The Aarn Natural Exhilaration is our high-performance, 100% waterproof multi-purpose lightweight balance pack for one-day or multi-day outdoor adventures.

With this comfortable backpack, the FlowMo harness allows for superb agility with glue-like stability while the frame automatically shapes to your body and bends when you’re traversing the hills, biking or skiing. This lightweight daypack doesn't round out, even when it’s stuffed full. The back length adjustment is easy with the pack and the optional Balance Pockets allow you to carry heavy loads comfortably.

Aarn Natural Exhilaration Backpack - Light Hiking Gear


The Natural Exhilaration is one of the top hiking backpacks from Light Hiking Gear and it features U, V, and Flexi-flow, an Auto-mould frame with a perimeter wire and hollow 6001 T6 alloy stays, and an Auto-form hipbelt, making it one of the best balance bags on the market. This comfortable backpack is perfect for cycling, skiing, and hiking alike.

  • Combine with front Balance Pockets, which provide greater stability and balance, and a more upright posture. This translates to much less fatigue and strain. Front pockets have accessible zip flaps to protect items from the rain, gear clips and mesh exterior pockets.
  • Backpack comes with 2 back lengths that adjust up to 15 cm, True-fit shoulder straps, and Flow-thru stabilizers for ultimate comfort and balance.
  • Design features a waterproof Dri-liner, 1 lid pocket, 3 outside stretch pockets, and a closed cell foam sit mat for security and organizational purposes.
  • Web front compression with loop lock holders holds verticle tools and web-loc side compression with hyperlon reinforcement holds ski attachments.

This is the best hiking pack for those who want an adventure without the heaviness of a backpack. The Natural Exhilaration bag comes with a hydration hook, hang loop, and exit slot and can be attached to ice axes, skis, snowboards, and trekking poles in both the front and rear side of the bag.

COMPACT

* Sized for maximum agility & forward visibility

* For all models except Marathon & Mountain Magic & Flow-Mo Friend

* 2 mesh pockets

* 500D Kodura, 70 x 100D ripstop nylon

Color Grey/ green

Specifications

Volume
Gallons
Liters

1.59 in the bags

+ .26 in the exterior mesh pockets

6 L in the bags

+ 1 in the exterior mesh pockets

Dimensions
Inches
Centimeters

Height: 11.8 Width: 5.1

Depth (front-back): 4.3

Height: 30 Width: 13

Depth (front-back): 11

Weight
Ounces
Grams
Pair 9.3 265

Aarn compact balance pockets
SPORT

* Mid-volume balances unobtrusiveness and weight carrying ability

* Fits all models except Marathon & Mountain Magics, & Flow-Mo Friend

* Waterproof Dri-liners

* Zip flaps flip up for easy access, flip down for rain

* 4 mesh exterior pockets with compression cords

* Converts to a daypack with shoulder & sternum straps

* Daypackcarries on front for security and easy gear access

* Sport-S is 5 cm shorter and suitable for backlengths of 34cm or less

* 500D Kodura, 210D, 100D x 70D & 40D ripstop nylon

Color Green/ grey

Specifications

Volume

Pair

Gallons
Liters
Small

2.6 in the bags

+ .53 in the exterior mesh pockets

10 in the bags

+ 2 in the exterior mesh pockets

Regular

3.17 in the bags

+ .53 in the exterior mesh pockets

12

+ 2 in the exterior mesh pockets

Dimensions
In+ches
Centimeters
Short

Height: 11.4 Width: 6.3

Depth (front-back): 4.7

Height: 29 Width: 16

Depth (front-back): 12

Regular

Height: 13.8 Width: 6.3

Depth (front-back): 4.7

Height: 35 Width: 16

Depth (front-back): 12

Weight
Ounces
Grams
Short 10.6 300
with Liners 13.6 386
Regular 12.3 350
with Liners 14.7 416
Aarn Sport balance pockets
Pack Label
Volume

Small

30-liters

Medium

33-liters

Large

36 liters

Pack Label

Centimeters
Small

Height: 58.85 Width: 25.48

Depth (front-back): 17

Medium

Height: 64.71 Width: 25.48

Depth (front-back): 17

Large

Height: 67 Width: 32

Depth (front-back): 16

Weight
Kilograms (without/with dry liner)
Small 30-liters
Pack: 1.24 / 1.31
Medium 33-liters
Pack: 1.33 / 1.41
Large 36-liters Pack: 1.28 / 1.35

Recommended Maximum Load (Pack only): 33 pounds (15 kg)

Aarn backpacks shoulder strap design - Light Hiking Gear Design of Shoulder harness for Aarn backpacks - Light Hiking Gear Design of hipbelt for Aarn backpacks - Light Hiking Gear

The Natural Exhilaration is made with quality materials that are built to withstand the elements and get you on the move. Additionally, the colors match well with most of our products, so could travel the outdoors in style.

  • Materials: 500D Kodura nylon, 210D & 40D ripstop nylon
  • Colors: Natural green and grey blend

(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.

This summer I went on Mountain Leader training and then did 2-3 day walks using the Natural Exhilaration. It is without doubt the best well balanced and designed pack I've ever used in the 40+ years I've been in the Outdoor Business! Keep up the good work mate!

David Spronson, Windermere, UK.

Natural Exhilaration + Expedition Balance Pockets

The concept behind Aarn packs made intuitive sense to me the first time I heard about them.While I'd never had major problems with pain or discomfort while hiking and backpacking, I'd never had a pack that I really liked. Particularly with a heavy load, I usually found myself cycling through a few different positions as each one became uncomfortable; there was never any single position that didn't pull or push on something harder than was sustainable. So I was excited to try out an Aarn pack on a recent ascent of Mt. St. Helens. St. Helens is a long, steep, full day hike, and requires enough weight (4+ liters of water, layers, camera, etc) to give a good assessment of utility and comfort. On previous ascents I'd used either an Arc'Teryx Bora 40 or an extremely full Mountainsmith lumbar pack.The Bora 40 basically worked fine, though with some shoulder soreness despit e a seemingly well functioning hip belt and a very sweaty back at the end of the day. While lumbar packs solve both of those problems, carrying that much weight for a long time would cause quite a bit of discomfort on my hip bones by the end of the day because the full weight was pulling back against them the whole time.

Enter the Aarn Natural Exhilaration. After spending maybe 15 minutes to get the pack adjusted for my torso and loading it up, I immediately noticed how comfortable the pack felt. There was no pressure or weight on my shoulders at all; the Balance Pockets were functioning as advertised. More impressive to me was that the way the weight rested around my waist via the hipbelt was immediately comfortable and distributed the load front and back. Once we got hiking there were some added benefits I hadn't anticipated.

First, it's incredibly nice to be able to access gear without having to take the pack off (or even stop hiking). Anything that's in the Balance Pockets can be easily taken out and put back on the move, and they're big enough for water, snacks, sunglasses, a hat, and anything else you might want on or off during the day. This meant fewer stops and a steadier pace.

Second, before using an Aarn pack I wouldn't have thought to complain about poor balance while using a normal pack or a lumbar pack. Once we got on the long boulder fields of St. Helens though, I noticed a major improvement. I was able to move as though I wasn't wearing a pack at all, confidently walking across the tops of boulders whereas before I would have chosen a more conservative route.

I was tired by the end of the hike, but none of that was due to the pack; I had no shoulder/ hip soreness or hot spots. The pack felt heavier while I was picking it up to put it on that it did once on, something I've experienced before and more evidence that the balance system distributes weight more efficiently than other packs. While the pack is a bit trickier to size and pack than a normal daypack, it's worth the slight effort in every way. I would recommend these packs to anybody who hikes or backpacks regularly with weight, even if you think your current pack is comfortable.

Brice Keown, WA, USA

Troubleshooting

PROBLEM

CAUSES

SOLUTIONS

Sore Shoulders

Pull back force on shoulders from weight behind

Add Balance Pockets, or if using them, put more weight in them and loosen front shoulder strap webs

Too much weight on shoulders

Loosen front shoulder strap webs

Hipbelt has slipped down

Raise hipbelt & retighten &/or shorten

Balance Pockets are pulling down on bottom of shoulder pads

Increase back length: Pull up on navy top back panel web

Bodypack is too hard to put on

Incorrect technique used

1. Loosen hipbelt webs before putting the bodypack on for the first time.

2. Follow this sequence: Place hands underneath Balance Pockets; grab hold of hipbelt center buckles, lift both Pockets & hipbelt up to the right height; clip center buckle together & tighten the tension web loop at top and bottom to get an even pressure at the top and bottom of the hipbelt

3. When taking the pack off, before releasing the hipbelt center buckle, loosen the side buckles. With familiarity, you can release the 2 tensionlock buckles on each side with each hand simultaneously, by pulling the buckle ends up. Now you have set the pack up to be easy and quick to put on next time

I no longer have the coordination anymore to master this sequence

Substitute Universal Balance Bags for Balance Pockets. These quickly and easily attach after you have put the pack on

My pack leans to one side

Your pack will lean to one side, like any brand of pack, if you have the shoulder straps and/or hipbelt adjusted unequally on both sides, or you have loaded the pack unevenly.

First check that the top stabilizer straps are equal length and the front shoulder strap webs are also equal length. Now check that the hipbelt parts are adjusted to equal length and angle on both sides of the center base plate and the side tension adjusters (cord or web) are of equal length both sides. Now with all these adjustments made, check that the hipbelt ends are sitting at a similar position on each side of your pelvis with the pack on. Finally, check that your U-Flow movement (the movement when you lift one shoulder), is equal on both sides. With everything centered

30, 33 or 36 Liter Aarn Natural Exhilaration Backpack - Light Hiking Gear

$ 209.95 $ 262.45( / )

The Aarn Natural Exhilaration is our high-performance, 100% waterproof multi-purpose lightweight balance pack for one-day or multi-day outdoor adventures.

With this comfortable backpack, the FlowMo harness allows for superb agility with glue-like stability while the frame automatically shapes to your body and bends when you’re traversing the hills, biking or skiing. This lightweight daypack doesn't round out, even when it’s stuffed full. The back length adjustment is easy with the pack and the optional Balance Pockets allow you to carry heavy loads comfortably.

Aarn Natural Exhilaration Backpack - Light Hiking Gear


The Natural Exhilaration is one of the top hiking backpacks from Light Hiking Gear and it features U, V, and Flexi-flow, an Auto-mould frame with a perimeter wire and hollow 6001 T6 alloy stays, and an Auto-form hipbelt, making it one of the best balance bags on the market. This comfortable backpack is perfect for cycling, skiing, and hiking alike.

  • Combine with front Balance Pockets, which provide greater stability and balance, and a more upright posture. This translates to much less fatigue and strain. Front pockets have accessible zip flaps to protect items from the rain, gear clips and mesh exterior pockets.
  • Backpack comes with 2 back lengths that adjust up to 15 cm, True-fit shoulder straps, and Flow-thru stabilizers for ultimate comfort and balance.
  • Design features a waterproof Dri-liner, 1 lid pocket, 3 outside stretch pockets, and a closed cell foam sit mat for security and organizational purposes.
  • Web front compression with loop lock holders holds verticle tools and web-loc side compression with hyperlon reinforcement holds ski attachments.

This is the best hiking pack for those who want an adventure without the heaviness of a backpack. The Natural Exhilaration bag comes with a hydration hook, hang loop, and exit slot and can be attached to ice axes, skis, snowboards, and trekking poles in both the front and rear side of the bag.

COMPACT

* Sized for maximum agility & forward visibility

* For all models except Marathon & Mountain Magic & Flow-Mo Friend

* 2 mesh pockets

* 500D Kodura, 70 x 100D ripstop nylon

Color Grey/ green

Specifications

Volume
Gallons
Liters

1.59 in the bags

+ .26 in the exterior mesh pockets

6 L in the bags

+ 1 in the exterior mesh pockets

Dimensions
Inches
Centimeters

Height: 11.8 Width: 5.1

Depth (front-back): 4.3

Height: 30 Width: 13

Depth (front-back): 11

Weight
Ounces
Grams
Pair9.3265

Aarn compact balance pockets
SPORT

* Mid-volume balances unobtrusiveness and weight carrying ability

* Fits all models except Marathon & Mountain Magics, & Flow-Mo Friend

* Waterproof Dri-liners

* Zip flaps flip up for easy access, flip down for rain

* 4 mesh exterior pockets with compression cords

* Converts to a daypack with shoulder & sternum straps

* Daypackcarries on front for security and easy gear access

* Sport-S is 5 cm shorter and suitable for backlengths of 34cm or less

* 500D Kodura, 210D, 100D x 70D & 40D ripstop nylon

Color Green/ grey

Specifications

Volume

Pair

Gallons
Liters
Small

2.6 in the bags

+ .53 in the exterior mesh pockets

10 in the bags

+ 2 in the exterior mesh pockets

Regular

3.17 in the bags

+ .53 in the exterior mesh pockets

12

+ 2 in the exterior mesh pockets

Dimensions
In+ches
Centimeters
Short

Height: 11.4 Width: 6.3

Depth (front-back): 4.7

Height: 29 Width: 16

Depth (front-back): 12

Regular

Height: 13.8 Width: 6.3

Depth (front-back): 4.7

Height: 35 Width: 16

Depth (front-back): 12

Weight
Ounces
Grams
Short10.6300
with Liners13.6386
Regular12.3350
with Liners14.7416
Aarn Sport balance pockets
Pack Label
Volume

Small

30-liters

Medium

33-liters

Large

36 liters

Pack Label

Centimeters
Small

Height: 58.85 Width: 25.48

Depth (front-back): 17

Medium

Height: 64.71 Width: 25.48

Depth (front-back): 17

Large

Height: 67 Width: 32

Depth (front-back): 16

Weight
Kilograms (without/with dry liner)
Small 30-liters
Pack: 1.24 / 1.31
Medium 33-liters
Pack: 1.33 / 1.41
Large 36-litersPack: 1.28 / 1.35

Recommended Maximum Load (Pack only): 33 pounds (15 kg)

Aarn backpacks shoulder strap design - Light Hiking GearDesign of Shoulder harness for Aarn backpacks - Light Hiking GearDesign of hipbelt for Aarn backpacks - Light Hiking Gear

The Natural Exhilaration is made with quality materials that are built to withstand the elements and get you on the move. Additionally, the colors match well with most of our products, so could travel the outdoors in style.

  • Materials: 500D Kodura nylon, 210D & 40D ripstop nylon
  • Colors: Natural green and grey blend

(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.

This summer I went on Mountain Leader training and then did 2-3 day walks using the Natural Exhilaration. It is without doubt the best well balanced and designed pack I've ever used in the 40+ years I've been in the Outdoor Business! Keep up the good work mate!

David Spronson, Windermere, UK.

Natural Exhilaration + Expedition Balance Pockets

The concept behind Aarn packs made intuitive sense to me the first time I heard about them.While I'd never had major problems with pain or discomfort while hiking and backpacking, I'd never had a pack that I really liked. Particularly with a heavy load, I usually found myself cycling through a few different positions as each one became uncomfortable; there was never any single position that didn't pull or push on something harder than was sustainable. So I was excited to try out an Aarn pack on a recent ascent of Mt. St. Helens. St. Helens is a long, steep, full day hike, and requires enough weight (4+ liters of water, layers, camera, etc) to give a good assessment of utility and comfort. On previous ascents I'd used either an Arc'Teryx Bora 40 or an extremely full Mountainsmith lumbar pack.The Bora 40 basically worked fine, though with some shoulder soreness despit e a seemingly well functioning hip belt and a very sweaty back at the end of the day. While lumbar packs solve both of those problems, carrying that much weight for a long time would cause quite a bit of discomfort on my hip bones by the end of the day because the full weight was pulling back against them the whole time.

Enter the Aarn Natural Exhilaration. After spending maybe 15 minutes to get the pack adjusted for my torso and loading it up, I immediately noticed how comfortable the pack felt. There was no pressure or weight on my shoulders at all; the Balance Pockets were functioning as advertised. More impressive to me was that the way the weight rested around my waist via the hipbelt was immediately comfortable and distributed the load front and back. Once we got hiking there were some added benefits I hadn't anticipated.

First, it's incredibly nice to be able to access gear without having to take the pack off (or even stop hiking). Anything that's in the Balance Pockets can be easily taken out and put back on the move, and they're big enough for water, snacks, sunglasses, a hat, and anything else you might want on or off during the day. This meant fewer stops and a steadier pace.

Second, before using an Aarn pack I wouldn't have thought to complain about poor balance while using a normal pack or a lumbar pack. Once we got on the long boulder fields of St. Helens though, I noticed a major improvement. I was able to move as though I wasn't wearing a pack at all, confidently walking across the tops of boulders whereas before I would have chosen a more conservative route.

I was tired by the end of the hike, but none of that was due to the pack; I had no shoulder/ hip soreness or hot spots. The pack felt heavier while I was picking it up to put it on that it did once on, something I've experienced before and more evidence that the balance system distributes weight more efficiently than other packs. While the pack is a bit trickier to size and pack than a normal daypack, it's worth the slight effort in every way. I would recommend these packs to anybody who hikes or backpacks regularly with weight, even if you think your current pack is comfortable.

Brice Keown, WA, USA

Troubleshooting

PROBLEM

CAUSES

SOLUTIONS

Sore Shoulders

Pull back force on shoulders from weight behind

Add Balance Pockets, or if using them, put more weight in them and loosen front shoulder strap webs

Too much weight on shoulders

Loosen front shoulder strap webs

Hipbelt has slipped down

Raise hipbelt & retighten &/or shorten

Balance Pockets are pulling down on bottom of shoulder pads

Increase back length: Pull up on navy top back panel web

Bodypack is too hard to put on

Incorrect technique used

1. Loosen hipbelt webs before putting the bodypack on for the first time.

2. Follow this sequence: Place hands underneath Balance Pockets; grab hold of hipbelt center buckles, lift both Pockets & hipbelt up to the right height; clip center buckle together & tighten the tension web loop at top and bottom to get an even pressure at the top and bottom of the hipbelt

3. When taking the pack off, before releasing the hipbelt center buckle, loosen the side buckles. With familiarity, you can release the 2 tensionlock buckles on each side with each hand simultaneously, by pulling the buckle ends up. Now you have set the pack up to be easy and quick to put on next time

I no longer have the coordination anymore to master this sequence

Substitute Universal Balance Bags for Balance Pockets. These quickly and easily attach after you have put the pack on

My pack leans to one side

Your pack will lean to one side, like any brand of pack, if you have the shoulder straps and/or hipbelt adjusted unequally on both sides, or you have loaded the pack unevenly.

First check that the top stabilizer straps are equal length and the front shoulder strap webs are also equal length. Now check that the hipbelt parts are adjusted to equal length and angle on both sides of the center base plate and the side tension adjusters (cord or web) are of equal length both sides. Now with all these adjustments made, check that the hipbelt ends are sitting at a similar position on each side of your pelvis with the pack on. Finally, check that your U-Flow movement (the movement when you lift one shoulder), is equal on both sides. With everything centered

  • 30 Liters - Small
  • 33 Liters - Medium
  • 36 Liters - Large
  • Compact (6 Liters)
  • Sport/Small (10 Liters
  • Sport/Regular (12 Liters)

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Customer Reviews

Based on 5 reviews Write a review
Type: 

Backpack

Pack Capacity - Backlength: 

30 Liters - Small, 33 Liters - Medium, 36 Liters - Large

Front Balance Pockets (Capacity): 

Compact (6 Liters), Sport/Small (10 Liters, Sport/Regular (12 Liters)

SKU: 

NE-S-S/R

Weight: 

4.14 lb

The Aarn Natural Exhilaration is our high-performance, 100% waterproof multi-purpose lightweight balance pack for one-day or multi-day outdoor adventures.

With this comfortable backpack, the FlowMo harness allows for superb agility with glue-like stability while the frame automatically shapes to your body and bends when you’re traversing the hills, biking or skiing. This lightweight daypack doesn't round out, even when it’s stuffed full. The back length adjustment is easy with the pack and the optional Balance Pockets allow you to carry heavy loads comfortably.

Aarn Natural Exhilaration Backpack - Light Hiking Gear


FEATURES

The Natural Exhilaration is one of the top hiking backpacks from Light Hiking Gear and it features U, V, and Flexi-flow, an Auto-mould frame with a perimeter wire and hollow 6001 T6 alloy stays, and an Auto-form hipbelt, making it one of the best balance bags on the market. This comfortable backpack is perfect for cycling, skiing, and hiking alike.

  • Combine with front Balance Pockets, which provide greater stability and balance, and a more upright posture. This translates to much less fatigue and strain. Front pockets have accessible zip flaps to protect items from the rain, gear clips and mesh exterior pockets.
  • Backpack comes with 2 back lengths that adjust up to 15 cm, True-fit shoulder straps, and Flow-thru stabilizers for ultimate comfort and balance.
  • Design features a waterproof Dri-liner, 1 lid pocket, 3 outside stretch pockets, and a closed cell foam sit mat for security and organizational purposes.
  • Web front compression with loop lock holders holds verticle tools and web-loc side compression with hyperlon reinforcement holds ski attachments.

This is the best hiking pack for those who want an adventure without the heaviness of a backpack. The Natural Exhilaration bag comes with a hydration hook, hang loop, and exit slot and can be attached to ice axes, skis, snowboards, and trekking poles in both the front and rear side of the bag.

BALANCE POCKETS

COMPACT

* Sized for maximum agility & forward visibility

* For all models except Marathon & Mountain Magic & Flow-Mo Friend

* 2 mesh pockets

* 500D Kodura, 70 x 100D ripstop nylon

Color Grey/ green

Specifications

Volume
Gallons
Liters

1.59 in the bags

+ .26 in the exterior mesh pockets

6 L in the bags

+ 1 in the exterior mesh pockets

Dimensions
Inches
Centimeters

Height: 11.8 Width: 5.1

Depth (front-back): 4.3

Height: 30 Width: 13

Depth (front-back): 11

Weight
Ounces
Grams
Pair 9.3 265

Aarn compact balance pockets
SPORT

* Mid-volume balances unobtrusiveness and weight carrying ability

* Fits all models except Marathon & Mountain Magics, & Flow-Mo Friend

* Waterproof Dri-liners

* Zip flaps flip up for easy access, flip down for rain

* 4 mesh exterior pockets with compression cords

* Converts to a daypack with shoulder & sternum straps

* Daypackcarries on front for security and easy gear access

* Sport-S is 5 cm shorter and suitable for backlengths of 34cm or less

* 500D Kodura, 210D, 100D x 70D & 40D ripstop nylon

Color Green/ grey

Specifications

Volume

Pair

Gallons
Liters
Small

2.6 in the bags

+ .53 in the exterior mesh pockets

10 in the bags

+ 2 in the exterior mesh pockets

Regular

3.17 in the bags

+ .53 in the exterior mesh pockets

12

+ 2 in the exterior mesh pockets

Dimensions
In+ches
Centimeters
Short

Height: 11.4 Width: 6.3

Depth (front-back): 4.7

Height: 29 Width: 16

Depth (front-back): 12

Regular

Height: 13.8 Width: 6.3

Depth (front-back): 4.7

Height: 35 Width: 16

Depth (front-back): 12

Weight
Ounces
Grams
Short 10.6 300
with Liners 13.6 386
Regular 12.3 350
with Liners 14.7 416
Aarn Sport balance pockets

SPECIFICATIONS

Pack Label
Volume

Small

30-liters

Medium

33-liters

Large

36 liters

Pack Label

Centimeters
Small

Height: 58.85 Width: 25.48

Depth (front-back): 17

Medium

Height: 64.71 Width: 25.48

Depth (front-back): 17

Large

Height: 67 Width: 32

Depth (front-back): 16

Weight
Kilograms (without/with dry liner)
Small 30-liters
Pack: 1.24 / 1.31
Medium 33-liters
Pack: 1.33 / 1.41
Large 36-liters Pack: 1.28 / 1.35

Recommended Maximum Load (Pack only): 33 pounds (15 kg)

DESIGN

Aarn backpacks shoulder strap design - Light Hiking Gear
Design of Shoulder harness for Aarn backpacks - Light Hiking Gear
Design of hipbelt for Aarn backpacks - Light Hiking Gear

The Natural Exhilaration is made with quality materials that are built to withstand the elements and get you on the move. Additionally, the colors match well with most of our products, so could travel the outdoors in style.

  • Materials: 500D Kodura nylon, 210D & 40D ripstop nylon
  • Colors: Natural green and grey blend

OPTIONS

(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.

TESTIMONIALS

This summer I went on Mountain Leader training and then did 2-3 day walks using the Natural Exhilaration. It is without doubt the best well balanced and designed pack I've ever used in the 40+ years I've been in the Outdoor Business! Keep up the good work mate!

David Spronson, Windermere, UK.

Natural Exhilaration + Expedition Balance Pockets

The concept behind Aarn packs made intuitive sense to me the first time I heard about them.While I'd never had major problems with pain or discomfort while hiking and backpacking, I'd never had a pack that I really liked. Particularly with a heavy load, I usually found myself cycling through a few different positions as each one became uncomfortable; there was never any single position that didn't pull or push on something harder than was sustainable. So I was excited to try out an Aarn pack on a recent ascent of Mt. St. Helens. St. Helens is a long, steep, full day hike, and requires enough weight (4+ liters of water, layers, camera, etc) to give a good assessment of utility and comfort. On previous ascents I'd used either an Arc'Teryx Bora 40 or an extremely full Mountainsmith lumbar pack.The Bora 40 basically worked fine, though with some shoulder soreness despit e a seemingly well functioning hip belt and a very sweaty back at the end of the day. While lumbar packs solve both of those problems, carrying that much weight for a long time would cause quite a bit of discomfort on my hip bones by the end of the day because the full weight was pulling back against them the whole time.

Enter the Aarn Natural Exhilaration. After spending maybe 15 minutes to get the pack adjusted for my torso and loading it up, I immediately noticed how comfortable the pack felt. There was no pressure or weight on my shoulders at all; the Balance Pockets were functioning as advertised. More impressive to me was that the way the weight rested around my waist via the hipbelt was immediately comfortable and distributed the load front and back. Once we got hiking there were some added benefits I hadn't anticipated.

First, it's incredibly nice to be able to access gear without having to take the pack off (or even stop hiking). Anything that's in the Balance Pockets can be easily taken out and put back on the move, and they're big enough for water, snacks, sunglasses, a hat, and anything else you might want on or off during the day. This meant fewer stops and a steadier pace.

Second, before using an Aarn pack I wouldn't have thought to complain about poor balance while using a normal pack or a lumbar pack. Once we got on the long boulder fields of St. Helens though, I noticed a major improvement. I was able to move as though I wasn't wearing a pack at all, confidently walking across the tops of boulders whereas before I would have chosen a more conservative route.

I was tired by the end of the hike, but none of that was due to the pack; I had no shoulder/ hip soreness or hot spots. The pack felt heavier while I was picking it up to put it on that it did once on, something I've experienced before and more evidence that the balance system distributes weight more efficiently than other packs. While the pack is a bit trickier to size and pack than a normal daypack, it's worth the slight effort in every way. I would recommend these packs to anybody who hikes or backpacks regularly with weight, even if you think your current pack is comfortable.

Brice Keown, WA, USA

FITTING

Troubleshooting

PROBLEM

CAUSES

SOLUTIONS

Sore Shoulders

Pull back force on shoulders from weight behind

Add Balance Pockets, or if using them, put more weight in them and loosen front shoulder strap webs

Too much weight on shoulders

Loosen front shoulder strap webs

Hipbelt has slipped down

Raise hipbelt & retighten &/or shorten

Balance Pockets are pulling down on bottom of shoulder pads

Increase back length: Pull up on navy top back panel web

Bodypack is too hard to put on

Incorrect technique used

1. Loosen hipbelt webs before putting the bodypack on for the first time.

2. Follow this sequence: Place hands underneath Balance Pockets; grab hold of hipbelt center buckles, lift both Pockets & hipbelt up to the right height; clip center buckle together & tighten the tension web loop at top and bottom to get an even pressure at the top and bottom of the hipbelt

3. When taking the pack off, before releasing the hipbelt center buckle, loosen the side buckles. With familiarity, you can release the 2 tensionlock buckles on each side with each hand simultaneously, by pulling the buckle ends up. Now you have set the pack up to be easy and quick to put on next time

I no longer have the coordination anymore to master this sequence

Substitute Universal Balance Bags for Balance Pockets. These quickly and easily attach after you have put the pack on

My pack leans to one side

Your pack will lean to one side, like any brand of pack, if you have the shoulder straps and/or hipbelt adjusted unequally on both sides, or you have loaded the pack unevenly.

First check that the top stabilizer straps are equal length and the front shoulder strap webs are also equal length. Now check that the hipbelt parts are adjusted to equal length and angle on both sides of the center base plate and the side tension adjusters (cord or web) are of equal length both sides. Now with all these adjustments made, check that the hipbelt ends are sitting at a similar position on each side of your pelvis with the pack on. Finally, check that your U-Flow movement (the movement when you lift one shoulder), is equal on both sides. With everything centered