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Backpacks over the years have changed quite drastically. I remember my first pack was made by MEI and the hip belt was about 5 inches thick. I used it for a couple years then moved up to a Dana Designs. After two Rainier trips, numerous week long jaunts, the Dana was ceremoniously retired. My backpack buying journey has stopped with the Osprey Aether. Nothing beats the comfort and technology of this pack.
Osprey Aether
The lifetime guarantee sets Osprey a part from the other guys. Gear gets trashed, they get it. Their price may be a little high but the construction and comfort make it worth it. Osprey also focused on cutting weight on this pack which you can tell when you first try it on. There is nothing extra but everything you need.
HoliGEAR Pick
If the person you are shopping for this season has everything, upgrading to the Aether might be a safe bet. The bells and whistles on this pack will impress even the uber tough outdoorsy peeps. My favorite part of this pack is the lycra stretch pouch on the mid section for stuffing a rain jacket or lunch. I use this pouch for EVERYTHING and I’m amazed it hasn’t worn out.
When to use the Osprey Aether
This is your step above the minimalist option. Notice the pack doesn’t have the cute little hip belt pouches or water bottle pouches on the side. This is for someone who has been around the block and knows what they like. Having a dedicated sleeping bag pouch separates this from a Gregory Z packs or other minimalist options.
You can get a 85 liter if you are the pack horse in your crew. Personally for that capacity I would probably move over to the Argon series by Osprey. When you get into those 70-90 lb packs the curved design on the Argon is really what you want. Despite a little extra added weight. The Argon has more of a custom fit then the Aether. Just depends on what you are up to.
The Aether’s slimmed down design also makes it great if you get into thick bush or have to scramble sections of a hike. I really liked how I could move easily because the pack sits very close to the body. The outside of the pack doesn’t have excessive straps or pockets that snag on branches. I haven’t had the chance yet, but I’ve heard this also makes a great alpine pack.
The Not so Hot Back Panel
Airscape is a design Osprey is using on most of their packs, including the Aether. I did a test on a hike this summer and you could literally see the difference in sweat stains on everyones back. The Airscape was amazing how much less sweat showed up on my back and others that tried it. I’d post pictures but… yeah I think I’m good.
Check out the Osprey Aether
The reverse cinch waist strap is also a huge improvement if you are still on the fence. Not to mention you can cook the waist belt to get a custom fit.
BUY NOW: The Osprey Aether Backpack.
;)
How does this compare to the Osprey Atmos series?
Atmos is entry level, Aether is next up, Argon is the mamma jamma.
It’s really how much design is put into comfort and suspension. The atmos is great though, you really don’t get a junky pack from Osprey these days, just depends on how experienced you are and how picky you are.
I picked up the Atmos 65 liter (http://www.gear.com/p/osprey-packs-atmos-65-backpack) but the sleeping bag compartment really seems way too small for my regular-size montbell. I have to undo the divider between the sleeping bag compartment and the main compartment, and my sleeping bag ends up taking up half of that. Put my Marmot tent into the main compartment along with my Jetboil and I barely have room left to pack food, much less a change of socks. Wondering if that’s normal…maybe I’m just not as good at ‘backpack tetris’ as others when trying to fit everything in. Also, is there a compression sack you would recommend so I can shrink the space my bag takes up that way?
I always go with Granite Gear compression sacks, been using them for years and they are super durable. My big bang theory Mountain Hardwear down bag shrinks down to nothing in those bags. Also use compression bags for clothing and tents, people forget those aren’t just for sleeping bags.
That sounds about right with the Atmos. And maybe I should change my wording from entry-level to more of a minimalist pack. I said entry level because for someone starting out it’s easy to handle.
I’ve tried the no-sleeping bag compartment packs and I just have too much stuff. It’s really hard to get around it especially when you have a Montbell which should compact down super small. Also check out Sea To summit compression bags. Their stuff is cool for sure and made with eVent.
I got the Aether 60 last year, and have loved it. I totally know what you mean about he gear pouch in the front. Amazed how much stuff you can stick in there. Great pack.