$100 OFF CLOSEOUT SALE! Use "Save$100" discount code at checkout
- DESIGN
- SPECIFICATIONS
- BALANCE POCKETS
- MORE ACCESSORIES
- DESIGN
- FITTING
- WHAT MAKES AN AARN PACK DIFFERENT?
- TESTIMONIALS
- VIDEO REVIEW
The Aarn Load Limo is a unique backpack designed to enhance load-carrying comfort, especially during hiking and backpacking. Here are some of the significant benefits and features associated with the Aarn Load Limo:
-
Dual-Compartment Design: The Load Limo typically features a dual-compartment design, separating the main compartment from the front pocket. This design allows for efficient organization of gear and easy access to items without unpacking the entire bag.
-
Load Transfer and Balance: One of the primary benefits of the Load Limo is its ability to transfer the weight of the load from your shoulders to your hips and maintain a balanced load. This design helps reduce strain on your back and shoulders, improving comfort during long hikes.
-
Aarn Balance Pockets: Aarn backpacks, including the Load Limo, often come with detachable balance pockets that can be worn on the front of the backpack. This feature provides easy access to essentials, such as snacks, maps, or a camera, without removing the main pack. It also enhances balance and stability.
-
Customizable Fit: The Load Limo offers adjustable harness systems to ensure a personalized and comfortable fit for various body sizes and shapes. This feature allows you to fine-tune the fit to your specific needs, reducing the risk of discomfort and pain.
-
Durability: Aarn is known for producing durable backpacks designed for outdoor adventures. The Load Limo is typically made from high-quality materials and reinforced in high-stress areas to withstand the rigors of hiking and backpacking.
-
Hydration Compatibility: Many Aarn backpacks, including the Load Limo, come with hydration reservoir sleeves and hose routing systems, allowing you to carry water and stay hydrated without removing your pack.
-
Ventilation: The Load Limo often includes features like a ventilated back panel to minimize sweating and increase airflow between your back and the backpack, enhancing overall comfort.
-
Versatility: While primarily designed for backpacking, the Load Limo can also be used for a range of outdoor activities, including trekking, hiking, and wilderness exploration.
-
Stability: The Load Limo's design and balance features contribute to improved stability, making it well-suited for challenging terrains and uneven surfaces.
-
Construction: The fabric used in this comfortable backpack are 500D Kodura nylon; 210D & 40D ripstop nylon Color is a natural green and grey combination Design features Web-loc compression, an Auto-mold frame with hollow 6001 T6 stars and 7075 alloy Load Transfer Tubes
-
Sustainability: Aarn is committed to sustainable and eco-friendly manufacturing processes and materials, which can be an important consideration for environmentally conscious outdoor enthusiasts.
When hiking and backpacking, things tend to get pretty heavy. Luckily, Light Hiking Gear carries Aarn hiking "balance packs", perfectly designed for longer trips and expeditions. Not only is this comfortable backpack ideally constructed to prevent back pain, but it also allows for free hip movement.
We recommend Expedition front Balance Pockets, which provide greater stability and balance, and a more upright posture. This translates to much less fatigue and strain.
This is the best hiking backpack for the most extreme explorers and backpackers. Keep your things dry and keep your back pain-free. Additionally, this comfortable backpack designed by Aarn comes with attachments for trekking poles, ice axes, snowboards, and helmets.
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 with an improved Multi-Flow pivot position for an easier-to-use hipbelt.
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
Just finished a 5 day solo loop round Mt Ruapehu with my Load Limo packed with good food, a generous quantity of liquid fuel and a solo tent, so I was not travelling ultra light. This was its first realistic test. I'd spent some time familiarising myself with it and taking the trouble to adjust the shape of the metal stays and the hip belt angle, but I was still apprehensive that it wouldn't live up to the hype. Well, it came through with flying colours on days that were cloudless and hot. It did just what it was supposed to do. In my endless search for tramping gear Nirvana (with no expense spared), I've had top-of-the-range packs from several manufacturers, but they all ended up inflicting the same discomfort in the same areas. Sure, I had aching muscles from the exertion, but for the first time ever, gone were the sore hips and shoulders. So I never felt the need to resort to those tricks you see in tiring trampers - holding onto the front of the shoulder straps to take the pressure off the shoulders, reaching behind to lift the sack from below or fidgeting with the hip belt to stop the pinching or the slipping.
What I really like about your hipbelt is that it can be made to fit the pelvis and wrap around and over it snugly for even weight distribution irrespective of the tilt of the pelvis, which can vary a lot between individuals. On most conventional belts, there's a trade off between having enough weight on the hips and needing to tighten the belt to a degree that sooner or later becomes uncomfortable.
Walking upright was a welcome novelty. I loved being effortlessly able to look up and around (as we normally do) rather than feeling forced to look at the ground by constantly walking in a stooped position, especially as you're tiring towards the end of the day. Breathing and recovering from a steep climb was also easier because the diaphragm and lower front ribs are not compressed and restricted.
With those front Balance Pockets putting on and taking off the sack takes a little getting used to, and the adjustment buckles aren't as readily accessible as on conventional packs, but the small effort to adapt really pays off. They never got me hot and they didn't swing round wildly or feel unstable. Having them meant no more reaching behind to fumble for a snack, stuffing things into trouser pockets or asking someone to fish something out of the lid pocket.
In short, my long search for tramping packs stops here. Great product - thanks!’
Chris Fetto, Osteopath, Torbay, Auckland, NZ
I find the concept of having the center of gravity of the body and the load along the same line is brilliant. I have a back problem. It has been recurring for 3 years now. This year, just a month ago, I had a spinal spasm. Severe pain lasted only 3 days. Previously, it took over a month to loose the pain. My physiotherapist says, 'Your back was much stronger and posture much better, what have you been doing for it?" I tell her about my new Aarn pack and show her the brochures and literature. She’s very impressed. Her prescription for me: "You just keep walking and tramping and using your Aarn pack, that combination is the perfect balance for your back situation."
Paul Kilgour, Takaka, South Island, New Zealand
In my 48 years of life I have spent a significant amount of time with a pack on my back participating in the activities of tramping, climbing, travelling, working and family activities. I tested Load Limo on a 6-day trip with clients in the Southern Alps.
The pack for the days 1-3 weighed 21 kilograms and from days 3-6 weighed 16 kilograms. From the first step taken this Bodypack was significantly different to any other pack that I have used, the comfort level was very high both in terms of the hipbelt and shoulder straps, so comfortable that I thought that this cannot last, but 2, 3, 4, 5 hours later the same degree of comfort was being experienced. Likewise, the Balance Pockets involved a cultural change in what I was used to, like me habitually leaning forward with my tramper’s stoop. But again, after a couple of hours of consciously walking more upright, the benefits of the Bodypack became apparent.
The ease of availability for essential items (first aid, camera, scroggin, water bottle) stored in the Balance Pockets meant less frustration and less stops along with the obvious benefit of weight balance.
The sewn in pack liner is a very useful and one less thing to consider The Velcro closing for closing the top was great and the simplicity of the feature made me wonder why it hasn’t been thought of earlier. The Bodypack stuck to my body like glue and the harness was particularly effective when I negotiated constant windfall.
Overall this pack felt like something from another planet, something us pack-carrying people have not seen the likes of before and have only encountered in our dreams. The comfort, the lack of aches, strains and stresses make this Bodypack a must for serious consideration for anyone considering replacing or buying their first backpack.
Paddy Pawson, Waipuna Community Trust, Christchurch
I am a 60 year old bushwalker and I only took it up at age 58. My son has had one of your Load Limo packs and he’s always raved about it. So, I bought one for my trip on the Larapinta Trail in Central Australia. It was fantastic. For the first time I felt really balanced and I never once experienced sore shoulders. So thank you for designing such a wonderful pack and I wish you every continued success in your business.
Bob Sharples, Victoria, Australia
Got my Load Limo recently and headed for my favourite trail in the Kenai mountains. I have never before covered that mileage with so little pack pain/ awareness. Simply amazing! I noticed that at rest stops, after taking the pack off, that feeling of being ’pushed forward’ that you get from compensating from a pack that pulls backwards, was absent.
Bill Siemens, Anchorage, Alaska
My husband and I have fairly recently returned from a tramping tour in NZ. We invested in two of your backpacks, and I wanted to say how fantastic they were. We have used ’normal’ packs previously and found yours to be far superior for comfort and fit. Once the fitting was understood and worked out, we really enjoyed the freedom that the pack gave and the sense of balance when walking. We now look forward to many years using our packs!
Margaret Jawerth, Australia3
I would like to tell you about my "Bodypack" experience. I lay down last night in my tent, there was something wrong, there was NO PAIN!! Mate, I felt like I had been transported to another planet.
Rick Wildman, Carterton, North Island, NZ
I just got back from another day hike with a full load in my pack. I can't believe how comfortable it is. You're really onto something.
Chris Heaps, Ontario, Canada
I have had 25 years of outdoor experience and I was blown away by the comfort and load carrying ability - outstanding.
Chris, outdoor instructor, Tauranga, NZ
I've been the happy owner of one of your Load Limo packs for the past 3 years, and every summer have been using it on mountain expeditions while instructing with Outward Bound USA. I have to say that this pack has made a dramatic impact on how much I enjoy my job: at the end of the day my hips and back are not sore and aching like they were day after day wearing one of my old packs. I have given dozens of endorsement for your packs to students and fellow instructors over the years, because the natural balance system works so well. Thanks so much for the innovative work that you do!
Daniel Chambo, Outward Bound instructor, Asheville, NC, USA
The Aarn pack has revolutionised tramping for me. For the first time in over 20 years of tramping almost all of the pack weight now sits on my hips rather than my shoulders and I no longer have aching back and shoulders that I had come to accept as the norm when tramping. When I stop for a rest my friends usually take their packs off as I always did. Now I leave it on and even stay standing because I hardly notice it! The front Balance Pockets too are great because pretty much everything I need for the day can go in there meaning I don’t have to take my pack off to access stuff. I also load them with heavy stuff like food and water. This distributes the weight more evenly and also makes the load less noticeable. So well done and keep up the good work!
Dave Mason, Head of Outdoor Education, Howick College, Auckland, NZ
70 or 80 Liter Aarn Load Limo Backpack - Light Hiking Gear
$100 OFF CLOSEOUT SALE! Use "Save$100" discount code at checkout
- DESIGN
- SPECIFICATIONS
- BALANCE POCKETS
- MORE ACCESSORIES
- DESIGN
- FITTING
- WHAT MAKES AN AARN PACK DIFFERENT?
- TESTIMONIALS
- VIDEO REVIEW
The Aarn Load Limo is a unique backpack designed to enhance load-carrying comfort, especially during hiking and backpacking. Here are some of the significant benefits and features associated with the Aarn Load Limo:
Dual-Compartment Design: The Load Limo typically features a dual-compartment design, separating the main compartment from the front pocket. This design allows for efficient organization of gear and easy access to items without unpacking the entire bag.
Load Transfer and Balance: One of the primary benefits of the Load Limo is its ability to transfer the weight of the load from your shoulders to your hips and maintain a balanced load. This design helps reduce strain on your back and shoulders, improving comfort during long hikes.
Aarn Balance Pockets: Aarn backpacks, including the Load Limo, often come with detachable balance pockets that can be worn on the front of the backpack. This feature provides easy access to essentials, such as snacks, maps, or a camera, without removing the main pack. It also enhances balance and stability.
Customizable Fit: The Load Limo offers adjustable harness systems to ensure a personalized and comfortable fit for various body sizes and shapes. This feature allows you to fine-tune the fit to your specific needs, reducing the risk of discomfort and pain.
Durability: Aarn is known for producing durable backpacks designed for outdoor adventures. The Load Limo is typically made from high-quality materials and reinforced in high-stress areas to withstand the rigors of hiking and backpacking.
Hydration Compatibility: Many Aarn backpacks, including the Load Limo, come with hydration reservoir sleeves and hose routing systems, allowing you to carry water and stay hydrated without removing your pack.
Ventilation: The Load Limo often includes features like a ventilated back panel to minimize sweating and increase airflow between your back and the backpack, enhancing overall comfort.
Versatility: While primarily designed for backpacking, the Load Limo can also be used for a range of outdoor activities, including trekking, hiking, and wilderness exploration.
Stability: The Load Limo's design and balance features contribute to improved stability, making it well-suited for challenging terrains and uneven surfaces.
Construction: The fabric used in this comfortable backpack are 500D Kodura nylon; 210D & 40D ripstop nylon Color is a natural green and grey combination Design features Web-loc compression, an Auto-mold frame with hollow 6001 T6 stars and 7075 alloy Load Transfer Tubes
Sustainability: Aarn is committed to sustainable and eco-friendly manufacturing processes and materials, which can be an important consideration for environmentally conscious outdoor enthusiasts.
When hiking and backpacking, things tend to get pretty heavy. Luckily, Light Hiking Gear carries Aarn hiking "balance packs", perfectly designed for longer trips and expeditions. Not only is this comfortable backpack ideally constructed to prevent back pain, but it also allows for free hip movement.
We recommend Expedition front Balance Pockets, which provide greater stability and balance, and a more upright posture. This translates to much less fatigue and strain.
This is the best hiking backpack for the most extreme explorers and backpackers. Keep your things dry and keep your back pain-free. Additionally, this comfortable backpack designed by Aarn comes with attachments for trekking poles, ice axes, snowboards, and helmets.
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 with an improved Multi-Flow pivot position for an easier-to-use hipbelt.
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
Just finished a 5 day solo loop round Mt Ruapehu with my Load Limo packed with good food, a generous quantity of liquid fuel and a solo tent, so I was not travelling ultra light. This was its first realistic test. I'd spent some time familiarising myself with it and taking the trouble to adjust the shape of the metal stays and the hip belt angle, but I was still apprehensive that it wouldn't live up to the hype. Well, it came through with flying colours on days that were cloudless and hot. It did just what it was supposed to do. In my endless search for tramping gear Nirvana (with no expense spared), I've had top-of-the-range packs from several manufacturers, but they all ended up inflicting the same discomfort in the same areas. Sure, I had aching muscles from the exertion, but for the first time ever, gone were the sore hips and shoulders. So I never felt the need to resort to those tricks you see in tiring trampers - holding onto the front of the shoulder straps to take the pressure off the shoulders, reaching behind to lift the sack from below or fidgeting with the hip belt to stop the pinching or the slipping.
What I really like about your hipbelt is that it can be made to fit the pelvis and wrap around and over it snugly for even weight distribution irrespective of the tilt of the pelvis, which can vary a lot between individuals. On most conventional belts, there's a trade off between having enough weight on the hips and needing to tighten the belt to a degree that sooner or later becomes uncomfortable.
Walking upright was a welcome novelty. I loved being effortlessly able to look up and around (as we normally do) rather than feeling forced to look at the ground by constantly walking in a stooped position, especially as you're tiring towards the end of the day. Breathing and recovering from a steep climb was also easier because the diaphragm and lower front ribs are not compressed and restricted.
With those front Balance Pockets putting on and taking off the sack takes a little getting used to, and the adjustment buckles aren't as readily accessible as on conventional packs, but the small effort to adapt really pays off. They never got me hot and they didn't swing round wildly or feel unstable. Having them meant no more reaching behind to fumble for a snack, stuffing things into trouser pockets or asking someone to fish something out of the lid pocket.
In short, my long search for tramping packs stops here. Great product - thanks!’
Chris Fetto, Osteopath, Torbay, Auckland, NZ
I find the concept of having the center of gravity of the body and the load along the same line is brilliant. I have a back problem. It has been recurring for 3 years now. This year, just a month ago, I had a spinal spasm. Severe pain lasted only 3 days. Previously, it took over a month to loose the pain. My physiotherapist says, 'Your back was much stronger and posture much better, what have you been doing for it?" I tell her about my new Aarn pack and show her the brochures and literature. She’s very impressed. Her prescription for me: "You just keep walking and tramping and using your Aarn pack, that combination is the perfect balance for your back situation."
Paul Kilgour, Takaka, South Island, New Zealand
In my 48 years of life I have spent a significant amount of time with a pack on my back participating in the activities of tramping, climbing, travelling, working and family activities. I tested Load Limo on a 6-day trip with clients in the Southern Alps.
The pack for the days 1-3 weighed 21 kilograms and from days 3-6 weighed 16 kilograms. From the first step taken this Bodypack was significantly different to any other pack that I have used, the comfort level was very high both in terms of the hipbelt and shoulder straps, so comfortable that I thought that this cannot last, but 2, 3, 4, 5 hours later the same degree of comfort was being experienced. Likewise, the Balance Pockets involved a cultural change in what I was used to, like me habitually leaning forward with my tramper’s stoop. But again, after a couple of hours of consciously walking more upright, the benefits of the Bodypack became apparent.
The ease of availability for essential items (first aid, camera, scroggin, water bottle) stored in the Balance Pockets meant less frustration and less stops along with the obvious benefit of weight balance.
The sewn in pack liner is a very useful and one less thing to consider The Velcro closing for closing the top was great and the simplicity of the feature made me wonder why it hasn’t been thought of earlier. The Bodypack stuck to my body like glue and the harness was particularly effective when I negotiated constant windfall.
Overall this pack felt like something from another planet, something us pack-carrying people have not seen the likes of before and have only encountered in our dreams. The comfort, the lack of aches, strains and stresses make this Bodypack a must for serious consideration for anyone considering replacing or buying their first backpack.
Paddy Pawson, Waipuna Community Trust, Christchurch
I am a 60 year old bushwalker and I only took it up at age 58. My son has had one of your Load Limo packs and he’s always raved about it. So, I bought one for my trip on the Larapinta Trail in Central Australia. It was fantastic. For the first time I felt really balanced and I never once experienced sore shoulders. So thank you for designing such a wonderful pack and I wish you every continued success in your business.
Bob Sharples, Victoria, Australia
Got my Load Limo recently and headed for my favourite trail in the Kenai mountains. I have never before covered that mileage with so little pack pain/ awareness. Simply amazing! I noticed that at rest stops, after taking the pack off, that feeling of being ’pushed forward’ that you get from compensating from a pack that pulls backwards, was absent.
Bill Siemens, Anchorage, Alaska
My husband and I have fairly recently returned from a tramping tour in NZ. We invested in two of your backpacks, and I wanted to say how fantastic they were. We have used ’normal’ packs previously and found yours to be far superior for comfort and fit. Once the fitting was understood and worked out, we really enjoyed the freedom that the pack gave and the sense of balance when walking. We now look forward to many years using our packs!
Margaret Jawerth, Australia3
I would like to tell you about my "Bodypack" experience. I lay down last night in my tent, there was something wrong, there was NO PAIN!! Mate, I felt like I had been transported to another planet.
Rick Wildman, Carterton, North Island, NZ
I just got back from another day hike with a full load in my pack. I can't believe how comfortable it is. You're really onto something.
Chris Heaps, Ontario, Canada
I have had 25 years of outdoor experience and I was blown away by the comfort and load carrying ability - outstanding.
Chris, outdoor instructor, Tauranga, NZ
I've been the happy owner of one of your Load Limo packs for the past 3 years, and every summer have been using it on mountain expeditions while instructing with Outward Bound USA. I have to say that this pack has made a dramatic impact on how much I enjoy my job: at the end of the day my hips and back are not sore and aching like they were day after day wearing one of my old packs. I have given dozens of endorsement for your packs to students and fellow instructors over the years, because the natural balance system works so well. Thanks so much for the innovative work that you do!
Daniel Chambo, Outward Bound instructor, Asheville, NC, USA
The Aarn pack has revolutionised tramping for me. For the first time in over 20 years of tramping almost all of the pack weight now sits on my hips rather than my shoulders and I no longer have aching back and shoulders that I had come to accept as the norm when tramping. When I stop for a rest my friends usually take their packs off as I always did. Now I leave it on and even stay standing because I hardly notice it! The front Balance Pockets too are great because pretty much everything I need for the day can go in there meaning I don’t have to take my pack off to access stuff. I also load them with heavy stuff like food and water. This distributes the weight more evenly and also makes the load less noticeable. So well done and keep up the good work!
Dave Mason, Head of Outdoor Education, Howick College, Auckland, NZ
- 70 Liters - Short
- 80 Liters - Long
- Small
- Medium
- Large
- Short/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!"