Hey Friends! I recently switched packs from the Osprey Aura AG 65 to the Osprey Levity 60 (not Lumina) The video is just an overview of my experiences with this new pack so far. My likes, dislikes, and how it compares to my old pack. If you want a more detailed review of the Levity keep on scrolling to the post below where I go into a lot more of the specs and features of each pack, and how this new one meets my current needs on the trail.
Why the Levity 60?
My failed attempt at a 2nd Foothills Trail thru-hike this Fall was a wake-up call. I need a pack upgrade. Although the Osprey Aura 65 has served me well for HUNDREDS of miles, it's just too heavy. I've been having the same recurring trail injuries in my knee, hips, and back, and the dots connected back to this pack. After a lot of research and consideration I landed on the Osprey Levity. Don't you mean Lumina? Nope. When it comes to Osprey's fixed torso packs the Womens Small is too short and Womens Medium is too long. The Mens Small on the other hand has a little extra length before moving up to the next size, and it's a perfect fit! (My torso is somewhere between 17 1/2 and 17 3/4 inches) Aside from the color difference and slight sizing variation I haven't noticed much difference in the mens pack.
Specs & Feature Comparison
Comparing the Aura and Levity may seem a little like comparing apples to oranges, but it just goes to show what you look for in a pack is bound to change over the years. The Aura excels when it comes to extra features and storage, but you pay a hefty weight penalty because of it. The Levity, on the other hand, is designed with light weight functionality in mind having the bare minimum in terms of features.
| Aura AG 65 | Levity 60 |
Material | Main: 100D x 630D nylon dobby Accent: 210D high tenacity nylon Bottom: 420HD nylon packcloth | Main: 30D Cordura silnylon ripstop Accent & Bottom: NanoFly 210D nylon x 20D UHMWPE |
Weight (according to my pack scale) | 4.5 lbs | l.9 lbs |
Storage | main compartment, sleeping bag compartment, hydration sleeve, mesh front pocket, hipbelt pockets, mesh side pockets, front zippered pockets, zippered lid pockets | main compartment, hydration sleeve, fabric side pockets, fabric front pocket, zippered lid pocket |
Additional Features | removable lid, "Stow-on-the-Go" trekking pole loop, adjustable "Fit-on-the-Fly" hipbelt, compression straps, removable sleeping pad straps, sternum strap whistle, ice axe loops | fixed top lid, gear attachment loops, compression cords, fixed hipbelt (no pockets), sternum strap whistle |
Suspension + Fit | "Anti-Gravity" suspension, "LightWire-tensioned" frame, mesh backpanel, adjustable torso length, adjustable sternum strap, load lifter straps, adjustable shoulder and hipbelt straps | "Exoform Harness", 3.5 mm Lightwire frame, mesh backpanel with side ventilation, fixed torso length, 3 sternum strap adjustments, load lifter straps, adjustable shoulder and hipbelt straps |
Load Capabilities | Osprey's recommendation: 30 lbs to 50 lbs My experience: 40 lbs or less | Osprey's recommendation: 10 lbs to 25 lbs My experience: 25 lbs or less |
Price Range | $270 | $270 |
Having fewer storage pockets and features may seem like a downside, but with this pack less is more! It's clear a lot of thought went into the over all design of the Levity. Osprey really delivers with this pack making it as light as possible, while maintaining the ability to carry a reasonable size load. They didn’t cut any corners, just the crap!
Osprey's suggested load range for the Levity is spot on. I would NOT try to load it with 30 or more pounds. 20 or less is ideal, and 25 the limit. Which for me is a major plus. I've said a couple times on my channel 30 lbs is way too heavy for me. Without fail, I always come back from the trail with some kind of knee or back injury when I try to carry that much. Since switching packs, I've made an effort to keep my pack weight as close to 20 lbs as possible. And the great thing about having a pack with a lower load range is it holds me to that goal.
Trial Run
I've taken the Levity on three outings so far: a day hike, an overnighter, and a three day backpacking trip. I think it's important to mention all three hikes took place in late Fall. Temperatures were in the upper 60s during the day and mid 30s at night. So the gear I packed is my cooler weather setup (i.e. 30 degree down bag, warmer layers, disposable hand warmers, you get the idea.) Cooler weather means heavier gear, and I still managed to keep my total pack weight between 17 and 19 lb when testing it out.
Here's an overview of each outing...
Round One: Day Hike
Pack Weight: 18 lbs
Hike Description: Easy out and back day hike
Distance: 4 miles
Trails Hiked: Lake Moultrie Passage (Palmetto Trail)
I loaded up the Levity with all the gear I usually take on a 3 day, 2 night trip (that includes camp clothes, 1 L of water, and 3 lbs of food) and walked a couple miles near the lake. Within the first mile I was frustrated by the fixed torso panel. But after taking the pack on and off a few times to tinker with the load lifter and shoulder straps, I was able to get a much more comfortable fit. After another mile, I could feel the incredible difference in the pack's suspension system. I couldn't believe I was carrying everything I needed for a 3 day trip. It felt more like an over prepared day pack than a fully loaded weekend pack.
Another thing that surprised me was the ventilation. My old pack claimed to have a backpanel specifically designed to allow air flow, but I never really noticed it at work. I just assumed it was doing the job because a pack without that feature would probably feel worse. Once again, I could not believe the difference. I actually felt a cool breeze come off the lake and flow through the gap in the backpanel. All gear companies claim to have some special feature that will improve your hiking experience, but it's so awesome getting to see those claims deliver on the promise.
I went into this day hike with a very critical eye, fully prepared to ship the Levity back when I got home. Instead, I returned completely impressed. But I knew a four mile walk was not enough trail time to make final decision.
Round Two: Overnighter
Pack Weight: 17 lbs
Hike Description: Moderate out and back overnighter
Distance: 26 miles. 13 each way.
Trails Hiked: Kings Mountain Trail, Ridgeline Trail, and Pinnacle Trail
I loaded the Levity up once again with all the same gear (minus one day of food) and met my friend at the state park ready to put it in a real backpacking setting. We hiked 13 miles out and 13 miles back over 2 days. The route was pretty moderate with a couple inclines and declines along the way. My pack weight really didn't fluctuate or change much on the trip, since I didn't carry more than 1.5 L at a time. So with a consistent amount of weight in the pack I was able to really get a feel for how comfortable it would be going longer distances over a longer period of time.
I went into this hike still impressed by the way the pack performed on the day hike, but on the look out for any issues that may crop up as the trip went on. I can happily report no issues were found, and best of all NO injuries. Even with the change in terrain and longer distance, the comfort and carry of the pack felt no different than on the day hike. Now for the final test...
Round Three: Multi-day Trip
Pack Weight: 19 to 25 lbs
Hike Description: Moderate to strenuous multi-day loop
Distance: 25 miles.
Trails Hiked: Appalachian Trail, Long Branch Trail, and Kimsey Creek Trail
It was time to take this pack on a 3 day backpacking trip. I chose the 25 mile Standing Indian loop, which offered much more challenging terrain than the last trip. I packed all the same gear with the exception of an extra layer or two, and hit the trail with a pack weight of 19 lb. My pack weight changed and fluctuated a lot throughout the trip. Toward the end of Day 1, I had a 4 L water carry which brought it to 25.5 lbs. It wasn't comfortable, but it was doable for the 3 or so miles to reach camp. Like I mentioned in the comparison, 25 really is this pack's limit. For the rest of the trip I carried between 2 and 3 L, keeping my pack weight between 20 and 23 lbs, but never reaching 25 again.
Afterwards I had some minor pain, but it was more like post-trail aches than actual injury. Three hikes down and STILL no knee or back problems! After this trip it was clear; the Levity 60 is exactly the pack I was looking for.
Anything I Dislike?
I've praised this pack a lot, but I do have a few minor criticisms or areas of concern...
Suspension & Adjustability: At first I didn't like the fixed torso panel. Not being able to make the torso longer or shorter on a sliding track took some getting used to. But once I figured out how to adjust the load lifter straps, shoulder straps, and hipbelt to get that just right fit it was fine. The fixed torso length wasn't a bad thing, it was just different.
Side Pockets of No Return: Osprey is notorious for making their side pockets into torture devices. If you want to get to your water bottle without taking off the pack you pretty much have to dislocate your shoulder. It's no different with this one. I think Osprey tried to remedy the problem by making the pockets bigger and giving more stretch to the elastic on the top and side openings. But the pockets wrap all the way around the side making it so items get lost toward the front of the pack. A few times I thought I lost my tripod or water filter when it was just hiding in the corner of the side pocket. As far as water bottle access, I was able to work something out by turning my Nalgene bottle horizontally and removing it by the cap through the side opening. Which I'm sure is how they intended the side opening to be used, but this wouldn't work well with a longer bottle like SmartWater. It would probably protrude into my armpit or fall out.
NanoFly Material: I know being lighter weight and translucent isn't an inherent sign the material is weak, but I think until I see this pack withstand all the abuse that comes with regular use on the trail I'm going to be a little skeptical about its strength. Osprey claims "reliable durability" with this pack and "an incredibly light fabric with remarkable abrasion resistance." I guess we'll just have to see if the claims hold up...
Final Thoughts...
To sum up this review, I really think the Levity was a great investment. I can honestly say it has improved my backpacking experience over all. My old pack felt less like a comfortable piece of gear helping me get outdoors, and more like a bulky contraption I was constantly trying to ignore. This new pack isn't like that at all.
There are a few features I thought I would miss like hipbelt pockets or a sleeping bag compartment, but after hiking with this new pack I realize don't need them. In fact, the way the storage space has been allocated on the Levity makes it easier to fit all my gear in the main compartment (with room to spare!) Also, having half the number of pockets and compartments has significantly cut down the amount of time I spend digging around in the pack. While switching out this piece of gear has helped me a lot in terms of organization, the most important thing is it solved my big problem: injury from an overweight ill-fitting pack.
I hope you found this review helpful and informative. If you're thinking about giving the Levity (or Lumina) a try please consider going through my Amazon affiliate link. There's no additional cost to you at checkout, just an incentive for me for referring you to the gear. It's a small way to show your support for this backpacking channel / blog.
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