The Aarn Peak Aspiration balance pack is a versatile and dynamic day/overnight pack optimized for climbing, skiing and hiking. It’s perfect for those wanting a mid-sized pack with a full Pelvic Form hipbelt able to carry heavy weights with ease, whether for a simple day hike or even to the summit of Mount Everest!
The Peak Aspiration has a great set of features, allowing you to carry a wide variety of gear for diverse conditions and activities. Add optional Balance Pockets for balance, agility and load-carrying efficiency. 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 and stronger, with an improved Multi-Flow pivot position for an easier-to-use hipbelt.
- FEATURES
- SPECIFICATIONS
- BALANCE POCKETS
- MORE ACCESSORIES
- DESIGN
- FITTING
- WHAT MAKES AN AARN PACK DIFFERENT?
- TESTIMONIALS
- 2 Backlengths with On-adjust backlength, 10cm range
- U, Multi & Flexi Flow
- Waterproof Dri-liner
- One compartment
- Lid/ hydration pocket, 1 front and 2 side stretch pockets
- Custom-Fit frame: perimeter wire + hollow 6001 T6 alloy stays
- True-fit shoulder straps, Flow-thru Stabilizers
- Pelvic-Form Hipbelt
- Web-loc side compression with hyperlon reinforcing when carrying skis
- Web front compression with loop-lock holders for vertical tools
-
Attachments for ice axes, snowboard, snow shovel, helmet, trekking poles (front and rear), carritools/ice clippers
Front Balance Pockets allow for high weights without feeling intrusive. Balance Pockets 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.
(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.
(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
Instructions also apply to attaching Balance Pockets to Featherlight Freedom
The Peak Aspiration Summits Everest!
"It was a real pleasure to take your Peak Aspiration to the summit of Mt Everest. The climb of Everest is a long climb involved many quite different phases. The need for a pack that is lightweight, dependable, flexible and above all, comfortable is key. At times, my pack was jammed to the rafters with things hanging off it in all directions. The Peak Aspiration handled all of this effortlessly and maintained its incredible comfort and balance. Everest can get very hot at times and the Peak Aspiration's back and strap mesh panels allowed surprisingly great ventilation when the temperature rose into the 30-40C range.
The pack had some great climbing features and despite being lightweight, there was no compromise on toughness or durability. I accidentally kicked my crampons into the pack many times and the fabric repelled them each time. The pack was dropped, lowered, bumped, sat upon and loaded countless times and survived magnificently. The use of the Balance Pockets meant that my gear needed quickly was always available without needing to take off the pack.
Thanks Aarn for designing a great mountain pack. I look forward to using it again, again and again."
John Zeckendorf
The Peak Aspiration is the most comfortable pack I have ever worn period. Not long after I left the car the first time I used the pack I was heard to say don’t even feel as if I’m wearing a pack. Later, I lent the pack to a friend for a trip his feedback to me was: you don’t carry that pack you wear it.
Mark Watson, Editor, NZ Climber magazine Test Review.
"Peak Aspiration with Sport Balance pockets has opened up a whole different world of backpacking. I can actually hike all day without upper body fatigue. Walking in a natural, balanced posture while carrying weight is absolutely amazing and light years ahead of all other packs. I don’t understand why such a basic, fundamental concept as balance hasn’t caught on. I tell anyone who is interested on the trail that once you experience a balanced load you will never go back to a traditional pack. Too many people worry about weight and not at all about balance - which is fundamentally more important.The whole system has been so well thought out and executed in terms of attention to detail and quality. Just the slight cupping of the hip belt makes a huge difference in terms of all day comfort. The idea of a Bodypack is one thing, but if the design and execution aren’t there, all else is futile. In this regard, Aarn has succeeded by far. I’ve wanted to tell you this for the past two years, but have been too busy actually enjoying hiking".Jeff Clopp, New Jersey, USA
"The Aarn Bodypack concept a great way to hike long distances with heavy (or less heavy) loads, and the Peak Aspiration with Expedition Balance Pockets is a great implementation of the idea. During the two GEA hikes I walked up to 13/14 hours a day with 20/25 Kg loads, on anything from flat, soft meadows to thick bush and very steep, narrow and rocky trails. During all those days, the weight of the pack and its impact on my back and neck has never been an issue. I have come to a point where if I stop it’s because either I am very, very, very tired in general, or I have walked so much that my feet hurt enough to not let me continue. In both cases, no back or neck pains worth reporting. There is also another thing that adds to the general comfort: you can lay your hands or forearms over the pockets while you walk. Besides greatly increasing comfort by balancing the load, the Expedition Pockets are big. I was able to store in them five liters of water, plus a stove, fuel bottle, compass, digital camera, lamp & assorted snacks. The maps were carried in the external pockets. I have always felt very stable while wearing the Bodypack fully loaded. This included very, very steep trails and where there was no trail - here the terrain was so steep and rough that I had to use my hands to keep going. Breathing and being able to see my feet on difficult tracks with two big, heavy bags in front was another big concern before getting a Bodypack. After one year, I can testify that these problems don’t exist". Marco Floretti, Rome, Italy
"On my latest effort using PA and BPC, I set a new record for a transit of the near 1000km Bibbulmun Track in WA. I started at the Northern Terminus at 5:29am Thursday 22/11/2012 and reached the Southern Terminus at 3:08pm on Sunday 9/12/2012. That makes 17 days, 9 hours and 39 minutes. I went self-supported using 7 very small food drops left out in the days prior to the trip and supplemented these with meals and food in some of the trail towns. The pack was great. It took a pounding (I was averaging 12-14 hour days) and there was lots of overgrowth and climbing through blow-downs. I had a fantastic time and thoroughly recommend the track to anyone looking for a challenge and adventure". Andy Hewat, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
50 or 60 Liter Aarn Peak Aspiration Backpack
The Aarn Peak Aspiration balance pack is a versatile and dynamic day/overnight pack optimized for climbing, skiing and hiking. It’s perfect for those wanting a mid-sized pack with a full Pelvic Form hipbelt able to carry heavy weights with ease, whether for a simple day hike or even to the summit of Mount Everest!
The Peak Aspiration has a great set of features, allowing you to carry a wide variety of gear for diverse conditions and activities. Add optional Balance Pockets for balance, agility and load-carrying efficiency. 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 and stronger, with an improved Multi-Flow pivot position for an easier-to-use hipbelt.
- FEATURES
- SPECIFICATIONS
- BALANCE POCKETS
- MORE ACCESSORIES
- DESIGN
- FITTING
- WHAT MAKES AN AARN PACK DIFFERENT?
- TESTIMONIALS
- 2 Backlengths with On-adjust backlength, 10cm range
- U, Multi & Flexi Flow
- Waterproof Dri-liner
- One compartment
- Lid/ hydration pocket, 1 front and 2 side stretch pockets
- Custom-Fit frame: perimeter wire + hollow 6001 T6 alloy stays
- True-fit shoulder straps, Flow-thru Stabilizers
- Pelvic-Form Hipbelt
- Web-loc side compression with hyperlon reinforcing when carrying skis
- Web front compression with loop-lock holders for vertical tools
- Attachments for ice axes, snowboard, snow shovel, helmet, trekking poles (front and rear), carritools/ice clippers
Front Balance Pockets allow for high weights without feeling intrusive. Balance Pockets 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.
(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.
(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
Instructions also apply to attaching Balance Pockets to Featherlight Freedom
The Peak Aspiration Summits Everest!
"It was a real pleasure to take your Peak Aspiration to the summit of Mt Everest. The climb of Everest is a long climb involved many quite different phases. The need for a pack that is lightweight, dependable, flexible and above all, comfortable is key. At times, my pack was jammed to the rafters with things hanging off it in all directions. The Peak Aspiration handled all of this effortlessly and maintained its incredible comfort and balance. Everest can get very hot at times and the Peak Aspiration's back and strap mesh panels allowed surprisingly great ventilation when the temperature rose into the 30-40C range.
The pack had some great climbing features and despite being lightweight, there was no compromise on toughness or durability. I accidentally kicked my crampons into the pack many times and the fabric repelled them each time. The pack was dropped, lowered, bumped, sat upon and loaded countless times and survived magnificently. The use of the Balance Pockets meant that my gear needed quickly was always available without needing to take off the pack.
Thanks Aarn for designing a great mountain pack. I look forward to using it again, again and again."
John Zeckendorf
The Peak Aspiration is the most comfortable pack I have ever worn period. Not long after I left the car the first time I used the pack I was heard to say don’t even feel as if I’m wearing a pack. Later, I lent the pack to a friend for a trip his feedback to me was: you don’t carry that pack you wear it.
Mark Watson, Editor, NZ Climber magazine Test Review.
"Peak Aspiration with Sport Balance pockets has opened up a whole different world of backpacking. I can actually hike all day without upper body fatigue. Walking in a natural, balanced posture while carrying weight is absolutely amazing and light years ahead of all other packs. I don’t understand why such a basic, fundamental concept as balance hasn’t caught on. I tell anyone who is interested on the trail that once you experience a balanced load you will never go back to a traditional pack. Too many people worry about weight and not at all about balance - which is fundamentally more important.The whole system has been so well thought out and executed in terms of attention to detail and quality. Just the slight cupping of the hip belt makes a huge difference in terms of all day comfort. The idea of a Bodypack is one thing, but if the design and execution aren’t there, all else is futile. In this regard, Aarn has succeeded by far. I’ve wanted to tell you this for the past two years, but have been too busy actually enjoying hiking".Jeff Clopp, New Jersey, USA
"The Aarn Bodypack concept a great way to hike long distances with heavy (or less heavy) loads, and the Peak Aspiration with Expedition Balance Pockets is a great implementation of the idea. During the two GEA hikes I walked up to 13/14 hours a day with 20/25 Kg loads, on anything from flat, soft meadows to thick bush and very steep, narrow and rocky trails. During all those days, the weight of the pack and its impact on my back and neck has never been an issue. I have come to a point where if I stop it’s because either I am very, very, very tired in general, or I have walked so much that my feet hurt enough to not let me continue. In both cases, no back or neck pains worth reporting. There is also another thing that adds to the general comfort: you can lay your hands or forearms over the pockets while you walk. Besides greatly increasing comfort by balancing the load, the Expedition Pockets are big. I was able to store in them five liters of water, plus a stove, fuel bottle, compass, digital camera, lamp & assorted snacks. The maps were carried in the external pockets. I have always felt very stable while wearing the Bodypack fully loaded. This included very, very steep trails and where there was no trail - here the terrain was so steep and rough that I had to use my hands to keep going. Breathing and being able to see my feet on difficult tracks with two big, heavy bags in front was another big concern before getting a Bodypack. After one year, I can testify that these problems don’t exist". Marco Floretti, Rome, Italy
"On my latest effort using PA and BPC, I set a new record for a transit of the near 1000km Bibbulmun Track in WA. I started at the Northern Terminus at 5:29am Thursday 22/11/2012 and reached the Southern Terminus at 3:08pm on Sunday 9/12/2012. That makes 17 days, 9 hours and 39 minutes. I went self-supported using 7 very small food drops left out in the days prior to the trip and supplemented these with meals and food in some of the trail towns. The pack was great. It took a pounding (I was averaging 12-14 hour days) and there was lots of overgrowth and climbing through blow-downs. I had a fantastic time and thoroughly recommend the track to anyone looking for a challenge and adventure". Andy Hewat, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Short (50 Liters)
- Long (60 Liters)
- Small
- Medium
- Large
- Sport/Small (10 Liters)
- Sport/Regular (12 Liters)
- Expedition/Regular (15 Liters)
- Expedition/Large (18 Liters)
- None
Guarantee safe & secure checkout
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!"