This is a review of the Osprey Aura 65 vs Ariel 65. One of the reasons why some people find it so confusing to choose between the two is that they both have similar features, but they do differ in some subtle ways. For example, the Ariel 55 holds more volume than the Aura 50. For more examples of how these backpacks are different, read on. But first, we will cover what makes them the same.
Related:
- Osprey Aura 65 Backpack: A Thru-Hiking Backpack Review
- Osprey Women’s Backpack Comparison + Buyer’s Guide
Osprey Aura 65 vs Ariel 65
Osprey Aura 65 vs Ariel 65: Similarities
You may have noticed that both of these backpacks is made especially for women. The sizes are for women’s torsos and the colors are tuned with women’s tastes. Most of the features of these backpacks are similar to each other.
Keeping your gear stable
In order to stabilize your gear while you are moving, squeeze the contents of the main compartment using the compression straps offered on the top and bottom sides of the backpack.
Both of these backpacks have these external compression straps, as well as colored internal compression straps. They are colored in order to allow you to find them amongst your gear.
Gear attachments
In order to secure some extra external gear, the Aura 50 and Ariel 55 come with bungee tie-offs around the front panel. You can attach tools such as ice picks and axes, and both have trekking pole attachments. The sleeping pad straps with these backpacks also double as a spot where you can attach other gear.
Harness and hip belt adjustability
The harness and the hip belt on these backpacks are both made in much the same way. The harness is completely adjustable in terms of your torso length. This is not a feature that is included in all Osprey backpacks, so it is nice to have. Not all hip sizes are created equal. There are differences in size such as thin and large. However, these backpacks come with an adjustable hip belt that can be sized anywhere within 5 inches of adjustability.
Osprey Aura 65 vs Ariel 65: Differences
There are 3 main differences between these backpacks, but one that you may not have realized is the difference between the top lid designs.
How the top lids are made
It is interesting to note that both of these backpacks have removable top lids. While they are on the backpack, they function in much the same way. I have a compartment where you can store your gear. However, the Ariel 55’s top lid can be converted into a lumbar pack.
This lumbar pack can be carried around your waist while you are just going about in the city or for short hike. Lumbar pack has straps that you can tuck away into its body after you are done.
Extra compression straps
The Ariel 55 has extra compression straps at the top and bottom of its front panel. This feature adds to the fact that the Ariel 55 can carry more volume than the Aura 50.
Size and capacity
The Ariel 55 holds about 5 liters more volume than the Aura 50. It is also considerably taller so it will hang lower beneath your waist. This is why the Aura 50 can be used for weeklong trips, while the Ariel 55 is more geared towards weekend trips.
Aura 65
- Dimensions: 29.53 x 14.96 x 15.75 inches (xs) and 31.5 x 14.96 x 15.75 (s) and 33.46 x 14.96 x 15.75 inches (m)
- Volume capacity: 60 liters (xs) and 62 liters (s) and 65 liters (m)
- Weight: 4.26 pounds (xs) and 4.34 pounds (s) and 4.42 pounds (m)
Ariel 65
- Dimensions: 29.53 x 15.75 x 11.02 inches (s) and 31.5 x 15.75 x 11.02 inches (l)
- Volume capacity: 62 liters (s) and 65 liters (l)
- Weight: 4.847 pounds (s) and 4.891 pounds (l)
Osprey Aura 65 vs Ariel 65: Price Comparison
The Ariel 55 costs about $40 more then the Aura 50 on Amazon.
Osprey Aura 65 vs Ariel 65: The Verdict
The decision between these two backpacks will probably rely on how long of a trip you actually want to take. If you’re looking to take a trip that will last more than a weekend, the Ariel 55 will do the trick. But, if you are only going to go for 2 days, there is no reason to carry that much bulk and you can go for the Aura 50. We like the fact that the Ariel 55 has a top lid that can convert into a lumbar pack. But even this is not a deciding factor for us if we are not going to need that big of a backpack. Which of these backpacks would you choose? Please leave your reason below.
Nice read though you have a typo under the size/capacity area as you said the Aura is the one for weeklong trips and then ended the article saying the Ariel is for weeklong trips.