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Osprey Ariel Pro 65
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Editor’s Conclusion
Gear up for a beautiful fall hiking season with a new pack that can take you from climbing the Royal Arches to hiking the Half Dome in Yosemite with ease. You’ll often hear this backpack described as “streamlined.” The Ariel Pro 65 is great for extended trips, heavy loads, travel, and everything in between.
As you may have come to expect from Osprey, this is an impressive hiking backpack. It boasts a no-frills style without sacrificing usability. With scarce external and internal zippers, it allows you to create your own organization.
You can comfortably carry between 35 and 60 pounds in this backpack. Its weight is definitely not ultralight but it distributes the weight of your gear evenly and comfortably.
As you may have come to expect from Osprey, this is an impressive hiking backpack. It boasts a no-frills style without sacrificing usability. With scarce external and internal zippers, it allows you to create your own organization.
You can comfortably carry between 35 and 60 pounds in this backpack. Its weight is definitely not ultralight but it distributes the weight of your gear evenly and comfortably.
Osprey Ariel Pro 65 Review Facts
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
Versatile
Many removable features
Comfortable straps
Good ventilation
LightWire frame
Spacious
Cons
No mesh water bottle side pockets
Could use a few more internal and/or external pockets
Top lid (brain) does not double as a daypack
Key Features
Portability
Weighing in at 3.73 pounds, for the size small, this is not an ultralight option. However, considering how many liters it holds and pounds of gear it accommodates, it is quite impressive. Thanks to the LightWire frame, compression straps, and comfortable straps, the load you carry feels much lighter than it actually is.
Additionally, many features can be removed to make this pack lighter. The lid (or brain) is seven liters and takes off five ounces when you remove it. Additionally, the hip belt pockets can be removed, saving you another 4.8 ounces. Overall, the measurements of the bag are 33” by 16” by 14”.
Comfort
Comfort is key when traveling for long distances or carrying excess pounds of gear on your back. Osprey has included many different features to offset the weight on your back and make it feel lighter. One way they do this is with the peripheral aluminum frame. This frame helps to shift some of the weight to the hip belt. There is also a chest strap that provides a bit of relief. The AirScape back panel provides great breathability and also keeps the weight of the backpack close to the body, giving you more stability.
The hip belt is heat-moldable. However, this isn’t something that you can (or should) do at home. You’ll need to visit an Osprey certified retailer and they should be able to help you with this process. It will provide an ultra-customized fit and impressive comfort.
Speaking of the hip belt, there are two removable pockets on it. One has a cinch closure and the other has a zipper. While these pockets are convenient and quite large, they are bulky. If they are full, your arms will constantly be brushing them as you walk. However, you may need to keep at least one pocket attached because there is no side mesh pocket for an easy access water bottle. The best, easy to access, location is the hip belt.
Size
Although this is widely listed as a 65-liter bag, that number actually varies. It depends on which size you choose, which is determined by the length of your torso. It is available in women’s sizes extra small, small, and medium.
An extra small, 62 liters, is recommended for women with a torso length between 14 and 17 inches. Additionally, with a waist/hip circumference of 24 to 28 inches. A size small, 65 liters, is intended for women with a torso length of 16 to 19 inches and with a waist/hip circumference of 27 to 31 inches.
Lastly, the size medium, 68 liters, is best for women with an 18 to 21-inch torso length and a 30 to 34-inch waist/hip circumference. Additionally, the harness size of each bag is adjustable.
The waist/hip measurement is where the hip belt will sit on you. This provides comfort and enhanced weight distribution.
Features
The Ariel Pro isn’t exactly filled to the brim with features, but it has enough. The top lid (brain) can be removed, but unfortunately, it does not have straps that allow it to easily be used as a daypack. When you use the backpack without the lid, there is an integrated FlapJacket that can be pulled over to protect your gear.
There are built-in loops that allow you to attach a compatible Osprey day pack or an Alpine Pocket. There is also a three-liter water reservoir sleeve. However, all of these items must be purchased separately.
The Stow-On-The-Go trekking pole attachments make it easy for you to whip out your trekking poles when the road gets rocky and stow them easily when you don’t need them. There are also built-in ice tool loops for cold weather excursions.
Let’s talk about the removable features. There are sleeping bag straps at the bottom of the bag. If you are going on a short journey and don’t need them- take them off. The dual side compression straps are great for large loads and provide good stabilization. However, again, if they are not necessary for your outing, take them off.
The hip belt pockets, which can be quite cumbersome, can also be removed. All of these small items add up to take off quite a few ounces from your load.
In terms of safety, there are not any reflective features on this bag, but there is a whistle built in the sternum strap.
Durability
Like most Osprey backpacks, you can count on the Ariel Pro to last. It is made from multiple different weaves and strengths of NanoFly nylon fabric. This fabric is lightweight, yet incredibly strong. It is abrasion and water-resistant. The harness and back feature mesh that is breathable and contours to your body. Paired with the LightWire peripheral frame, you can take this bag just about anywhere.
If you don’t already know about Osprey’s “all-mighty guarantee,” I recommend that you check it out. It provides great peace of mind to anyone who is on the fence about investing in an Osprey backpack. In a nutshell, they stand by their products for an entire lifetime, possibly longer.
Weighing in at 3.73 pounds, for the size small, this is not an ultralight option. However, considering how many liters it holds and pounds of gear it accommodates, it is quite impressive. Thanks to the LightWire frame, compression straps, and comfortable straps, the load you carry feels much lighter than it actually is.
Additionally, many features can be removed to make this pack lighter. The lid (or brain) is seven liters and takes off five ounces when you remove it. Additionally, the hip belt pockets can be removed, saving you another 4.8 ounces. Overall, the measurements of the bag are 33” by 16” by 14”.
Comfort
Comfort is key when traveling for long distances or carrying excess pounds of gear on your back. Osprey has included many different features to offset the weight on your back and make it feel lighter. One way they do this is with the peripheral aluminum frame. This frame helps to shift some of the weight to the hip belt. There is also a chest strap that provides a bit of relief. The AirScape back panel provides great breathability and also keeps the weight of the backpack close to the body, giving you more stability.
The hip belt is heat-moldable. However, this isn’t something that you can (or should) do at home. You’ll need to visit an Osprey certified retailer and they should be able to help you with this process. It will provide an ultra-customized fit and impressive comfort.
Speaking of the hip belt, there are two removable pockets on it. One has a cinch closure and the other has a zipper. While these pockets are convenient and quite large, they are bulky. If they are full, your arms will constantly be brushing them as you walk. However, you may need to keep at least one pocket attached because there is no side mesh pocket for an easy access water bottle. The best, easy to access, location is the hip belt.
Size
Although this is widely listed as a 65-liter bag, that number actually varies. It depends on which size you choose, which is determined by the length of your torso. It is available in women’s sizes extra small, small, and medium.
An extra small, 62 liters, is recommended for women with a torso length between 14 and 17 inches. Additionally, with a waist/hip circumference of 24 to 28 inches. A size small, 65 liters, is intended for women with a torso length of 16 to 19 inches and with a waist/hip circumference of 27 to 31 inches.
Lastly, the size medium, 68 liters, is best for women with an 18 to 21-inch torso length and a 30 to 34-inch waist/hip circumference. Additionally, the harness size of each bag is adjustable.
The waist/hip measurement is where the hip belt will sit on you. This provides comfort and enhanced weight distribution.
Features
The Ariel Pro isn’t exactly filled to the brim with features, but it has enough. The top lid (brain) can be removed, but unfortunately, it does not have straps that allow it to easily be used as a daypack. When you use the backpack without the lid, there is an integrated FlapJacket that can be pulled over to protect your gear.
There are built-in loops that allow you to attach a compatible Osprey day pack or an Alpine Pocket. There is also a three-liter water reservoir sleeve. However, all of these items must be purchased separately.
The Stow-On-The-Go trekking pole attachments make it easy for you to whip out your trekking poles when the road gets rocky and stow them easily when you don’t need them. There are also built-in ice tool loops for cold weather excursions.
Let’s talk about the removable features. There are sleeping bag straps at the bottom of the bag. If you are going on a short journey and don’t need them- take them off. The dual side compression straps are great for large loads and provide good stabilization. However, again, if they are not necessary for your outing, take them off.
The hip belt pockets, which can be quite cumbersome, can also be removed. All of these small items add up to take off quite a few ounces from your load.
In terms of safety, there are not any reflective features on this bag, but there is a whistle built in the sternum strap.
Durability
Like most Osprey backpacks, you can count on the Ariel Pro to last. It is made from multiple different weaves and strengths of NanoFly nylon fabric. This fabric is lightweight, yet incredibly strong. It is abrasion and water-resistant. The harness and back feature mesh that is breathable and contours to your body. Paired with the LightWire peripheral frame, you can take this bag just about anywhere.
If you don’t already know about Osprey’s “all-mighty guarantee,” I recommend that you check it out. It provides great peace of mind to anyone who is on the fence about investing in an Osprey backpack. In a nutshell, they stand by their products for an entire lifetime, possibly longer.
Comparison to Similar Backpacks
One of the most common comparisons is this backpack vs the Osprey Ariel AG. There are a few major differences. First of all, the AG in the name stands for anti-gravity suspension. This pack feels light on the pack and almost hugs your body. The AG has seven exterior pockets, offering built-in organization, while the Pro only has three. The AG also has multiple access points. Lastly, the Pro weighs over one pound less than the AG. In terms of price, the Pro is more expensive.
If you are looking to save a bit of money, the Gregory Amber 65 liter pack is a highly adjustable backpack with a comfortable and breathable fit. It has a spring steel frame and is constructed of polyester material. There have been a few complaints about the sizing, but once you find the right one, it feels great. It weighs 3.9 pounds, has multiple pockets, and includes a rain cover.
If you are looking to save a bit of money, the Gregory Amber 65 liter pack is a highly adjustable backpack with a comfortable and breathable fit. It has a spring steel frame and is constructed of polyester material. There have been a few complaints about the sizing, but once you find the right one, it feels great. It weighs 3.9 pounds, has multiple pockets, and includes a rain cover.
Verdict
This backpack may be missing a few features that you might consider essential. However, it is highly customizable and allows you to control the weight, organization, and more. It is pretty expensive, especially considering its lack of features, but it will last you a lifetime. It is durable, water-resistant, and comes with the Osprey guarantee.
If you are a professional hiker looking for a versatile new pack to accompany you on the trails, the Ariel Pro 65 is a great option.
If you are a professional hiker looking for a versatile new pack to accompany you on the trails, the Ariel Pro 65 is a great option.
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