Light Hiking Gear
50 or 60 Liter Aarn Peak Aspiration Backpack
Aarn Peak Aspiration Balance Pack
Mid-sized alpine bodypack built for climbing, skiing, and fast-paced mountain travel. Balances heavy loads with ease while keeping you upright, agile, and ready for technical terrain.
Field Use
• Designed for single-day summits, ski mountaineering, and overnight alpine missions
• Carries like a much smaller pack thanks to Aarn’s Natural Balance system
• Handles technical gear — ice tools, skis, snowboard, helmet — without compromising mobility
• Accepts optional Balance Pockets for front-load stability and quick access to essentials
Features & Technical Details
• Bio-Fit shoulder harness with on-the-fly adjustable back length (14 cm range)
• Pelvic Form hipbelt with Multi-Flow pivot for precise load transfer
• Breathable 3D mesh harness panels for ventilation in high output climbs
• Custom-fit frame with perimeter wire and hollow 6001 T6 alloy stays
• Waterproof Dri-liner and weather-protected main compartment
• Extendable/removable lid converts to a bum bag
• Multiple gear attachments: trekking poles (front and rear), ice axes, shovel, snowboard, skis, helmet, caritools/ice clippers
• Side and front compression with Hyperlon reinforcing for ski carry
• Hydration reservoir sleeve with exit port and attachment loop
• Durable construction: 500D Codura nylon with 210D and 40D ripstop nylon reinforcements
• Color: Alpine-ready Green/Grey
Specifications
Capacity: 45–50L main pack
Weight: ~1.7 kg (pack only) / varies with pockets
Max Recommended Load: 40+ lbs (18+ kg)
Why It Works
The Peak Aspiration is a proven high-altitude performer — it’s been to the summit of Everest. By shifting part of the load to the front, it keeps you balanced, upright, and breathing freely on steep climbs. The hipbelt and harness work together to eliminate shoulder fatigue and allow all-day comfort under technical loadouts.
From fast alpine pushes to backcountry ski tours, the Peak Aspiration delivers balance, comfort, and precision gear carry in one streamlined package.
SPECIFICATIONS
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BALANCE POCKETS
Front Balance Pockets allow for high weights without feeling intrusive. Balance Pockets attach easily to Aarn’s comfortable backpacks and convert easily into a daypack after clipping on the shoulder and sternum straps. Hiking, backpacking, and exploring the outdoors has never been easier!
- Either 10 or 12 liter front Sport-Regular Balance Pockets, or 15 liter or 18 liter Expedition Balance Pockets can be used with this pack. Pockets provide greater stability and balance, and a more upright posture. This translates to much less fatigue and strain.
- Shoulder and sternum straps are included for converting the pockets into a daypack, which is carried on the front of the body for maximum security and easy gear access.
- Front pockets have waterproof Dri-liners, accessible zip flaps to protect items from the rain, and four mesh exterior pockets with compression cords.
- The design of the Front Balance Pockets, which includes four mesh exterior pockets with compression chords, is to provide maximum comfort, organization, and accessibility. Attach to the Aarn balance pack for an unmatched outdoors experience.
DESIGN
FITTING
Instructions also apply to attaching Balance Pockets to Featherlight Freedom
WHAT MAKES AN AARN PACK DIFFERENT?
TESTIMONIALS
TESTIMONIALS
The Peak Aspiration Summits Everest!
"It was a real pleasure to take your Peak Aspiration to the summit of Mt Everest. The climb of Everest is a long climb involved many quite different phases. The need for a pack that is lightweight, dependable, flexible and above all, comfortable is key. At times, my pack was jammed to the rafters with things hanging off it in all directions. The Peak Aspiration handled all of this effortlessly and maintained its incredible comfort and balance. Everest can get very hot at times and the Peak Aspiration's back and strap mesh panels allowed surprisingly great ventilation when the temperature rose into the 30-40C range.
The pack had some great climbing features and despite being lightweight, there was no compromise on toughness or durability. I accidentally kicked my crampons into the pack many times and the fabric repelled them each time. The pack was dropped, lowered, bumped, sat upon and loaded countless times and survived magnificently. The use of the Balance Pockets meant that my gear needed quickly was always available without needing to take off the pack.
Thanks Aarn for designing a great mountain pack. I look forward to using it again, again and again."John Zeckendorf
The Peak Aspiration is the most comfortable pack I have ever worn period. Not long after I left the car the first time I used the pack I was heard to say don’t even feel as if I’m wearing a pack. Later, I lent the pack to a friend for a trip his feedback to me was: you don’t carry that pack you wear it.
Mark Watson, Editor, NZ Climber magazine Test Review."Peak Aspiration with Sport Balance pockets has opened up a whole different world of backpacking. I can actually hike all day without upper body fatigue. Walking in a natural, balanced posture while carrying weight is absolutely amazing and light years ahead of all other packs. I don’t understand why such a basic, fundamental concept as balance hasn’t caught on. I tell anyone who is interested on the trail that once you experience a balanced load you will never go back to a traditional pack. Too many people worry about weight and not at all about balance - which is fundamentally more important.The whole system has been so well thought out and executed in terms of attention to detail and quality. Just the slight cupping of the hip belt makes a huge difference in terms of all day comfort. The idea of a Bodypack is one thing, but if the design and execution aren’t there, all else is futile. In this regard, Aarn has succeeded by far. I’ve wanted to tell you this for the past two years, but have been too busy actually enjoying hiking".Jeff Clopp, New Jersey, USA
"The Aarn Bodypack concept a great way to hike long distances with heavy (or less heavy) loads, and the Peak Aspiration with Expedition Balance Pockets is a great implementation of the idea. During the two GEA hikes I walked up to 13/14 hours a day with 20/25 Kg loads, on anything from flat, soft meadows to thick bush and very steep, narrow and rocky trails. During all those days, the weight of the pack and its impact on my back and neck has never been an issue. I have come to a point where if I stop it’s because either I am very, very, very tired in general, or I have walked so much that my feet hurt enough to not let me continue. In both cases, no back or neck pains worth reporting. There is also another thing that adds to the general comfort: you can lay your hands or forearms over the pockets while you walk. Besides greatly increasing comfort by balancing the load, the Expedition Pockets are big. I was able to store in them five liters of water, plus a stove, fuel bottle, compass, digital camera, lamp & assorted snacks. The maps were carried in the external pockets. I have always felt very stable while wearing the Bodypack fully loaded. This included very, very steep trails and where there was no trail - here the terrain was so steep and rough that I had to use my hands to keep going. Breathing and being able to see my feet on difficult tracks with two big, heavy bags in front was another big concern before getting a Bodypack. After one year, I can testify that these problems don’t exist". Marco Floretti, Rome, Italy
"On my latest effort using PA and BPC, I set a new record for a transit of the near 1000km Bibbulmun Track in WA. I started at the Northern Terminus at 5:29am Thursday 22/11/2012 and reached the Southern Terminus at 3:08pm on Sunday 9/12/2012. That makes 17 days, 9 hours and 39 minutes. I went self-supported using 7 very small food drops left out in the days prior to the trip and supplemented these with meals and food in some of the trail towns. The pack was great. It took a pounding (I was averaging 12-14 hour days) and there was lots of overgrowth and climbing through blow-downs. I had a fantastic time and thoroughly recommend the track to anyone looking for a challenge and adventure". Andy Hewat, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Product information
Stay Ready Outdoors — Return & Refund Policy
Last Updated: September 22, 2025
At Stay Ready Outdoors, we stand behind the quality of our products and want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. If you need to return an item, please review our policy below.
Returns
We offer a 30-day return policy, meaning you have 30 days from the date you receive your item to request a return.
Return Eligibility
To qualify for a return, your item must be in like-new condition, meeting the following criteria:
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Unworn, unwashed, and with all original tags and stickers still attached.
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Free of any scents like perfume, cologne, or smoke.
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Free of any marks, stains, or pet hair.
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In its original packaging, including all accessories.
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Must include proof of purchase (receipt or order number).
How to Start a Return
To initiate a return, email us at crquarto@stayreadyoutdoors.com with your order details. Once approved, you’ll receive return instructions and a prepaid shipping label. The cost of return shipping will be deducted from your final refund.
Important: Items sent back without prior approval will not be accepted.
Return Address:
Stay Ready Outdoors
ATTN: Returns
15236 Las Flores Ave
La Mirada, CA 90638
Damaged, Defective, or Incorrect Items
Please inspect your order upon arrival. If your item is damaged, defective, or incorrect, contact us at crquarto@stayreadyoutdoors.com within 7 days so we can evaluate and resolve the issue promptly.
Non-Returnable Items & Exceptions
Some items are non-returnable, including:
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Briefs (due to hygiene reasons)
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Sale items (these sales are final)
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Gift cards
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Engraved or customized items
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Perishable goods (e.g., food)
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Personal care items (e.g., hygiene or beauty products)
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Hazardous materials (e.g., flammable liquids or gases)
Food or Drink Products – All Sales Final
Due to the nature of long-term food storage, all sales on food or drink products are final. We do not accept returns or exchanges on food or drink products for any reason including incorrect order, change of mind, or shipping delays. Replacements will only be issued in the event of a verified manufacturing defect or shipping damage, which must be reported within 5 days of delivery with supporting photo documentation.
Products Fulfilled via Shopify Collective
Some items sold by Stay Ready Outdoors are fulfilled by third-party vendors through Shopify Collective. These items follow slightly different return procedures:
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Return Window – Returns must be initiated within 30 days of the purchase date.
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Who Handles the Return – Returns and exchanges for these products are handled directly by the business from which the product originated. However, please do not hesitate to contact Stay Ready Outdoors at crquarto@stayreadyoutdoors.com if you need help facilitating a return or exchange — we’re happy to assist.
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Customer Responsibility for Shipping Costs – Shipping cost responsibility for returns and exchanges varies by vendor. Some vendors offer free returns or exchanges, while others may require customers to pay return shipping.
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Size Exchanges – If a return is for a size exchange only, the replacement item will be shipped back to the customer once the original is received and inspected, following the vendor’s policy.
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Refunds – If a refund is due after inspection, the originating business will notify Stay Ready Outdoors and the refund will be processed back to the customer’s original payment method.
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Price Changes – Prices for products fulfilled via Shopify Collective are subject to change without notice.
Vendor-Specific Note:
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The Buffalo Wool Company – Items fulfilled by The Buffalo Wool Company through Shopify Collective follow the same return procedures listed above. Customers are responsible for the cost of shipping items back for return or exchange.
All other eligibility requirements and non-returnable item restrictions in our standard policy still apply unless otherwise stated above.
Exchanges
The fastest way to exchange an item is to initiate a return for the original item and, once the return is accepted, place a new, separate order for the item you want.
European Union Customers – 14-Day Cooling-Off Period
If your order was shipped to the European Union, you have the right to cancel or return it within 14 days of delivery, for any reason. To be eligible, items must be unused, with original tags and packaging, and include proof of purchase.
Refunds
Once we receive and inspect your return, we will notify you of its approval. If approved, we will issue a refund to your original payment method within 10 business days, less the cost of return shipping.
Please Note:
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It may take additional time for your bank or credit card company to process and post the refund.
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If you haven’t received your refund within 15 business days of our approval, please contact us at crquarto@stayreadyoutdoors.com.
Need Help?
If you have any questions about your return or refund, we’re here to help:
📧 Email: crquarto@stayreadyoutdoors.com