50 or 55 Liter Aarn Featherlite Freedom Backpack

FF-S/S-S/S
$ 389.95 $ 0.00( / )
The Aarn Featherlite backpacks are designed for lightweight backpacking and hiking, and they come with several features that make them popular among outdoor enthusiasts. Here are five of the best features commonly associated with Aarn Featherlite backpacks: Dual-Compartment Design: Aarn Featherlite backpacks typically feature a dual-compartment design, which separates the...
  • 50 L - Short
  • 55 L - Medium
  • Small
  • Medium
  • Large
  • 10 L - Sport/Small
  • 12 L - Sport/Regular
  • 15L - Expedition/Regular
  • 18 L - Expedition/Large
  • None

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The Aarn Featherlite backpacks are designed for lightweight backpacking and hiking, and they come with several features that make them popular among outdoor enthusiasts. Here are five of the best features commonly associated with Aarn Featherlite backpacks:

  1. Dual-Compartment Design: Aarn Featherlite backpacks typically feature a dual-compartment design, which separates the main compartment from the front pocket. This design allows for efficient organization of your gear, making it easier to access specific items without needing to unpack everything.

  2. Balance Pockets: Aarn backpacks are known for their innovative balance pockets. These are detachable pockets that can be worn on the front of the backpack, providing convenient access to essentials like snacks, maps, and small gear items without having to remove the pack. This feature enhances weight distribution and comfort while on the trail.

  3. Lightweight Construction: Featherlite backpacks live up to their name by offering a lightweight design. Aarn is committed to producing backpacks that minimize weight without sacrificing durability, making them suitable for ultralight backpacking and long-distance hiking.

  4. Adjustable Harness: Aarn Featherlite backpacks often feature adjustable harness systems, allowing you to fine-tune the fit to your body for maximum comfort and load distribution. This feature is especially important for long hikes and backpacking trips.

  5. Hydration Compatibility: Many Aarn Featherlite backpacks come with hydration reservoir sleeves and hose routing, enabling you to stay hydrated while on the go. This feature ensures you have easy access to water without needing to stop and unpack your gear.

FEATURES

The Featherlite Freedom feels like the lightest backpack, even when it’s loaded with heavy items. The pelvic-form hipbelt, true-fit shoulder straps, and flow through stabilizers make the pack feel like virtually nothing. The two backlengths that adjust at the torso allow it to comfortably fit people of all sizes.

Material: 00D Kodura, 210D, 100D x 70D & 40D ripstop nylon

Color: Green/Grey

    Add Balance Gear Racks (see "More Accessories" tab) to this comfortable backpack to take the weight of climbing hardware off your shoulders when climbing. The new generation 4 model has a revised frame which is lighter & stronger and an improved Multi-Flow pivot position for an easier-to-use hipbelt.

    SPECIFICATIONS

    Featherlite Freedom Backpack

    BALANCE POCKETS

    Front Balance Pockets allow for high weights without feeling intrusive

    Add Front Balance Pockets which attach easily to Aarn’s comfortable backpacks and convert easily into a daypack after clipping on the shoulder and sternum straps. Hiking, backpacking, and exploring the outdoors has never been easier!

    • Either 10 or 12 liter front Sport-Regular Balance Pockets, or 15 liter or 18 liter Expedition Balance Pockets can be used with this pack. Pockets provide greater stability and balance, and a more upright posture. This translates to much less fatigue and strain.
    • Shoulder and sternum straps are included for converting the pockets into a daypack, which is carried on the front of the body for maximum security and easy gear access.
    • Front pockets have waterproof Dri-liners, accessible zip flaps to protect items from the rain, and four mesh exterior pockets with compression cords.
    • The design of the Front Balance Pockets, which includes four mesh exterior pockets with compression chords, is to provide maximum comfort, organization, and accessibility. Attach to the Aarn balance pack for an unmatched outdoors experience.
      • 00D Kodura, 210D, 100D x 70D & 40D ripstop nylon

    (Click on Buttons to See and Evaluate)

    • Sport Balance Pockets - Mid-volume balances unobtrusiveness and weight carrying ability

    • Expedition Balance Pockets - Large-volume for balancing heavy loads.


    MORE ACCESSORIES

    (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

    DESIGN

    Featherlite Freedom Backpack Design
    Featherlite Freedom Backpack Shoulder Strap Design
    Featherlite Freedom Backpack Hipbelt Design

    FITTING

    Instructions also apply to attaching Balance Pockets to Featherlight Freedom

    WHAT MAKES AN AARN PACK DIFFERENT?

    TESTIMONIALS

    " Just before Xmas my partner and I had a fantastic trip to the Garden of Eden Ice Plateau with skis. It was a great test for the Featherlite Freedom pack as I skinned, skied, climbed, bush-bashed and tramped over 5 days.

    The 2 day exit from the Gardens is definitely thorough testing country and we had full camping kit with us. I was more than happy with how it performed when it was loaded up, and how good it was to ski with all my gear in it and the Balance Pockets in front.

    We were bush bashing in alpine scrub and bush and this was no problem with the Balance Pockets. There was also no issue with not seeing the ground because of the Pockets - and a lot of the terrain we were on was quite technical. This included a steep climbing ascent of The Great Unknown and a steep descent down a creek bed on our route out.

    During the long 14 hour tramp out down the Perth/ Whataroa, I never got the expected/normal sore shoulders/neck and bruised hips.

    Jo Haines, Alpine Guide, Wanaka , NZ

    Just completed a 22 hour continuous training mission in thick west coast bush. Featherlite Freedom was awesome. No sore shoulders or back first time ever that I have carried a load for that long without a hint of discomfort. Amazing comfort and stability.

    Andrew McLeod, Wanaka, NZ

    The Aarn Featherlite Freedom Balance Pack gets an "A" for innovation. I achieved a superb fit with this pack and comfortably carried 30-pound loads over a variety of terrains. Featherlite Freedom has one of the most sophisticated and adjustable suspension systems to be found anywhere, and I had no trouble dialing in a perfect fit. The pack's articulated hipbelt and sliding shoulder straps allowed excellent freedom of movement while the pack "stuck" to my back.

    Will Rietveld. Read the entire backpackinglight.com review of Featherlite Freedom

    I've come off a 5-day tramp in the Tararuas with Featherlite Freedom, packing around 9kg. Like many older trampers I too have suffered & been damaged by inadequate packs, little realising how they were hurting us.

    This trip my partner carried my last "good" pack, a 55 litre design from one of the big players that until now seemed better than most. Because we have very similar body sizes we were able to swap from one to the other for direct comparisons. The Featherlite was the clear favourite.

    Perhaps the most noticeable effect was the ability to just "stroll" in a relaxed normal gait on the flat sections. To my mind the unbalanced lean forward pose of the older designs means that you are constantly "walking uphill", expending extra effort even on the flat. All up we estimate your design trims anything up to 15-20% of the effort off a typical day's tramp.

    Phillip Wilkie, Wellington, NZ

    "I would like to thank you for your excellent packs. I have recently walking the Kokoda track. I am a 52 years old woman and short - 156cm.

    When I arrived in PNG I was concerned that I had made the wrong decision not to organise a porter as most of the walkers in my group had and were just carrying a day-pack. Most of them where much younger than me and all of them much taller! I carried all my own gear plus 4 litres of water.

    I found my Featherlite Freedom fantastic. It felt like a pack only half the weight - the balance was perfect - which was a real advantage in the areas of the track that were very steep and slippery. I had no trouble keeping up and no discomfort. Thanks - its a fantastic pack".

    Suzanne Deed, Warragul, Australia

    " I started hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, from the Southern Terminus, starting April 25th, and finished the trail at the Northern Terminus on September 15th. In the desert sections I took the waterproof bags out of the pockets and pack.

    Through the Sierras and Washington I put the waterproof sacks back in. In the desert section I was carrying on average up to 4-6 liters of water per day, along with the rest of my gear, which weighed about 8 to 9 pounds. The rest of the way I carried 1-2 liters on average during the day.

    Waterproof sacks: The sacks worked great. They did what they were designed to do. When I encountered rain or wet conditions all my stuff remained dry. I really loved having those sacks.

    Front Pockets: Got some weird looks and comments, but it was a great way to introduce the pack. I highly doubt I would ever go back to a traditional backpack, because the Aarn is just too good. The pockets performed as expected and then some. I had all my essentials up front, including water, food, camera, map, and water treatment. I really enjoyed the pockets up front, and didn't get overheated or tired of them up front.

    Backpack: The pack worked great and I really like the roll top closure and the 3 buckles for the pack. The zip divider at first took some getting use too, but then became second nature. The two side pockets of the pack worked great too, I was able to stow water bottles with no problem. I can't say enough about how great the backpack performed. The only recommendation I would make would be to experiment with a large mesh pocket on the front of the pack.

    Overall: In the beginning I was really nervous and anxious about this pack, and wondering if it was a "sham" or if it would last, and how would it perform, and I hope I make it through all the way with this pack. But now, all my questions have been answered, I am excited about this pack and really enjoyed the Featherlite Freedom. The pack did not put any pressure on my shoulders or back, and the pack I think actually helped my back in some weird way.

    Scott USA

    The Aarn Featherlite Freedom Balance Pack created by Aarn Designs in New Zealand gets an "A" for innovation. The bodypack concept is deployed through a combination of innovative design features. At 50 liters, the Featherlite Freedom is a medium sized pack suitable for a lightweight weekend trip or an extended trip using ultralight gear and food. I achieved a superb fit with this pack and comfortably carried 30-pound loads over a variety of terrains.
    Will Rietveld Backpackinglight.com review. USA.

    Type: 

    Backpack

    Vendor: 

    Light Hiking Gear

    Pack Capacity - Backlength: 

    50 L - Short, 55 L - Medium

    Hipbelt: 

    Small, Medium, Large

    Front Balance Pockets: 

    10 L - Sport/Small, 12 L - Sport/Regular, 15L - Expedition/Regular, 18 L - Expedition/Large, None

    SKU: 

    FF-S/S-S/S

    Weight: 

    3.94 lb

    SHIPPING, RETURNS, EXCHANGES & REFUNDS

    Turnaround All orders are shipped within 48 hours Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5pm

    Carriers We use the following carriers to deliver our orders: USPS UPS FedEx

    Order Tracking If the shipping carrier provides a tracking #, we will update your order with the tracking information. Please note that some orders using 1st Class USPS mail will not have tracking numbers.

    Shipping Rates The rate charged for the shipping of your order is based on the weight of your products, package size and your location. Before the final checkout page, you will be shown what the cost of shipping will be, and you will have a chance to cancel your order.

    FOB Origin All items are sent FOB origin, meaning that the sale is considered complete. The buyer owns the goods as soon as the product leaves Light Hiking Gear's shipping dock or is delivered to the carrier. Thus the buyer of the goods is responsible for any liability during transport/delivery, including damage, loss or theft.

    Back Orders If an item goes on back order we will ship you the part of your order that is in stock. When the item becomes available, we will ship you the rest of your order. You will not be charged any additional shipping and handling for the second shipment.

    Returns Please email service@LightHikingGear.com to request a return, refund or exchange.

    Merchandise that has not been used or altered will be accepted for return or exchange. Refunds will be made in the same form of payment used for the original purchase.

    Return of goods for refund or exchange must be in the item's original unused condition, including tags, and be within 30 days of purchase unless there is a manufacturing defect.

    Because we provide free shipping for delivery of all orders sent to U.S addresses, we cannot pay the shipping/mailing costs for returns or exchanges. Original shipping costs will be deducted from refunds for returned items, except in the case of defects.

    Defective items: If your product fails due to a manufacturing defect, we will repair it without charge or replace it at our discretion. If the customer requests replacement of an identical item due to defect, then Light Hiking Gear will issue a return label or reimburse the customer's shipping costs up to the amount that we originally paid for shipment to the customer, as well as costs to ship the replacement item. 

    50 or 55 Liter Aarn Featherlite Freedom Backpack - Light Hiking GearLight Hiking GearBackpackLight Hiking GearFF - S/S - S/SFFSSSS50 L - Short3 - 5 Days

    50 or 55 Liter Aarn Featherlite Freedom Backpack

    $ 389.95 $ 0.00( / )

    Customer Reviews

    Based on 7 reviews
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    M
    Michelle G.
    50 or 55 Liter Aarn Featherlite Freedom Backpack

    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!

    S
    Sara S.
    50 or 55 Liter Aarn Featherlite Freedom Backpack

    Fantastic!! Exactly what I was looking for in a pack, light, comfortable, brilliant front pockets for spreading weight.

    M
    Marylene Coutret - Motueka, New Zealand
    50 or 55 Liter Aarn Featherlite Freedom Backpack

    In the summer 2014/2015, I put making coffees aside for a bit to walk the length of New Zealand on the Te Araroa. Doing some research about what kind of gear to get for that challenge, I discovered Aarn�balance packs�and was impressed by the ingeniousness behind the design. I then decided to equip myself with a Featherlite Freedom, which made walking these 3000Kms from Cape Reinga to Bluff as smooth as a latte bowl. Along the way, my pack raised a few eyebrows, sparked a lot of questions and was tried on many times by curious and interested hikers. At least 5 of them now have swapped their regular backpack for an Aarn�balance packs:
    - J�rg Flugge, from Germany and living now in Wellington, who bought his own Featherlite Freedom as soon as he could on the Trail.
    - Rory Hart, who, right after the Te Araroa,� through-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in the USA and brought with him an AARN pack.�
    - Patrick Cooley, who, while working as a sound engineer on a world tour for a rock band, seized the chance to purchased his AARN pack during his most recent visit to Christchurch.
    - Evelyn de Boeck and her partner Per-Jonas Strand (aka Eef and P-J), who both decided for an AARN pack to walk the Bibbulmun track in Australia right after the Te Araroa.
    Am I boasting that I played a part in these people swapping their old backpack for an AARN pack? maybe a little, but really, the practicality and comfort of your clever pack did all the convincing. I just happened to show the pack around and spread the news.

    P
    Peter B.
    50 or 55 Liter Aarn Featherlite Freedom Backpack

    CULT PACK!
    I have owned a Featherlite Freedom for three years. I have been wearing heavy packs since the late 1960's, when I was in the Army, and even owned a Mountain Mule, the standard in pain and discomfort. I love the Aarn, though it has idiosyncrasies, such is the divided inner, which I note has been done away with in the new model. With an Aarn you can't escape the weight, but you aren't always conscious of it, as with a pack dragging at your shoulders. On a three day tramp in winter, usually in the Kaweka and Ruahine ranges, I carry around 15 kg, including 2 kg in each of the balance pockets. At around 12 kg in summer you just bowl along. The new Featherlite Freeom looks ideal, less complex than the original model.

    J
    Jo Haines - Alpine Guide
    50 or 55 Liter Aarn Featherlite Freedom Backpack

    FANTASTIC
    Just before Xmas my partner and I had a fantastic trip to the Garden of Eden Ice Plateau with skis. It was a great test for the Featherlite Freedom pack as I skinned, skied, climbed, bush-bashed and tramped over 5 days. The 2 day exit from the Gardens is definitely thorough testing country and we had full camping kit with us. I was more than happy with how it performed when it was loaded up, and how good it was to ski with all my gear in it and the Balance Pockets in front. We were bush bashing in alpine scrub and bush and this was no problem with the Balance Pockets. There was also no issue with not seeing the ground because of the Pockets - and a lot of the terrain we were on was quite technical. This included a steep climbing ascent of The Great Unknown and a steep descent down a creek bed on our route out. During the long 14 hour tramp out down the Perth/ Whataroa, I never got the expected/normal sore shoulders/neck and bruised hips.