A multi-featured and multi-talented daypack combining U Flow Systems and Auto-Moulding features, enabling you to move freely and stably in rough terrain, or nimbly around town.
Optional Front Balance Pockets increase capacity and energy efficiency. Check out the Wilderness Review 2020 !
26 Liter Aarn Active Endeavour
A multi-featured and multi-talented daypack combining U Flow Systems and Auto-Moulding features, enabling you to move freely and stably in rough terrain, or nimbly around town.
Optional Front Balance Pockets increase capacity and energy efficiency. Check out the Wilderness Review 2020 !
- 5 L - Compact
- 10 L - Sport/Small
- 12 L - Sport/Regular
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Customer Reviews
At a glance
Pluses: Spacious balanced pack system with on the go access
Minuses: Ventilation issues
900g + 572g, 26-litres + 24-litres
Features: This pack is made out of a sturdy 210D ripstop nylon. It’s a no-frills, zip-opening pack with an extra zipped front pocket and two side stretch pockets. The Velcro adjustable back length allows 10cm of movement, and the hip belt has a dual-adjust system, allowing fine-tuning around the waist. A hydration reservoir pocket, hook and tube exit allows bladder use, and the pack includes a tuck-away rain cover and walking pole attachment loops. The Universal Balance Bags (12l each) extend the pack capacity to 50l. Each bag includes two front mesh pockets, and a zipped main pocket, with an integrated internal waterproof liner.
Fit: The pack was easy to get comfortable and the adjustment options should suit most body shapes. The dual-adjust hip belt allows fine-tweaking on the top and bottom of the belt – it works well, once you’re used to it.
Comfort: Loaded with around 8kg, the pack was extraordinarily comfortable, and the balance perfect. On a 20km day, I never felt the urge to dump the pack during breaks, and my shoulders, back and hips didn’t complain. The balance bags look awkward, but the weight is directed to the hips by an aluminium stay and I barely noticed their presence.
In use: The tramping world seems divided into those who’ve tried and converted to Aarn packs, and those who make fun of the ‘breast bags’. I experienced both during my testing, but after experiencing the versatility and convenience of the balance pockets, I’m a firm convert and staunch defender of the bags. Walking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, I could fit my day’s food into one, a camera lens into the other and could access both on the go with ease. I felt a noticeable improvement in balance on the uneven terrain and scree slopes when compared to a traditional backpack. My back stayed clammy due to average ventilation, but the balance bags hang away from the chest, so no problems there. With weight in the balance bags, the pack is a bit awkward to handle when you’re not wearing it.
Value: A well priced and versatile package.
Verdict: Superbly balanced and comfortable pack system – try it to discover what the fuss is all about.
The Balance Bags.
Back panel. balance Bags connect to the hipbelt.
Let customers speak for us
"I honestly couldn't have made this documentary without the Aarn Photo Balance Pockets. I was carrying a 5d Mkiii with a 24-105 lens, a 14mm prime, and tripod and they were all within hands reach at any time. The weight distribution was amazing as well. It's a little unwieldy to get on and off. Otherwise, brilliant."
Great value to distribute weight and easier than I thought to attach and remove. Pockets everywhere
LIGHTWEIGHT COMFORT
This is by far the most comfortable pack I've ever used. I've previously used packs from Macpac, Montana, Osprey and Kathmandu and none of them come close to the comfort of the Peak Aspiration. All the weight gets comfortably carried on your hips to the point I get tricked into thinking I'm carrying less weight then I actually am. Being able to tighten the top and bottom of the hip belt means it doesn't need to be uncomfortably tight like a lot of other single piece belts. I don't typically carry enough to justify using the front pouches and the pack works amazing this way. It's not necessary to use the front packs for it to be super comfortable. I'm a convert and don't see myself ever using anything else.
REKINDLED MY LOVE OF TRAMPING
I had stated to become reluctant to go on tramps due to the discomfort from my previous pack - sore hips, tight neck and shoulders, rubbing on my back. I brought the Aarn Featherlite Freedom pack and wow - 5 days/85 km with none of these - just tiredness and the joy of reaching the hutt each day. I wish I had brought one years ago!
Awasome
Absolutely love my Aarn pack, so comfy and light. No strain or pain and can walk for mikes and miles
I am a botanical artist and do a lot of sketching and photographing of plants in the field. I have gone through a lot of packs to find the right fit for my equipment. Finally after searching endlessly for a daypack that would hold my art supplies and my camera equipment, the Aarn Balance Pack has proven the perfect solution. I carry my camera equipment up front in the Photo Balance Pockets so I have instant access – no longer do I have to constantly take off my backpack- and I carry my paints, paper, water, sketching tools, clothing and food for the day in the pack. Since herniating a disk in my back several years ago balancing gear up front with and behind is much easier on my back than a backpack. Happily the Aarn design also does not sacrifice manoeuvrability for tramping and climbing. It is very useful to be able to attach the same Balance Pockets to either a full sized pack or a daypack, depending on trip length. Even in hot weather the Balance Pockets do not make the packs hotter and I have used them in some very hot places! I now use this pack exclusively on all my tramps from New Zealand to Bhutan and beyond. Excellent.
The Photography Balance Pockets make it really easy to keep the camera at the ready - it's very easy to grab the DSLR out of the pocket, even with a 70-300 lens attached. When it comes to changing lenses, its like having an extra pair of hands. The load balance was amazing - totally different to my normal experience. Last weekend I packed my normal day-hike winter safety gear, food, 1.5 L of water, then loaded the pockets with my DSLR, 3 lenses, binoculars, GPS, plus a second point-and-shoot camera. The load just never seemed to be an issue.
The elastic pockets worked well for stowing filters. I found the dry sacs spacious enough to make for easy use. This is a good feature as most inexpensive DSLR's and lenses aren't weather or dust sealed.
Aarn's Photo Balance Pockets have completely changed the way I take pictures whilst in the backcountry. As a long-time contributor to Wilderness Magazine I'm always striving to capture beautiful moments of people having a good time in the outdoors.
The Photo Balance Pockets help me having my camera and lenses available at all times without having to take my pack off. The other day I even caught myself changing a lens while walking. They are as much a camera bag as they are a safe container to handle my expensive camera gear while climbing up a mountain. My gear worries crossing rivers are a thing of the past, too. I just roll up the dri-liners and all that will get wet is me. Turning them into a day pack is another nice feature. Once I have made camp I can keep on exploring with a lighter pack.
With my camera gear safely and comfortably available at all times I can be fully in the moment and capture the story of a day in the mountains while it is happening.
I have been using the AARN Photo Balance Pockets with a number of pack models for several years now. The photo pockets have quickly become my case of choice for travel and field photography. Each compartment has individual dry bags for each piece of gear. Typically, I will carry an SLR (w/out battery grip) with a wide-angle lens in the larger compartment. On the other side, I fill the dry bags with various lenses and/ or a flash. There is more storage in the bottom each pocket that can house smaller lenses, or needed accessories. Access is one of my favorite features of the system: a top zip allows for quick grabs when needed. Each piece of equipment is protected with a dry bag, and some thin padding. I have taken my systems on several extended expeditions and have never had an issue with the padding. The final feature that has been a HUGE bonus for me is that the balance pockets detach and become a smaller backpack on it's own. This is truly great for those smaller hikes or urban travel with a camera system.
Fantastic!! Exactly what I was looking for in a pack, light, comfortable, brilliant front pockets for spreading weight.
New Fav pack!
Bought this as a smaller fastpacking option to my Aarn mountain magic and absolutely love it! Easily got my overnight gear including tent and bedroll in and will be able to fit a few days worth of food.
Such a ‘trick’ piece of gear; I ended up getting two.
Awesome piece of gear that nobody else seems to offer! Works great!
SO COMFORTABLE
Absolutely the most comfortable pack for my shoulders and neck that I have ever had in 25 years of tramping.
PAIN GONE
"I broke my back some years ago (T7 and T8) and have problems now carrying weight for any length of time. I get a real pain like a knife stabbing me between the shoulder blades. But, not when using your Balance Pack design!"