So after a couple more light hikes with Big Red and my back still bothering me, I brought her in to get checked out. Our friend from the gym, Tim the Englishman, was working in the gear section when we went in and he spent almost 2 hours working with me to get fitted with the right pack. He was super patient and let me do and pack whatever I wanted to test out the fit and feel of the packs. Bless his heart. At the end of our 2 hour session and 4 packs later, I returned Big Red and walked out with the Osprey Aura 65L pack in a pretty green color. The Aura is the "ultra light" version of Big Red (Ariel 65L). The Aura weighs about 1 lb 4 oz less than Big Red! Which is HUGE! The main difference in the fit for me is the back part of the Aura. It's all mesh, no lumbar bump- which is what was killing my back on Big Red. The frame is also different. It curves around my torso for an awesome fit and feel. If you had wide hips it probably wouldn't feel good, so lucky for me I have boyish hips and a sort of narrow torso, so it wraps around me and fits great!
The Aura has a lighter duty suspension and hip belt, which in part is what makes it weigh less. Consequently, it also means that it can only handle a load of 30-35 lbs (hence its "ultra light" status). Big Red's beefy suspension and back structure allowed for a load of 50+ lbs. My goal for my pack weight has always been under 30, with my ultimate goal, fully loaded, being 28 lbs (or less!!). I think I can achieve it especially with the 1 lb+ weight savings of the pack in and of itself...
So, in this post, I say goodbye to Big Red. It's been a good ride although you rubbed me the wrong way towards the end...literally. And I welcome and introduce Verde to the family of backpacks. Lets go on some adventures and get to know each other.
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