Osprey Aura AG 50: The Best Women’s Trekking Backpack

The Osprey Aura AG 50L Backpack has built a strong fanbase and reputation for being one of the best backpacks on the market for backpacking and trekking. For many years, I have used the Osprey Atmos AG 50 Backpack on trekking adventures, so when my girlfriend showed an interest, I knew where to start. There is a lot of competition between Osprey, Gregory and other brands in the 40-60L backpack space. So find out why we chose the Osprey Aura AG 50 over the competition, including its technical specs, strengths, weaknesses and overall kit rating in this review.

Introducing: Osprey Aura AG 50

The Aura AG 50 Backpack is the women’s specific design of the Men’s Osprey Atmos AG 50 backpack (see full review here). The Aura Ag 50 is built for backpacking, thru-hiking and trekking in mind. The key selling point is Osprey’s genius Anti-gravity system that supports the pack weight away from your back for added comfort. There is a wide range of pockets for organisation of kit, including the dedicated sleeping compartment (a key difference to the Aura AG LT). And there are compression straps to adjust the backpack silhouette along the journey. The main difference between the Atmos is that the women’s specific fit uses a shoulder and hipbelt design tailored to the anthropometrics of a woman’s neck, shoulder, chest and hips for optimal support and weight distribution.

We debated whether to get the cheaper Osprey Aura AG LT (Lightweight) over the full-fat Aura, but the access to a dedicated sleeping compartment is very useful when camping. And when my girlfriend tried on the Aura LT, there was a different back-mesh with an adjustable plastic frame, which digs into the back compared to the comfortable mesh on the Aura. The Osprey Aura AG backpack is available in XS/S at 47litres volume (misleading from Osprey). And the larger M/L version is actually at 50Litres. Plus, there is a 65L version available for longer backpacking trips. The current colours available are Berry Sorbet Red, Enchantment Purple and Tungsten Grey.

Tech Specs

Measured to XS/S Variant

• Size: 47 Litres / 3051 in^3
• Weight: 1.89 kg / 4.16 Lbs
• Dimensions: 29.5H x 15W x 12.2D inches
  5H x 38W x 31D cm
• Load Range: 11.3kg to 15.9kg (25lb – 35lb)
• Price (RRP): £280 / $340

Anti-Gravity Suspension

The Ant-Gravity technology on this backpack is the real differentiator from other backpacks. Whilst on paper the weight is not the lowest, the way the hipbelt and mesh anti-gravity system transfers the load from your shoulders to your hips means carrying heavier loads feels easy. Osprey have designed the suspension for 2 sizes per gender using a 4mm peripheral metal frame. On which the easy-to-operate to operate cam-lock torso adjustment systems allow precise adjustments.

The AG Backpanel features a 2-tone spacer mesh for more strength, and a silicone print around the lumbar adds grip for load transfer. The Fit-on-the-Fly harness expands the fit range and adds comfort with the foams and mesh used around the waist. The AG system extends the tensioned backpanel into the hipbelt, which does make putting the backpack on a little trickier. With the hipbelt also integrated into the metal frame, it provides consistent load transfer along with the Crossbody ErgoPull design, which pulls weight into the lumbar when tightened.

Key Features

Our Experience

Years ago, before trekking the Annapurna Circuit, I chose the Osprey Atmos AG 50 Men’s backpack because of the class-leading comfort and all-around capability thanks to the Anti-Gravity (AG) suspension and features. And since recommending it to my girlfriend, the minor design tweaks have improved the Backpack. The most noticeable is the quieter backpanel mesh, which was my biggest annoyance. And the addition of the side access zips and taller bottle meshes is welcomed. However, the non-removable floating lid and relocating the rain cover to the bottom are not as effective. The option to remove the lid and use the flap to lighten the Backpack was a handy feature.

On the first backpacking test to Elfin Lakes, Taylor Meadow’s and Wedgemount Lake, Roisin was carrying her stuff as well as the Big Agnes Copper Spur Tent and shared the food weight. Once the backpack had been adjusted to spread the load effectively onto the hips, the 14kg pack weight felt more like 10kg, thanks to the AG System. The design and adjustability meant it was easy to change the frame, straps and hipbelt for maximum comfort. The 50L size was ideal instead of the larger 65 version as it kept the centre of mass lower and avoided over-packing. The purple colour was a top-selling point, and the sleek style too. The only downside was the non-removable lid (despite the website claiming so).

Osprey Aura AG 50: Strengths

Exceptional Comfort

The AntiGravity™ backpanel provides effective weight distribution onto the hipbelt. This helps save putting weight on the shoulders and upper back area. Plus, the straps and Fit-on-the-Fly hipbelt allow for quick adjustments on the trail when swapping between layers or terrains. This Anti-gravity system is the primary reason to get this pack over the competition, as it guarantees all-day comfort (within the load carrying capacity). This means you barely feel the pack’s load over multiple days of trekking, and it eases the burden when doing ascents. The curved design of hip straps secures your waist like a hug, and the cushioned shoulder straps create amazing on-trail comfort. It’s a very ergonomic design once you’ve adjusted the back panel and shoulder straps.

Ventilation

The AG System and Airspeed mesh harness and backpanel offer impressive airflow. This is helped by the main body sitting away from the back, allowing air to travel through via the suspended mesh panel. Despite the close-fitting hipbelt design, it doesn’t add too much warmth as it uses a mesh panel.

Thoughtful Organization

The Atmos has a great variety of pockets in smart locations to help best divide up your gear. As listed above, there are so many different attachments and pockets that make organisation much easier. The hipbelt pockets and dedicated compartments for bottles, sleeping bags and rain-covers make it much easier to stay organised a campsites.

Durable Build & Eco-friendly Materials

Osprey use recycled and high-durability materials to ensure the Aura Backpacks last on treks and backpacking trips. Despite the materials not being lightweight, the 210D Main body and lining with a 500D nylon bottom provide reliability, it won’t get ripped in the wild or on transport. Additionally, the bluesign® materials with PFAS-free DWR give it an environmental edge as well.

Women-Specific Fit & Adjustability

With an adjustable harness and hipbelt, the Aura AG 50 accommodates a range of torso and waist sizes—immersively tailored for women’s anatomy. The compression straps help keep the pack weight central and evenly distributed. The Fit-On-The-Fly system allows the curved hip straps to adjust easily for the optimum fit. This backpack has been engineered to focus on ergonomics and comfort with effective results.

Quiet Suspension Mesh

The biggest annoyance on Atmos AG 50 has been fixed! The trampoline-style back-mesh used to squeak, but the latest design has eliminated that, making it a silent companion on the trails.

Osprey Aura AG 50: Weaknesses

Hip Belt Adjustable

One slight change is for the Fit-on-the-Fly Hipbelt; the ends of the straps don’t have an obvious place to be stored. In the pic below, you can tie them on either side of the buckle, but it is not as effective as the older iteration, which allowed the straps to slot behind the hipbelts.

Re-Design Features

There were some not-so-successful redesigns in the newest Aura & Atom designs, in my opinion. The non-removable floating lid and relocating the rain cover to the bottom are not as effective. The option to remove the lid and use the flap to lighten the Backpack was a handy feature. The buckle and hip straps mentioned above are not as thought through as the older model, either.

Expensive

The Aura is a premium-priced backpack. It is more expensive than the LT version and some of the Gregory competitors. Yet with Osprey, you’re paying for a brand known for its quality products and providing a lifetime guarantee.
Tip: The end-of-season sales are the best time to grab a bargain or when new versions are being launched for a deal. That’s how we managed to save 30% off the Osprey Aura AG 50 at MEC.

Weight to Capacity ratio

On the spec sheet, the Aura AG 50 is not a lightweight backpack. The LT version and Osprey Kyte 48, undercut it on weight. However, the heavier Anti-gravity system allows you to carrier heavier loads than without it. There are other backpacks, such as the Ariel 55/65, that are better designed for heavy loads above 18kg.

Tip: The general rule of thumb for pack weight is around 20-25% of your body weight.

Alternatives

• Gregory Facet 45 – A Lighter (~2.5 lbs) backpack with a great hipbelt and minimalist design for shorter trips. The smaller volume is less versatile, but it’s competitively priced. I would recommend trying on both a Gregory and an Osprey, as people tend to prefer one fit or the other. We noticed the Facet & Maven were taller backpacks behind the head, which doesn’t suit all hairstyles.
• Osprey Aura AG LT 50 – Trimmed-down, lighter version of the Aura AG 50, retaining core features but with a slimmer design. Retains the signature AntiGravity suspension but in a more streamlined, lighter package. But it does not have the sleeping compartment, which is handy to access and organise.
• Gregory Maven 58 – The Gregory Maven offers 48, 58, or 68 L with a well-padded hipbelt; great load transfer and covers a wide range of body types. More feature-packed than the Facet with high ventilation. The Maven 48 is the closest competitor to the Aura AG 50.
• Osprey Ariel 65 – Often recommended for longer expeditions or for carrying food for a week. The Ariel 65 uses an Airscape backpanel and is designed for heavy loads. It uses front zipper access compared to the traditional top loading of the Aura.

Osprey Aura AG 50: Kit Rating

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning multiday hikes and prioritise carrying comfort, ventilation, and thoughtful design, the Aura AG 50 is a top-tier choice—just be sure to get properly fitted. The Osprey Aura AG 50 is a best-seller for a reason, and I’m happy my recommendation worked out. The decision to invest in the full AG version instead of the LT was wise when camping and packing up each day when backpacking. The Aura is the ideal size at 50L for weekend-long trips up to 2 weeks of trekking if you’re lightweight and are not camping. I can not highly recommend the Osprey Atmos or Aura backpacks for any thru-hiking, trekking or backpacking trips for their comfort, versatility, ventilation and features.

What is the best trekking backpack in your opinion? And if you own an Osprey Atmos or Aura backpack, what are your thoughts on it? Please share this post with other backpackers, hikers and trekkers looking to buy a new backpack.