Jump to: Our Verdict / Features / Specifications
An innovative design for a more balanced rucksack set up.
Aarn Packs says:
Ultralight, yet comfortable! This tramping pack will bring your backpacking experience to another level.
The Mountain Magic 50 PRO is just around 1kg, it has a free-flowing harness system and a comfy dual-adjustment hip belt. With this pack on, you will feel light and agile on any trail. It is no surprise that this pack is now a thru-hiker favourite!
Icing on the cake, it comes with the 7L Balance Pockets Multi PRO for a balanced and strain-free experience. Kind of magic, some would say!
Our Verdict
Aarn packs have brought they're innovative rucksack set up from New Zealand to the UK backpacking market. With a wealth of rucksack options available in the market it's great to see something new and innovative. The pack itself is extremely lightweight being made from Dyneema Gridstop material and has nice light buckles and straps throughout. The back length can be adjusted and the waist belts although looking complicated from the outset is extremely comfortable when on and tightened. The four straps offer a wide area of adjustment and with nice cushioning feels very supportive when on. The pack pivots nicely on the hip belt and move with you when walking. The roll top entry is always a winner in my opinion making easy access to the interior of the pack and a straightforward way of expanding or reducing the capacity if needed by cinching the straps down.
The key innovation with Aarn packs is the balance pockets. With the idea that by putting some of your pack weight at the front you even out the strain on your back, shoulders and lower spine and produce a more vertical centre of gravity. The theory makes a lot of sense and having worn a laden pack it does feel a more natural position. The 7 litre front pockets do look a bit cumbersome however in practice they're actually quite neat and provide easy access to food or waterproofs and will reduce the need to remove the pack to access your kit. They fasten at the top and bottom so don't swing or move too much when walking.
Aarn themselves have a wealth of information on they're own website as to the benefits of the system and the science behind it. From a user perspective its a interesting idea and I would be keen to try them out on a multiday hike to see if it reduces the fatigue you can sometimes get after clocking up the miles.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
U-Flow Shoulder Harness:
- U-Flow shoulder straps allow free shoulder movement while ensuring optimal pack stability, reducing fatigue buildup, and increasing your balance.
- Breathable stretch 3D mesh that auto-moulds to the natural slope of your shoulders.
- Back length adjustable while wearing the pack for a dialed-in fit.
Lightweight Auto-Form Hip Belt:
- Dual-adjustment hip belt tensioning system allows you to adjust the top and bottom straps separately so you can fine-tune the hip belt fit.
- The breathable 3D mesh hugs your hips closely for extra comfort.
- Attachment points for interchangeable Balance Pockets.
Suspended Mesh Back Panel:
- Auto-moulds to your back shape.
- Maintains an air gap for back ventilation keeping you cool and dry
Additional Features:
- Slim side profile to reduce the backward pull on the shoulders.
Roll-top lid. - One large front mesh pocket and two side pockets.
- One top zipped pocket with key hook.
- Front compression drawcord to secure some extra gear and compress your pack down.
- Two trekking pole attachments at the back and two quick-stow at the front of the pack.
- One ice axe attachment.
- Bladder attachment loop and tube exit.
- Lasso locs tabs on the outside of the pack give you the option to add some Lasso Locs (not included) for extra storage or compression. The tabs are also compatible with our Ski Straps and Snowshoe Straps (not included).
- Aarn Balance Pockets Multi PRO included for a balanced carrying system and easy access to your gear.
Specifications
Short
- Total Weight: 1284g
- Weight: 1034g (ex pockets
- Pocket Weight: 125g (per pocket)
- Dimensions: W 31cm x D 22cm x H 65cm / W 12.2in x D 8.6in x H 25.6in
- Capacity: 50L (Pack: 43L Pockets: 7L)
- Back Length: One Size (41cm - 56cm / 16in - 22in)
- Hip Belt: One Size (78cm - 129cm / 31in - 50in)
Medium
- Total Weight: 1337g
- Weight: 1087g (ex pockets)
- Pocket Weight: 125g (per pocket)
- Dimensions: W 31cm x D 22cm x H 65cm / W 12.2in x D 8.6in x H 25.6in
- Capacity: 50L (Pack: 43L Pockets: 7L)
- Back Length: One Size (41cm - 56cm / 16in - 22in)
- Hip Belt: One Size (78cm - 129cm / 31in - 50in)
Material & Construction
- Main: 70D Robic Gridstop with UHMWPE
- Front pocket: Mesh Darlington 240g
- Bottom: 210D Robic Gridstop with UHMWPE
