Meet one of Light Hiking Gear’s most cherished and best hiking daypacks: the Aarn Mountain Magic. This lightweight daypack is perfect for hiking. It is stripped down for minimum weight and appeals to those who want to be naturally balanced and move with less effort and strain. The Mountain Magic is great for posture and comfort, designed perfectly for those who would rather capture the moment rather than worry about back pain.
- comes standard with liters in the pack liter multi balance pockets.>
- when packed correctly the mountain magic won alter your balance and posture like most backpacks.>
- bag won pull back on shoulders a common instigator of pain in hikers.>
- this backpack is virtually weightless so you don need to worry about the added weight held by your hiking daypack.>
Whether you’re hiking up a fourteener or a small mountain, the Mountain Magic is going to be the best hiking daypack to bring along. Not only is it excellent for posture, but it will also feel like you’re carrying nothing.
Rich and his Mountain Magic bodypack at Yosemite Falls - Apr 2017
- FEATURES
- SPECIFICATIONS
- MORE ACCESSORIES
- DESIGN
- FITTING
- WHAT MAKES AN AARN PACK DIFFERENT?
- TESTIMONIALS
Keep your items protected and your back feeling excellent with the Mountain Magic bag. Our comfortable backpack for hiking comes with complimentary Mountain Magic pockets which you can remove easily. For additional lightness, you can also remove the waterproof liners.
- This lightweight daypack features U, V, Omni, and Flexi Flow as well as an Auto-form Frame, Auto-form hipbelt, and X Flow Chest Straps with Conus Clips.
- For organization, the bag includes three waterproof Dri-liners with roll-top closures, five external pockets, and cord-loc compression.
- Bag also has attachments for an ice axe or trekking poles.
- Shoulder Harness: The On-Adjust shoulder harness is made of breathable spacer mesh which auto-molds to the slope of your shoulders. U Flow bottom tensioners and top stabilizers allow free shoulder movement with load stability.
- The harness comes in two sizes, S and L. Choose the harness size matching your back length. If the distance from the top of your hip bones to the midpoint of your shoulder (where the shoulder strap goes over the shoulder) is less than 15", then choose the "S" size; if 15" or greater, then choose the "L" size.
- The Mountain Magic front balance pockets attach nicely to this comfortable backpack for added storage. These pockets are excellent at balancing weight.
- These pockets are a natural green color and attach to the hipbelt via clip tabs and to the sides and shoulder straps via a clip. Pockets are great at protecting against water, as they feature waterproof Dri-liners that zip up and zip down. The four mesh exterior pockets and four compression straps are ideal for securely holding items without compromising comfort. Materials include 500D Kodura, 100D x 70D, and 40D ripstop nylon. Volume: 7L.
Whether you’re hiking up a fourteener or a small mountain, the Mountain Magic is going to be the best hiking daypack to bring along. Not only is it excellent for posture, but it will also feel like you’re carrying nothing.
(Click on Buttons to Evaluate and Purchase)
These allow you to clip climbing hardware on the larger models with Pelvic Form Hipbelts.
Alternative to sternum straps when Balance Pockets are not used.
Hold tent, poles, foam pad, etc. on pack sides.
Allow skis to be attached to the pack sides and locked to prevent movement
Allow a snowboard to be attached to the pack and locked to prevent movement
I found out about your pack on Backpackinglight.com where it was mentioned often by a few people but just kept slipping off my radar... I was going ultralight but I am pretty light myself - 5' 11" and only 135 - 140 lbs (I'm a 27 year old male).
I tried a LOT of backpacks (mainly Osprey and Gregory) with only 20 lbs or so in them but found them all uncomfortable, especially in the lower back. It seemed like my spine was curving in an S shape to support the pack with my lower back.
I ordered the Mountain Magic on an impulse as one last shot in the dark after I'd 'settled' for an Osprey Exos and it has been a game changer. I have no pain or discomfort while wearing the pack. Prior to this pack (also prior to cutting between 5 & 10 lbs of pack weight), I'd never done more than 10 - 12 miles in a day. Now I've done up to 22 mile days easily and the limitation was daylight. I could have kept going. No pains or sore points and far less exhaustion.
Partly because of this, I'm planning a thru-hike of the Colorado Trail this August (about 500 miles in the Rocky Mtns., climbing more than 2000 ft / day on average). I'm hoping the Mountain Magic will do the trick! So congrats on an amazing pack. While I hiked along the Appalachian Trail here in New Jersey, many AT thru-hikers asked me about the pack. Some had heard of it but had never seen one in person. Others were very intrigued and couldn't believe they hadn't seen such a design before because it "just makes sense".
Arvind Murugan, USA
I totally wanted to tell you how much I LOVE my Mountain Magic Bodypack! It is the best thing to happen to my backpacking life! I just returned from tramping the Pyrenean Haute Route, from the Atlantic Ocean across the spine of the mountains to the Mediterranean. It took me 55 days (816 Kilometers and 35,633 meters elevation gain). My Aarn pack was so comfortable and allowed me such freedom of movement it is awesome!!! I do have to admit that it was a bit heavy in the beginning (only my fault), and after the first 10 days, I mailed home 3.2 Kilos of gear (including my stove!) to get me down to about 17 kilos with food and water. Then it was really manageable. I had a great trip!
Talie Morrison, retired mountain guide, Crested Butte, CO, USA
44 Liter Aarn Mountain Magic Backpack
Meet one of Light Hiking Gear’s most cherished and best hiking daypacks: the Aarn Mountain Magic. This lightweight daypack is perfect for hiking. It is stripped down for minimum weight and appeals to those who want to be naturally balanced and move with less effort and strain. The Mountain Magic is great for posture and comfort, designed perfectly for those who would rather capture the moment rather than worry about back pain.
- comes standard with liters in the pack liter multi balance pockets.>
- when packed correctly the mountain magic won alter your balance and posture like most backpacks.>
- bag won pull back on shoulders a common instigator of pain in hikers.>
- this backpack is virtually weightless so you don need to worry about the added weight held by your hiking daypack.>
Whether you’re hiking up a fourteener or a small mountain, the Mountain Magic is going to be the best hiking daypack to bring along. Not only is it excellent for posture, but it will also feel like you’re carrying nothing.
Rich and his Mountain Magic bodypack at Yosemite Falls - Apr 2017
- FEATURES
- SPECIFICATIONS
- MORE ACCESSORIES
- DESIGN
- FITTING
- WHAT MAKES AN AARN PACK DIFFERENT?
- TESTIMONIALS
Keep your items protected and your back feeling excellent with the Mountain Magic bag. Our comfortable backpack for hiking comes with complimentary Mountain Magic pockets which you can remove easily. For additional lightness, you can also remove the waterproof liners.
- This lightweight daypack features U, V, Omni, and Flexi Flow as well as an Auto-form Frame, Auto-form hipbelt, and X Flow Chest Straps with Conus Clips.
- For organization, the bag includes three waterproof Dri-liners with roll-top closures, five external pockets, and cord-loc compression.
- Bag also has attachments for an ice axe or trekking poles.
- Shoulder Harness: The On-Adjust shoulder harness is made of breathable spacer mesh which auto-molds to the slope of your shoulders. U Flow bottom tensioners and top stabilizers allow free shoulder movement with load stability.
- The harness comes in two sizes, S and L. Choose the harness size matching your back length. If the distance from the top of your hip bones to the midpoint of your shoulder (where the shoulder strap goes over the shoulder) is less than 15", then choose the "S" size; if 15" or greater, then choose the "L" size.
- The Mountain Magic front balance pockets attach nicely to this comfortable backpack for added storage. These pockets are excellent at balancing weight.
- These pockets are a natural green color and attach to the hipbelt via clip tabs and to the sides and shoulder straps via a clip. Pockets are great at protecting against water, as they feature waterproof Dri-liners that zip up and zip down. The four mesh exterior pockets and four compression straps are ideal for securely holding items without compromising comfort. Materials include 500D Kodura, 100D x 70D, and 40D ripstop nylon. Volume: 7L.
Whether you’re hiking up a fourteener or a small mountain, the Mountain Magic is going to be the best hiking daypack to bring along. Not only is it excellent for posture, but it will also feel like you’re carrying nothing.
(Click on Buttons to Evaluate and Purchase)
These allow you to clip climbing hardware on the larger models with Pelvic Form Hipbelts.
Alternative to sternum straps when Balance Pockets are not used.
Hold tent, poles, foam pad, etc. on pack sides.
Allow skis to be attached to the pack sides and locked to prevent movement
Allow a snowboard to be attached to the pack and locked to prevent movement
I found out about your pack on Backpackinglight.com where it was mentioned often by a few people but just kept slipping off my radar... I was going ultralight but I am pretty light myself - 5' 11" and only 135 - 140 lbs (I'm a 27 year old male).
I tried a LOT of backpacks (mainly Osprey and Gregory) with only 20 lbs or so in them but found them all uncomfortable, especially in the lower back. It seemed like my spine was curving in an S shape to support the pack with my lower back.
I ordered the Mountain Magic on an impulse as one last shot in the dark after I'd 'settled' for an Osprey Exos and it has been a game changer. I have no pain or discomfort while wearing the pack. Prior to this pack (also prior to cutting between 5 & 10 lbs of pack weight), I'd never done more than 10 - 12 miles in a day. Now I've done up to 22 mile days easily and the limitation was daylight. I could have kept going. No pains or sore points and far less exhaustion.
Partly because of this, I'm planning a thru-hike of the Colorado Trail this August (about 500 miles in the Rocky Mtns., climbing more than 2000 ft / day on average). I'm hoping the Mountain Magic will do the trick! So congrats on an amazing pack. While I hiked along the Appalachian Trail here in New Jersey, many AT thru-hikers asked me about the pack. Some had heard of it but had never seen one in person. Others were very intrigued and couldn't believe they hadn't seen such a design before because it "just makes sense".
Arvind Murugan, USA
I totally wanted to tell you how much I LOVE my Mountain Magic Bodypack! It is the best thing to happen to my backpacking life! I just returned from tramping the Pyrenean Haute Route, from the Atlantic Ocean across the spine of the mountains to the Mediterranean. It took me 55 days (816 Kilometers and 35,633 meters elevation gain). My Aarn pack was so comfortable and allowed me such freedom of movement it is awesome!!! I do have to admit that it was a bit heavy in the beginning (only my fault), and after the first 10 days, I mailed home 3.2 Kilos of gear (including my stove!) to get me down to about 17 kilos with food and water. Then it was really manageable. I had a great trip!
Talie Morrison, retired mountain guide, Crested Butte, CO, USA
- Small Shoulder Harness
- Large Shoulder Harness
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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.
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!"