Osprey Aether 70 Pack

Comments about Osprey Aether 70 Pack:

Let me start here: this pack is GORGEOUS. I know that beauty is a funny thing to ascribe to a backpack, but when I got this pack I had to admire it for a few minutes. I don't know about the other colors, but the tundra is stunning. This is the perfect shade of olive green because it isn't OD Green. It's militia without Unabomber and vibrant without Liberace. It's just a cool shade of outdoorsy without the annoyingly insincere pseudo-outdoorsy aspects of Caleb Followill's beard. It doesn't just look good, but I love to touch the back mesh pocket. It just feels goooooooood. Every time I look at it, I want to break out in song... the theme song to Karate Kid to be precise.

And if there was ever a pack I would want to be chased from school by teenagers in skeleton costumes on bicycles, it's the Aether 70. This thing can be made to wear like a second skin or loose like a traditional external frame. I don't know how they managed to get it so comfortable and the fit so versatile, but this is simply fantastic over both technical terrain and pedestrian paths through suburban "trails."

The load versatility is fabulous. I carry my tent on the lid/butt-pack, and have plenty of room in the detachable pack to store my emergency survival kit, first aid kit, water purification, gloves/scarf/beanie, stove, cook set, and flask. After all, a man that hikes without vodka isn't a man and isn't deserving of a long walk by himself.

At 70 liters, this bag feels almost too big. I could be comfortable loading 10 days worth of gear in the 60L Aether. It isn't because 70L is huge: it's because this pack loads things so efficiently. When combined with the Osprey hydration bladder, the 3L of water doesn't take up much space inside the pack. With my tent lashed up top, sleeping pad lashed out back, tools lashed to the sides, bottles hung from compression straps, etc., this pack has an equivalent of 85L worth of room. The back mesh pocket is great and the J-panel is the business while hunting for where I stashed my sunglasses or toilet paper. The trekking pole holders? It's one of those so simple it's stupid brilliant ideas that makes so much sense after using it that it's hard to figure out how someone didn't think of it decades ago. Aether 70: you're the best.

The suspension fits great, but I found the IsoForm belt a bit lacking. I upgraded to the BioForm and consider it the best investment I've made in long-distance comfort short of my divorce. This was more of an emotional decision: the belt is perfectly adequate, I just like the fit and feel of the BioForm much better. As for people saying this is a hot pack: I don't know what they're talking about. The curved back is pure heaven. Either they haven't adjusted the harness properly or they're getting too aggressive with the load lifters when they're not moving over technical terrain. This is one of the most comfortable and well-ventilated packs I've used.

Speaking of suspension: it is removable and fully-customizable. I've used this pack a few times for air travel. Checking it is as easy as removing the hip belt and shoulder harness (a few straps and Velcro) and tucking away the stray straps as best I can. It hasn't suffered any damage and once I touch down, all I have to do is snap in my harness and rock. No slung duffels swaying with each step or those dubious effeminate rolling suitcases. Luggage. Backpack. Go.

The only thing that concerns me is the abundance of plastic buckles and anchors. I'm not used to modern plastics, so I still expect them to shatter if they're exposed to anything more than a dawn's worth of UV radiation like the vampire execution in Blade. I have cinched the straps tight and did not notice any seams pulling or exposing the thread used to secure the seams. The pack seems to be bombproof, but buckles and plastic are hard for me to trust.

Now the one BAD thing about the Aether: the sleeping bag compartment. The rain fly over the zipper is way too big and gets in the way of the zipper as it moves four inches down the path. The opening isn't big enough to stuff my sleeping bag through without opening the compartment up all the way. Then my bag goes in easily, but the problem is that the zipper doesn't like to close without some muttered f-bombs. This pack is so good, however, that I feel deep Catholic guilt for complaining about this problem, but it is a real issue when it comes to functionality. I prefer to load my sleeping bag through the top, which negates the need for both a divider AND a sleeping bag access port.

Okay okay: there's another bad thing about this pack. You better get a hydration bladder because the way the z-compressions straps are set up, you're not going to be getting at your Nalgenes anytime. Not just soon: EVER. They just aren't accessible while on the move. This isn't an issue for me: I like to unload for a water break and take time to admire my surroundings. Besides, I carry a liquid fuel stove, so the pockets perfectly fit 2 1.5L bottles if I'm planning on being out for a few weeks at a time. Just understand that this pack REQUIRES a hydration bladder, and if you're going to do what this pack demands, do it with the Osprey 3L bag. It was made to fit this pack perfectly.

Overall, this pack is 100% The Business without being pretentious about it. In the words of my seventh grade history teacher, "super... duper." In the words of Joe Esposito, "you're the best."

Comments about Osprey Aether 70 Pack:

I bought this pack to carry what I need for 10 days in New Mexico for the Philmont trek. After 20 year of down time I have not been in the woods since an OB semester course in the late 80's and I am truly amazed at the comfort and style packs show now, but this thing takes the cake. This pack is truly exceptionally comfortable. It is a bit heavy as packs go, at 5+ pounds with a cover but it is really comfortable and very easily adjustable. I have hiked 12-15 miles straight without taking it off and it is very comfortable. The pockets on the side prefer slim bottles instead of 1 liter nalgenes if you want to travel alone or you will need to take the pack off as they are a really tight fit. There is a water bladder/hydration area but I stopped using this as I am still afraid of springing a leak and wetting my gear. I wish the top pack (to be detachable for a day pack) was easier to take off and reattach but I am sure I will get the hang of it if I need to. I love the stretchy outer pocket for odd shapped things like my pack shoes. Tons of compression straps (almost overkill) and the sternum strap is a whistle (does not really work that well but if you are counting grams) If you pack really heavy this may not be enough space for really big packers but I am very happy with capacity for 3-5 day hikes with comfort and more than enough space for what I "should" carry.

Comments about Osprey Aether 70 Pack:

This is a great pack. I am a big fan of the new inside-out compression straps on the side pockets. That is a big step forward in utility while walking about. I could echo all the other positive reviews, and they all make many good points. For my money, though, I'd rather have a longer J zipper and no sleeping bag zipper (save a bit of weight and price). Also, I really don't think the hipbelt is up to the large heavy, loads the packbag can handle. I have separately purchased the Argon hipbelt, which swaps right in and costs only $10 on exchange when you send in the one from your Aether. The weight penalty is about 3-4 ounces on my scale, which is negligible for a major comfort upgrade. I strongly recommend considering that option, in my opinion the Aether with the Argon belt is about a perfect pack.
Happy trails!

Comments about Osprey Aether 70 Pack:

What a comfortable pack! I bought mine a few days ago and the first thing I did was load it up with my usual weight of stuff and hit some local trails. first thing I noticed is that instead of carrying a 45 Lbs pack, it felt more like carrying a 25 Lbs day pack.
The custom fit hip belt is just great!
awesome design idea!
some genius at Ospry's R&D said hey lets make a pack that fits each individual person. Its such a simple Idea and it completely sets this pack apart from any other in my opinion.
you cant go wrong with the warranty either. They say that if they made it now or all the way back in 1974 and it breaks they will fix it. How awesome is that?
After an 8.5 mile test hike I would say there is little this pack leaves out. maybe some more pockets like a hip belt pocket or something. either way, that can be added later so it really isn't a big deal for me. and the way it is right now keeps it slim and almost snag free so there is something to be said for that.
I will be putting this pack through the paces with a couple multi-day shakedown hikes before section hiking the A.T. from springer to NC.
I have owned quite a few packs in my day and I have to say this is one of the most comfortable packs I have ever used.
Even when I took half of my fiance's weight and loaded it up with mine for about 65 Lbs it was comfortable. Any pack that can be overloaded and still provide comfort is a good pack in my book after spending 17 years as a light Infantryman in the Army I have a special place in my heart for comfortable overweight packs...since the A.L.I.C.E. pack (or Mean Green as i call it) Is not so comfy. And its max weight is always 1 more pound.
If you get this pack you will not be disappointed as long as you keep it within the reasonable expectations of the pack. Its a great moderately extended hiking, backpacking pack.

Comments about Osprey Aether 70 Pack:

I just finished BackPacking around Europe with the Aether 70 pack and it certainly did not disappoint. The 70 liters provided a sufficient amount of space and because it is highly adjustable, there was never too much bodily strain (whether it be shoulders, lower back, hips..etc)

I will admit that this is my first pack, so there may be other products out there that exceed the Aether 70. But as for me, I have no regrets with my purchase and plan to use it for many years to come.

Comments about Osprey Aether 70 Pack:

I took this pack on a 3 night camping trip with the family and on a 9 mile hike/climb up to the summit of Hermit Peak in New Mexico (10,212ft).

It's a great looking highly adjustable pack with lots of compression straps. There aren't many pockets which sure would have come in handy for easy access to snacks, compass, maps etc... There is a pouch attachment that I might get but it looks a cumbersome.

I got the hip belt molded which I think helped make this pack more comfortable. It's free at REI and makes a difference so I would recommend it.

I gave this pack 4 stars instead of 5 because of the lack of easily accessible pockets. Otherwise I think this pack is great.

Comments about Osprey Aether 70 Pack:

I loved this backpack. It got amazing reviews and I was sold immediately on all of the features. I tried it on and was comfy, but still required some adjustments. So I went w/ it and upgraded at home to the larger belt. One downside - you may size one way in the pack, but need to up/downgrade separately w/ a new ISOFORM belt. It still was not 100% convincing. Despite my love of all the features including seamless hydration system, J-Zip access, belt loops, and more, and recognizing the rave reviews from others, I had to return it. I exchanged for an Arc-Teryx Altra 75. I guess it was inevitable as I was downsizing from an Arc Teryx Bora 95 and knew the feel of that pack. I wanted something more affordable and a few more features, but in the end what got me was the waist belt - It kept digging funny into my hips and worse my tail bone. Saw similar complaints by a few others so I knew it wasn't just me. Just never felt right. Sad to let it go and never get it on the trail, but think the Arc Teryx was the way to go. Still, check out the Aether, it is a great pack and might do well by you. It really is a great pack. Still wish it worked for me.

Comments about Osprey Aether 70 Pack:

Just got back from a weeklong winter hike with this pack. It held everything I needed and rode very comfortably. My only complaint is that I wish I'd been able to select the hipbelt and harness sizes independently. I fit a medium harness and on the trail I found the medium hipbelt to be too big for me.

Comments about Osprey Aether 70 Pack:

Just purchased this as my Christmas Present from the wife. ;) Was excited to see a few updates.

1. Comes in more colors than just those shown on the website. Not just the "I'm bright, so buy me" colors. I went to the local Houston store and got the only one they had which was in dark blue (midnight blue) similar to last year's model.

2. It's confirmed. That's a front loading zipper you see in the picture. It's now a top/front loader! However be advised it adds a little weight to the overall pack. (Up to 5 lbs. from 4lbs. 8-12oz's.) now but totally worth it in my opinion for the shear ability to quickly access packed items in the interior of your pack. Osprey finally crossed the weight threshold for this addition and I'm glad they did. There are lighter packs for you folks who have to go lighter, so move along. ;)

Haven't used it out yet, but wanted to clarify some questions I originally had when this pack came out recently. Hope it helps those yet to purchase. Enjoy!

Service and delivery comments:

Customer service was great as usual at REI! Dude's comment was "Let me know if I can answer anymore questions, I'm here to help you guys have fun!". Thought that was uber cool along with great advice and excitement for Osprey's newest pack.

Comments about Osprey Aether 70 Pack:

I have the 2009 version. I have used it for 2 to 4 day backpacking trips with loads up to 30 lb.

I found the pack to be well made, light and comfortable for the loads that I carry. The vented back panel works well in warm conditions. The pack expands or compresses well to match the load. The sleeping bag compartment is ample in size with a removable divider that converts the pack into a single large compartment. The stretchy front pocket is handy for a rain jacket. The side pockets fit a bottled water container. The sleeping pad straps work great.

On the downside, the pack has features that are not functional but add to the weight and cost. There are 34 webbing fasteners! The removable top compartment works as a fanny pack but you must remove the hip belt and reattach it to the top compartment. Too much fuss. Because the zipper on the top compartment is positioned to work as a fanny pack, it causes the contents spill out when used in its normal position on the pack. I resorted to using a stuff sack for the contents of the top compartment. I don't use the hydration compartment.

Because the shoulder harness is attached with Velcro, I was advised never to lift the pack by the shoulder straps. But I have found that the people who load the packs onto passenger ferries grab the shoulder harness.

Overall, the pack works well for short trips and loads up to 30 lb. If you want a pack for extended trips or heavier loads, I would recommend a larger pack with a more robust suspension.