OSPREY Argon 85 Backpack

Comments about OSPREY Argon 85 Backpack:

I just bought the pack and used it for a 3-day ascent of the Liberty Ridge on Mt. Rainier. The pack had plenty of space (too much space for this climb - but that is not the pack's fault), and its compartments allowed for easy access to gear. The pack carried 50 lbs very comfortably for an average of 10 hrs climbing a day. Whether swinging ice axes, ascending steep snow, or post-holing on descent, the pack stayed well-balanced and comfortable. However, this is NOT a good technical climbing pack when the climbing gets steep. The primary problem is that the stays are high enough that I could not tilt my head back far enough to see above me during 45 degree or steeper climbing. While I realize that such is not the purpose of the pack, it is a limitation I should have considered in advance. The only other faults are that the straps are too long (and there are many straps) and the outside back stretchy compartment is weak, so it ripped from being put on its back with a helmet inside. That being said, the pack performed very well. I have had other packs, but none carried nearly as comfortably as this Osprey. Furthermore, the hipbelt provided unlimited range of movement. Of course, if you are looking solely for a technical climbing pack, you should get something smaller, lighter and tighter to your back.

Comments about OSPREY Argon 85 Backpack:

I am 53 yrs old and bought this backpack to do a 98 mile trek at Philmont Scout Ranch this summer-
I had the belt fitted and spent two months getting my pack adjusted with me-doing hills with about 35 lbs at home to get in shape-

When we got at Philmont mmy average weight was about 45- to 50 lbs per day-This is the first time- i didn't feel it-the distribution of weight on your hips is the best - i have ever felt- no swaying and snug fit throughout my hike- more room than i needed and my hike was a blast after the third day -i never felt the weight-other than
taking it off at night and feeling my age

Adrian Mo Rivas
Carrollton, tx

Comments about OSPREY Argon 85 Backpack:

This is a great pack that I have gotten to use twice since Christmas. On both occasions the pack performed very well. I like how there are a number of different pockets where I can stash my various different types of gear for easy access. For example, I went on a mountaineering trip this past weekend and had my puffy jacket, water, food, spare gloves, beanie, ice axe and crampons all accessible without even opening the main part of the pack. This made it very easy to make quick layering adjustments while on the go. The pack also has a very large capacity and I had extra room despite all of my gear, clothes and food. The pack held everything very comfortably. I am 5'8" with a long torso and the medium fit great. The shoulder strap height is adjustable which makes it great for a dialed-in fit.
After making camp on a mountain saddle at 9000', I used the Argon 85 as a summit pack for our day trip to the peak of Mt. Morrison and it compressed and held the gear very well.
I had read that this pack made it difficult to look up because it got in the way of your head. I did not find this to be true if the top pocket is adjusted correctly.
My only complaint is that the hip belt hurt my hips on my sides. This has been an issue with other packs I have used as well but wasn't as bad on this pack. I hope the issue will be remedied when I get the hip belt heat-formed.
Bottom line: This is the perfect large pack that has excellent versatility and is well worth the money.

Comments about OSPREY Argon 85 Backpack:

Good pack for the reasons above. The big con is that you really need help from someone experienced to properly adjust it to your frame. It took a few hours for me, and even then, I'm still not sure if its right; i.e. too much load on my back, too little on the hips. But it did well on several extended wilderness hikes in Yellowstone.

Comments about OSPREY Argon 85 Backpack:

This pack is a beast. Extremely comfortable when transporting moderate to heavy loads. I purchased this bag the night before I took it on a two day, 30 mile section of the Connecticut AT. I only had a few hours to get acquainted with the pack, and that's all I needed. The hip belt was formed to my waist at EMS, providing an outstanding custom fit. Osprey also provides flexible aluminum stays with this pack, I was able to curve them to fit my back. thus, furthering the custom body specific fit. After loading the pack, i picked it up and it felt heavy..once on my back..not the case..The load is transferred so well, I could hardly tell I was wearing 50 pounds.. It performed like a dream out on the trail. This pack can swallow any thing in its path, as well as compress down to a day pack with the use of the straight jacket style straps. It also has a neat removable top pocket that converts to a small summit bag with a cushy foam back pad( not often an option on removable tops) overall expensive but worth every last penny. It will last a life time and just to make sure it does Osprey has an unconditional warranty. Go buy this pack!!

Comments about OSPREY Argon 85 Backpack:

The hip belt and suspension system are excellant, very comfortable on multi-day hikes.