A New Zealand Brand Reimagines Backpack Design with its Innovative "Body Pack" Concept

Published April 16, 2026 05:05 AM

The very name "backpack" suggests its intended purpose: a pack carried on one’s back. However, New Zealand-based Aarn Packs is challenging this fundamental assumption with their revolutionary "body pack" design. This innovative approach places twin mini-packs at the forefront, nestled between the hipbelt and shoulder straps, aiming to fundamentally alter how hikers distribute weight, improve their posture, and enhance overall comfort on the trail. This ambitious redesign comes with a significant investment, retailing at $400. After a rigorous month of testing in diverse outdoor conditions, this article delves into the real-world performance and effectiveness of Aarn’s unique "body pack" philosophy.

The core innovation of the Aarn body pack lies in its distinctive "balance pockets." These two zippered pouches, strategically positioned just below the chest, are the system’s primary distinguishing feature. Each pocket boasts a generous 3.5-liter capacity and is equipped with a curved aluminum stay that seamlessly integrates with the hipbelt. These stays are the linchpin of the entire load-carrying mechanism, effectively transferring the weight of the front pockets onto the hips, thereby alleviating strain on the shoulders. In stark contrast to the often-meager capacity of conventional hipbelt or shoulder strap pockets, the balance pockets are remarkably capacious, each capable of comfortably accommodating two 750-milliliter water bottles alongside snacks and a smartphone. Furthermore, the versatility of the Aarn system is highlighted by the fact that these balance pockets are entirely removable and interchangeable. Aarn offers four different sizes, ranging from a compact 2.5 liters to a substantial 7.5 liters, allowing hikers to customize the front load based on their specific needs and trip duration.

Beyond the groundbreaking balance pockets, the Mountain Magic 50 Pro positions itself as a lightweight contender in the vein of established industry leaders such as the Osprey Exos and Gregory Focal. Weighing in at a mere 2 pounds, 14 ounces (or 2 pounds, 5 ounces without the balance pockets), it offers a substantial 43-liter capacity within its main body, with a recommended carrying capacity of up to 33 pounds. The pack’s construction utilizes durable 70-denier Robic nylon, reinforced with a more robust 210-denier Robic nylon on the bottom panel for enhanced longevity. Available in two torso sizes – short (15-18 inches) and medium (16-20 inches) – it caters to a broad range of body types.

The suspension system of the Mountain Magic is a complex yet effective blend of internal and external frame components. It features a hybrid aluminum hoop stay that provides primary support, augmented by an additional horizontal aluminum bar for enhanced torsional rigidity. A vertical stay integrated into the center of the back panel adds a degree of rigidity and, crucially, serves as the mechanism for adjusting the torso length. The hipbelt is notably wide, designed for optimal weight distribution, and employs dual webbing straps for a secure and customizable fit, secured by a proprietary interlocking buckle.

Perhaps the most revolutionary aspect of the Aarn design is its "free-floating" shoulder strap system. Unlike conventional packs where shoulder straps are rigidly attached to the pack body, the bottom of the Mountain Magic’s shoulder straps are connected to a cord that runs behind the hipbelt. At the top, the yoke is integrated into a large webbing loop that allows for fore-and-aft movement. This ingenious design permits the pack to move dynamically with the hiker’s body, minimizing the jarring and rocking motions often experienced with traditional packs. The sensation is reminiscent of packs featuring pivoting hipbelts, such as the Gossamer Gear Mariposa, though the effect is perhaps less pronounced. This dynamic movement is a significant contributor to the pack’s overall comfort and stability.

The Mountain Magic is replete with a comprehensive array of thoughtful features designed to enhance the user experience. A standout element is the "trampoline back" design, which incorporates a tightly stretched, sewn-in mesh back panel. This creates exceptional airflow, keeping the wearer cool and comfortable, a benefit amplified by the mesh extending all the way to the base of the pack, a departure from designs that feature a full-wrap hipbelt. However, the lower section of the back panel exhibits a pronounced contour, which may not prove comfortable for individuals with a less pronounced arch in their lower back.

Included with the pack are two "Lasso Loc" webbing straps, also available for separate purchase. These straps can be attached to various lash points, offering the flexibility to compress the side panels or carry additional gear above or below the main pack body. A longer webbing strap is also provided, ingeniously transforming a balance pocket into a standalone sling bag or fanny pack, adding another layer of utility and adaptability.

While the side pockets and front stretch mesh pocket are present, they are not the pack’s strongest suit. The front mesh pocket is somewhat undersized, and accessing the side pockets while wearing the pack can be a challenge. However, this minor inconvenience is largely mitigated by the immense capacity and easy accessibility of the balance pockets, which can hold a substantial amount of gear.

The most remarkable feature, however, is the exceptionally well-engineered torso length adjustment system. The shoulder harness glides freely along the vertical stay on the back panel. Adjustment is controlled by a pair of webbing straps, operated via a cam buckle. One strap, conveniently located over the shoulder, allows for upward pulling to lengthen the torso. The other, tucked behind the right side of the hipbelt, enables downward pulling to shorten it. These adjustment straps are easily identifiable by their bright orange webbing, a distinct visual cue against the pack’s overall design, and are remarkably intuitive to use. This system stands out as the only pack encountered that facilitates torso length adjustment while it is being worn.

In practical application, the Mountain Magic delivers a remarkably comfortable carrying experience, distinct from that of any conventional backpack. Its load transfer capabilities are exceptional, easily managing loads of up to 35 pounds within the main compartment. When the balance pockets were loaded with four liters of water, the hipbelt effectively supported a total weight of approximately 44 pounds. Intriguingly, the Aarn pack demonstrates superior performance with a heavier load in the balance pockets compared to standard packs. The benefits of this load balancing are immediately apparent; the Mountain Magic actively promotes improved posture. While a traditional heavy load tends to pull a hiker backward, necessitating a forward lean, this pack allows for an upright stance, a noticeable advantage, particularly during strenuous uphill ascents.

The floating shoulder strap system provides a significant boost in comfort. This design ensures that the shoulder straps remain in place, even as the hipbelt facilitates the pack’s natural rocking motion. For individuals prone to rubbing or chafing from conventional shoulder straps, this innovative system could offer a welcome respite. An additional, noteworthy advantage of utilizing the balance pockets for water storage, rather than the side pockets, is the pack’s streamlined profile. The absence of protruding bottles from the side pockets enhances maneuverability on narrow, overgrown trails and during bushwhacking expeditions.

Despite its numerous advantages, the Mountain Magic does present a couple of notable drawbacks. The first is its inherent complexity. The pack features a greater number of cords and buckles requiring adjustment than a standard backpack, which can initially be overwhelming. For instance, the balance pockets can obstruct access to hipbelt adjustments. While the U-Flow shoulder strap system is a boon during hiking, it can make donning the pack more challenging. The initial strap placed over a shoulder tends to lengthen, leaving the second strap shorter and more difficult to maneuver. The balance pockets, while exceptionally convenient once the pack is on, can be cumbersome when the pack is off. They swing around when the pack is lifted by its carry strap, can cause the pack to tip over when set down, and generally impede the process of putting the pack on.

The second significant drawback is the somewhat "locked-in" feeling of the pack. Because the balance pockets connect to both the shoulder straps and the sternum strap, there is limited adjustability in how the shoulder straps feel. They tend to remain relatively snug and exert a constant pull across the chest. Even loosening the shoulder straps has a limited effect, as the tension exerted by the balance pockets maintains their snugness. This might not be an issue for users who prefer a tight sternum strap. However, for those who, like the reviewer, typically wear framed packs with wider, looser shoulder straps, the Mountain Magic offers less adjustability in this regard.

The Aarn Mountain Magic 50 Pro’s distinctive body pack concept results in a carrying experience unlike any other. For hikers who feel they are constantly battling their pack or struggling with balance, the Mountain Magic could represent a transformative solution. Even for those who find traditional packs adequately comfortable, the unparalleled ease of access to gear within the balance pockets is a compelling benefit. This pack is an ideal companion for all-day hikes where minimizing stops is a priority. It also presents a compelling option for photographers, birdwatchers, or anyone who requires frequent and immediate access to essential gear throughout the day.

Due to the inherent complexity involved in donning, adjusting, and removing the pack, the Mountain Magic truly shines when worn for extended periods. Backpacking styles that involve frequent stops and starts might lead to frustration with the pack’s intricacies. It is not a suitable choice for ultralight enthusiasts, as its weight of nearly three pounds and its optimal performance with loads between 30 and 40 pounds fall outside the ultralight paradigm. While the easy access to gear is a significant advantage, most ultralighters would likely find a more traditional pack paired with a fanny pack or additional shoulder strap pockets a more appropriate solution. Furthermore, the pack’s relatively short maximum torso length (20 inches) and the narrowed shoulder straps when the balance pockets are cinched down may pose fitting challenges for individuals with long torsos or broad shoulders.