a vid from you. Thanks again for sharing your adventures.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks for watching John!

[@susanmansfield8025]

So informative for anyone planning a trip. Great video Mary x

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks so much! x

[@donnienewman9141]

Osprey is incredible. My wife has the Eja and I have the Exos. Both 58 litters. You right about Osprey they really take care of you.

[@davidmiles5675]

A brilliant video Mary so helpful thank you , a good honest review makes a change from someone trying to sell stuff , you have a new follower, ps helped me a lot so thank you again

[@vickiebartnicki4216]

Very good review on the Osprey Aura. I like your honest opinions. Thank you Mary. Blessings and safe hiking adventures. xx

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you kindly!

[@bettyjorodgers8552]

Always love your videos . Great and very professional information. Thank you.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

So nice of you Betty, thank you!

[@ramblingrosenana3513]

Love watching this. I have the same pack and even though I have tried going to a lighter weight pack, it doesn’t work and I go back to the Aura. Thanks Mary.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks so much Cheryl, sometimes lighter isn't always the best option. Unfortunately I saw a lot of people on trail finding this out the hard way so I hope this helps future hikers!

[@erinthetraveler6168]

I'm just starting to get into backpacking and was looking up reviews for this exact backpack not five minutes before I saw your video. Thank you!

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Yay - glad it was helpful!

[@bartekwojnar6675]

Great review, pleasant to watch , very informative and your beautiful smile and Irish accent made it brilliant watch. :)

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it Bartek- although I'm not Irish! That'll be a Yorkshire accent you've picked up on 😉

[@Swimdeep]

Mary to the rescue! I bought this pack today at REI’s big sale. I love my new pack and as always, your video explainer is thorough and helpful. Thanks!🌿

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

I am so glad my video helped - thanks so much for your lovely feedback and enjoy the new pack!

[@fionamccormick111]

Really helpful, thankyou 🙏

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

You’re welcome 😊

[@TheMrsKKB]

What a great review video Mary!! I love Osprey too, I have the Kyte 36 which I've used twice now for an overnight wilderness backpacking trip and it was loaded just for that one night LOL. I don't have ultralight gear but for one or two nights it's fine. I usually have to carry a lot of water in the desert (5 liters) so my total weight was at 35 lbs but it felt fine both times (Zion NP). I am 5.4 ft. so I know what you mean. Thank you for all the effort and happy personality you put into these videos, they are so informative and fun to watch!

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

So glad you enjoy them, thank you😊

[@DesireeStiles]

I have had this pack for some time thank you for sharing some tips for storage I wasn’t aware of. I too have issues with it being too high behind my head and I’m 5’6”

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Glad it was helpful 😊

[@xGorexGirlx]

Thanks for the review . It was very helpful.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Glad it was helpful!

[@KimberlyGreen]

I've heard the hipbelt on the Aura and Ariel (which I have) referred to as "the Claw" because of it's crablike grip.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

I can see why🤣

[@anitasimmons3599]

Thank you for another great video. I too am verticality challenged and found that female specific backpacks are the way to go. I loved my Osprey Aura, but was also aggravated by how tall it was. I purchased an exos, that I still have and used it for a few years section hiking on the PCT. I purchased the Eja 58, last fall an and was planning to go from Etna summit to Washington border, Nobo this fall. I did not need the 58L pack, but when I found the large bear vault fit inside horizontally I purchased it. I have my gear dialed in so I know I can stay way under 30# max for pack weight. Because of my age, over 60, I seldom carry more than 20#s US. I love that the Eja, is not as tall as the Aura. I really enjoy the comfort of the wider hips and narrow shoulders on the Eja over the Exso. I gave the Aura 40L pack to one of my cousins daughter several years ago and she said it is still great. I hope the Eja works out for me, because I remembered that you had to swap yours out on the PCT. Thank you for your review, I feel more confident in my choice now.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

So glad it helped Anita and yes I really loved the Eja, it just didn't love me when I carried too much but I'm not blaming the bag 🤣

[@mikefleming6335]

Good Morn'in my dear. The West Coast of the U.S. wants you back! Many traIls to hike. Hope to see you soon!

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you Mike! I'm hiking a National Trail here in the UK very soon 😁

[@mikefleming6335]

@@MarysOutdoorAdventures Love Ya..... Stay Safe!

[@davidhale1568]

Agreed about tall packs, especially irritating if you wear a wide brimmed hat to keep the sun or rain off. Osprey seem to make packs for tall people you would have to be seven foot tall for the men's large back length. My Talon 44 is my go to pack for five or six day 10kg pack

[@pilgerin3776]

Hello, I can understand, that you changed the packs! I use the exos 58 since 2 years and prepared my pack for my trip across Germany now. I had to choose eja 48 or exos 58. Everything went into the eja 48. But I don't like filling a pack so full, that nothing else can be packed in later, when it would be necessary. So I take the older exos 58 with tent etc. And there is still space in it for more days without buying food. I can understand the need for a pack more stable, because it gives more support while carrying. I have another one, a Deuter act-lite 60+10, much more comfortable but it's pure weight ist 1,9 kg, too... So, if I can, I use the lighter pack now. I was surprised that this time, first time with a tent and cooker etc., my pack is lighter than normal. I worked on limiting.... My back is bad, so I have no choice. It's heavy enough with food and water. All the best for you!

[@carolineprince7008]

Really interesting you switched to the Osprey aura. I picked that pack after Homemade wanderlust used it on the AT and absolutely love it for the reasons you describe. I've done the Cumbria Way with it and the Georgia section of the AT, and I'm just about to do the West Highland way and Great Glen Way. I have a thought that I may try a zpacks pack one day but the Osprey is such a well made pack with awesome customer service

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

The zpacks is certainly popular, so different to the Osprey!

[@dalmotavares824]

You are well prepared to climb mountains, materials, knowledge, Pico da Bandeira can be one of your destinations. From what I've seen, the great mountains in Brazil are a little more "easy" to climb, because it does not make the intense cold as in Everest, Aconcagua Hug Mary 👊 There's no snow, but frost mountains in Brazil

[@tommckinney1489]

Thanks for the review. It's always a compromise between volume/features and weight. I first started using a Gregory pack that weighed ~3.6kg. Now I use a pack that weighs ~ 0.9kg. It's about the same volume as the Gregory but hardly any features. Quite a weight reduction which was worth it to me.

[@MissNikkor]

I love Osprey packs! I have the AURA 50, Sirrus 24, Duro 6 vest and the Ultralight Stuff Pack for my shopping. Think i love Osprey haha! I regret not having purchased the 65L version. Just a little more space which would be very practical for winter equipment. The only negative point is the belt pockets. They are too small, my phone does not enter. So I bought two OMM gopods. Thanks to you Mary

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Good choice Melanie, they are so handy!! How do you like the Sirrus? I was looking at the 36 version as an option as I think I need a new daypack as I'm finding my current 18L is too small and the Aura is too big!

[@MissNikkor]

@@MarysOutdoorAdventures Love my Sirrus. But, again, i should have bought the 36 instead of the 24 haha! But it's ok, i just have to organize my stuff better.

[@littlethislittlethat456]

Another excellent video Mary. I have an Osprey 45L pack and love how sturdy it feels. Everything is great about it...except the weight. It is over 4 lbs. On my AT Thru Hike in 2021, I'm going with my Zpacks Arc Haul. That weighs only 2 lbs and it's 62 L. I'm a little worried about the straps, especially the one you grab to lift up the pack to put it on. My full weight is around 30 lbs with food, fuel and water. I already had to swap out the Medium hip belt for a Small hip belt because I am using a FUPA and that adds about 2 inches to the hip belt. John from MI

[@qwibles]

3lbs? Does your gear float 😂

[@littlethislittlethat456]

@@qwibles LOL I missed a zero and just corrected that. If my full pack weighed 3 lbs, I would have to have a weather balloon inside filled with helium! Thanks for catching that. John

[@TheHikingChick1]

I have the Aura 65 and am going on my first trip with it in a couple of weeks. I did a 6mile practice hike with 20lbs loaded and found it to be really comfortable. For the PCT next year I keep thinking I need a lighter pack. I've tried on the Hyperlite pack and it's too uncomfortable. I ordered a ULA Circuit because I had read so many good things. I loaded it up at home and even though I got the S-straps it was incredibly uncomfortable for me as well. I tried on the Osprey Eja at REI with 25 lbs in it and the lower part of the frame actually touches the upper part of my glutes (buns). So that pack is a no go as well. Seeing that you hiked 4.5 months with this pack on the PCT really helps. I keep thinking that even if I can save 2lbs with a lighter pack, if it doesn't ride right and is uncomfortable, that even though the Aura is heavier it may just feel lighter because of the better suspension. What is your opinion?

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

If I am being honest, it sounds like you have found your pack in the Aura 65! You said it is comfortable and feels good - sometimes lighter isn't always better! When I was looking for packs, like you, I was concerned with the weight of the Aura. The reality I found was when I was out there I didn't care about the extra couple of lbs as comfort was more important to me. Also, as it has the suspension it 'feels' lighter compared to other packs.

[@TheHikingChick1]

@@MarysOutdoorAdventures Thank you Mary! That's what my gut was saying but it's hard to find someone who will say that because of the emphasis on lower base weights. It's nice to get some confirmation on my reasoning from someone with experience. 🌻💛

[@susankaempfer8427]

I have the same issues. I have a feeling that both the top-heavy issue and the can‘t-wear-my-favorite-hat-because-the-brim-fights-with-the-pack-in-the-back issue would be solved by removing the brain, but I need the capacity especially in winter and early spring.

[@laurafindsjoy]

Love your videos, Mary! My daughter and I like to watch together. I'm sad to report that "hook and loop" is just a generic term for Velcro, which is a brand name. So the adjustment likely hasn't changed.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks so much Laura, that is so sweet. What a shame about the Velcro, I thought it was strange as I was pretty sure mine was the new model but I couldn’t find the hook/loop so you’ve solved that query for me!

[@robbynatividad6857]

Been waiting to have one soon.

[@poropopbojae]

Thank you so much for your videoclip! This is very informative! :D

[@derekfox5510]

Fabulous and very informative video sweetheart 😘

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you so much darling 😘

[@KayleeRae14]

Wonderful review! Did you notice any differences in the mesh/breathability of the two aura packs?

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you - no I never noticed any differences.

[@bertman4]

Glad to see a gear review by Tinkerbell. BTW, why is your Canon constantly auto-focusing? It didn't seem like you were moving that much.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

I know it's a bit of a nuisance, it didn't help I was in a shady area. Autofocus is a common problem on this model it seems - even after the firmware update I did. I'm looking into a manual way of focusing so I will keep trying to improve it if I can!

[@danielle4829]

Do you have any information on the difference between the aura ag vs the aura ag LT?

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

I’ve never used that model so I wouldn’t be able to compare I’m afraid.

[@aleewoolley]

Thank you! I'm curious if part of your pack problems are partly too much weight for your body frame since you said you are petite? I ask because I'm 5'4" and have a very small bone structure. I'm prepping for my first overnight backpack in 15 years, and the weight of pack versus of me has me a bit concerned. 😳😁

[@JackGreystoke]

Excellent review. Thank you. One question, did you try/compare the aura v the Ariel. Diff but v similar it seems. If so, any thoughts? Am trying to buy for my daughters DofE coming up...... ?

[@lila127]

HI Mary, thank you for the video. I still torn to choose between Aura 50 or 65. May I know what size did you review in the video. Maybe I missed it. And how tall are you if you don't mind. I am short but like to carry many stuff 🤣

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

It was the 65L and I'm just over 5ft 1"

[@lila127]

@@MarysOutdoorAdventures Thank you for your answer! Okay I will go with 65 then 😄

[@loveshiking9921]

Great job reviewing this pack. I just did a 5 day trip with it and also used an Eja 48 last year after seeing you recommend it, lol. I also found the Eja painful with 35 pounds even after a few days last year, and decided to get a larger pack for my trip this year in case I ever needed to carry a canister and to be comfortable with heavier loads. Plus being vegan my sleeping bag is bigger than down ones :D I figure I can use the Eja for short trips with lower loads and less need for the space of the Aura. Do you still use your Eja? I didn't really have any problems with the Aura, but understand how those things could bother you. Thanks for this great video. I tried on pretty much every pack there is before buying the Aura, and this video would have been very helpful, so I am sure it will be a great help to others trying to find the right pack for them!

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you so much for your feedback! No I had to leave my Eja in the store where I got the Aura in the US as Osprey agreed to swap it rather than just give me a new one.

[@hazelmeldrum5860]

A good review, Have you done one on a day pack There are lots of, UK groups of older people who go for day hikes of 7-8 miles. We tend to overcompensate and pack for every eventuality I would also like to hear about using a camel.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks so much Hazel. I have a similar video planned to what you suggest regarding the pack so that will be soon. I am so glad of the feedback and I will definitely incorporate the CamelBak into it.

[@rbstretch100]

Even though I'm tall, the brain can also stop me looking up if not adjusted properly. I now make sure the "hinge" straps are just long enough to give my head complete freedom.

[@thuthiehiker]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Glad it was helpful!

[@estelabarone7582]

MUY CLARA. Gracias

[@0maggie0Bao]

Hi i am considering Aura AG 65 or Ariel 55. What do you think? Which one better?

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Hi Heather, I’ve never used the Ariel 55 so can’t help I’m afraid!

[@qwibles]

I'm pleased with the atmos for long trips. 6ft5 and dont have the head room issue 😉. They are good quality packs and last much better than ultralight options. Yes have to carefully read recommendations for multi day use. Not found many that are actually comfortable when hauling near maximum loads. Thanks for review and that hook and loop update. I just did a bit of 'sewing - any semstress would laugh' once I got the velcro in the right place. Recently replaced my old osprey with another one. I have a lighter pack but I need to make sure I only carry the essentials when using it...

[@HayleyMakesMusic]

Have you ended up getting a new pack? I currently have the Aura 50 as well and I’m 5’0” and the “not able to lift my head all the way up” factor is KILLING ME. I need to change to something that doesn’t raise above my neck but i don’t know what!

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Not yet - but I have one on my Christmas wish list 😁

[@milda0820]

💖

[@danielrudilille]

You missed out with the autofocus. Should have used manual or a fixed focus point. But other than that it is an amazing review!

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Sorry about that, I was struggling with a broken camera when I filmed this and do now film in manual focus - apart from the odd time when I forget but I try my best! 😣

[@RowanBlake]

These are the reasons why I hesitate to go with any of the ultralight packs. Unless I could get my gear really low I think it would cause too much discomfort to use them, and hiking for 5 months I really want my pack to be as comfortable as possible. I am now considering the Greggory Deva pack even though it is a heavier pack it looks like a much more comfortable pack. Thank you for your thoughts on this I have seen other female hikers with similar problems with the lightweight packs, enough to know I don't want to hike with one.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Glad it was helpful KarenB. I also wanted to try the Gregory packs but never found one to try on nearby.

[@AccidentalHiker1]

I found this pack for cheap. I'm tempted but its heavier then my Gregory.

[@Johnnywalleye1]

I thought everyone had 2 backpacks.Silly me

[@BushcraftNFun]

I have the aura. I find it a very comfortable.

[@iainrenton7527]

I have 5 is that normal?

[@qwibles]

Day packs, lightweight weekends packs. And long hike packs and some to loan out. Yes easy to get to 5 so dont worry 😂. Worry when you have more than 20 to 25 😂😂😉

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Usually not the exact same ones though🤣 Funnily enough I was only looking for a new pack a few days ago... I'm trying to resist and if I can it will certainly be getting added to my Christmas wish list😁

[@derekfox5510]

Fabulous video sweetheart. I can’t believe how much you fit in your bag, I suppose I carry the important things when we go out together ie snacks, biscuits and sandwiches 🤣😘

[@iainrenton7527]

Try before you buy, is the best advice. People have very different body shapes, what works for you Mary, would be a total disaster for me. I'm a foot taller and weigh way more than you.

[@qwibles]

Agreed. Try it in store, try other peoples. Packs like shoes have to fit you well

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Totally agree! I always get my packs fitted in store as they are so different dependent on body shape, height etc

[@jameskeatts2677]

Hello lovely . Hope you have been well .

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

I am well - thank you James! Hope you are too?

[@MoragTong_]

You're too small to carry that amount of weight comfortably/safely. It's just physics. You're always going to have some sort of compromise in order to fit your stature, as unfortunately you fall outside the "norm" of the target market...I am sure you are well aware of that. An individual that stands 6'6" would have similar issues in the reverse.