How to Choose a Backpack

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This lightweight mountaineering pack features a custom-moldable hipbelt and a streamlined design for backcountry pursuits.
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Frame Type | Internal Frame |
---|---|
Weight | 4 lbs. 10 oz. |
Adjustable Torso Length | Yes |
Fits Waist/Hips | 30 - 34 inches |
Number of Stays | 2 |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 2 + main compartment |
Best Use | Backpacking |
Fits Torso Length (in.) | 18 - 20.5 inches |
Material(s) | Nylon double-ripstop |
Frame Material | HDPE/aluminum |
Sleeping Bag Compartment | Yes |
Gender | Unisex |
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A (former) devotee of framepacks, I did not think this would carry weight as well or be as cool - but, to my surprise, it is. And I also have better balance. I also thought I'd miss all the pockets that framepacks have - but I don't. It was designed properly, well built, using quality materials, and, once set for me, easy to use. I like the removable top pocket to use for day trips - it could be easier to set up, but it is no big deal to use it as designed. It holds all I need for 2-5 days trips and it weighs under 5lbs without resorting to flimsy materials. A BIG thumbs up! It's been through the paces in Arizona, Washington, Nevada and NY.
This thing seems to cut into your hips and sides if you over load it. I had about 46 lbs in it , and it is not designed for that. My girl friend tryed the same one and hers cut in to with 35 lbs in it. Also the shoulder pads are very narrow. All of this makes short hikes ok but long hikes unbarable. Alot of unnecessary hurt for a slght design flaw. What I did after that trip is we both got the REI RIDGElINE. Supprising enough a cheaper pack but very well made keeps the load more stable. When your pack swishes too much it causes alot of discomfort for long hikes. So light loads and maybe this pack will do better.
I just bought the aether 70 last week and got to really give it a true break in test of three days in the talladega national forest near cheaha park.I was carrying 40 lbs and the bag begged for more. I am a beginner backpacker, so Im sure 40 lbs is heavy in any bag, but you can tell osprey puts their money in their r & d to make this bag so enjoyable to wear. My good friend had his old external frame backpack and complained of hip pain and back pain. REI has it on sale which makes it even better. Only thing I see different from the new model is the lack of trekking poles. I also own the osprey stratos 24 which is a great daypack btw
The Aether is simply a fantastic pack. It's both lightweight and comfortable with a back panel that provides a great deal of ventilation while still offering excellent stability. The pack swallows tons of gear for multi-day pursuits but can shrink down small enough for a quick weekend jaunt as well thanks to a very smart strap set-up. The removable, floating top pocket that detaches to become a lumbar pack is great for storing gear on water runs or other quick jaunts from camp. There might be better packs out there for specific technical purposes, but for the price it's pretty hard to beat the Aether in terms of weight, comfort, versatility or design.
I have backpacked for over 30 years. I bought this pack last spring, put over 100 miles on it this summer on weekend wilderness adventures in the Cascades. It is by far the most comfortable pack I have every owned. It balances the load easily with a few strap adjustments. I carried between 28-34 pounds depending on how much water I had on board. The open sack makes it easy to stuff sleeping bag, tent, pad, clothes and other esentials inside. I would suggest purchasing a few stuff sacks to use inside to keep things organized. Buy it.
Tried on many packs. Seriously considered Atmos. I'm glad I opted for the extra comfort of the Aether, even though it adds extra weight. I would like more pockets and better access like the Atmos. Other makes have their plush, comfort models, but not at this weight. Considered Arcteryx, but price and weight were too much. Osprey uses a good combination of engineering and materials to make the pack extremely comfortable without the plush, cushy padding that the others use. Also, this pack is one of the few that will truly fit a short person. I require a 16- 17" pack; the waist belt adjusts a lot more than they claim.
I have the Aether 85 but it is only the big brother of the Aether 70. I had 34lbs of gear for a three day trip. My conclusion is that it is well balanced, the air circulation in the back work and works well. The balance of the pack is excellent. Getting access to your gear is simple. The hip belt is the key and it works amazing well. It will shift and hold the weight of the pack as you move with out any discomfort. I did not feel any burn on my hip or tention. I picked up the Aether 85 for a simple reason, I wanted to extra space for a bear canister. The weight increase, cost and size increase was a no brainier.
This is one amazing pack. this summer i traveled all around europe with a tour group that consisted of a bunch of my friends, this back pack helped me get around because it held all the clothes that i needed for my 17 day trip (wearing only a few things more than once) and it helped me because in europe not everywhere has elevators and while all my friends had to carry their bags uncofortably i carried a 30 lb bag with ease. the heat formed waist strap was an amazing help and extreamly comfertable. this pack dose not have a ton of pockets but i really am organized and like to keep things seperate but if you are looking for a great extended trip pack i would say that there is none better.
This pack has at all... Very lightweight, yet durable enough to carry heavy loads, and provide enough storage for longer trips. I have used this pack on day trips, as well multi-day mountaineering climbs with 50+ pounds, and I am amazed at how well it carries heavy loads, for being such a light weight 70 liter pack. In my opinion this is best pack on the market. Osprey has really made something outstanding here. Comfort is very subjective, and the pack is very adjustable. I did however make an upgrade on the hip belt, which I would recommend to anyone that will be carrying heavier loads.
This is a great pack! Highly Adjustable with a form fitting hip belt that is easy to tighten. I just got back in August (07) from a 7 day Grand Canyon Adventure which put the pack to the test. I found it handled well and was a great travel companion. It is important to remember that this pack is not made to bring everything including the kitchen sink. You will want to choose your gear accordingly. I recommend this pack for weekend adventures or long 3 season hikes of up to 7 days between re-resupply or journey home. Im not sure I could get the neccessary gear in this pack for a 10 day winter trek. However I will not want to leave home without it on weekend adventures anywhere I travel.