AARN packs

[Joomy]

Like I said you shop on weight, I don't and I'm sure plenty others don't either.

Most people shop on function and price in my experience. For the things we are talking about on these forums, things you carry, weight greatly affects function -- you're not going to carry a cast iron frying pan even though it may be an awesome frying pan. So it's silly to suggest that only some hikers shop based upon weight. Every hiker does to some extent. If you mean that weight is not your top priority then that's fair enough, but then I would ask you what is your top priority? Other than price, if we are talking about packs, it's comfort.

Now some UL hikers definitely do sacrifice certain comforts for weight (carrying comfort, sleeping comfort, warmth), but they would argue that in return that gain a lot of overall comfort from simply carrying less weight -- there is less weight on their legs for each step and they are less fatigued at the end of the day.

Other semi-UL (or UL-inclined) hikers like myself have found that it's very possible to cut weight, and thereby decrease the discomfort caused by carry excess weight, while not really sacrificing any comfort at all. I've had 4-5 packs and my latest one is the lightest and most comfortable. It's 1.3kg for 60 litres in size 3 and very comfortable with 15kg. And by all reports packs by Hyperlite Mountain Gear Porter series or Zpacks Arc Blast are super comfy at well under 1kg for 50-60L.

[Gusto]

This is becoming a rather heated dialog for what is such a trivial element.

It's not simply a matter of comparing the weight of the empty pack.

According to research undertaken by Aarn Designs then you would be better off with a body pack rather than an traditional pack if the weight total weight is more than 7kgs. That's not base weight. It's the weight of everything including food and water.

In addition to that, added durability may also be worth the weight penalty.

Different strokes for different folks

[Joomy]

double post

[Joomy]

This is becoming a rather heated dialog for what is such a trivial element.

This is a discussion forum. Why do people balk when a thread exhibits some lively discussion. As long as it's polite and respectful surely that's what we're here for?

It's not simply a matter of comparing the weight of the empty pack.

Of course not. But my point specifically was that there are lots of very light packs which give a lot of comfort and support. A lot of people assume that lighter means less comfort, but that's not always true in my experience.

According to research undertaken by Aarn Designs then you would be better off with a body pack rather than an traditional pack if the weight total weight is more than 7kgs. That's not base weight. It's the weight of everything including food and water.

I'm not sure how much I trust research done by the company whose business depends on getting me to trust it.

In addition to that, added durability may also be worth the weight penalty.

Again, I think it's a common misconception that lighter-weight packs are less durable. My pack is made from very tough kevlar/nylon and still weighs a lot less than a similar sized Aarn pack.

Different strokes for different folks

Absolutely.

[Miyata610]

Other semi-UL (or UL-inclined) hikers like myself have found that it's very possible to cut weight, and thereby decrease the discomfort caused by carry excess weight, while not really sacrificing any comfort at all. I've had 4-5 packs and my latest one is the lightest and most comfortable. It's 1.3kg for 60 litres in size 3 and very comfortable with 15kg.

Well let's see......

I have a bunch of Aarn Packs, the biggest and heaviest is my 75 litre Load Limo. It weighs 1.66kg, not a whole lot more than your 60l.

If you want a lighter aarn pack maybe the Featherlite Freedom 55 litre at 1.32kg?

You can add more capacity and balance them with front pockets, if you want, it's not compulsory.

I'd buy them for the harness system alone. Which is licensed by other pack makers including Black Diamond.

Of course if you're a fashion victim and rule them out because they're uggggly that's fine too.

To each their own.

[GPSGuided]

Fact is, the more weight one carries, the more those Aarn packs will help (or any other weight balanced carriage system). True that they have some fancy custom harnesses and heavier weight material. But these are not critical in my mind, ones that may of help to some but as all design, never suits 100% of the population out there. When it comes to balancing heavy loads, it's no contest and not even worth arguing.

[Joomy]

If you want a lighter aarn pack maybe the Featherlite Freedom 55 litre at 1.32kg?

I didn't see that particular pack when I looked at their website. Looks quite nice I must say. I might suggest it for my girlfriend. I guess when I was comparing weights it was the Guiding Light at 1.85kg I was thinking of.

I'd buy them for the harness system alone. Which is licensed by other pack makers including Black Diamond.

Really? That's interesting. I've owned a couple of the new generation BD packs. The harnesses I found were decent but not spectacular compared to what else is out there.

[Miyata610]

My wife uses the Aarn Mountain Magic at 37 litres it's plenty for the OT when traveling with me. It's 922g. She's more ultralight than me. Lol.

Not all BD packs use aarn technology.

[Gusto]

No pack contains the complete Aarn harness displayed on the Aarn Packs. But there are are a few brands of packs and tents that use features that are Patented by Aarn.

Aarn however used to freelance for a variety of high end brands before creating Aarn Designs. I imagine that he is responsible for some of the past Macpac harnesses.

With respect to the shape and aesthetics. I agree that some of the photography on the website is not as stylish as other brands. The lighting used is not appealing. Also the shape of some of the backs really is quite different/unusual as some of the packs have an internal vertical divider along the spine to reduce the depth of the pack. This is inline with all the bio-mechanical principles that Aarn follows. I imagine this requires a slightly different approach to packing. Not all Aarn packs have this.

Also, if we are going to include comparisons to packs made out of Cuben then it is worth noting that you can buy Aarn packs in Cuben too.


Note: I have never used one. I am keen on buying a Natural Balance soon though.

[icefest]

you can buy Aarn packs in Cuben too.

Well, only if you have 1000$ that you want to spend on a little tested design.
Yes, with the caveat that it is a very expensive experiment, where the manufacturer has little experience with the material.


EDIT: Semantics

[bernieq]

I have a bunch of Aarn Packs, the biggest and heaviest is my 75 litre Load Limo. It weighs 1.66kg

Hmm, I’m guessing the 1.66kg figure comes from the website, Phil. That’s the minimum weight for an S size LoadLimo (ie no lid, no liner, no balance pockets). However, you quote a 75 litre volume – which is an L size with min weight 1.98kg ??

The Aarn website has 2.67kg as the standard weight for a 75 litre LoadLimo – which is quite a lot more than 1.3kg

More useful would be an actual in-use weight – including the lid and liner at least.

... all the bio-mechanical principles that Aarn follows. I imagine this requires a slightly different approach to packing.

Yes, the 'divided legs' design (eg Natural Balance) does require some thought in packing (as do the balance pockets) but it all comes together really well. I've had a Natural Balance since 2009 (around 2000km) and I have no hesitation in recommending it.

[Joomy]

I have a bunch of Aarn Packs, the biggest and heaviest is my 75 litre Load Limo. It weighs 1.66kg

Hmm, I’m guessing the 1.66kg figure comes from the website, Phil. That’s the minimum weight for an S size LoadLimo (ie no lid, no liner, no balance pockets). However, you quote a 75 litre volume – which is an L size with min weight 1.98kg ??

The Aarn website has 2.67kg as the standard weight for a 75 litre LoadLimo – which is quite a lot more than 1.3kg

More useful would be an actual in-use weight – including the lid and liner at least.

I find their website quite sparse with information, not to mention annoying to navigate. So is the minimum weight with the lid stripped, i.e. stripped weight for other brands, or is it simply with the balance pockets removed? If the former then 1.98 is still pretty good for 75+ litres. Not spectacular but I would consider it for expedition sized loads.

[Miyata610]

Interesting. It's from the new brochure. Size l. No liners. The size S is 70l and is 1.56

I wonder if the new ones are lighter.

It's quite valid to quote a weight without liners. No other packs quote weights with liners I think. Not sure about the top though.

I think your numbers include the expedition balance pockets that once were standard. No more.

So you're referring to a 90l config.

[bernieq]

I agree, Joomy, the Aarn website is not brilliant - but the minimum weight is explained in the body of the text :

"The lid, liner and Balance Pockets can be removed for minimum weight ... "

Keep in mind that there are two types of Aarn pack - stronglites (the heavier variety - eg Load Limo) and ultralights (eg Natural Balance) - if weight is one's critical factor, the Load Limo isn't the appropriate pack.

Phil, the numbers are just straight off the website - I've no idea how accurate they are. Since you have the pack, perhaps you could weigh it and post the results?

[Miyata610]

1.74 with mud. Lol. That's how I left it. I must give it a bath.

I doubt there's 80g of mud so I guess the new ones have saved some weight.

They're green instead of blue. That would do it.

[Miyata610]

I just weighed my Macpac cascade that the LL replaced... 3.24kg. Same scales. No liner.

I guess it's all relative, although I can't vouch for the accuracy of the scales.

[Strider]

Surely the answer is just to carry less weight to begin with?

[roysta]

I was very impressed to see the biggest outdoor store in Chamonix, France (Snell Sports) selling Aarn packs.

[radson]

In the Western Cwm - heading to Camp 2 by radson1, on Flickr

[Joomy]

Spantik! Cool! That's definitely one I've got my sights on.

[radson]

ooh that pic is Nepal not Pakistan

[Joomy]

Ah whoops! I was looking at your other pics of Spantik and assumed this was the same trip. Not sure that one is so much for me but maybe one day. I had no idea "cwm" was spelled like that.

[radson]

yeah apparently one of the few words used somewhat regularly in the english language without a vowel

[Onestepmore]

I've no hesitation in recommending the Natural Balance as a multiday pack for comfort. The dual vertical compartments present no problem for packing for me anyway. It has integrated waterproof liners, a horizontal lower compartment that is easily accessible, and once you get used to the concept of packing heavier stuff like water on the front, you'll never go back to lugging it all on your back. I also like the way it doesn't have lots of extraneous straps hanging off it everywhere like my Osprey packs. This one's coming to Chile with me for two weeks of walking.

[Suresh]

I have used Aarn packs exclusively for the last 10 years and cannot recommend them enough. The only time I got into strife was when I had the front packs fully loaded and trying to get up a rock face.
For day walks or for multiday trips, they are wonderful.
I only use one front pack on the day pack and that is where the water bottle goes, always accessible and balances well. I use it at least a couple of times a month and while it is very light and fairly thin material, it has lasted without any problems. I am also amazed at the zipper, never a problem.
The problem with vision around my feet is only an issue with the camera, not the balance pockets.

[cixelsyd]

I have no hesitation in recommending the Aarn Load Limo for extended hikes. I have fairly pronounced scoliosis which also means that my hips are not 'level' which also translates to one leg being longer than the other. I used to use a Deuter which was indeed a great and durable pack. I punted on the Aarn and spent about 2 hours fitting it per the on line video. All I can say is that the Aarn can be made to fit my not so 'universal' body shape. The front pockets take significant weight off my lower back and the result is I can walk longer, farther in a more enjoyable way. I often stop for lunch without taking my pack off as the front pockets enable you to eat right out of them while on the go. They are quite simply awesome packs.

[ULWalkingPhil]

They are a great pack, I used to own the load limo. But sold it, as I don't need such a pack anymore, Its rare my total pack weight including water and food exceeds 10kg, usually under 7kg. My base weight today is not much more than what my Aarn pack used to weigh.

[Gusto]

Are the Hip Holsters a New invention? could they be used to add Front Pockets to non-Aarn bags too?

http://www.aarnpacks.com/products/accessories.html

[Miyata610]

Are the Hip Holsters a New invention? could they be used to add Front Pockets to non-Aarn bags too?

http://www.aarnpacks.com/products/accessories.html

Yeah they are new. Interesting. I've been thinking of modifying my load limo hip belt and this might give me some options.

But I agree that they could be used to add balance pockets to an inferior pack.

[Gusto]

I've been thinking of modifying my load limo hip belt and this might give me some options.

The latest hipbelt seems alot better than previous models. It maybe worth finding out if a new one could be attached to your pack.