Osprey Women's Aura 50 Backpack Review: Initial Thoughts

I hemmed and I hawed for weeks before buying the Osprey Aura 50 backpack. I've admired Osprey's backpacks for years for the high quality and thoughtful design features, but just never got around to trying one out. I finally took a jump off the deep end this summer and purchased the Aura 50 for day hiking, weekend backpacking, and light traveling. Here are my thoughts so far:

Osprey Aura 50 Backpack: Size and Dimensions

So far I've done an easy backpack weekend and several day hikes with the Aura. I've found the actual pack size (what I can stuff in) to be just right for me. For years I've been a bit of a Goldilocks with my backpacks. I've got some that are just too big for weekend trips and some that are just too small for day hikes (I know really?!).

Osprey makes the Aura backpack in several sizes: 65, 50, and 35. I just the Aura in a 50 because I needed that "in between" backpack size. I tend to be a very light packer for weekend backpacks.

Osprey Aura 50 Backpack: Fit

Most of my outdoor jaunts with the Aura backpack have been on the shorter size (think under 8 miles per trip), so I'm not 100% sure of how the fit would be on a longer trip or with a heavier pack. Since the weather has now turned much colder in New England I plan to try the backpack out on a few colder (thus heavier backpack) trips. More to come! I'll be reviewing more specifics about the fit, compartments, and comfort on both longer day hikes and weekend backpack trips. Subscribe to my blog (see left hand bar) to catch all the details.

Technical Info from Osprey:

• LightWire Allowy Frame
• Breathable mesh
• Side vents
• Medium features roughly 3000 cubic inches of space
• In: 25.5 x 14.5 x 11.75
• Cm: 64.7 x 36.8 x 29.8

Disclaimer: Product Reviews are based on opinion only and are not intended to condone, encourage, or promote a product. Some products are sent to me by the manufacturer or affiliates and are mine to keep. I mention this specifically on products sent to me. Compensation and/or product and/or services never interfere with the review of the product. Otherwise, products and services are purchased by me for personal use. Backpack was purchased by me.

Fall Biking Clothes

Here is my current fall cycling layers:

It has been juuuusst the right amount of layers for the past several weeks of riding. I've got on my Terry ColdWeather Riding Tights. These tights are very toasty and sometimes a little too warm for temps in the 40's.

On top I wear a hoody from Horny Toad. I don't know why I started wearing a hoody cycling, but the hood is so large that I can pull it up and over my helmet when it is super cold.

Under that I have an extra long yellow riding shirt from LL Bean. I love having on longer shirts when riding or hiking to prevent backpack/ camelbak ride up.

So that's how I keep toasty when riding. I'll have to show you the gloves, ear warmers, and socks next week. Those can be the trickiest areas to keep warm too!

This Week on Betty Mountain Girl

Hey all! I've got some fun posts planned for this week so do check back in! Here is the skinny:

• Osprey Women's Aura Backpack Review
• How to Dress for Fall Biking (almost winter biking that is!)
• Asolo Women's Stynger Hiking Boot Review
• More hiking and biking tales!
  

Happy Halloween

Hope you had a fun Halloween! Did you perhaps go on a Halloween hike or bike? We did both this weekend.

For the first time in maybe ten years we handed out candy for the trick or treaters. We've always lived in large apartment buildings- which doesn't allow for festivities. This year we decked out our porch and watched the cowboys, bananas (yes! bananas), Freddies, mummies, and astronauts come in.

Also this weekend we visited this little rock chair garden again for the first time in years.

Bring Your Dog with You

photo credit

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And don't forget Nuggets!

Hope You Get Out...

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Terry Precision Cycling's New Look

I just spent the past thirty minutes drooling over some of Terry Cycling's bikes. They just do it right. Have you ever stepped on one of their bikes? No lie- it seriously makes your heart bleed a little. You might get completely overcome by lust and do something crazy- like try to ride away with it.

Two of their performance listed bikes are on my favs list. Reasons- oh, little things like amazing ergonomic design, steel frames, and crazy killer design. Love the black of the Isis Pro.

And the Isis Sport. OMG. Yes, you just read the acroymn that is highly overused by tween texters on Betty Mountain Girl. OMG- Can you say amazing rims? Steel frame? The Love.

Lastly, we must'nt forget Valkyrie Cross. This thing screams for me to ride it through a leaf covered little path near our place. Somehow Terry just seems to make cross look comfortable.

Lastly, their new web design (new to me- fraid I haven't ventured over to their site in a few months) is perfect. Much easier navigation, plus the colors and layout just make me want to ride.

A Winter Without the Gym

I must make a guilty confession- when winter hits I start to head to the gym more. In fact, I never go to the gym when the weather is good...just when things like freezing rain and reduced visibility begin.

Sure I still get out a ton (see winter posts)- but mainly on random days off or the weekend. But I have a plan this winter and it is called- just don't sign up at the gym. That way I can't retreat into the boring staleness of working out next to gladiator men at the gym.

Instead I plan to keep running- this I can fortunately do even at night now that we live in an area with things like street lights and sidewalks. I plan to challenge myself to keep biking until my hands and toes completely freeze off from the numbness, my face becomes one big frozen wet mess, and my legs just keep rotating round and around even when off bike.

I have to say you guys are all my motivation because let's face it- getting out more this winter means posting more. Plus so many of you kick butt riding through the winters Bike Carson, Red Bike, and Tea & Cake to name just a few. You all know who you are. I'll be joining your forces this winter as I say goodbye to the gym forever!

Notes on Fall

The doings so far this fall:

• Ibex tent sale- finally managed to get there. Scored some excellent deals that I'll be posting about soon.
• Finally hit the three mile mark on a run. Next will be 5k....then maybe 10 k?!
• Been working on sealing the the bulkheads on my kayak- tips welcome!

More to come!