Aura AG 65 vs Deva 60
Our #1 and #2 picks from The 10 Best Women's Backpacking Packs, compared spec-by-spec with clear pros, cons, and a verdict.
Choosing between the Osprey Aura AG 65 and the Gregory Deva 60 is the quintessential decision for female backpackers seeking uncompromising comfort on multi-day backcountry itineraries. Both models occupy the absolute top tier of load-hauling design, yet they solve the challenges of wilderness carrying through contrasting engineering philosophies. Osprey champions its renowned AntiGravity (AG) continuous mesh suspension, which hugs your torso from the shoulder blades down through the lumbar, maximizing airflow and providing an integrated, weightless cradle around the hips. Conversely, Gregory leans on structural biomechanics with its FreeFloat A3 suspension, deploying independent pivoting harness components and a rigid internal frame engineered to move dynamically with your pelvic tilt over technical terrain. Your ideal choice boils down to carrying style, climate, and payload: while the Aura shines with breezy ventilation and a plush wrap for classic trail traverses, the Deva dominates in raw load stability, heavy-duty durability, and effortless gear access when pack weights start creeping beyond forty pounds.
Aura AG 65
Osprey
The Osprey Aura AG 65 is built for backpackers prioritizing cooling airflow and a continuous wrap around the back and pelvis. Its signature AntiGravity suspension integrates a seamless sheet of suspended mesh from the upper shoulder blades down through the lumbar area and hipbelt. This construction distributes contact evenly across the back, eliminating the localized pressure points that often form around traditional foam lumbar pads. In practical use, the AntiGravity system delivers exceptional ventilation in warm conditions, but its continuous tensioning creates a distinct fit profile. Because the hipbelt naturally curves inward under spring tension, putting the pack on requires physically spreading the hip fins open. This design works exceptionally well for hikers whose pelvic geometry aligns with the pre-curved shape, but it can exert excessive inward pressure on wider hip profiles. A loaded fitting is critical to verify that the lumbar curve seats properly against your lower back without pushing your hips forward. Structurally, the pack balances durability with multiday organization, offering deep stretch-mesh side pockets, dual zippered front pockets, and a floating top lid that can be removed and replaced with an integrated fabric FlapJacket cover. The tradeoff is overall pack weight and bulk; the internal perimeter frame and suspended mesh structure add mass before gear is packed. **Highlights** - AntiGravity continuous suspended mesh backpanel and lumbar wrap - Fit-on-the-Fly adjustable hipbelt and shoulder harness system - Removable floating lid with integrated FlapJacket cover - Dual front zippered utility pockets for rapid trail access - Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment points - Lower sleeping bag compartment with removable internal divider **Watch-outs** - Spring-tensioned hipbelt requires deliberate effort to step into and can pinch broader hip profiles - Suspension frame adds noticeable empty pack weight compared to minimalist haulers - Deep frame curve slightly encroaches on internal main-compartment volume
Find it on AmazonDeva 60
Gregory
The Gregory Deva 60 is designed for multiday hikers who carry dense, demanding loads and need maximum frame support over technical terrain. Where lightweight packs rely on flexible framesheets, the Deva utilizes Gregory's FreeFloat A3 suspension, built around an alloy perimeter frame and an auto-rotating shoulder harness. This mechanical design allows the pack body to pivot dynamically with hip motion, stabilizing heavy kits without shifting off-balance. The back panel pairs 3D AirCushion mesh with a close-contact lumbar pad. This keeps the pack’s center of gravity close to the spine, delivering steady load transfer directly to the pelvis. Unlike trampoline-style packs that push the pack weight away from your back to maximize airflow, the Deva prioritizes absolute load control and trail balance. The trade-off is reduced back cooling on high-output uphill sections. The construction is heavily featured and robust. It includes a dedicated U-zip front opening for wide access to the main compartment, oversized hipbelt pockets shaped to fit modern electronics, and independent torso and hipbelt size customization. Hikers traveling with disciplined, lightweight kits may find the Deva overbuilt, but for extended routes requiring heavy food carries or winter layers, the structural support is purpose-built. **Highlights** - FreeFloat A3 dynamic suspension with auto-rotating shoulder harness - AirCushion mesh backpanel engineered for close-contact load stability - Full front U-zip access to the main compartment - Custom-fit 3D shoulder harness and hipbelt components - Oversized zippered hipbelt pockets for trail accessories - Hydration sleeve that doubles as a lightweight daypack **Watch-outs** - Substantial empty pack weight compared to lightweight multiday alternatives - Close-contact back panel retains more heat than fully suspended mesh designs - Extensive strap and pocket layout can feel overly complex for minimalists
Find it on AmazonSpec-by-Spec
| Spec | #1 Aura AG 65 | #2 Deva 60 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 4.56 lbs (2.07 kg) [Size M/L] | 4.72 lbs (2.14 kg) [Size S] |
| Capacity / Size | 65 Liters | 60 Liters |
| Materials | 210D recycled honey comb nylon / 500D nylon base | 210D high-density nylon / 420D high-density nylon base |
| Price Tier | Premium ($340) | Premium ($330 - $350) |
| Warranty | All Mighty Guarantee (Lifetime repair/replacement) | Gregory Lifetime Guarantee |
| Best Use | Multi-day backpacking, warm-weather trails | Expedition backpacking, rugged terrain, heavy load hauling |
| Portability | Deeply curved frame; bulkier to lay flat or check in transit | Flatter back architecture; packs more compactly when traveling |
| Durability | High (recycled high-tenacity nylon; delicate lumbar mesh) | Exceptional (reinforced heavy-denier bottom, burly hardware) |
| Feature Highlights | AntiGravity mesh suspension, Fit-on-the-Fly hipbelt, dual front zip pockets | FreeFloat A3 pivoting suspension, front U-zip access, SideWinder bottle holster |
Aura AG 65
Best for: Hikers seeking exceptional back ventilation, seamless hip wrap, and versatile gear space for warm-weather and moderate-weight multi-day trips.
Pros
- Continuous AntiGravity mesh backpanel delivers class-leading ventilation and pressure-point elimination.
- Fit-on-the-Fly harness and hipbelt allow fast, micro-adjustable custom fitting on the trail.
- Generous 65-liter volume easily swallows bear canisters and bulky cold-weather gear.
- Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment allows hands-free pole stashing without stopping.
Cons
- Curved suspension creates a concave internal cavity that complicates efficient packing.
- Tensioned mesh frame can produce audible squeaking under maximum weight loads.
- Less stable than the Deva when pushed past its 40- to 45-pound comfort ceiling.
Deva 60
Best for: Technical backpackers and guides carrying heavy, 40+ pound payloads who require rock-solid balance and easy-access duffel-style loading.
Pros
- FreeFloat A3 dynamic suspension pivots smoothly with hips to conserve energy over technical terrain.
- Full-access front U-zip panel makes digging for buried gear exceptionally convenient.
- Remarkable stability and load transfer when hauling dense payloads in excess of 40 pounds.
- Ergonomic SideWinder bottle holster offers effortless one-handed water access on the move.
Cons
- Heavier empty baseline weight than most standard 60-liter backpacking packs.
- Foam-padded backpanel retains more heat and sweat on warm, humid hiking days.
- Five liters less internal volume than the Aura for extended self-supported treks.
The Verdict
The Osprey Aura AG 65 earns the narrow victory for the majority of backpackers. Its revolutionary AntiGravity system creates an unmatched body-hugging feel that balances superior airflow with cloud-like hip cushioning, making long days on well-maintained trails feel significantly less fatiguing. It delivers more volume at a slightly lower tare weight, representing the benchmark for 3- to 7-day wilderness outings. However, the Gregory Deva 60 remains the undisputed champion for technical, punishing expeditions and high-density gear loads. If your itineraries routinely require carrying upwards of 40 to 45 pounds, navigating off-camber rock scrambles, or accessing gear quickly via a wide front duffel opening, the Deva's independent pivoting harness provides superior center-of-gravity control that the springy Aura cannot match.