How to Choose a Backpack
Osprey Aether 60 Pack
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This bestselling pack now features an updated design and a stiff, well-padded hipbelt. The light weight, support and highly customizable fit stays amazingly comfortable mile after mile.
Shop similar products- Custom-moldable, anatomically contoured hipbelt balances firmness and cushioning for optimal support and comfort
- Osprey certified custom molding is available in most REI stores—check your local store for a custom hipbelt molding oven
- Back panel is lined with flat spacer mesh for a smooth and breathable contact surface
- Peripheral frame effectively transfers weight to the hipbelt; single 6061-T6 aluminum center stay helps maintain back panel shape
- Top-loading main compartment can also be accessed through a curved side zipper on the front of the pack body; wide-mouth sleeping bag compartment is easy to load and unload
- Top lid converts to lumbar pack with a built-in belt
- External hydration sleeve in the back panel simplifies refilling and helps protect pack contents from spills (hydration reservoir sold separately)
- Large stretch-mesh front pocket makes it easy to quickly stash and access extra gear
- Zippered hipbelt pockets and dual-access stretch-mesh side pockets provide secure storage and organization
- The Osprey Aether 60 pack features dual side compression straps, removable sleeping pad straps, trekking pole attachment and 2 ice-axe loops and handle wraps
| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Frame Type | Internal Frame |
| Adjustable Torso Length | Yes |
| Material(s) | Ripstop nylon/nylon oxford |
| Frame Material | HDPE framesheet/metal alloy peripheral frame |
| Number of Stays | 1 aluminum center stay |
| Pack Access | Top / front |
| Number of Exterior Pockets | 6 + main compartment |
| Sleeping Bag Compartment | Yes |
| Gender | Unisex |
Buying Advice
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
Just What I Needed For Backpacking
MatthewHowell11 years ago
I bought an older model of the Osprey Aether 60 about two and half years ago. My brother and I were preparing to get back into backpacking, and we had a trip along the Rogue River Trail planned out. I researched quite a bit, like I do for all of my gear, and came across the Osprey Aether. For myself, I was looking for a strong, durable, easy to load, multi day pack, that had enough pockets for separating my gear, as well as straps to either add gear to, or use them to compress the pack for shorter trips. This pack was perfect for all of that.
Since that first trip along the Rogue River Trail, I have started an outdoor group, and gone on numerous backpacking and overnight snow camping trips. My pack has been with me each and every time. It holds all my gear, I can keep gear seperated for quick and easy access, and it allows me to strap my tent to it easily using the "straight jacket" straps.
Some features for the Osprey Aether that I enjoy are the three "straight jacket" straps along the back. I like having them for carrying my tent on the back, as well as a great way to carry my snow shovel and snowshoes on winter snow camping trips. Also, the "J zip" is very useful. Once I have reached camp and have my tent set up, I can simply lay my backpack down and grab gear out using the "J zip", which allows quick and easy access to the main compartment.
The Aether 60 is large enough to hold my sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cooking set, water filter, clothing for several days, food and my ten essentails. It's a great backpack and I would definitely recommend it to others seeking a durable multi day backpack.
MatthewHowell
Eugene, Oregon
41 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Comfy, but not with a bear canister.
modestpace11 years ago
I purchased the Aether 60 (small) primarily on comfort and the ability to adjust every part of the bag to my personal fit. Being a short male, this pack fit just fine. If you are considering a smaller pack and do not require a bear canister, You should definitely try this on in a store.
If you do need a bear canister, that's where things get tricky. I bought a Bearvault 450 from REI. I ended up using the side entrance because the can's diameter seemed larger than the vertical opening. the fit was quite snug, and it also left no room for my all of my tent to be packed inside the bag. I was interested in taking longer trips, so I went ahead and purchased the Aether 70.
If I was going travelling across the country/countries, or going backpacking without a can, I would definitely keep this. However if you need a bear canister, I would highly suggest getting the 70L version.
I would like to give it a 4/5 based on comfort, but I don't want anyone else to make the same mistake as I did.
modestpace
CA
17 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
GabrielRobles
Salt Lake City, UT, United States
Best product I've ever invested in.
8 years ago
First of all, the REI employees helped me try on multiple bags with enthusiasm unmatched anywhere. After throwing weight in each of the bags, the Osprey Aether 60 was my final choice. I was worried I would not be able to fit everything in the bag because before, I owned a Tioga 80 (pretty sure they don't make them anymore). Most of my trips are done during the winter in the Eastern Sierras and last about 4-7 days and I am able to fit everything I need. Just this past weekend I was climbing Mt Timpanogos, Utah, a 36 mile round trip starting at Battle Creek Falls Trailhead, and finished in 3 days. I used to be able to only go at most 6 miles a day because my back and shoulders would hurt so badly. Definitely the best purchase I've ever made anywhere.
Yes , I recommend this product
Zerospin
Portland, OR, United States
Well designed multi day pack
8 years ago
I purchased this pack for use on a 3 day section hike of the PCT. It was custom fitted at my local REI and was easy to tweak the fit on trail. The hip belt carried the weight very well, and didn't poke or prod me, despite my 36 waist. Of note, the top pouch pocket doubles as a day pack, but does not have an underside pocket, which made storing smaller items rattle around. Also the water pocket slightly distorts the back padding if you have more than two liters in the bladder. Not uncomfortable, forced me to reshuffle the pack's contents for a perfect fit. I would highly recommend this pack for any long weekend or muli-day backpacking adventure! It's features to price make for great value! Cheers and happy trails!
Yes , I recommend this product
Mike
Virginia
Amazing Pack
8 years ago
Had this pack a little over a year. Had it out on several multi-day trips. This pack is very comfortable and you can't go wrong with the Osprey brand. I don't baby this pack. I trust Osprey and I know they stand behind their products with a fantastic warranty. Are there lighter packs out there? Sure. But every person I've encountered on the trail that carries the UL frameless type pack has holes in their bag. I bought this bag knowing I will have it for years to come. Great investment. Pros: Very comfortable, plenty of space and storage pockets, great hip belt, Osprey warranty Cons: on the heavy side
Yes , I recommend this product
Dan P
Nampa, ID
Great Pack for This Old Guy!
3 years ago
I purchased the Aether 60 backpack almost six years ago and love it. It's primary use has been for -week trips which is perfect for me as I'm not a long distance hiker. It has plenty of compartments and hard points to pack gear and make it easily accessible. Things I like about it are the easy H2O bladder access which is between the frame and pack, the side pockets on the waist belt for quick access for camera and snacks, and best of all and very subjective of course, how comfortable it is while hiking. For cleaning, Osprey recommends using NIKWAX Tech Wash which is what I've used and it takes about half an hour for me to soak, wash, rinse, and hang to dry. I did not purchase the outer rain cover but instead, use a kitchen trash bag as an inner liner which has worked just fine. I got caught in a downpour while hiking the Kalalau Trail and although the pack was soaked, all the contents were dry. Three years since it's last use (life happened) I've brought it out of storage and am using it again here in Idaho and later this year, back to Hawaii. I'll be 67 in a few days and have gotten myself into better shape than I was when I first used the pack, so, it's exciting to be making plans not only for this year but for next as well with both Hawaii (again) and Great Britain in my sites!
Age:65–74
Yes , I recommend this product
MatthewHowell
Eugene, Oregon
Just What I Needed For Backpacking
11 years ago
I bought an older model of the Osprey Aether 60 about two and half years ago. My brother and I were preparing to get back into backpacking, and we had a trip along the Rogue River Trail planned out. I researched quite a bit, like I do for all of my gear, and came across the Osprey Aether. For myself, I was looking for a strong, durable, easy to load, multi day pack, that had enough pockets for separating my gear, as well as straps to either add gear to, or use them to compress the pack for shorter trips. This pack was perfect for all of that. Since that first trip along the Rogue River Trail, I have started an outdoor group, and gone on numerous backpacking and overnight snow camping trips. My pack has been with me each and every time. It holds all my gear, I can keep gear seperated for quick and easy access, and it allows me to strap my tent to it easily using the "straight jacket" straps. Some features for the Osprey Aether that I enjoy are the three "straight jacket" straps along the back. I like having them for carrying my tent on the back, as well as a great way to carry my snow shovel and snowshoes on winter snow camping trips. Also, the "J zip" is very useful. Once I have reached camp and have my tent set up, I can simply lay my backpack down and grab gear out using the "J zip", which allows quick and easy access to the main compartment. The Aether 60 is large enough to hold my sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cooking set, water filter, clothing for several days, food and my ten essentails. It's a great backpack and I would definitely recommend it to others seeking a durable multi day backpack.
Yes , I recommend this product
jmrking11
Monteagle, TN
Love it!
11 years ago
We are just getting started so we went to REI to check out what they had. I had searched online looking for a "deal". What I learned with the amazing staff and trying on many packs, that there was no way to purchase a pack online and there was no settling for 2nd best. We have started going on day hikes to get a feel for the bag and to figure out the best strategy for backpacking with our family (with a 10 and 3 year old it is going to take special planning). What I have figured out is that I wouldn't trade this bag for ANYTHING. I LOVE It. I am a 5'7" woman with an athletic build, so we went to the men's bags to get a wider space in the shoulder straps. I love the thumb pulls on the hip pouches. I love the exterior space for the bladder. I love all of the compression straps to keep everything still and tight. I love how adjustable it is. After a little time playing around with it I was able to find the perfect height and adjustment. I also love that I haven't had any trouble finding places to hook things to the outside. If I could make a perfect bag better, the only other thing I would add to it, is one or two more exterior pouches on the bag, but I am not complaining.
Yes , I recommend this product
mike n ike
santa ana, CA
Worth every penny!
11 years ago
First of all, i am a 5'6" 120lbs 29" waist guy and the small fit perfectly. Hip belt: Its very hard to find a pack for us small guys where the hip straps actually fit without cinching all the way down. The hip belt is amazing, I never had sore hips with the new padding and the hip pockets are large enough to fit a larger point and shoot camera (canon s100 in my case). Suspension: Ive never had an issue with the shoulder straps; no digging into the side of the neck or anything. load lifters- perfect. I do like the new external hydration bladder. If you use the osprey brand bladder, it shouldnt bludge out too much since it has a hard panel. Lower back is padded nicely and fills the lumbar region. This extra padding does come at the weight cost (WELL WELL worth it in my opinion). Zippers and straps: All zippers function smoothly although I can do without the large J zipper. In theory its nice but if you organize/plan well you wont ever have to use it (wont be deducting stars since I knew that when purchasing). Also, I can do without the red internal compression strap and sleeping bag compartment divider.How often does a sleeping bag fit perfectly into that region anyways? Overall quality: EXCELLENT! yes the material is thicker and heavier but it will last you a very long time. Additional comments: The fanny pack top lid conversion is nice. I use it when busing and carry all my essentials with me while the rest of my pack goes into the storage region. The buckles for the fanny pack can also replace the hip belt buckles if those ever fail. A rain cover might be nice, once the pack gets wet... it will remain so for some time. oh yeah.... OSPREY WARRANTY - enough said. Enjoy the pack I know I will
Yes , I recommend this product
crosscut
Monterey
Comments about Osprey Aether 60 Pack:
11 years ago
As a wilderness Ranger/ Trail Crew boss I found this to be a great work pack. There are straps where I need them so it is easy to attach my crosscut saw, radio, axe and easy access to wedges, first aid kit and saw tools. You don't need to go to the main compartment to re-fill your water bladder; you simply pull out the water bladder from just behind the shoulder straps without having to remove anything from your pack. The pack is very comfortable with very heavy loads when I am hauling out thoughtless visitor's trash. This pack is a little heavy, I always recommend that hikers never use a pack that weighs over three pounds, but if you are working or would like to help by packing out heavy loads of trash from the wilderness this is a good pack. Thumbs Up!
Yes , I recommend this product
lostmexican3
Renton, Washington
I'm impressed.
11 years ago
I bought this pack to replace my 7 year old Jansport Carson 90. The two are hard to compare, since they are such different styles of packs. However, I can honestly say, this has to be one of the best purchases Ive made in a while. The range of room is incredible. And the compression straps are placed so well, that even if you pack light, you can still use this pack, and have a fairly compact pack. The easy access and extra pockets are great. Especially the ones on the hipstrap. As far as the actual frame goes, I cant think of any pack that has fit me this well. I will be taking this on a 50-mile later this summer, and from the small amount of conditioning ive done with it so far, I know its going to be a breeze. Thanks Osprey for making such a great product, and thanks REI for carrying quality gear.
Yes , I recommend this product
Achilles on the AT
Boca Raton, Florida
Comfort and Space
9 years ago
I have used this pack for 5 trips of about 6 nights each on the AT. After 3 days, I almost forget that I am wearing this backpack usually weighing 35 pounds, including water and food. Easily adjusts shoulders, hip and chest belts. I like that has a special compartment for my sleeping bag. I like that I can put ready to get things in the top compartment such as toilet paper/wipes, headlamp, etc. Hip belts have small compartments for camera, energy bars, etc. It is a hydration pack so I use my 3 liter to drink when I want. Maybe would like a lighter pack. AT Trail Name - "Maverick"
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