The Osprey Kyte

Rucksack experts Osprey have three new offerings for walkers and backpackers.

The Aether and Ariel series are large packs tailored for men and women respectively and have been updated for summer 2013.

The Aether comes in 70-litre and 60-litre versions, with its female counterpart offering 65-litre and 55-litre volumes.

Osprey said improvements to the packs feature revolutionary back and hip belt technology and a new vibrant colour scheme and are designed for carrying large amounts of kit for long periods.

The company said: “The Ariel series has been tailored with the female body shape in mind.

“The shoulder straps have a much narrower opening, as opposed to a wider shoulder allowance on a men’s or unisex pack, and the custom heated mouldable hipbelt is curved to accommodate a woman’s hips.

“Lightweight and ventilation are key elements with these packs.

“The revised AirSpace back panel allows free-flowing air to reach the users back with improved lateral ventilation.

“The new pre-curved IsoForm4 custom mouldable hipbelt featured on the Aether and Ariel ensures heavy loads can be carried easily, no matter what the duration of the trip and the quick release hip belt pockets make it easy to remove the hip belt when needed.

“The Neo-spacer harness system which offers ventilation as well as close contact to the user has been adapted for women offering an even better fit.”

The price of the 70-litre, 2.29kg Aether, which is available in Bonsai Green, Midnight Blue and Arroyo Red is £160 and for the 2.27kg 60-litre version £150.

The Aether pack

The Ariel models, weighing 2.18kg and 2.13kg respectively for 65-litre and 55-litre versions, are also priced at £160 and £150. They come in Deep Sea Blue and Vermillion Red.

The packs have Osprey’s Stow-on-the-Go attachment system so trekking poles can be safely stowed while not in use.

They also feature V compression straps and straight jacket compression makes it easy to manage the load when filled at smaller capacity.

A removable lumbar pad provides a short-distance pack solution, the company said, with the convertible top pocket/lumbar pack having quick top pocket detachment. The rucksacks also have a built-in raincover.

The brand-new Kyte is the women’s version of the award-winning Kestrel series of packs for men.

Osprey said the Kyte is a female-specific pack for trekking that shares similar features to its counterpart but has a female twist in comfort, style and fit, as well as aesthetically with vibrant new colourways.

It added: “Kyte has a female-specific harness and hip belt designed to fit the female body shape.

“A fully adjustable AirScape back system provides ventilation and comfort for one day to multi-day treks.

“The Kyte is fully compatible with the new Osprey Hydraulics reservoir with easy access external H2O compartments for hydration on the go. Made using 420D nylon fabric this pack is durable with an abrasion resistant surface that will stand the test of time.”

The Kyte also features Stow-on-the-Go attachment “Load organisation is more efficient too thanks to twin zippered side pockets and front stretch woven pockets,” the company said. “Now complete with integrated raincovers that have been sized specifically for each pack to ensure a drum-tight fit the Kyte comes in Teal Blue and Rose Red.”

There are three capacities: 36 litres, 1.39kg, retailing at £100; 46 litres, 1.50kg, at £110 and 66 litres 1.74kg, in the shops at £130.

Other features include adjustable torso, front and side stretch pockets, extra zipped pockets, a zipped base compartment with internal divide, twin ice-axe loops and sleep-mat straps.

More details are on the Osprey website.