Osprey Aether 70 Pack - '09 Closeout

Comments about Osprey Aether 70 Pack - '09 Closeout:

Took this pack to a Winter Trip to Nicaragua and Costa Rica and it performed great. I had it loaded down with about 50 lbs of gear and really couldn't really feel it. I wouldn't advise putting much more than that in there as it probably isn't reinforced enough to handle it.

It was a life saver especially when foot crossing the border into Costa Rica as it was a muddy mess.

A tip, if you are checking it at an airport, buy a cheap large duffle bag and that you are able to lock, and shove it fully packed into the duffle. Higher end gear like this has a tendency to walk away at bag claim, and the Airlines wont cover damage to the bags, only the contents, so if you pack it into another bag, you can cover yourself. Also, this helps prevent damage to the straps and buckles.

Comments about Osprey Aether 70 Pack - '09 Closeout:

I hiked many miles in this great pack. The hip belt and frame were very comfortable. Proceed with caution when maxing this pack down with weight. When you get over 50 lbs., the sidebars(frame) are more likely to break when moving quickly. I did that on two separate occasions, but Osprey's and rei's customer service replaced them with no problems.

Comments about Osprey Aether 70 Pack - '09 Closeout:

IMO, a great all around pack for the weight for the money. It's not over-built, so the weight stays down, but don't look for a jillion pockets on the outside. I have used it on treks up to a week and would call the capacity just right...my style is light as possible but not minimalist. I've used mine 30+ nights per year for ~ 3 years...durability is OK but not cast iron, but the company has readily replaced parts (one buckle and the shoulder harness) at no charge. I wish the top panel zipper was on the back instead of the front, but that's a minor gripe (top converts to a belt pack but I've never used this function).

Comments about Osprey Aether 70 Pack - '09 Closeout:

I have used this pack for 2 full seasons of backpacking and find it to be an exceptional pack. It is lightweight and highly adjustable. Most of my trips are 2 or 3 days/nights. I can stuff ample gear and food without a minimalist approach.

My only complaint is the pack could a few external pockets for easy access items. Osprey does offer a add on day pack you can strap on which has solved this problem for me.

Comments about Osprey Aether 70 Pack - '09 Closeout:

I got this pack 2 years ago when i first started backpacking. Ive had the same pack since i started, while many of my friends have gone back to switch out packs. I recommend this pack to every one of them that go back, and the ones that take my advice are super happy with the decision. The padding on the back is awesome and allows for good airflow. Everything packs really nicely and the material allows for some stretch when packing your gear. The REI i got this from actually pulled the belt out and put it in the osprey oven to heat it up, then molded it to my waist. It feels amazing when it goes on now, like an extension of my body. Another great feature is the top part of the pack detaches and converts, rather nicely, to a day pack for little side hikes on your trip. It eliminates the weight of carrying a separate day pack with you when you hike. This is an all-around great pack and I would highly recommend this to anyone that asked.

Comments about Osprey Aether 70 Pack - '09 Closeout:

I did some comparison shopping & found the quality of the Osprey to be very good, & I didn't have to drop $400. I like the add ons you can get to customize your Osprey collection. The price beat everything out there for what you get.It is extremely comfortable with the custom molding. Holds good weight (I pack heavy, usually in the 50+ pound range).For what I need, along with the great pricing [...], this was the best deal going & I am thrilled.

Comments about Osprey Aether 70 Pack - '09 Closeout:

Very good quality pack for the money. Not ultra light, but light enough and sturdy enough to load 45lbs and carry all day. Not too many unnecessary features.I take my kids backpacking for long weekends and carry a lot. It all fits and carries well.[...]

Comments about Osprey Aether 70 Pack - '09 Closeout:

Just got this last week on sale and I am a 5' 2" woman. I've had 2 packs before this and none of them fit as well as this one. I loaded 2 large Nalgene bottles with water to the Dual-entry side mesh pockets and put on the pack - I could not feel the weight of them. This was without adjusting the tie down straps on the back, amazing. When I carry that water in my Northface Recon day pack and the weight always strains my back. Next, I added a gallon jug of water in the middle, which was 75% full, could barely feel the weight. Amazing! I can't wait to take this out and will update this review when I use it in field conditions. For [$], it's last year's model, I'd recommend to anyone, especially short in stature women and men. Only drawback is the waist belt could be a bit smaller. [...]