Osprey Aura AG 65 Review: The Superior Comfort [2023 Guide]

Here in our Osprey Aura AG 65 Review, we will be sharing our experience with Aura AG 65 and all details you need to know about it. We definitely pick it from daily use to a week-long trip, unless we need to haul more than 40 lbs. In this article, you will see why you should do the same and almost always choose the Aura AG 65.

To begin with, the Aura AG 65 is exceptional backpack when it comes to comfort (especially suspension) and plenty of great features. Its shoulder strap padding is plush and it maximizes the comfort. The Anti-Gravity (AG) suspension design distributes the load very well. It creates an even load distribution, but there is no exceptional pressure point. It can be loaded up to 40 pounds with ease and still breathes very well. Below, we have put together a quick summary chart for the ones looking a short review. However, we still encourage you to read all (5 min), since the Osprey Backpacks are far from cheap!

Quick Summary – Osprey Aura AG 65 Review

If you do not have time to read entire post, here is your take away! We have listed the key points of the Osprey Aura 65 Review in below table:

The Aura AG 65 has user friendly overall design. The pockets are well organized, and the Anti-Gravity suspension is incredibly comfortable even after intensive use on the long trails.

We think it is unique due to the ventilation system. The Aura AG (Anti-Gravity) 65 has lots of suspended mesh which allows plenty of airflow. The good thing is, it does not compromise on the load capacity, comfort or the durability while enhancing the ventilation.

It is also relatively lightweight (4.5 lbs) compared to its contenders such as Osprey Ariel line (5 lbs) or Gregory Baltoro, besides it has the all necessary features that are being expected from a premium pack.

The fit is just perfect. Its mesh backpanel and hipbelt tend to fold inward and hugs you perfectly. The Anti-Gravity system (suspended mesh, AG) covers the shape of the body.

The Osprey implemented fit-on-the-fly system on the hipbelt of Aura. Long story short; this system ensures custom fit for a wide range of waist size. Here is a video that explains how it works:

Considering the features & external storage, when we compare the Aura line with the past generation Ariel (AG 65), the Aura AG 65 was falling behind it. Yet, when we compare the recent Aura AG 65 and the new Ariel 65, the Aura line is way better than the standard Ariel 65 in terms of features & comfort. Check out our Osprey Aura vs Ariel comparison for more detail. For a quick review, our experts prepared the following table for you:

To summarize Osprey Aura AG 65 Review; we prefer Aura AG 65 for the trips up to a week-long (from all day to week). For us, it is the best backpacking backpack of the Osprey for hauling up to 40 lbs, and extremely comfortable (due to Anti-Gravity Suspension), and feature rich. It is the top-notch considering the breathability and the ventilation.

In the following sections, you will find detailed – Osprey Aura AG 65 Review:

Feedbacks on Osprey Aura AG: Likes & Dislikes

Here we list what we liked the most and don’t like about the Osprey Aura AG 65:

Pros

• A Great Organization Overall.
• Large pockets
• Perfect Ventilation system (AG- Anti Gravity)
• Great carrying comfort.
• Very well Weight balancing
• Very durable material
• Relatively lighter
• Very Versatile

Cons

• The Edges of the hipbelts are not so padded. Therefore, rolls a bit inward. This could be uncomfortable for long overhaul.

Weight

We found Osprey Aura AG 65 lighter than most of its contenders. It is 4.4 lbs in a medium sized frame. Usually, packs with premium features and durable fabrics are around 5 pounds (Gregory Baltoro and Osprey Ariel 65 in example)

The Aura AG is not ultralight, but at a weight that earned our respect. Because it does not compromise on comfort or features and it is still at a reasonable weight.

Suspension, Fit and Comfort

We would like to review the suspension, fit and comfort all together, since these three factors are related to the each other. So, why is the Aura AG 65 incredibly comfortable? The answer is the Anti-Gravity suspension.

This is something common nowadays. However, the Aura AG is top-dog in this regard. The entire back panel of the Aura AG is suspended as well as the hip belt. So, it adds a hug feeling even to the hip.

The suspension system of Aura AG consists of 4 main applications. These are;

• Anti-Gravit Suspension: Full Peripheral Frame transfers the pack load by the tensioned lightwire.
• Anti-Gravity Backpanel: It has a fully integrated backpanel fit. The suspended mesh wraps from top to bottom, including shoulders, back and the hips.
• Anti-Gravity Mesh Harness: For the load transfer and the comfort, it has adjustable suspended hardness. It provides a perfect load transfer with structural load lifter bar.
• Anti-Gravity Hipbelt: The Aura has an adjustable Fit-on-the-Fly hipbelt. It is possible to accommodate different hip sizes by the help of this extendable hipbelt. The hipbelt pad can extends up to 6 inches or 15 cm. This way it can provide a custom fit.

Aura AG 65 eliminates the hot spots and distributes the weight across the back and waist very well up to moderate loads. Thus, there are no exceptional pressure points or high friction areas.

Dual upper and lower side compression straps stabilize loads and maintain a streamlined profile.

We did not have any sensation of weight pulling us backward, although the sculpted backpanel pull the load a little bit away from us. Yet, there is no disconnection.

Some of our friends reported that they saw the hipbelt rolled slightly inward on their extended trips. This area is not as padded as the rest of the belt.

Ventilation

About its ventilation, the suspended mesh panel is large enough and covers the backpanel and hipbelt. The Anti-Gravity suspension feature gives unmatched comfort and the ventilation. Its seamless structure contours to the body, so neither the ventilation nor the fit & movement is an issue with the Osprey Aura AG.

For the warmer adventures, it is the top pick. Even its harness is well ventilated.

We strongly recommend the Osprey Aura AG 65, if the ventilation is the top priority for your decision.

Durability

The Osprey has also life time warranty on their products. This is great, and they believe in the durability of what they produce.

We had multi-day load with our Aura AG 65, and haven’t seen any sign of wear over after our extensive use. The Osprey won’t let you down.

Features

To begin with, Osprey Aura AG 65 has plenty of pockets, lash points and gear loops on it. We found the organization is well-appointed in Aura. It has standard array of two zippered pockets in the top lid. Along the front of the pack, there is large mesh stuff-it pocket. It has also two mesh water bottle holders and a sleeve for water reservoir, and two zippered hipbelt pockets to store snacks and other items close at hand. At the base of the pack, it has sleeping bag compartment as well.

Here is the full list of Osprey Aura AG 65 Features:

Review for Osprey Aura AG 65 Features

Hipbelt Pockets:

We found these zippered pockets fairly large. They can swallow a water filter, extra fuel canister or rain jacket easily. It is also possible to accommodate a mobile phone (plus size iPhone) in the two hipbelt pockets.

Side Mesh Pockets:

Opening and closing is very easy while hiking. It has dual sided mesh water bottle pockets, and it is possible to insert water bottles vertically and angled forward. Therefore, there is no need to remove the pack while hiking, it is very accessible.

Front stretch mesh pocket (Stuff-it Pocket):

The stuff-it pocket is stretchy, and it is perfect for awkwardly shaped items.

Sleeping Bag Compartment:

The Aura AG 65 has sleeping bag compartment. It is zippered with a removable divider. The sleeping bag compartment is covered by the 2 compression straps.  These two compression straps are fairly big to hold closed-cell foam pad.

Removable Top Lid & Two Zippered Pockets:

About the top lid, it has two zipper pockets and it is removable as well. The Aura has Integrated FlapJacket™ cover for lidless use. Therefore, if you want to save weight, you can leave it behind. In this case, you can use its additional flap which is a nylon lid and covers the cinched main compartment.

Stow-on-the-Go™ trekking pole attachment:

This feature comes with Aura AG 50/65 but new standard Ariel 55/65 does not have it!

Dual ice tool loops with bungee tie-offs:

The Ice Tool Loops and Bungee tie-offs provide secure tool attachment.

Removable sleeping pad straps:

Lower zippered sleeping bag compartment with removable divider:

Dual upper and lower side compression straps:

Internal hydration reservoir sleeve (3L Reservoir):

Sternum strap with integrated safety/emergency whistle:

Versions of Osprey Aura AG 65

The Osprey Aura has two versions, the Aura AG 65 and AG 50. The only big difference between them is the capacity indeed.  The Aura AG 50 is the smaller 50 liter version of the Aura AG line. Their cost is not the same by the way. Smaller version cost less at $240 and 6 ounces lighter in medium frame size.

In the past generation, Aura AG 65 had extra 2 front pockets, where the Aura AG 50 lacks them. However, in the current revision, they are equal in terms of the feature & organization. On the other hand, we would prefer the Aura AG 65 since it is more versatile in size. Here is our article that compares the 50-Liters vs 65-Liters.

The corresponding men’s version of Osprey Aura AG is the Atmos AG line. The Atmos AG has 50 and 65 liter version in medium frame as well as Aura. The Atmos AG line has just male specific fit and color options. But, the rest of the design and the features are the same.

Contender of Osprey Aura AG 65 in Osprey Family

Another great pack line of Osprey is the Ariel. If you are looking for a better organization, the Ariel Plus series is a good option to consider. However, we found Aura AG 65 better than the standard Ariel 55/65 series in terms of features and organization. Because, the Osprey passed on most of the useful features of the Ariel AG 65 (older generation) to Ariel Plus series. So, they left the standard Ariel 55/65 version kind of poor considering the organization and features.

We recommend checking out our Osprey Aura vs Ariel post for the details of this comparison. For a quick answer, the Ariel is a heavy hauler, and can be loaded up to 60 lbs; especially its Plus variations are comfortable and take the features to the next level.

The Ariel had Anti-Gravity (AG) backpanel in the past. However, the current version has no longer AG. Yet, it has AirScape design. The AirScape backpanel is made of an injection molded die-cut foam. It is very breathable but not as much as the Aura 65.

Besides that, the Ariel provides ample adjustability, stability and has lots of attachment points. Moreover, it is very easy to access to main compartment via J-shaped zipper. One more point to Ariel, it has rain cover as well. But, we prefer to go with the lighter and more comfortable & breathable option Aura AG 65. You can check our In-depth review for the Osprey Ariel line here.

Specs for Osprey Aura AG 65

Followings are from the Osprey’s Own Manuel.

FABRIC

The facbric material which is being used in the construction of Osprey Aura:

• MAIN: 100D X 630D Nylon Dobby
• ACCENT: 210D High Tenacity Nylon
• BOTTOM: 420HD Nylon Packcloth

Bottom-line FOR OSPREY ATMOS AG 65 REVIEW

Honestly, we almost always prefer our Aura AG 65 from all day to a week long trips. It is incredibly comfortable (even more comfortable than the Ariel 65) up to 40 lbs load. It has all the necessary features that are being expected from a premium backpacking backpack.

It has the best ventilation and breathability among the packs we tested so far (Anti-Gravity suspension works so well). The harness and adjustability is great. It has adjustable shoulder straps and fit-on-the-fly system on its hipbelt to accommodate different waist size.

We found it feature rich and multi-functional / versatile, and affordable compared to the other premium backpacking backpacks and highly recommend it.

Finally, we encourage you to check out 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.

In Osprey Aura AG 65 review, we tried to explain all the details of the Aura AG 65 as much as we can. Simply, we purchased this product and shared our own experience with it. 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.

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