Hi all
I'm sure there are many posts about Aarn packs (sorry to add to the chorus), but I've got a few to choose from and I'd love some assistance.
I'm booked in to do Overland in December (if the universe agrees it will be so) and don't have a pack yet. I've done a fair bit of research and think I'd like an Aarn. Below are the ones I'm looking at:
FEATHERLITE FREEDOM - M - 55L +12L (Sports balance pockets)
MOUNTAIN MAGIC 55L + 12L (Sports balance pockets)
NATURAL BALANCE - Short - 63L + 15L (Expedition balance pockets)
I'm not sure that I'll necessarily need the larger one (Natural Balance) but it's on sale (the 2018 version) so is significantly cheaper than the others. I'm a "small" backlength, so I do worry a little that the larger one won't be so nice for me (even if I'm getting the short backlength and correct hip belt). It's also an older version.
The Mountain Magic is also on sale right now and is cheaper than the Natural Balance, but the pack doesn't come with a waterproof liner. The others do. For OT, I would have thought this would be necessary. At the price it's going for, I could purchase one and still probably come out better off financially.
That leaves the featherlite freedom, which is the most expensive, but seems to be the best fit for what I want. Good size, waterproof liners included, lightweight. Perhaps it's better to spend the extra bit of money to (hopefully) get a better fit/pack.
I'm going with another person who will potentially carry the tent, so I don't need to include that. I do have a list and am being pretty luxurious with my planning (as in, I can still lose weight in a variety of places). My current base weight is 9.43kg.
Also, unfortunately I can't have it fitted as I don't live near a store that stocks them. I did see someone mention in another thread that one of the Melbourne stores will do a fitting via skype, so I might look into that.
Edited to add: I just spoke to someone from Backpacking Light (where I was looking to purchase from anyway), who talked me through options and we ended up with either the Featherlite Freedom, or the Peak Aspiration (both 55L) with the Sports pocket. They mentioned they have the new "Pro" Dyneema Sport Balance pockets in stock and suggested they might be good. If I go with the Peak Aspiration, I'll have to buy pockets either way, so are the new ones worth it for another $40?
Any advice appreciated!