Osprey Argon 85 Backpack - Gear Review

This ain't your daddy's Kelty Tioga. The Osprey Argon 85 delivers space, comfort, and a tough attitude for your all season treks. I have been a Dana Design man myself for the past 8 years and decided it was time for an upgrade. It was like going from Windows 95 to Vista. Been carrying the Argon for about 6 months now and here is how Osprey is killing it. Space When people go from a 75 L pack to an 85 L, it seems like a worry can be lugging around too big of a pack in proportion to your size. Not so with the Argon. Their load design with pockets and the main containers are done so you can carry everything you need for a week but you don't feel like a 10 yr. old rockin' 191 BD Megawatts. I packed the Argon with three sleeping bags along with everything else you need for the family and the pockets and compression straps performed with ease. The three straps on the outside even housed a huge pillow (you may laugh but I love sleeping comfy). Definitely my new mountaineering pack for Rainier. Comfort Let's be honest. Backpacking and hiking is fun but carrying 50+ pounds of gear can be a pain. Literally. Strap on the ReCurve suspension system and leave the IcyHot at home. The system distributes the weight to give you a stable flex and shock absorption. Compared to my beloved Dana, the frame was a dream. Molded hip straps anyone? Don't isolate the heat moldable technology just for your ski boots, Osprey brings along the BioForm hip pads to get you rolling with a custom fit. Remember: carrying 50+ pounds doesn't have to be painful. Technology Call me old fashion but the zipper grabs on Osprey packs are amazing. And think if all the Scouts in the Uintas wore an Osprey pack with the built-in whistle, genius. Ever wanted to throw on the A/C while hiking? It's ok to seek a little comfort in the outdoors. The Argon sports the AirScape technology, which does just what it sounds, gets rid of that hot un-wanted air. No more soaked shirts from the heat between your back and the pack. Osprey Argon 85 Specs Weight: Medium [6lb 7oz (2920g)] Water resistant Nylon and stretchy lycra on stash pockets Access points; top, bottom and side making it a stout all around pack. TAKE IT HOME: Pick up the Osprey Argon 85 for $368.95 at backcountry.com