AARN packs

[ULWalkingPhil]

I been looking into one of these Aarn packs, particularly interested in the Featherlite Freedom. Done some searching online for the past day or two and can not find any info on what weight this particular pack is good to. Those who own this pack, what weights have you carried?

[ninjapuppet]

Ive got a Aarn natural balance and its rated to 25kg

[ULWalkingPhil]

I've found a review that mentions the featherlight freedom is good for 20kg. Plenty weight for me. My goal is to get my pack weight down to a maximum 15kg including food and apx 2 liters of water in that weight.

[Dale]

I own a Featherlite Freedom and on a recent 5 day hike carried about 13kg at the start of the walk. It carried very comfortably and it could have handled more weight. I was carrying minimal water there was plenty on the track so it had space for a few more liters.

I also finally dialed in the right fit at last ! It really is the case where some basic adjustments just 'clicks' the pack into place and no more sore shoulders...

[ULWalkingPhil]

Looks to be the pack for me, was originally planning on a much lighter pack but the principal of these Aarn packs with the front pockets allowing a much better balanced weight transfer I think has more advantage than a lighter pack, and the option to use these front pockets as a small day pack is a huge advantage for me. I think I'll buy one this week, wish I could see and try one out before hand, but that's not a option for where I live, will have to take a risk and purchase without viewing or trying.

If anyone could post some photos, mainly closeup shots of the features etc, that would be great, I have not been able to find any decent photos online.

[wazzawalkin]

Have you seen this page?
Its an older model but the photo's are good.

http://www.nielsenbrownoutdoors.com/201 ... eedom.html

[Wolfix]

I bought my Aarn Effortless Rhythm in 2005 before a trip to US & Canada. Having read extensive online reviews I had in my mind to buy a GoLite pack but believed Aarn to truly be the best. With a budget of A$275 I went off to buy my GoLite but thrilled to find that the shop had old Aarn models on clearance for HALF PRICE! I saved $100 and bought the best pack on the market and I have since been increasingly happy with my Aarn pack.

The Effortless Rhythm I have is quite different from the current model. It's 55L plus balance pockets (thrown in for free!) and has only one main compartment with liner and lid compartment. The compression system is a thin cord laced across the front. The hip belt is pretty similar to the current design but the balance pockets differ in that they simply clip on to the hip belt instead of slotting in to holsters. Effectively I guess mine can't take as much weight but they are smaller so this hasn't been an issue. I carry a Source 2L liquitainer in each pocket along with other small, heavy and immediately necessary items (snacks, medications.)

I have never had a problem with the liner leaking and have had the pack in a decent soak before.

I did have a break at one point but I was shoving laundry into it pretty roughly and the bent plastic tube that carries the flow-mo cord snapped. Aarn replaced it for free despite the age of the pack. Excellent customer service!

The pack is extremely comfortable and stable. It allows me to move really freely without swinging too much. The balance pockets have never impeded my vision nor made me sweat - in fact, the 3D mesh on the back of the pack makes it the best fitting and coolest harness system of any pack I've worn including a Deuter Air Comfort system pack. The pack is light and easy to adjust and though my friends (enviously) refer to them as "boob pockets", the balance pockets keep me upright as they all hunch over, restricting their movement and breathing.

I am saving for a Natural Balance and Pacer Poles right now. I recommend Aarn packs to everyone! If you're hiking in NZ you can even arrange a free trial of one of their packs - amazing service and faith in their product.

[ULWalkingPhil]

Thanks for the link to the images wazzawalkin, just what I was looking for.
Thanks wolfix for your review, I've done a lot of researching and I have not found one bad thing said about these packs. Was looking into one of those exos 58 packs till I came upon a review on the Aarn packs. Heavier than what I was looking for but not by much and the pack weight does include the water proof liners, take that away and take the front pockets off and the pack is only 1300 grams which is only about 200-300 grams heavier than the exos 58. Although the front pockets I don't think I will ever take them off on a hike, it's because of those front pockets why I'm going to purchase a Aarn pack.

[Wolfix]

I should add that I had a tear from a possum a while back but fixed it with some Gear Aid Tenacious Tape (great stuff!!) So far no probs with the patch.

You're right, there are no negative reviews. Then again, they're still not that widely used. Perhaps we should keep their benefits hush hush so Aarn aren't forced to adopt mass production methods that compromise their quality and customer service!

[ULWalkingPhil]

I missed out on the Aarn Featherlite Pack. There was one going on Ebay in very good condition. A bidding war started between myself and someone else that really wanted this pack. It starting going to high for a 2nd hand pack, so I had to fold up. I will look at getting one later in the year or next year. Will now put that money towards lightning the load in my One Planet Mcmillan pack. Looks like my hammock will be here sooner than expected.

Thanks for all your help. I will purchase one of these packs, just not sure when that will be. Unless someone has a 2nd hand pack they want to get rid off. Pm me if you do.

[cams]

Just to be different I have seen one issue with an AARN pack. My father bought one and the hip belt buckle broke first time he tried to put it on once he got it home. No troubles getting it replaced under warranty. Although it did mean he was without the pack for a couple of weeks while it was sent away.

I agree with all the comments though. I tried a Marathon Magic on and was very impressed with the comfort. Phillipsart, if you do make it down to Brisbane sometime K2 stocks a very minimal range of them. Don't think they sell many because they've had the same 3 or 4 packs on display for a year or so. Part of the problem is that I don't think the staff all really know how to use them. Should be enough to let you try one on though.

[ULWalkingPhil]

I have a option to pick up a Aarn hiking pack Load Limo, 2008 model for $100.00 + freight. Need to make my mind up within the hour, What do you think? Are the 2008 versions just as good?

[Wolfix]

Go for it. It will be an excellent pack and you're not spending so much that you can't justify a new pack in a couple of years... then you'll have 2 Aarns! As I said, I have a 2004 model and it's better than any pack I've tried since.

[Wolfix]

Don't think they sell many because they've had the same 3 or 4 packs on display for a year or so. Part of the problem is that I don't think the staff all really know how to use them. Should be enough to let you try one on though.

I think this is a problem Wildside need to address as the Aust distributor. Staff really need to be trained and I have rarely found any who really know their Aarn stock. If I was selling Aarn I would insist on a hands-on training session for all staff i all stores.

[ULWalkingPhil]

I'm happy to say, I am now a owner of a Aarn pack. I purchased that 08 Load Limo for $100.00 of ebay, I was the sole bidder.
Here's a link to the image of the pack. Got to say, I'm happy with this buy.

[ULWalkingPhil]

Considering the bidding war I had with someone on Ebay for the Aarn Featherlite Freedom this morning. I was surprised I was the only bidder.
I've probably came out with the better deal of the two. I only spent 115.00 and I now own a Aarn pack. A bit heavier than I wanted, but how could I refuse such a deal. Pack advertised in A1 condition and from the looks of the images, it appears to be in A1 condition.

Not sure what weight this pack is, but from reading on the Aarn homepage the new models are 2.5Kg and over 500.00. Wow.
That's a total saving of half a kilo over my One Planet Mcmillan. Not a great deal. At least i'll be able to carry the weight with a lot more comfort now.

I see the link to the image of my new pack I posted above does not work, Instead I will upload images.

[Franco]

Here is the old version of the Effortless Rhythm, with Sport pockets fitted, in action.

Great to be able to get hat/gloves/munchies/drinks/GPS without having to stop and take the pack off.
Franco
Photo Yair Kellner

[ULWalkingPhil]

Here is the old version of the Effortless Rhythm, with Sport pockets fitted, in action.

Great to be able to get hat/gloves/munchies/drinks/GPS without having to stop and take the pack off.
Franco

Great photo Franco. I've never seen snow in my life, I hope to one day get a chance to. It don't snow where I live.

[Wolfix]

Yep, that's the one I have. Phillipsart, the Load Limo has very similar construction to the old ER that Franco and I have. Get it, you won't be disappointed and if you are, I will buy it from you

*edited*
I see you've bought it! Congratulations! I hope you really enjoy it. You realise now you'll have to post a comprehensive review

[ULWalkingPhil]

Thanks for your comprehensive review Wolfix, Hopefully will have my new pack in hand in a couple days time. I will write a review once I put it in action.

[jose]

Congratulations on a GREAT buy, Phillipsart. I bought a new Load Limo 12 months ago for $575. Yours looks as good as new.

[Franco]

This is my mate Yair with his Effortless Rhythm fitted with tool quivers .
He utilizes them to store his sticks (unlike me he uses them only some of the time) or his ice axe. In this particular trip he had the map inside one.
Franco

[Wolfix]

I love the tool quivers. I plan to get some Pacerpoles soon and may get the quivers to store them. I recently bought some lasso lock straps so I can stow tent poles externally. Now I just have to get a new tent! I have been thinking about mods for my Aarn pack but really don't need to add anything. The only thing I'd change is the old sport balance pockets I have.

[ULWalkingPhil]

Lasso locks and Tool Quivers are what I'm going to purchase. Still waiting for my Aarn pack to turn up, hopefully will be here by the end of the week.

[roba9988]

Sound like some good packs will head down to k2 and check them out

[ULWalkingPhil]

Congratulations on a GREAT buy, Phillipsart. I bought a new Load Limo 12 months ago for $575. Yours looks as good as new.

Thanks Jose, Yeh, I'm looking forward to receiving the pack. It's been a long agonising wait. I'm hopeful tomorrow, so I can put it to the test this weekend. Seller must be out bushwalking, no word from him, It did say that it will be sent within 3 days, so I expect it here tomorrow.

[ULWalkingPhil]

I wish I could say, what I think of these Aarn Packs. After purchasing one of Ebay almost one week ago, I expected by now I would have it in my hands, but the seller will not respond to any of my emails and has not delivered the pack, I paid him within 10 minutes of the auction ending, his had my money for almost one week now.

I hate it when people do this, I would never, never do this to anyone. At least a response would have been nice to let me know what's going on. I will endeavour to get this pack in my hands asap. I can't wait to try it out.

[ninjapuppet]

Hey phil, I wouldnt be too worried just yet after only a week. paypal protects the buyer more than the seller so you should just chill for the time being. Buyers can leave negative feedback while sellers cant.
The guy's got 100% feedback so far although mainly as a buyer rather than a seller.

Though, it is unusual that he's also in QLD aswell. I'm sure it'll turn up tomorrow.

Another issue i had was I bought a stove from the US recently and it had arrived at my post office but no one left a card for me to pick it up. I only found out after they dropped a card last week for the final notice!!!! So it might be worthwhile to ring up the local post office to check if they've got it there.

[Wolfix]

Maybe he has an issue with his internet access or perhaps he's had to go away for some reason. I'd be more worried about a business seller not responding than a private seller. You'll be right. Worst case scenario you can lodge a refund claim with PayPal. It has worked for me in the past.

Good luck!

[ULWalkingPhil]

Still waiting for pack, which I paid for over one week ago. Some people make me wonder.