What is Aarn?

When most people talk about ultralight hiking they talk about shaving off grams, making spreadsheets and cutting tooth brushes in half. But New Zealand based brand Aarn have always asked a different question: what if you didn’t just make your pack lighter - what if you make it feel lighter? 

Aarn Packs founded by Aarn and Devi Tate set out to solve this problem striving to create a pack that didn’t alter posture, balance or movement. Shifting from focusing weight alone and closely examining the relationship between your body and your backpack.

The Bodypack 

At the heart of Aarn’s philosophy is the concept of a bodypack. Unlike standard packs that put all the weight behind you, Aarn’s system redistributes part of the load to the front of your body using Balance Pockets. This not only improves posture and balance but also reduces the strain on your back and shoulders.

It sounds and looks a little strange until you try it… Then it just makes sense. This unique construction makes the load feel lighter, more stable and makes the whole experience of backpacking far less taxing on your body over long distances.

Designed for Real Movement 

Every part of Aarn packs are built to move with your body, thanks to the Aarn U-Flow System. The hip belt pivots with your stride, whilst the harness system allows your upper body to rotate. The entire design is focused on maintaining your natural alignment rather than fighting against it.

Built In Versatility 

Aarn packs are extremely customisable. Most models allow you to choose different back lengths, interchangeable balance pockets and adjustable harness systems - so you can create a system that works perfectly for your body type and trip. 

Why we love them at Ultralight Gear 

Here at Ultralight Gear we are always on the lookout for gear that challenges the status quo and Aarn do just that. They rethink what design on the trail. They prioritise how a pack feels rather than just how much it weighs in a spreadsheet. And it works! They’ve got a loyal following of hikers who swear by their gear - not because it’s trendy but because it simply works.

We recommend Aarn packs for those who:

• Struggle with shoulder or back pain from traditional packs 

• Want better balance on rough terrain 

• Are curious about how much more comfortable a backpack can get