Osprey Ariel 55 vs 65: Complete List [2023 Guide]

In this article, we want to compare the Osprey Ariel 55 vs 65 version, as it comes with two options. In general, the Ariel line of Osprey is among the premium packs, which has a perfect organization and tons of features. We like this pack a lot, and it looks like this backpacking backpack is the top-dog for many years. Therefore, we would like to give guidance on which one to pick in this article, the 55 or the 65 version. Honesty, we would recommend 65 liters option, if you don’t have any specific reason for 55-liters.

Our experts have reviewed the Ariel 65 (in-depth review) and the difference between the Ariel line (Standard vs Plus vs Pro). We encourage you to check these posts to fully understand the Osprey Ariel line.

If you are so desperate and don’t have time, here is the highlights of Osprey Ariel 65 Version from our experts. Checking this chart will help you to understand better the whole post:

Short Summary for Osprey’s Ariel 55 vs 65 Comparison:

Basically, the only difference between the Ariel 55 and 65 is the volume. There is 10 liters of difference between them and that is all. The features, number of pockets, durability, comfort, adjustability and materials are all the same.

Both packs have the load carrying capability of 30-60 lbs and are suitable up to a week of haul.

These are the midrange backpacking pack and come with two size options; Extra Small/Small and Medium/Large. Also, it is worth noting here that the volume variation differs in different sizes, approximately +/- 3L depending on the size you prefer.

By the way, the 65 liters option is 20$ more expensive than the 55 liters option. So, is it worth buying a 65 liter version? Our answer is definitely Yes! Based on our backpacking experience, this additional 10-liter volume can be a life saver. You can leave it empty when it is unnecessary. Just in case, it is better than not having it.

In this post, basically we compared the Osprey Ariel 55-liters with the 65-liters options. On the other hand, we have prepared an in-depth review for the Osprey Ariel Line, and evaluated it in many aspects such as the comfort, adjustability, fit, suspension, ease of use, customer experiences and our own experience. If you are willing to go with the Ariel line, we think it is a good idea to check this article.

One last note on this, the men’s counterpart of Ariel 55/65 is the Aether 55/65. The only difference between the Ariel and the Aether line is the men specific needs considering the fit and color options. Everything else is the same.

Features & Organization Review for Osprey Ariel 55L & 65L

Before going any further, we would like to share the full list of Osprey Ariel 55 & 65’s features, and then share our organization review on that:

When we evaluated Osprey Ariel 55 vs 65 liters options from the Features & Organization stand point, they are the same!

The Ariel 55 & 65’s organization is fairly enough. It has 5 pockets in total and three ways to reach the main compartment (from top, front via J shaped zipper, and bottom – sleeping bag compartment). Our highlight on its features & organization are as follows:

At the front, there is shove-it pocket, which is large and resistant to tears and abrasion (made of burly nylon). This space is very useful for anything from a rain jacket to compact set of snowshoes:

It is very easy and secure to access the main compartment via J-shaped lockable zipper:

Moreover, it has two hipbelt pockets which are fairly large to accommodate a plus-sized iPhone:

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At the bottom of the pack, there is a sleeping bag compartment with a removable divider:

The Ariel 55 and 65 has two water bottle pockets with an easy access from top and side. This is so good, since you don’t need to take off the pack to grab a bottle. One more point to water bottle pockets of Ariel, they are so stretchy. Although we fully packed the interior, the stretchy material still allows holding a Hydro Flask:

The removable rain cover (integrated) is included. It deploys from the zippered bottom compartment:

To secure things like pole or ice axe, the Ariel standard models (55/65L) have two sets of loops and bungee cinches along the front:

The Ariel 55 and 65 has dual ice axe loops with bungee tie-offs, but there is no trekking pole attachment (the previous version Ariel AG 65 had this feature)

Removable sleeping pad straps:

Internal hydration reservoir sleeve:

All that said, we need to mention about the trekking pole attachment. The older version (Ariel AG 65L) had Stow-on-the-Go Trekking pole attachment on shoulder straps; however, the latest pack (Ariel 65L) lacks it. This option is still available on the Ariel Plus variations.

Also, the older generation had convertible top lid to daylite daypack, Osprey transferred this feature to Plus variations as well.

Volume, Dimensions, Weight & Fabric

Here is the comparison of Osprey Ariel 55 vs 65 in terms of Volume, Dimension, Weight and Fabric:

Osprey Ariel 55

FABRIC

MAIN

bluesign®-approved 420HD nylon packcloth, PFC-free DWR

ACCENT

bluesign®-approved 210D nylon Diamond, PFC-free DWR

BOTTOM

bluesign®-approved 420HD nylon packcloth, PFC-free DWR

Osprey Ariel 65

FABRIC

MAIN

bluesign®-approved 420HD nylon packcloth, PFC-free DWR

ACCENT

bluesign®-approved 210D nylon Diamond, PFC-free DWR

BOTTOM

bluesign®-approved 420HD nylon packcloth, PFC-free DWR

Osprey Technology Review for Aether 65- and 55-Liters:

The Osprey technologies have been implemented on 65 and 55 versions are the Fit-on-the Fly Hipbelt & Shoulder Strap, Airscape Suspension, and the sustainable bluesign®-approved nylon and PFC-free DWR.

CUSTOM FIT

Thanks to its Fit-on-the-Fly technology, the adjustability of the Ariel line is perfect. This technology has been implemented on both the Hipbelt and the shoulder strap. For the hipbelt, the pad can extend 6 inches or 15 cm to accommodate different sizes and provides a custom fit.

It is very easy to fine-tune the fit via adjusting the torso length for variety of body shapes and sizes.

AIRSCAPE SUSPENSION

The Ariel Series are used to have Anti-Gravity (AG) suspension. In the latest revisions, both Ariel 55 and 65 have AirScape Suspension.

To begin with, this is an injection-molded, die-cut foam backpanel. The AirScape Suspension is very breathable and close to body fit.  Basically, this lightweight mesh-covered 3D foam sets the standards so high.

The stability is increased owing to AirScapeTM, the weight of the pack is very close to the body. Although, there is less suspended mesh along the back, it features large cutouts in the foam to increase the breathability. The ventilation and the cushioning still provide a great gear-carrying experience.

LOAD CAPACITY

On the technical trails, the Ariel 55/65 is an ideal choice for carrying heavy loads. As we stated before both packs can be loaded up to 30-60 lbs, and their design allows for a stable close-to-body carry.  This is very important for managing the heavy loads.

SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS

Constructed with high-quality bluesign®-approved nylon and PFC-free DWR.

Bottom Line for Osprey Ariel 55 vs 65

Bottom line forOsprey Ariel 55 vs 65: We definitely recommend the Ariel 65 over 55. An additional 10-liter volume means a lot in certain situations. Also, the difference in the price tag is only 20$. If you really do not have any reason to pick 55, definitely go with the 65 liters option. Remember that the bigger is better (up to a point!). Except those; the comfort, adjustability, ease of use, features, harness and everything else are the same.

Honestly, we usually prefer our Aura AG 65 from all day to a week long trips. It is very comfortable (even more comfortable than the Ariel 55 and 65) up to 40 lbs load. It is just not a heavy hauler as the Ariel line and not has fully weather protection. On the other hand, It is more feature rich compared to the standard Ariel 55/65 line. We encourage you to check the most recent comparison of the Ariel 55/65 vs Aura AG 65 as well before making a final decision.

Here is the links that you can check the latest rates of Osprey’s Ariel 55 and Ariel 65 backpacking backpacks.

Moreover, The Men’s counterpart of Osprey Ariel is the Aether line. The Aether has also Plus variations (60/70/85L and 100L). Furthermore, there is Pro option (Aether Pro 70 for Alpine & weight conscious pursuits) as well.

Finally, we would like to recommend checking our Best Backpacking Backpacks review. Basically, you will find price vs performance, weight analysis, comfort, fit/adjustability, and ease of use comparison for the most popular backpacks of the year.

We tried to explain all the details of the Osprey Ariel 55 vs 65 as much as we can. We purchased these products and shared our own experience with them. CampArest team is ready to answer any of your questions. Please feel free to get in touch via our “Contact Page”, in case of any question.

Reference: How to Find Your Pack