Hope I get time for a more detailed write-up later but after months of planning on this forum, I've been out on several weekends of hikes now with my new lightweight gear.

Some positive, some negative experiences.

This last weekend, I did 35 miles in 2 days along the AT near the Delaware Water Gap in NJ.. 12 miles + 23 miles (12 mostly because I got to the trailhead late). Not much elevation change (~2400 - 3000 ft?) but really rocky trail.

Prior to this, I don't think I've ever done more than 10 - 12 miles in a day and that was a day hike with no pack! And now I hit 23 miles and wasn't exactly dead at the end.. was still cheery and only a little sore.

Aarn pack: I have the new Mountain Magic 55 and a lot of credit goes to it. I had 25 lbs in it to train for my Colorado Trail thru' hike. I experienced the mildest of discomfort in one shoulder at the end of the 35 miles but it was gone 30 mins after the hike.. it could even be from my very strenuous use and loading of my trekking poles to help my weak knees.

Besides the back comfort, I think this pack really does help posture. I only weigh 140 lbs or so and 25 lbs in any pack would give me somewhat bad posture, certainly after 25 miles, when I'm too tired to hold myself straight.


Trail shoes -- North Face Prophecy (similar to Hedgehog but without Gore-Tex). Weighs 1 lb 10 oz for the pair.

I used to use Vasque Breeze boots.. 2 lbs 10 oz or something. But these new shoes + superfeet were amazing. It was a VERY rocky trail and despite that, I was thankful in having less weight on my feet..

I was more nimble. This is important when I am tired because then I just start throwing my feet around on the trail, not caring where or how they land.. less energy to position the heavy boots.

With these light shoes, even at after 22 miles in a day, I was still placing my feet properly. It was also a very hot weekend and I was glad to have these small breathable shoes on.

I'll still quite amazed that I just about doubled my previous hiking distance. And I've already forgotten how tired I was at the end of this day while I remember the epic beaten-up feeling from some previous hikes when my whole body hurt and I felt near death in terms of exhaustion.

Edited by longhiker on 06/23/2010 15:23:58 MDT.

I really like Aarn and all the thought that goes into each the models.

I have been selling them at my store for about 2 months, and Ive had a chance to view and try on all the models. Each pack has a different feel and distinct features designed for certain activities.

The built in waterproof liners, u flow design, roll top enclosures, no heavy zippers, lightweight frame, balance pockets and decent weight to comfort ratio, give the pack its value.

I just received my Featherlite Freedom, and will put it the test tomorrow on a night hike.

Edited by gavin123 on 06/24/2010 08:08:36 MDT.

i've gotten my featherlight freedom down to around 3lbs 3oz. I love this pack, sure there are lighter options, but this pack has zero pressure on the shoulders, makes trekking poles unnecessary IMO, gives me perfect balance, and since using it i have never had shoulder, neck, back, or knee pain. It takes awhile to get dialed in, but once u do, wow. Can you post pics of your new mountain magic?

I can't tell from your post but I assume you were using the balance pockets? A friend just sent me some for my Peak Experience, and it is now a completely different pack in terms of performance. The Arrn packs really shine on long stretches of level ground, such as the AT in PA and NJ.

Good for you with doubling your mileage... if you do not have the time for such long hikes, the 4 mile loop (blue dot to fireroad) on Mt Minsi. from Lake Lenape, and the hike up the red dot trail on Mt.Tamany are both great options for training hikes in the Gap. I routinely did both last summer in preparation for the Wind Rivers.
If you want the hardest hike in the Gap, go up the climber's "path" from the highway and down the read dot on Tamany- I saw bear there three weeks ago and only fell twice on the way up :)

Without the front pockets you are really not using the pack as it was intended, I have the extra large sport ones, i can gram 2 liters of water in each if i have to, plus food, plus phone, camera, and other stuff.

besides, they give you access to everything you need so you don't have to take your body pack off, i rarely take mine off since my cook kit/food kit fits in the front pockets i just sit down and eat, love the convienence.

one positive (and sometimes negative?) about the Aarn is that it seems to be automatically symmetric in how it is worn. The left and right shoulder straps etc are often one long strap, so you can't really tighten one side without affecting the other.. it naturally goes to a symmetric loading.

This is probably a good thing.. but if you feel sore / uncomfortable on one side because you loaded the pack unevenly or because you walk funny, it's not possible to simply loosen one side of things..

Yes, please post pictures of your Mountain Magic 55, especially the hip belt. From the pics on the website, it just looks like a piece of webbing, and not very comfortable. Everything else looks great though. I would probably get one immediately if it had a belt similar to the Featherlite Freedom. Also, did you have any issues seeing your footing around the balance pockets on rocky ground?

Congratulations on upping your daily mileage so much.

the hip belt is just some sort of strap i think.. the fact that i can't even remember what it is like should tell you something. never experienced any discomfort.

do remember that the front pouches are part of the hip-belt -- they rest fully against the front of the hip belt. so it's a completely different beast from regular packs.

visibility -- i was very pleasantly surprised. i'm skinny (and tall) and expected the pouches to block my view more than for others but it really doesn't. if you stand still, you cannot directly see your full feet but the point is that while hiking, you look at where you are about to place your feet -- about a foot or so ahead. that's completely visible.

i hiked my 35 miles on a very rocky section of the AT where you have to watch every step (and i was in new low cut shoes for the first time) and didn't even notice the front pouches.. not even for short scrambles up very rocky sections where you can't use your hiking poles.

will post pics when i get home.

i hesitated a while to buy this pack simply because it is so different and not sold in stores in the US.. i bought in the end because of the 30 day return policy.. figured i'd only be out $12 in shipping.. glad i went for it.

aarn, if you are listening, you should offer free shipping in the US.. it isn't easy to order a pack that looks so out of this world sight unseen and free shipping can make it easier.

For what it's worth, I bought my Arrn at Rock and Snow in New Paltz (got the front pockets from the YogaSlackers who are sponsored by Arrn)... they change inventory quickly (currently seem to like Rab), but I'd call and ask if they still carry the brand.

"The left and right shoulder straps etc are often one long strap, so you can't really tighten one side without affecting the other.. it naturally goes to a symmetric loading."
One of the aims of the Aarns is weight free shoulder straps so all or most of the weight should be on your hips. This works for me.
http://aarnpacks.com/sports_science/index.html , at the bottom under "Balance the load, front and back"
I haven't tried the Mountain Magic but I had a look at them the other day. They should work pretty much like the FF.
Franco