OspreyAriel Plus 70 Women's Backpacking Backpack

Easily the best system I own. In full disclosure, I own 14 Osprey Products!!!Why? Because of what you carry with you into the deadly wilderness fails, you fail. Failure might mean death. Most likely, it will mean nature and the wilderness wins. Nature doesn't care about your feelings or your desire to save a few bucks on a cheaper bag.If you follow me and read my reviews you will know that I have a great appreciation for Osprey Products and their extraordinary quality and utility, yet they always seem to be awesome looking as well! Whoever designs the look of Osprey products is about fearless fashion mastery while being keenly mindful of the heartless deadly nature of nature.The Osprey warranty is the best in the industry because it is highly unlikely you will every need it, but on the so far outside chance that you do, no matter when, you simply send it back or send a photograph of the damage and they will either repair or replace the product post haste...No matter how long we are talking about. THAT is a company that has the highest confidence in their products.Second, for full disclosure, I have not been compensated for this review, and I own 14 or more Osprey products.All that said, I did not have this particular size and design so I ordered it and WOW!! The design and function is only exceeded by the product appearance appeal! Truly exquisite design and engineering delivered perfectly in every way. This size is perfectly suited for its design and there is no wasted or frivolous space. Their Fit on the Fly system is insanely simple and effective at getting the just right fit in seconds.Utterly masterful in how Osprey always seem to get it right.Funny story, my Son purchased another brand when shopping for travel gear and he asked my impression of the two products; the other brand and the Osprey product.I recommended the Osprey product and yet, my Son purchased the other big name brand. While he isn't disappointed in that product, he is VERY envious of my Osprey products, so much so that I got him an awesome Osprey backpack and an Osprey Waist Pack and he is utterly flummoxed with the extraordinary quality and design. To be honest, so am I.Any of Osprey's products solve many problems and no matter your adventure, you will get there better and happier with Osprey's solutions, this being one of their very best!If you’re balking at the price, don’t. You’ll have this forever. So will your children

This is a very nice-looking backpack, high quality and well made. Super durable material, the construction is very sturdy as well. The size is perfect for me, the straps on this pack are strong and super comfy. I love this Osprey backpack, highly recommend.

This is the plus version which includes a lot of extras that, in my case, are unnecessary and add weight. I think the Ariel 65, while marginally smaller, provides better value and is a tad more svelte. For example, the plus version includes a day-lid, a lid that can convert to a small daypack. I think this works well for backpack touring and for people that do extended hikes away from base camp, but I would get tired of the whole unpacking, converting the lid, repacking, repeat, process.My consistent criticism of the Osprey packs is the compression strap that cuts across the side pockets. I prefer to be able to use the pocket independent of loosening and tightening the straps. While there is elaborate accommodation for a hydration bladder, I prefer to use water bottles in the backcountry because I can keep them cleaner, a not so small advantage when water supplies may already be suspect. I like to have easy access to my bottles and so the compression strap pretty much stays loose.Otherwise the pack is very well made with great stitching and materials (e.g. big YKK zippers with corded pulls). It is comfortable, though I note that the men's versions have wider shoulder straps. You may wish to give those a try because why should the same carrying weight on a woman be distributed across less padding? Be sure to get a sleeping bag that is very compressible as the lower compartment is smaller than it looks; the frame intrudes well into the compartment.In testing, a 5'5" tall woman comes in at about the middle of M/L pack's size range, though obviously your mileage will vary. The torso is adjustable up and down by about 3 to 4 inches.

I have used Osprey packs in the past for hiking in national parks and I’ve never been disappointed! The material is durable and although it will show signs of wear if you love it well, they are made to last and I love ospreys lifetime guarantee that they will repair or replace your bag if needed for any reason. (Definitely makes the price seem more justified) A couple reasons why I did not give this pack 5 stars- I’m 5’7” and I was shocked how I had to position the pack at the very top of the usable torso adjustable range to get the waist belt to sit low enough/where it should. I’m not sure if it would fit properly if you are much taller (you may need the men’s)- I was able to test the 60 liter pack as well, and I much preferred the way that size felt on my back. The 60 felt way more natural and the top portion wasn’t against and over the back of my head like this 70 was. It felt like all of the extra space on this 70 was all behind my head. If you don’t absolutely need the extra space, I’d quickly recommend the 60 as a more manageable size.Those two items aside, this is a beautiful pack that is ready for adventure. It has ample pockets and compartments for all of your gear, and the straps are easily adjusted to get a comfortable, close to body fit.

High quality bag . MultipleCompartments placed appropriately for ease and use . With a full load is very comfortable .

Easy purchase and very quick delivery. Item looks as described. Haven't been used yet