Australian Hiker

Pack capacity XS/S 58 Litres
Pack dimension XS/S 74H X 35W X 33D cm
Pack weight XS/S 2.46 kg
Colours Black, Night Jungle Blue, Carnelian Red
Carrying capacity 14-27 kg

Cost $549.99

Osprey Women’s Ariel Plus 60L Pack

Pack

Rating

Rating:	8.1 / 10
Durability	1.8 / 2
Versatility	1.5 / 2
Weight	1.4 / 2
Comfort	1.8 / 2
Value for Money	1.6 / 2

Osprey Women’s Ariel Plus 60L Pack Review

Having spent several years lightening my hiking load and searching out smaller and lighter weight packs, the Osprey Ariel Plus 60L Pack represented a challenge. At 2.46 kg it is, for me, a relatively heavy start to my hiking experience. However, this is a feature packed item so it is easy to appreciate the weight trade off.

The first thing you’ll notice about the Ariel Plus is the robust strapping – Osprey has actually made it a feature on the black version with pale green and grey straps adding to the stying.

The second thing you’ll notice are the pockets and compartments – more than most people will need. This was another challenge for me during the first few wears of the Ariel Plus and it took me a bit of time to remember where I stored my bits and pieces! I’m used to the Osprey Eja 48L Pack. Having fewer options does make it easier in one sense but the Ariel Plus allows you to organise your kit into ‘themes’ and then it’s just a matter of locating the pocket or compartment you need.

The main body of this pack has a split system which allows you to close off the lower compartment and keep your tent or wet gear separate. I find a separate lower compartment can consume more packing space but its good to know it’s available if you need it. The pack brain can be removed and used as a proper day pack – a great feature for those times you need to carry your valuables and leave the weight behind.

Other storage features include a rear back stretch pocket and super stretchy side pockets for water bottles – there is also an internal bladder pocket if you prefer to use a water bladder.

The biggest difference with the Ariel Plus are the three custom fit systems. The torso length adjustment allows up to 9 cm of adjustment. There’s also a ‘hipbelt wing’ which allows positioning of the hipbelt and hip pockets to the ‘just right’ position. The hip pockets are connected to the hipbelt via a Velcro pad which means very fine adjustments can be achieved. The third fit system is the on the super padded shoulder straps which feature another Velcro pad for super fine adjustment. I tested the XS/S and found there was plenty of adjustment for my 165 cm frame.

The comfort features are topped off with Osprey’s AirScape Suspension which is injection moulded, adjustable and has heaps of padding at the lower back and hips.

And the point of all this adjustment? Well, the Ariel Plus is designed for long days carrying heavy loads from 14-27 kg. I have tested the Ariel Plus with loads below this range as well as at the lower end and I was very comfortable. I did feel ‘encased’ in the pack when compared to my lighter, bare bones packs, and this took a bit of getting used to.

This pack comes in 60, 70 and 85L capacities and XS/S and M/L sizes. The colours include Night Jungle Blue, Carnelian Red and Black (which has the pale green strapping).

At AUD $599 RRP this isn’t a cheap option but it is feature packed and super comfortable and can usually be found one sale.

So is this a pack worth considering? Absolutely! Whatever you’re wanting to carry big waits and be comfortable (as best as possible) in doing so then the Osprey Ariel Plus will provide the comfort and custom fit you’ve been looking for!

We like

Accommodates up to 27 kg in the 60 litre size
So many adjustment options you’ll need to be careful not to get lost on the way to getting that perfect fit
Full-featured as a pack can get
- Pocket options everywhere
- Removable top lid converts to DayLid daypack – this is a real pack not a pretend pack
- Integrated raincover made with PFC-free DWR and bluesign®-approved materials
- Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment and dual ice axe loops with bungee tie-offs
- Floating top lid with lash points and Integrated Flap
- Jacket cover for lidless use
- Dual front panel zippered pockets for easy-access storage
- Large front panel zip access to main compartment
- Fabric reinforced front ‘shove-it’ pocket
- Large dual-access stretch mesh side water bottle pockets
- Dual upper/lower side compression straps
- Dual front panel compression straps with ‘StraightJacket’ compression
- Dual zippered hipbelt pockets
- Zippered sleeping bag compartment with removable divider
- Removable sleeping pad straps
- Internal hydration reservoir sleeve
- Front chest clip whistle

We don't like

This pack is heavy pack at 2.46 kg
Personal preference only but I prefer a single main compartment and rarely use the lower zip opening
At the higher end of the price range

Best Uses

Hikers who carry a loads up to 27 kg and want to do so comfortably from day 1 to week 5

Investment

AUD $549.99 RRP – check out the sales when its often available for much cheaper

Buy One

You can purchase the Osprey Ariel Plus 60L Pack online from Wildfire Sports or from Wild Earth

Disclosure: We may earn a small commission, at no additional expense to you, if you click through and make a purchase. Please note that our affiliations do not influence, in any way, the independence of our reviews. If we don’t like a product, you’ll hear about it from us!

Other Versions

This pack also comes 70 and 85 litre sizes
The male version of this pack is the Osprey Aether Plus 60L Pack

Osprey Women’s Ariel Plus 60L Pack in Black

Osprey Women’s Ariel Plus 60 Pack in Carnelian Red

Osprey Women’s Ariel Plus 60L Pack in Night Jungle Blue

Gill wearing the Osprey Ariel Plus 60, front view

Osprey Ariel Plus 60 pack with water bottle and bottom access point

Rain cover pocket Osprey Ariel Plus 60

Osprey Women’s Ariel Plus 60L Pack trekking pole holder. This Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment lets you store your trekking poles when not in use