Welcome to another installment of Gear Spotlight from FREESKIER. Here, we provide a close-up look at the gear and accessories that everyone should know about. The goal? To point you towards the best brands and products on Earth so you can trust your equipment whole-heartedly and have as much fun in the mountains as possible. Read up on Osprey’s Ariel AG 75 backpack, below, then visit us again tomorrow for more awesome gear coverage.
Ariel AG 75 women’s backback, by Osprey
For today’s review, we’re deferring to Denver-based backpacker and trail guide, Julie Kinamore, who has been using the Ariel AG 75 all summer long and says she’s never experienced a more awesome pack for full-day or short, overnight trips.
Kinamore credits the overall awesomeness of this backpack to five key attributes: First and foremost, the pack boasts excellent fit thanks to a suspended mesh harness that wraps your body and also a wide, plush hip belt. Both the harness and hip belt are interchangeable to provide a custom fit. “No sore shoulders nor back after extended use with heavy loads,” she confirms.
Second, a full peripheral frame coupled with that rockin’ fit allows for excellent load transfer, and thereby easy-breezy walking. Third, a removable top-lid converts into a day- or a summit-pack. Fourth, zippered hip belt pockets provide quick access to things like chapstick, a phone, sunscreen and Snickers while hiking.
Lastly, access to the main compartment is made easy via top and front entry. This pack also comes complete with additional features galore, including the spacious stretch-mesh front panel pocket, hydration compatibility and more. Summer, winter, all-day-trip or five-day trip, rest assured this thing has you very well covered.
