How to Choose a Backpack

Whether you're tackling a summit or headed out on a cushy weekend trip filled with creature comforts, the Osprey Aether Plus 100 pack is a large-volume workhorse for your grandest adventures.
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Imported.
View the Osprey Aether Product LineView all Osprey Backpacking PacksFrame Type | Internal Frame |
---|---|
Gear Capacity (L) | S/M: 98 liters L/XL: 100 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | S/M: 5,980 cubic inches L/XL: 6,102 cubic inches |
Weight | S/M: 6 lbs. 6 oz. L/XL: 6 lbs. 11 oz. |
Adjustable Torso Length | Yes |
Fits Waist/Hips | S/M: 28-50 inches L/XL: 30-55 inches |
Number of Stays | 1 peripheral hoop |
Pack Access | Top/Front |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 9 + main compartment |
Best Use | Backpacking |
Fits Torso Length (in.) | S/M: 17-20.5 inches L/XL: 19.5-23 inches |
Material(s) | 210-denier high-tenacity nylon (bluesign® approved) |
Frame Material | 4.0 mm LightWire aluminum |
Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
Sleeping Bag Compartment | Yes |
Raincover Included | Yes |
Hipbelt Pockets | Yes |
Removable Daypack | Yes |
Dimensions | S/M: 32 x 17 x 16 inches L/XL: 34 x 17 x 16 inches |
Gender | Men's |
Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria |
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I really love this pack! Unfortunately BOTH lower tension straps torn loose on my third training hike with this pack, loaded at 53 pounds for an upcoming one week backcountry excursion. Seems to me, that a better alternative, would be to have the lower tension straps attached to pack frame, like the top straps are; instead of a weak piece of stretch fabric that is now tearing loose. I will send it in for repairs, hoping that this was a singular fail in the production line, and not more wide spread. I have purchased three identical packs. So far, this is the only one we are having issues with.
I bought this earlier this year for backpacking. it's super comfy even with 70lbs of gear, I feel like I can walk all day. the stretch water bottle pockets will still fit a water bottle/tent poles even if you've stuffed the main sack. My only complaint is the daylid, which has two failings. When using it as a lid, the nylon+plastic straps attaching it to the lid don't hold their place at all when opening the lid. After much frustration I cleared out the lid save for a single Anker battery pack. When opening the lid to access the main pack, gravity would immediately tug on the straps and max out their length. Basically, you have to readjust the lid straps every time you open or close the bag from the top pocket. When using the daylid as a day pack, for some reason they don't use the buckles on the aforementioned lid to secure the pop-out shoulder straps to the bag. instead, the buckles hang free, while the shoulder straps use a plastic "nub". This nub goes into a Paracord like loop at the bottom of the bag, and is secured by gravity. This loop is not particularly tight fitting to the plastic nub, and I've had it fall out on me a few times. Looking back on it I might have gone with the Gregory Baltoro if I had to chose again. Still, it's a great pack, but for $400 you'd think the lid would be better designed.
First of this is a very good pack and can handle a heavy load.. But it's also a bit of everything; travelling pack, multi day pack. Experdision pack? While the fit on the fly carry system is exultant and the padding is very comfortable there a lot of unnecessary Weight in this 3.4kg for an experdision pack. Could easily louse 1kg from between the hood and zips etc.. then this would be a fantastic multi week expedition pack. All that said still one of the best out there...
I was excited about this bag, especially as it's difficult to find large bags this right now. While yes, it is covered under the lifetime gurantee, and I will be sending it in to be fixed, I busted the plastic tightening strap on the rightside MAIN backpack strap, immediately after opening it, with literally no weight in the pack. It's clear that Osprey not only saved a buck designing this bag in the cheap plastic clips they've attached, but they also designed the strap to be unusable without it. I would rather have spent this ridiculous amount of money on two smaller bags at Dueter. I'm profoundly displeased.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] It is a great pack built very well and comfortable I love the size as I can carry a lot of gear to accommodate my family would recommend for sure it fits great and handles the weight awesome. Shipping was super fast and I would highly recommend
I bought this rucksack for the pacific crest trail, as soon as I landed in California the belt clip snapped. Absolutely disgraceful. Had to spend 2 days gluing it back together and it still won’t hold. Cheap nasty crap.
This pack has all the bells and whistles. It’s super comfortable and easy to adjust and pack. It packs very well no matter what weight you put in it. While I personally enjoy long haul hikes it also packes very well for shorter adventures. Highly recommend
I've had this pack for 4+ years now. I take it on a couple backpacking trips a year on average and some day hikes where I'm carrying more than normal. It's always fit everything I need. I've carried a large tandem packraft and paddles with it (alpacka forager). I've hiked 30 miles of the Kesugi Ridge Trail with it. The most notable use I think was for a caribou hunt I did a couple years ago on the Denali Highway. I packed out a cow caribou including all meat and 4 quarters bone in and the hide with my other knives and day pack type gear 5 miles down a mountain side and back to the parking lot via the trail. Roughly 100lbs. No buckles broke or came undone under tension, no rips, straps worked well to keep the load secure and close to my body. It only creaked and groaned a bit under that load, but otherwise performed well especially for not being a hunting pack. I would buy again!
66 yr old short woman, and I love the ease of this pack and the great comfort of the carry. I like a bear vault, and no trouble packing it in this. Makes it easy to deal with winter layers and days of food. All my gear is ultralight except this pack, and I don't mind the weight when it comes with comfort and stability.
Absolutely brilliant pack, can’t fault at all. By far the best bag I’ve ever owned. I thought I’d give osprey a try and they have out done themselves on this pack. Price is steep but for a pack like this you can tell it’s pure quality. Very pleased 🙌