Hey ladies! This side by side (by side) review is all about you, a battle of the backpacks for all you multi-day backcountry babes. I'll share my key thoughts on three well-known backpacks: The Osprey Aura vs Gregory Deva vs Mystery Ranch Bridger battle begins!
Women's Mystery Ranch Bridger 65
I started out my backpacking career with the Mystery Ranch Bridger 65. It's not only the pack that I'm most familiar with, but after trying an assortment of other options, it remains my favorite. Simply put; nothing has compared to Mystery Ranch in terms of how the pack fits on my body, and the comfort that comes from that. Each hiker will have their own top priorities, but for me, fit and comfort overrides weight, utility, price, and all other bells and whistles.
One of the specific design features that I love from the Bridger 65 is the running-vest-style chest piece. The straps are nice and thick, which allows them to cover more of the chest, evenly distribute some of the weight, and eliminate any pinch points. It honestly feels like a bra. And as a bonus, there are generous pockets built in that are great for carrying bear spray, water bottles, or any small, other quick-access items.
Other things I like about this pack are the hip belt (my favorite of the bunch), and the dual zipper, front flay opening(s) – there are two!
Mystery Ranch Bridger 65 Notes
The Bridger 65 doesn't have the same kind of back ventilation as the other packs I'll talk about today. I've never actually noticed feeling overheated while hiking with this one, but I know Eric has commented on back sweat build up while logging miles in hotter climates.
With a retail price of $375 USD, this is also the priciest pack out of the three – not by a large margin, but sometimes every penny counts when putting together a backcountry kit.
And finally, at 5.5 pounds, the Bridger 65 is also the heaviest backpack that we'll be looking at today. I know some of you bean counters out there might gawk at that weight, but I would just encourage you to consider how well this pack carries heavier loads. Sure, Mystery Ranch may be able to shed a pound or so by making certain comfort concessions, but then the total perceived pack weight would be more noticeable on long days. Personally, I just like feeling at one with my bag. I don't care what the scale says.
Gregory Deva 60
I've only just started using the Gregory Deva 60 but I'm happy to report that it is right up there with the Bridger 65 in terms of comfort and carrying capacity. I felt like I was bouncing around in the mountains, hardly aware that I had multiple days worth of gear on my back. I suppose I did notice some slight pinch points on the shoulder straps when compared to the Bridger, but I also expected that since it has a standard design, rather than that innovative running-vest approach.
The Gregory Deva retails for $330 (USD) and weighs 4.6 pounds, although it's worth noting that it has a slightly smaller volume capacity than the women's Bridger 65 and Osprey Aura 65.
The Deva has lots of separate storage compartments. There's an external mesh pouch and two front zippered pockets outside of the main chamber (which also flays open like the Bridger).
This might be a minor consideration for many, but I'll call it out anyway: this pack provides the best water bottle storage (followed by the Osprey Aura and then the Mystery Ranch Bridger).
A little sizing note: based on my experience, if you're in between sizes, err towards the smaller option. You'll be able to expand the torso length from there, which is super easy with their sliding velcro system.
Because of how well the Gregory and Bridger carry the weight and function on the trail, I would say these are better suited to advanced backpacking trips, whereas our last contender is probably the go-to option for those in search of a simpler pack (but with some caveats!).
Osprey Aura AG 65
Remember how I said comfort is my top priority? Well unfortunately, the Osprey Aura 65 was very uncomfortable for me. I could feel it right away and the problems only grew as the day wore on. The hip belt is much too stiff and wants to pull in towards the frame of the pack. I understand what the thought process might have been for it to automatically wrap around your body, but the real-world result just doesn't land.
The shoulder straps were also thin and a little stiff, though to spare my hips any more grief on day two I simply unbuckled the belt and shifted all the weight into my shoulders. Not an ideal set up, but it got me through – so some credit is due for the shoulder straps. Although…the cross-section of the yoke system dug into my upper back, which was probably exacerbated by this makeshift approach.
Osprey Aura 65 Details
I recognize that Osprey is super popular and that a lot of people find them comfortable (or at least don't find them actively uncomfortable). This just wasn't the case for me, and so I want to honestly convey that message to my fellow backpackers. If you are interested in trying the Aura 65, it weighs in at 4.6 pounds (tied for the lightest with the Deva 65) and will set you back $340 USD (i.e. #2 in terms of price).
If you want to read even more of my thoughts on this pack, check out my full Osprey Aura 65L Backpack Review.
In closing, I don't plan to continue using the Osprey Aura 65, but the Gregory Deva 60 and the Mystery Ranch Bridger 65 are pretty much interchangeable in terms of their awesomeness. Both do a great job at comfortably carrying full loads, but I'll give the Bridger 65 my ultimate stamp of approval for anyone wanting to feel extra supported and chafe-free in the chest region.
If you gals want to learn more about backpacking gear and tips of all sorts, pop on over to BackpackingTV. Have fun out there and keep on representing in the wilderness!
Gear used in this review includes:
Backpacks: Mystery Ranch Bridger 65, Gregory Deva 60, Osprey Aura 65
