The Arc’teryx Aerios line of backpacks are designed for year-round use with 15, 30 and 45L capacities to accommodate day use or overnight outings. Their focus is on lightweight and durable material construction to help you go farther, faster.
The front straps on the Aerios 30L feature layered storage options utilizing a shoulder harness that feels and acts more like a hydration vest than traditional backpack straps, with two zippered pockets on top of two stretch pockets that accommodate soft flasks. These pockets are made with mesh fabric, and while they aren’t exactly weather or sweat resistant, they do fit a large cell phone. One clever design element is a bungee compression system that runs the length of the pack. We found this to be a useful spot to store rain gear and trekking poles on an overnight adventure. Daisy chains also flank the sides of the bag and allow for customizable storage options.
On either side of the main cargo compartment are external pouch-style pockets that are most useful when storing small items that need to be within reach, but could also be expanded to accommodate larger gear like a water bottle or even a Jetboil stove.
The main cargo compartment is accessed by a U-shaped zipper that comes roughly halfway down the pack on both sides. We found this a more useful opening versus a rolltop pack, as it allowed easy access to gear without having to first dig through layers. The pack also comes with an internal hydration pouch attachment if you’d prefer to carry a bladder.
The back panel is made from a proprietary AeroFoam and has a stiff but comfortable feel for a framed pack, with increased breathability around the back mesh surrounding the panel. After running many miles on hot trails, the ventilation was still soft and we didn’t experience any chaffing. The AeroFoam panel is removable from the inside but we found it provided excellent support and shape. While there was a small amount of bouncing when the pack was not full, this was minimized when it was loaded with gear.
The Arc’teryx Aerios 30L bag is available at www.arcteryx.com
Basic Summary: The Arc’teryx Aerios 30L pack features a running-style shoulder harness with two zippered pockets and is compatible with fluid reservoir storage or soft flasks. Cordura nylon combined with a crystal polymer ripstop grid covers the main body of the pack and gives a feeling of durability. An AeroFoam back panel makes up the frame of the bag and is highly breathable even when packed with supplies for multiple days on the trail. A hip belt and chest straps allow for a custom fit and adjustments on the fly.
Specs and Features:
- Weight: 2.0lb / 910g
- Cargo capacity: 30L (also comes in 15L or 45L)
- Hydration options: reservoir compatibility in rear compartment,
soft flask pockets in front (reservoir or flasks sold separately) - Hydration vest-style shoulder harness
- AeroFoam back panel
- Front storage: dual vertical zipper pockets with large stretch mesh pouches, plus bungee compression cords
- Two adjustable daisy chain sternum straps
- Dual side vertical storage pouches
- Rear storage: large main zipper compartment with external horizontal zipper pocket
- Padded adjustable hip belt with pockets
- Trekking pole attachments
- MSRP: $190