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Hello
I am new to what looks like a great forum and indeed to the Camino. I am planning to head off on my first in a few weeks. Rather an impulse trip and all pretty last minute but I'm hoping it will prove the elixir I sorely need.
My question relates to Aarn backpacks. I am about to buy one but am struggling to choose between the Featherlite Freedom and the Peak Aspiration with Sports Balance Pockets. I know they are larger than required but I also plan to use the pack for camping trips in future and prefer a slightly larger pack anyway that gives more latitude packing.
I would be really grateful for any advice from anyone that has experience of these packs and if one has any particular merit over the other. They are close to each other in price with the PA about 10% more so cost is probably not a critical factor. Weight seems to be only about 250g between them. I don't imagine anyone will have both but perhaps you may have been able to test them in shops before you bought (I am buying sight unseen), I'd be interested to hear what drew you to one over the other.
Thank you
Richard
Thank you all for the responses. I am in the UK and there is no supplier here so unfortunately there is no chance of trying them on or having a good look at them. Not ideal but I have read only good things about them and the fitting instructions available online are pretty comprehensive. It does though mean that any advice is very helpful in choosing. It's interesting that more seem to have the PA as it was the one I found less info about in my research.
Falcon269: Could I ask what made you go for the FF?
RNC: I quite like the idea of the lid pocket for times one doesn't use the balance pockets. How high does the pack come, does it interfere with a wide brim hat for example?
Cross6011: The FF is listed with a higher capacity than the PA on the website being a little wider and deeper (front to back). It's interesting that you feel that the reverse is true and that the PA gives greater capacity, did the FF feel like a more compact pack? Really bad luck having to cancel, I hope your health issue resolve soon.
Gracethepilgrim: Can I ask what made you go for the PA over other models?
As the two packs are broadly similar, its really useful to hear from those that had the opportunity to see and try on both and what made you go for one over the other. I had been leaning toward the FF as it is a touch lighter and a little cheaper but it's not by much and I had originally preferred the look of the PA (more akin to what I'm used to perhaps). It's turning out to be a tough choice.[/QUOTE
Thank you all for the responses. I am in the UK and there is no supplier here so unfortunately there is no chance of trying them on or having a good look at them. Not ideal but I have read only good things about them and the fitting instructions available online are pretty comprehensive. It does though mean that any advice is very helpful in choosing. It's interesting that more seem to have the PA as it was the one I found less info about in my research.
Falcon269: Could I ask what made you go for the FF?
RNC: I quite like the idea of the lid pocket for times one doesn't use the balance pockets. How high does the pack come, does it interfere with a wide brim hat for example?
Cross6011: The FF is listed with a higher capacity than the PA on the website being a little wider and deeper (front to back). It's interesting that you feel that the reverse is true and that the PA gives greater capacity, did the FF feel like a more compact pack? Really bad luck having to cancel, I hope your health issue resolve soon.
Gracethepilgrim: Can I ask what made you go for the PA over other models?
As the two packs are broadly similar, its really useful to hear from those that had the opportunity to see and try on both and what made you go for one over the other. I had been leaning toward the FF as it is a touch lighter and a little cheaper but it's not by much and I had originally preferred the look of the PA (more akin to what I'm used to perhaps). It's turning out to be a tough choice.
@Onomad - I chose the PA for the size and comfort. Because the PA only has a top opening I wanted a pack with sufficient room so that it’s easy to pack and unpack.Gracethepilgrim: Can I ask what made you go for the PA over other models?
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Hello
I am new to what looks like a great forum and indeed to the Camino. I am planning to head off on my first in a few weeks. Rather an impulse trip and all pretty last minute but I'm hoping it will prove the elixir I sorely need.
My question relates to Aarn backpacks. I am about to buy one but am struggling to choose between the Featherlite Freedom and the Peak Aspiration with Sports Balance Pockets. I know they are larger than required but I also plan to use the pack for camping trips in future and prefer a slightly larger pack anyway that gives more latitude packing.
I would be really grateful for any advice from anyone that has experience of these packs and if one has any particular merit over the other. They are close to each other in price with the PA about 10% more so cost is probably not a critical factor. Weight seems to be only about 250g between them. I don't imagine anyone will have both but perhaps you may have been able to test them in shops before you bought (I am buying sight unseen), I'd be interested to hear what drew you to one over the other.
Thank you
Richard
Hi everyone
My friend and I will be heading off in April 2018 for the Camino. I've been trying to find a comfortable pack for almost 12 months now! I've bought two osprey ones the aura 50 and the Kyte 66 (yes the kyte 66 is too big, I learnt this after doing lots of research) The shoulder straps on both bags rub around my neck. I've been into every store in Sydney and tried on just about every pack in every make - still no luckI've tried the Aarn peak aspiration but am disappointed there are no hip pockets or a place for water bladder and no seperate compartments to put camera, snacks etc. Ive tried the balance bags and don't like them. Too bulky. Any advice?
The smaller and lighter Osprey packs would work better: Exos 48 (or for summer walking on the CF, maybe even the Exos 38). Osprey is coming out with new and revised pack models in a few months, so you may catch some inventory-clearing sale pricing.Any advice?
Hi everyone
My friend and I will be heading off in April 2018 for the Camino. I've been trying to find a comfortable pack for almost 12 months now! I've bought two osprey ones the aura 50 and the Kyte 66 (yes the kyte 66 is too big, I learnt this after doing lots of research) The shoulder straps on both bags rub around my neck. I've been into every store in Sydney and tried on just about every pack in every make - still no luckI've tried the Aarn peak aspiration but am disappointed there are no hip pockets or a place for water bladder and no seperate compartments to put camera, snacks etc. Ive tried the balance bags and don't like them. Too bulky. Any advice?
Thanks @Africa for the quick response. The Peak Aspiration looks great and I'm actively considering it. This is how the rankings are shaping up so far in my mind:I bought the Aarn Peak Aspiration. Very comfortable and easy to wear. Fits really well. Definitely recommend it
Thanks @Africa for the quick response. The Peak Aspiration looks great and I'm actively considering it. This is how the rankings are shaping up so far in my mind:
1. Natural Exhilaration (arguably best volume for Camino)
2. Peak Aspiration (superior hip belt system but might be bigger than I really need)
3. No other contenders at this point in time.
If I may ask..
Did you find the Peak Aspiration just right in terms of both body fit and carrying capacity?
Did you use any Balance Pockets?
@katie@caminoI'll be interested to know your process @rohanmce. I bought a FF last year, am about to try it out for the first time on the CP starting this weekend.
Thanks Katie - I will provide updates but I'm not sure if my process will be totally objective and/or scientific.I'll be interested to know your process @rohanmce. I bought a FF last year, am about to try it out for the first time on the CP starting this weekend.
@katie@camino send me a PM if you have any problems with it - getting the fittings right can be a challenge the first time. Once they are all set it is heaven.
@rohanmce the balance packs do not "hang" from the shoulder straps on the Natural Exhilaration - they fit into a pocket on the hip belt and clip into the shoulder straps. They are supported on the waist band. Exactly the same for my Liquid Agility. As long as you have the pack properly adjusted and do not take the struts out of the balance pockets the load should go onto your hips. The back length needs to be right - so that the balance pack clip on the shoulder straps can move freely up and down and is sitting half way between the sternum strap (which should be pushed up) and the tensioning shoulder strap buckle (at the bottom).
Oh help - this is so simple in practice but terribly hard to explain! Send me a PM if you want to meet up when you come to Sydney.
I think the most important thing is how it feels on you. I know that both my friends who chose the Peak Aspiration did so because the shape simply felt best, whereas I like the FF.
@Kanga that is so kind of you, thankyou!@katie@camino send me a PM if you have any problems with it - getting the fittings right can be a challenge the first time. Once they are all set it is heaven.
@rohanmce the balance packs do not "hang" from the shoulder straps on the Natural Exhilaration - they fit into a pocket on the hip belt and clip into the shoulder straps. They are supported on the waist band. Exactly the same for my Liquid Agility. As long as you have the pack properly adjusted and do not take the struts out of the balance pockets the load should go onto your hips. The back length needs to be right - so that the balance pack clip on the shoulder straps can move freely up and down and is sitting half way between the sternum strap (which should be pushed up) and the tensioning shoulder strap buckle (at the bottom).
Oh help - this is so simple in practice but terribly hard to explain! Send me a PM if you want to meet up when you come to Sydney.
I think the most important thing is how it feels on you. I know that both my friends who chose the Peak Aspiration did so because the shape simply felt best, whereas I like the FF.
Nor did you ask me, but i just love talking Aarn packs!@rohanmce can I ask what aarn pack you ended up buying and was it suitable for your trip? I am leaning toward PA.
After quite a few weeks afraid of my Aarn, I finally started disassembling It at night. It was much more convenient for storing and packing, so don't be afraid to remove the balance pockets at each stop. It will be as fast as unbuckling the waist belt with some practice.we are now all ready for our first camino end of April.
that is awesome to know as it does look a bit daunting with all the straps etc. but we are pleased with our purchaseAfter quite a few weeks afraid of my Aarn, I finally started disassembling It at night. It was much more convenient for storing and packing, so don't be afraid to remove the balance pockets at each stop. It will be as fast as unbuckling the waist belt with some practice.
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