The Aarn Peak Aspiration balance pack is a versatile and dynamic day/overnight pack optimized for climbing, skiing and hiking. It’s perfect for those wanting a mid-sized pack with a full Pelvic Form hipbelt able to carry heavy weights with ease, whether for a simple day hike or even to the summit of Mount Everest!


Aarn Peak Aspiration summits Everest - Light Hiking Gear

The Peak Aspiration has a great set of features, allowing you to carry a wide variety of gear for diverse conditions and activities. Add optional Balance Pockets for balance, agility and load carrying efficiency.
Add Balance Gear Racks (see Options tab) to this
comfortable backpack to take the weight of climbing hardware off your shoulders when climbing. The new generation 4 model has a revised frame which is lighter & stronger and an improved Multi-Flow pivot position for an easier-to-use hipbelt.

  • 2 Backlengths with On-adjust backlength, 10cm range
  • U, Multi & Flexi Flow
  • Waterproof Dri-liner
  • One compartment
  • Lid/ hydration pocket, 1 front and 2 side stretch pockets
  • Custom-Fit frame: perimeter wire + hollow 6001 T6 alloy stays
  • True-fit shoulder straps, Flow-thru Stabilizers
  • Pelvic-Form Hipbelt
  • Web-loc side compression with hyperlon reinforcing when carrying skis
  • Web front compression with loop-lock holders for vertical tools
  • Attachments for ice axes, snowboard, snow shovel, helmet, trekking poles (front and rear), carritools/ice clippers

Volume
Liters

Short Backlength Pack: 50


Long Backlength Pack: 60


Dimensions
Inches
Centimeters
Short Backlength

Height: 21.7 Width: 13.4

Depth (front-back): 7.9

Height: 55 Width: 34

Depth (front-back): 20

Long Backlength

Height: 25.6 Width: 13.4

Depth (front-back): 7.9

Height: 65 Width: 34

Depth (front-back): 29

Weight
Pounds (without/with dry liner)
Kilograms (without/with dry liner)
Short Backlength Pack: 3.13 / 3.28 Balance Pockets: 13.6 oz Pack: 1.42 / 1.49 Balance Pockets: 386 grams
Long Backlength Pack: 3.33 / 3.53 Balance Pockets: 13.6 oz Pack: 1.51 / 1.6 Balance Pockets: 386 grams

Key Fabrics: 500D Kodura nylon; 210D & 40 D ripstop nylon

Color: Green/grey

Recommended Maximum Load (Pack only): 38 pounds (17 kg)

Front Balance Pockets allow for high weights without feeling intrusive

The Front Balance Pockets attach easily to Aarn’s comfortable backpacks and convert easily into a daypack after clipping on the shoulder and sternum straps. Hiking, backpacking, and exploring the outdoors has never been easier!

    • Comes with either 10 or 12 liter front Sport-Regular Balance Pockets, or 15 liter or 18 liter Expedition Balance Pockets. Pockets provide greater stability and balance, and a more upright posture. This translates to much less fatigue and strain.
    • Shoulder and sternum straps are included for converting the pockets into a daypack, which is carried on the front of the body for maximum security and easy gear access.
    • Front pockets have waterproof Dri-liners, accessible zip flaps to protect items from the rain, and four mesh exterior pockets with compression cords.
    • The design of the Front Balance Pockets, which includes four mesh exterior pockets with compression chords, is to provide maximum comfort, organization, and accessibility. Attach to the Aarn "Balance Pack" for an unmatched outdoors experience.
      • Material: 00D Kodura, 210D, 100D x 70D & 40D ripstop nylon
      • Color: Green/Grey

    Sport Balance Pockets - Mid-volume balances unobtrusiveness and weight carrying ability

      Sport model Front Balance Pocket for attaching to an Aarn backpack - Light Hiking Gear


        Expedition Balance Pockets: Large volume handles heavy loads up front

        Aarn Expedition front balance pocket for attaching to an Aarn hiking backpack - Light Hiking Gear DESIGN Aarn backpacks flow-thru shoulder strap design - Light Hiking Gear Aarn backpacks pelvic form hipbelt design - Light Hiking Gear

        (Click on Buttons to Evaluate and Purchase)

        These allow you to clip climbing hardware.

        Alternative to sternum straps when Balance Pockets are not used.

        The Peak Aspiration Summits Everest!

        Peak Aspiration at Everest - Light Hiking Gear

        "It was a real pleasure to take your Peak Aspiration to the summit of Mt Everest. The climb of Everest is a long climb involved many quite different phases. The need for a pack that is lightweight, dependable, flexible and above all, comfortable is key. At times, my pack was jammed to the rafters with things hanging off it in all directions. The Peak Aspiration handled all of this effortlessly and maintained its incredible comfort and balance. Everest can get very hot at times and the Peak Aspiration's back and strap mesh panels allowed surprisingly great ventilation when the temperature rose into the 30-40C range.

        The pack had some great climbing features and despite being lightweight, there was no compromise on toughness or durability. I accidentally kicked my crampons into the pack many times and the fabric repelled them each time. The pack was dropped, lowered, bumped, sat upon and loaded countless times and survived magnificently. The use of the Balance Pockets meant that my gear needed quickly was always available without needing to take off the pack.

        Thanks Aarn for designing a great mountain pack. I look forward to using it again, again and again."

        John Zeckendorf

        The Peak Aspiration is the most comfortable pack I have ever worn period. Not long after I left the car the first time I used the pack I was heard to say don’t even feel as if I’m wearing a pack. Later, I lent the pack to a friend for a trip his feedback to me was: you don’t carry that pack you wear it.
        Mark Watson, Editor, NZ Climber magazine Test Review.

        "Peak Aspiration with Sport Balance pockets has opened up a whole different world of backpacking. I can actually hike all day without upper body fatigue. Walking in a natural, balanced posture while carrying weight is absolutely amazing and light years ahead of all other packs. I don’t understand why such a basic, fundamental concept as balance hasn’t caught on. I tell anyone who is interested on the trail that once you experience a balanced load you will never go back to a traditional pack. Too many people worry about weight and not at all about balance - which is fundamentally more important.The whole system has been so well thought out and executed in terms of attention to detail and quality. Just the slight cupping of the hip belt makes a huge difference in terms of all day comfort. The idea of a Bodypack is one thing, but if the design and execution aren’t there, all else is futile. In this regard, Aarn has succeeded by far. I’ve wanted to tell you this for the past two years, but have been too busy actually enjoying hiking".Jeff Clopp, New Jersey, USA

        "The Aarn Bodypack concept a great way to hike long distances with heavy (or less heavy) loads, and the Peak Aspiration with Expedition Balance Pockets is a great implementation of the idea. During the two GEA hikes I walked up to 13/14 hours a day with 20/25 Kg loads, on anything from flat, soft meadows to thick bush and very steep, narrow and rocky trails. During all those days, the weight of the pack and its impact on my back and neck has never been an issue. I have come to a point where if I stop it’s because either I am very, very, very tired in general, or I have walked so much that my feet hurt enough to not let me continue. In both cases, no back or neck pains worth reporting. There is also another thing that adds to the general comfort: you can lay your hands or forearms over the pockets while you walk. Besides greatly increasing comfort by balancing the load, the Expedition Pockets are big. I was able to store in them five liters of water, plus a stove, fuel bottle, compass, digital camera, lamp & assorted snacks. The maps were carried in the external pockets. I have always felt very stable while wearing the Bodypack fully loaded. This included very, very steep trails and where there was no trail - here the terrain was so steep and rough that I had to use my hands to keep going. Breathing and being able to see my feet on difficult tracks with two big, heavy bags in front was another big concern before getting a Bodypack. After one year, I can testify that these problems don’t exist". Marco Floretti, Rome, Italy

        "On my latest effort using PA and BPC, I set a new record for a transit of the near 1000km Bibbulmun Track in WA. I started at the Northern Terminus at 5:29am Thursday 22/11/2012 and reached the Southern Terminus at 3:08pm on Sunday 9/12/2012. That makes 17 days, 9 hours and 39 minutes. I went self-supported using 7 very small food drops left out in the days prior to the trip and supplemented these with meals and food in some of the trail towns. The pack was great. It took a pounding (I was averaging 12-14 hour days) and there was lots of overgrowth and climbing through blow-downs. I had a fantastic time and thoroughly recommend the track to anyone looking for a challenge and adventure". Andy Hewat, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

        Troubleshooting

        PROBLEM

        CAUSES

        SOLUTIONS

        Sore Shoulders

        Pull back force on shoulders from weight behind

        Add Balance Pockets, or if using them, put more weight in them and loosen front shoulder strap webs

        Too much weight on shoulders

        Loosen front shoulder strap webs

        Hipbelt has slipped down

        Raise hipbelt & retighten &/or shorten

        Balance Pockets are pulling down on bottom of shoulder pads

        Increase back length: Pull up on navy top back panel web

        Bodypack is too hard to put on

        Incorrect technique used

        1. Loosen hipbelt webs before putting the bodypack on for the first time.

        2. Follow this sequence: Place hands underneath Balance Pockets; grab hold of hipbelt center buckles, lift both Pockets & hipbelt up to the right height; clip center buckle together & tighten the tension web loop at top and bottom to get an even pressure at the top and bottom of the hipbelt

        3. When taking the pack off, before releasing the hipbelt center buckle, loosen the side buckles. With familiarity, you can release the 2 tensionlock buckles on each side with each hand simultaneously, by pulling the buckle ends up. Now you have set the pack up to be easy and quick to put on next time

        I no longer have the coordination anymore to master this sequence

        Substitute Universal Balance Bags for Balance Pockets. These quickly and easily attach after you have put the pack on

        My pack leans to one side

        Your pack will lean to one side, like any brand of pack, if you have the shoulder straps and/or hipbelt adjusted unequally on both sides, or you have loaded the pack unevenly.

        First check that the top stabilizer straps are equal length and the front shoulder strap webs are also equal length. Now check that the hipbelt parts are adjusted to equal length and angle on both sides of the center base plate and the side tension adjusters (cord or web) are of equal length both sides. Now with all these adjustments made, check that the hipbelt ends are sitting at a similar position on each side of your pelvis with the pack on. Finally, check that your U-Flow movement (the movement when you lift one shoulder), is equal on both sides. With everything centered, including the load, there should be no reason for your pack to lean to one side.


        50 or 60 Liter Aarn Peak Aspiration Backpack - Light Hiking Gear

        $ 279.95 $ 349.95( / )

        The Aarn Peak Aspiration balance pack is a versatile and dynamic day/overnight pack optimized for climbing, skiing and hiking. It’s perfect for those wanting a mid-sized pack with a full Pelvic Form hipbelt able to carry heavy weights with ease, whether for a simple day hike or even to the summit of Mount Everest!


        Aarn Peak Aspiration summits Everest - Light Hiking Gear

        The Peak Aspiration has a great set of features, allowing you to carry a wide variety of gear for diverse conditions and activities. Add optional Balance Pockets for balance, agility and load carrying efficiency.
        Add Balance Gear Racks (see Options tab) to this
        comfortable backpack to take the weight of climbing hardware off your shoulders when climbing. The new generation 4 model has a revised frame which is lighter & stronger and an improved Multi-Flow pivot position for an easier-to-use hipbelt.

        • 2 Backlengths with On-adjust backlength, 10cm range
        • U, Multi & Flexi Flow
        • Waterproof Dri-liner
        • One compartment
        • Lid/ hydration pocket, 1 front and 2 side stretch pockets
        • Custom-Fit frame: perimeter wire + hollow 6001 T6 alloy stays
        • True-fit shoulder straps, Flow-thru Stabilizers
        • Pelvic-Form Hipbelt
        • Web-loc side compression with hyperlon reinforcing when carrying skis
        • Web front compression with loop-lock holders for vertical tools
        • Attachments for ice axes, snowboard, snow shovel, helmet, trekking poles (front and rear), carritools/ice clippers

        Volume
        Liters

        Short BacklengthPack: 50


        Long BacklengthPack: 60


        Dimensions
        Inches
        Centimeters
        Short Backlength

        Height: 21.7 Width: 13.4

        Depth (front-back): 7.9

        Height: 55 Width: 34

        Depth (front-back): 20

        Long Backlength

        Height: 25.6 Width: 13.4

        Depth (front-back): 7.9

        Height: 65 Width: 34

        Depth (front-back): 29

        Weight
        Pounds (without/with dry liner)
        Kilograms (without/with dry liner)
        Short BacklengthPack: 3.13 / 3.28 Balance Pockets: 13.6 ozPack: 1.42 / 1.49 Balance Pockets: 386 grams
        Long BacklengthPack: 3.33 / 3.53 Balance Pockets: 13.6 ozPack: 1.51 / 1.6 Balance Pockets: 386 grams

        Key Fabrics: 500D Kodura nylon; 210D & 40 D ripstop nylon

        Color: Green/grey

        Recommended Maximum Load (Pack only): 38 pounds (17 kg)

        Front Balance Pockets allow for high weights without feeling intrusive

        The Front Balance Pockets attach easily to Aarn’s comfortable backpacks and convert easily into a daypack after clipping on the shoulder and sternum straps. Hiking, backpacking, and exploring the outdoors has never been easier!

          • Comes with either 10 or 12 liter front Sport-Regular Balance Pockets, or 15 liter or 18 liter Expedition Balance Pockets. Pockets provide greater stability and balance, and a more upright posture. This translates to much less fatigue and strain.
          • Shoulder and sternum straps are included for converting the pockets into a daypack, which is carried on the front of the body for maximum security and easy gear access.
          • Front pockets have waterproof Dri-liners, accessible zip flaps to protect items from the rain, and four mesh exterior pockets with compression cords.
          • The design of the Front Balance Pockets, which includes four mesh exterior pockets with compression chords, is to provide maximum comfort, organization, and accessibility. Attach to the Aarn "Balance Pack" for an unmatched outdoors experience.
            • Material: 00D Kodura, 210D, 100D x 70D & 40D ripstop nylon
            • Color: Green/Grey

          Sport Balance Pockets - Mid-volume balances unobtrusiveness and weight carrying ability

            Sport model Front Balance Pocket for attaching to an Aarn backpack - Light Hiking Gear


              Expedition Balance Pockets: Large volume handles heavy loads up front

              Aarn Expedition front balance pocket for attaching to an Aarn hiking backpack - Light Hiking GearDESIGNAarn backpacks flow-thru shoulder strap design - Light Hiking GearAarn backpacks pelvic form hipbelt design - Light Hiking Gear

              (Click on Buttons to Evaluate and Purchase)

              These allow you to clip climbing hardware.

              Alternative to sternum straps when Balance Pockets are not used.

              The Peak Aspiration Summits Everest!

              Peak Aspiration at Everest - Light Hiking Gear

              "It was a real pleasure to take your Peak Aspiration to the summit of Mt Everest. The climb of Everest is a long climb involved many quite different phases. The need for a pack that is lightweight, dependable, flexible and above all, comfortable is key. At times, my pack was jammed to the rafters with things hanging off it in all directions. The Peak Aspiration handled all of this effortlessly and maintained its incredible comfort and balance. Everest can get very hot at times and the Peak Aspiration's back and strap mesh panels allowed surprisingly great ventilation when the temperature rose into the 30-40C range.

              The pack had some great climbing features and despite being lightweight, there was no compromise on toughness or durability. I accidentally kicked my crampons into the pack many times and the fabric repelled them each time. The pack was dropped, lowered, bumped, sat upon and loaded countless times and survived magnificently. The use of the Balance Pockets meant that my gear needed quickly was always available without needing to take off the pack.

              Thanks Aarn for designing a great mountain pack. I look forward to using it again, again and again."

              John Zeckendorf

              The Peak Aspiration is the most comfortable pack I have ever worn period. Not long after I left the car the first time I used the pack I was heard to say don’t even feel as if I’m wearing a pack. Later, I lent the pack to a friend for a trip his feedback to me was: you don’t carry that pack you wear it.
              Mark Watson, Editor, NZ Climber magazine Test Review.

              "Peak Aspiration with Sport Balance pockets has opened up a whole different world of backpacking. I can actually hike all day without upper body fatigue. Walking in a natural, balanced posture while carrying weight is absolutely amazing and light years ahead of all other packs. I don’t understand why such a basic, fundamental concept as balance hasn’t caught on. I tell anyone who is interested on the trail that once you experience a balanced load you will never go back to a traditional pack. Too many people worry about weight and not at all about balance - which is fundamentally more important.The whole system has been so well thought out and executed in terms of attention to detail and quality. Just the slight cupping of the hip belt makes a huge difference in terms of all day comfort. The idea of a Bodypack is one thing, but if the design and execution aren’t there, all else is futile. In this regard, Aarn has succeeded by far. I’ve wanted to tell you this for the past two years, but have been too busy actually enjoying hiking".Jeff Clopp, New Jersey, USA

              "The Aarn Bodypack concept a great way to hike long distances with heavy (or less heavy) loads, and the Peak Aspiration with Expedition Balance Pockets is a great implementation of the idea. During the two GEA hikes I walked up to 13/14 hours a day with 20/25 Kg loads, on anything from flat, soft meadows to thick bush and very steep, narrow and rocky trails. During all those days, the weight of the pack and its impact on my back and neck has never been an issue. I have come to a point where if I stop it’s because either I am very, very, very tired in general, or I have walked so much that my feet hurt enough to not let me continue. In both cases, no back or neck pains worth reporting. There is also another thing that adds to the general comfort: you can lay your hands or forearms over the pockets while you walk. Besides greatly increasing comfort by balancing the load, the Expedition Pockets are big. I was able to store in them five liters of water, plus a stove, fuel bottle, compass, digital camera, lamp & assorted snacks. The maps were carried in the external pockets. I have always felt very stable while wearing the Bodypack fully loaded. This included very, very steep trails and where there was no trail - here the terrain was so steep and rough that I had to use my hands to keep going. Breathing and being able to see my feet on difficult tracks with two big, heavy bags in front was another big concern before getting a Bodypack. After one year, I can testify that these problems don’t exist". Marco Floretti, Rome, Italy

              "On my latest effort using PA and BPC, I set a new record for a transit of the near 1000km Bibbulmun Track in WA. I started at the Northern Terminus at 5:29am Thursday 22/11/2012 and reached the Southern Terminus at 3:08pm on Sunday 9/12/2012. That makes 17 days, 9 hours and 39 minutes. I went self-supported using 7 very small food drops left out in the days prior to the trip and supplemented these with meals and food in some of the trail towns. The pack was great. It took a pounding (I was averaging 12-14 hour days) and there was lots of overgrowth and climbing through blow-downs. I had a fantastic time and thoroughly recommend the track to anyone looking for a challenge and adventure". Andy Hewat, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

              Troubleshooting

              PROBLEM

              CAUSES

              SOLUTIONS

              Sore Shoulders

              Pull back force on shoulders from weight behind

              Add Balance Pockets, or if using them, put more weight in them and loosen front shoulder strap webs

              Too much weight on shoulders

              Loosen front shoulder strap webs

              Hipbelt has slipped down

              Raise hipbelt & retighten &/or shorten

              Balance Pockets are pulling down on bottom of shoulder pads

              Increase back length: Pull up on navy top back panel web

              Bodypack is too hard to put on

              Incorrect technique used

              1. Loosen hipbelt webs before putting the bodypack on for the first time.

              2. Follow this sequence: Place hands underneath Balance Pockets; grab hold of hipbelt center buckles, lift both Pockets & hipbelt up to the right height; clip center buckle together & tighten the tension web loop at top and bottom to get an even pressure at the top and bottom of the hipbelt

              3. When taking the pack off, before releasing the hipbelt center buckle, loosen the side buckles. With familiarity, you can release the 2 tensionlock buckles on each side with each hand simultaneously, by pulling the buckle ends up. Now you have set the pack up to be easy and quick to put on next time

              I no longer have the coordination anymore to master this sequence

              Substitute Universal Balance Bags for Balance Pockets. These quickly and easily attach after you have put the pack on

              My pack leans to one side

              Your pack will lean to one side, like any brand of pack, if you have the shoulder straps and/or hipbelt adjusted unequally on both sides, or you have loaded the pack unevenly.

              First check that the top stabilizer straps are equal length and the front shoulder strap webs are also equal length. Now check that the hipbelt parts are adjusted to equal length and angle on both sides of the center base plate and the side tension adjusters (cord or web) are of equal length both sides. Now with all these adjustments made, check that the hipbelt ends are sitting at a similar position on each side of your pelvis with the pack on. Finally, check that your U-Flow movement (the movement when you lift one shoulder), is equal on both sides. With everything centered, including the load, there should be no reason for your pack to lean to one side.


              • Short (50 Liters)
              • Long (60 Liters)
              • Small
              • Medium
              • Large
              • Sport/Small (10 Liters)
              • Sport/Regular (12 Liters)
              • Expedition/Regular (15 Liters)
              • Expedition/Large (18 Liters)

              Guarantee safe & secure checkout

              Amazon American Express Apple Pay Diners Club Discover Meta Pay Google Pay Mastercard PayPal Shop Pay Venmo Visa
              Type: 

              Backpack

              Pack Backlength (Capacity): 

              Short (50 Liters), Long (60 Liters)

              Hipbelt Size: 

              Small, Medium, Large

              Front Balance Pockets (Capacity): 

              Sport/Small (10 Liters), Sport/Regular (12 Liters), Expedition/Regular (15 Liters), Expedition/Large (18 Liters)

              SKU: 

              PA-S/S-S/S

              Weight: 

              4.44 lb

              The Aarn Peak Aspiration balance pack is a versatile and dynamic day/overnight pack optimized for climbing, skiing and hiking. It’s perfect for those wanting a mid-sized pack with a full Pelvic Form hipbelt able to carry heavy weights with ease, whether for a simple day hike or even to the summit of Mount Everest!


              Aarn Peak Aspiration summits Everest - Light Hiking Gear

              The Peak Aspiration has a great set of features, allowing you to carry a wide variety of gear for diverse conditions and activities. Add optional Balance Pockets for balance, agility and load carrying efficiency.
              Add Balance Gear Racks (see Options tab) to this
              comfortable backpack to take the weight of climbing hardware off your shoulders when climbing. The new generation 4 model has a revised frame which is lighter & stronger and an improved Multi-Flow pivot position for an easier-to-use hipbelt.

              FEATURES

              • 2 Backlengths with On-adjust backlength, 10cm range
              • U, Multi & Flexi Flow
              • Waterproof Dri-liner
              • One compartment
              • Lid/ hydration pocket, 1 front and 2 side stretch pockets
              • Custom-Fit frame: perimeter wire + hollow 6001 T6 alloy stays
              • True-fit shoulder straps, Flow-thru Stabilizers
              • Pelvic-Form Hipbelt
              • Web-loc side compression with hyperlon reinforcing when carrying skis
              • Web front compression with loop-lock holders for vertical tools
              • Attachments for ice axes, snowboard, snow shovel, helmet, trekking poles (front and rear), carritools/ice clippers

              SPECIFICATIONS

              Volume
              Liters

              Short Backlength Pack: 50


              Long Backlength Pack: 60


              Dimensions
              Inches
              Centimeters
              Short Backlength

              Height: 21.7 Width: 13.4

              Depth (front-back): 7.9

              Height: 55 Width: 34

              Depth (front-back): 20

              Long Backlength

              Height: 25.6 Width: 13.4

              Depth (front-back): 7.9

              Height: 65 Width: 34

              Depth (front-back): 29

              Weight
              Pounds (without/with dry liner)
              Kilograms (without/with dry liner)
              Short Backlength Pack: 3.13 / 3.28 Balance Pockets: 13.6 oz Pack: 1.42 / 1.49 Balance Pockets: 386 grams
              Long Backlength Pack: 3.33 / 3.53 Balance Pockets: 13.6 oz Pack: 1.51 / 1.6 Balance Pockets: 386 grams

              Key Fabrics: 500D Kodura nylon; 210D & 40 D ripstop nylon

              Color: Green/grey

              Recommended Maximum Load (Pack only): 38 pounds (17 kg)

              BALANCE POCKETS

              Front Balance Pockets allow for high weights without feeling intrusive

              The Front Balance Pockets attach easily to Aarn’s comfortable backpacks and convert easily into a daypack after clipping on the shoulder and sternum straps. Hiking, backpacking, and exploring the outdoors has never been easier!

                • Comes with either 10 or 12 liter front Sport-Regular Balance Pockets, or 15 liter or 18 liter Expedition Balance Pockets. Pockets provide greater stability and balance, and a more upright posture. This translates to much less fatigue and strain.
                • Shoulder and sternum straps are included for converting the pockets into a daypack, which is carried on the front of the body for maximum security and easy gear access.
                • Front pockets have waterproof Dri-liners, accessible zip flaps to protect items from the rain, and four mesh exterior pockets with compression cords.
                • The design of the Front Balance Pockets, which includes four mesh exterior pockets with compression chords, is to provide maximum comfort, organization, and accessibility. Attach to the Aarn "Balance Pack" for an unmatched outdoors experience.
                  • Material: 00D Kodura, 210D, 100D x 70D & 40D ripstop nylon
                  • Color: Green/Grey

                Sport Balance Pockets - Mid-volume balances unobtrusiveness and weight carrying ability

                  Sport model Front Balance Pocket for attaching to an Aarn backpack - Light Hiking Gear


                    Expedition Balance Pockets: Large volume handles heavy loads up front

                    Aarn Expedition front balance pocket for attaching to an Aarn hiking backpack - Light Hiking Gear
                    DESIGN
                    Aarn backpacks flow-thru shoulder strap design - Light Hiking Gear
                    Aarn backpacks pelvic form hipbelt design - Light Hiking Gear

                    OPTIONS

                    (Click on Buttons to Evaluate and Purchase)

                    These allow you to clip climbing hardware.

                    Alternative to sternum straps when Balance Pockets are not used.

                    TESTIMONIALS

                    The Peak Aspiration Summits Everest!

                    Peak Aspiration at Everest - Light Hiking Gear

                    "It was a real pleasure to take your Peak Aspiration to the summit of Mt Everest. The climb of Everest is a long climb involved many quite different phases. The need for a pack that is lightweight, dependable, flexible and above all, comfortable is key. At times, my pack was jammed to the rafters with things hanging off it in all directions. The Peak Aspiration handled all of this effortlessly and maintained its incredible comfort and balance. Everest can get very hot at times and the Peak Aspiration's back and strap mesh panels allowed surprisingly great ventilation when the temperature rose into the 30-40C range.

                    The pack had some great climbing features and despite being lightweight, there was no compromise on toughness or durability. I accidentally kicked my crampons into the pack many times and the fabric repelled them each time. The pack was dropped, lowered, bumped, sat upon and loaded countless times and survived magnificently. The use of the Balance Pockets meant that my gear needed quickly was always available without needing to take off the pack.

                    Thanks Aarn for designing a great mountain pack. I look forward to using it again, again and again."

                    John Zeckendorf

                    The Peak Aspiration is the most comfortable pack I have ever worn period. Not long after I left the car the first time I used the pack I was heard to say don’t even feel as if I’m wearing a pack. Later, I lent the pack to a friend for a trip his feedback to me was: you don’t carry that pack you wear it.
                    Mark Watson, Editor, NZ Climber magazine Test Review.

                    "Peak Aspiration with Sport Balance pockets has opened up a whole different world of backpacking. I can actually hike all day without upper body fatigue. Walking in a natural, balanced posture while carrying weight is absolutely amazing and light years ahead of all other packs. I don’t understand why such a basic, fundamental concept as balance hasn’t caught on. I tell anyone who is interested on the trail that once you experience a balanced load you will never go back to a traditional pack. Too many people worry about weight and not at all about balance - which is fundamentally more important.The whole system has been so well thought out and executed in terms of attention to detail and quality. Just the slight cupping of the hip belt makes a huge difference in terms of all day comfort. The idea of a Bodypack is one thing, but if the design and execution aren’t there, all else is futile. In this regard, Aarn has succeeded by far. I’ve wanted to tell you this for the past two years, but have been too busy actually enjoying hiking".Jeff Clopp, New Jersey, USA

                    "The Aarn Bodypack concept a great way to hike long distances with heavy (or less heavy) loads, and the Peak Aspiration with Expedition Balance Pockets is a great implementation of the idea. During the two GEA hikes I walked up to 13/14 hours a day with 20/25 Kg loads, on anything from flat, soft meadows to thick bush and very steep, narrow and rocky trails. During all those days, the weight of the pack and its impact on my back and neck has never been an issue. I have come to a point where if I stop it’s because either I am very, very, very tired in general, or I have walked so much that my feet hurt enough to not let me continue. In both cases, no back or neck pains worth reporting. There is also another thing that adds to the general comfort: you can lay your hands or forearms over the pockets while you walk. Besides greatly increasing comfort by balancing the load, the Expedition Pockets are big. I was able to store in them five liters of water, plus a stove, fuel bottle, compass, digital camera, lamp & assorted snacks. The maps were carried in the external pockets. I have always felt very stable while wearing the Bodypack fully loaded. This included very, very steep trails and where there was no trail - here the terrain was so steep and rough that I had to use my hands to keep going. Breathing and being able to see my feet on difficult tracks with two big, heavy bags in front was another big concern before getting a Bodypack. After one year, I can testify that these problems don’t exist". Marco Floretti, Rome, Italy

                    "On my latest effort using PA and BPC, I set a new record for a transit of the near 1000km Bibbulmun Track in WA. I started at the Northern Terminus at 5:29am Thursday 22/11/2012 and reached the Southern Terminus at 3:08pm on Sunday 9/12/2012. That makes 17 days, 9 hours and 39 minutes. I went self-supported using 7 very small food drops left out in the days prior to the trip and supplemented these with meals and food in some of the trail towns. The pack was great. It took a pounding (I was averaging 12-14 hour days) and there was lots of overgrowth and climbing through blow-downs. I had a fantastic time and thoroughly recommend the track to anyone looking for a challenge and adventure". Andy Hewat, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

                    FITTING

                    Troubleshooting

                    PROBLEM

                    CAUSES

                    SOLUTIONS

                    Sore Shoulders

                    Pull back force on shoulders from weight behind

                    Add Balance Pockets, or if using them, put more weight in them and loosen front shoulder strap webs

                    Too much weight on shoulders

                    Loosen front shoulder strap webs

                    Hipbelt has slipped down

                    Raise hipbelt & retighten &/or shorten

                    Balance Pockets are pulling down on bottom of shoulder pads

                    Increase back length: Pull up on navy top back panel web

                    Bodypack is too hard to put on

                    Incorrect technique used

                    1. Loosen hipbelt webs before putting the bodypack on for the first time.

                    2. Follow this sequence: Place hands underneath Balance Pockets; grab hold of hipbelt center buckles, lift both Pockets & hipbelt up to the right height; clip center buckle together & tighten the tension web loop at top and bottom to get an even pressure at the top and bottom of the hipbelt

                    3. When taking the pack off, before releasing the hipbelt center buckle, loosen the side buckles. With familiarity, you can release the 2 tensionlock buckles on each side with each hand simultaneously, by pulling the buckle ends up. Now you have set the pack up to be easy and quick to put on next time

                    I no longer have the coordination anymore to master this sequence

                    Substitute Universal Balance Bags for Balance Pockets. These quickly and easily attach after you have put the pack on

                    My pack leans to one side

                    Your pack will lean to one side, like any brand of pack, if you have the shoulder straps and/or hipbelt adjusted unequally on both sides, or you have loaded the pack unevenly.

                    First check that the top stabilizer straps are equal length and the front shoulder strap webs are also equal length. Now check that the hipbelt parts are adjusted to equal length and angle on both sides of the center base plate and the side tension adjusters (cord or web) are of equal length both sides. Now with all these adjustments made, check that the hipbelt ends are sitting at a similar position on each side of your pelvis with the pack on. Finally, check that your U-Flow movement (the movement when you lift one shoulder), is equal on both sides. With everything centered, including the load, there should be no reason for your pack to lean to one side.