Osprey Packs Aether 70 Backpack- 4000-4400cu in - 2007 BCS

I got this pack for a four day trip and loved it... Given that I got stuck carrying all the heavy stuff in the group I had to do some adjusting on the trail, but when I got it fitting correctly it was great. It is large enough to bring that extra jacket, and has pockets and clips for everything you need. Make sure you get the right size, but otherwise I have no complaints as the pack is very well designed.

used it for an entire year in the backcountry of alaska - winter spring summer fall winter, and then again on a year-long climbing trip in asia. everything is still in good shape! it distributes weight really well (given that the pack fits ur torso and you pack properly), and all the buckles/straps are extremely useful where they are. comfortable and lightweight for the amount of padding and size of pack. i can't imagine needing a bigger pack.

I've had nothing but great experiences with this pack. It's a perfect size for a two day to 5 day trip. The straps, zippers, and stretch material in the middle all work flawlessly to make you pack nice and tight. I especially like the bottom sleeping bag zipper compartment. It makes for easy packing and unpacking of the bag. I've packed this sucker up with 60+ pounds of camping and photo gear and always been comfortable. The only reason why this isn't getting a full 5 stars is that I think they should have included a rain cover. I wouldn't have minded an additional cost for it and think it's a pain as most people need one. As it is you have to order one for about $40. All in all though, this is a solid pack and you won't regret buying it.

The first pack I ordered had a flaw with a suspension strut. This store had a replacement backpack in 2 days!! Fantastic customer service (takes a lot of the fear away from ordering online). I’ve used the Aether70 in and around the Missouri Ozarks, up Mount Whitney, over the Teton Crest Trail, in and around Sequoia and Kings Canyon – rides well. In order to weight train, I hike around with 65lbs of barbells wrapped in towels. Under this load, the pack is struggling to keep up and it is uncomfortable when compared to larger heavier rigs. My normal hiking load is 25 – 40 lbs (depending on weather – a winter load includes Ice Axe/Crampons/etc) – and at this weight level, the pack works better than anything else I’ve purchased to date. Waist belt wasn’t “heat formed” but I didn’t feel it was necessary – as the belt is very comfortable. Storage was adequate – although for a 4-5 day winter trip – it is too small - need an 85. I actually use the lower compartment for my Tent, stakes, etc and ram my sleeping bag down through the top – which is a single opening. My bear canister (Garcia) fits OK. The top pocket is a little small. I can squeeze in a Nalgene on both sides using the stretch pockets. Other than that there is no additional storage pockets – which would be my only request for an improvement. I would definitely buy another Aether70.

I just converted from my old external frame and I've loved every second of this backpack. It made long heavy treks amazingly better, the weight is still there, but properly adjusted it transfers wonderfully down to your legs.

My only complaint is how tight the water bottle holders are. It has a space for an internal bladder, so drinking water on the trail is easy, but it's almost impossible to get a water bottle back into the compression holders by yourself while still wearing a fully loaded pack.

Besides the water bottle holders, this pack is the best I've ever owned, and all my buddies love it too.

First Ill get the repeat stuff out of the way. Like everybody else, Im impressed with this pack and excited to put it through some serious abuse come spring time. Like others have mentioned, for the price, you think the rain cover could be thrown in. But I digress..
The following is for informational purposes, and should not be attempted without the full understanding of the fact that you may damage your hip belt. That being said, some quick research on the properties of nylon followed by a quick prayer, and I molded my own belt by placing it on a cotton towel inside the oven for 10 minutes while monitoring the temp and keeping it between 175-200*F. Then as the osprey videos suggest, I wore the belt around until it cooled back down. It's now formed perfectly! (Oh, speaking from experience... make certain you put the hip belt on right side up, or you will be repeating the process a second time! haha)Why did I attempt this myself? Because the nearest dealer isnt worth the cost of fuel for something so simple. The oven is clearly little more than an EZ-Bake, so I felt it was worth a carefully monitored chance. I won.

This packs extremely comfortable and lightweight. The pack is well balanced and the frame flexes well so i get no sore spots. The pack has plenty of room for 5 to 7 day hikes if you pack light. Just make sure you get it sized right and distribute the weight evenly between the waist belt and the shoulder straps. Only problem ive found is you will have to remove the pack to access your water bottles which is lame. The bottle pockets are a little tight also.

The Aether 70 is a great all around pack. I am just getting in to backpacking and spent a long time researching and trying on different packs (all said and done - about a year). I wasn't real sure what I needed, but after my investigation I went with this one. It is a comfortable and fairly roomy pack.

So far I have taken it with me on a 3-day trip in WV over very rugged terrain with around a 50lb load. The pack held up great. I was never unable to get the pack to a comfortable position. By adjusting the straps every now and then I was always able to get it comfortable.

I was lacking in the gear department on my trip so I used what I had - a crappy sleeping bag and tent specifically. I packed in a blanket for extra insulation (hey, it was a cold trip!). Because of that I definitely had "too much" gear. My tent, tarp, and pad were strapped to the outside, as was my jacket for the most part while we were on the move. The straps on the bottom and head pocket on the pack made it real easy to strap on what didn't fit inside. The pack still maintained it's comfort and balance very well.

The back panel is supposed to let air flow better around your back. It is much better than having the typical pad type back panel, however I found it to not cool very well. I worked up a good sweat hiking in a T shirt in 40deg temps. I would not consider this to be a drawback, just a heads-up to those expecting it to be an air conditioner.

I found the internal water pouch pocket to not be that useful. By putting my Camelbak in there I would have decreased the capacity in the main compartment and everything would push up against the Camelbak, pressurizing it quite nicely. I just put mine in the kangaroo pouch on the back of the pack instead.

One thing I will note, and a suggestion I will make, is I have the Argon hip belt and shoulder harness for mine also. These make a big difference to me. The extra padding makes heavier loads more comfortable. I will caution, though, that swapping out the harness/belt doesn't increase the load capacity of the pack as a whole. The suspension was designed to hold only a certain amount (as per Osprey's site it shows 50-65lbs as being OK). If you are in that weight range the Argon stuff will make a difference.

I stopped using suitcases/duffel bags when traveling. Now I just use my Aether 70!

For the majority of backpackers this pack will be a great choice. It fits real well, is balanced and comfortable when carrying decent loads, is a good price, and is very versatile.

The Osprey Aether 70 (my wife has the Ariel 65) is a comfortable pack. The IsoForm Custom Molding hip belt is superb and adjusts easily. Simply pull the strap on each side of the belt to quickly and efficiently adjust it. (We did not find it necessary to heat mold the belt. I've talked to a number of people about this; most do not have their belt heat molded. Apparently, the belt will, with time, mold itself to your waist.) The shoulder straps also adjust easily and make a custom fit a snap, especially the ones at the top. We carried these packs fully loaded up steep trails to 10,000 feet with relative ease. There's lots of room. I'm not a big fan (or wasn't at first) of top-loading-only packs. However, if you pack carefully and with a plan, top-loading-only packs work well. I wouldn't complain about adding a zipper down the left or right side of the main compartment, nor would I gripe about the addition of a few outside access pockets (for a stove, fuel bottle, etc.). There are, of course, stretch pockets on each side of the pack, which are convenient and work especially well for Nalgene bottles. The top bag is hyped as a detachable fanny pack. I'm not convinced of its usefulness as a fanny pack--at least not yet. It's kind of a pain to detach. However, it is a great pocket as part of the pack and integrates well as part of the overall design. As with most Osprey packs, there is a plethora ("Jefe, what is a plethora?") of compression straps and more straps. At first I thought that this was a bit too much; however, as I get to know the pack better (How do you do? What can you do for me?) and work with the various features, it all makes sense--every last strap and pull has a purpose and does its job well. The packs appear to be well-made to high standards of quality and attention to detail is obvious. A few brighter colors would be a nice addition to the existing colors. I chose sunburst and my wife chose guava. Overall, we are very pleased with our Osprey Aether and Ariel packs.

I've been using this pack for 3 years and leave the trail with a smile on my face every time. Even loaded with 55lbs of stuff and going 43 miles in 2 days, my feet were the only thing that hurt. The Aether swallows gear like Kobayashi swallows hot dogs. This pack is super comfy and very tough to beat at this price. No, it's not waterproof. Don't expect it to keep your stuff dry in a rainstorm, thats what waterproof stuff sacks or packcovers are for. I paid full price and don't reget it for a second.

A note on the sizing, being a tall thin guy, I had to get a Large, but swap in a medium belt.

If you have had the chance to get fitted for this pack and it's comfortable on your frame, you're gonna be happy with your choice if you go with the Aether 70. Just a well designed, durable, comfortable, full of awesomeness pack.

this is my first new pack in quite some time. i am very pleased. all of the weight sits on the hips. the back pad is great, most comfortable and well ventilated. shoulders never feel any weight. i have found that if you use the water bladder carrier inside the pack the load changes as you drinks. recommend putting the bladder on top or on outside for extended or all-day trips. it is also not necessary to have the waist belt heated and molded. it is comfortable from the start and molds on it own in a few short trips.

i purchased the aether 70 to climb mt rainier this summer. it has a number of really useful features. 1. it is LIGHT but still good capacity 2. It has a removable waist pack that is essentially useless as a waist pack but makes the entire rig without it, even lighter. 3. It has a separate lower compartment for sleeping bag or can be configured without the lower separation. 4. It has a waist belt that can be molded at any dealer to fit your exact hips with your clothing, pants, jackets etc, and can be re-molded 3 times. It's got it all.

My torso was just a hair too long for the womens Ariel 65, so I combined the womens harness with the Aether 70 and bam, my perfect pack was born. The pack hugs my body and carries loads very well, swallowing winter gear with ease and compressing easily when needed. I only wish the pack had a some more pockets to stash smaller items and help with organization.

Best bang for your buck in a big pack. Great features, especially for the weight. Stretch pockets rock my world. Can put kind of a lot of pressure on the hips, it takes a little adjusting and breaking into to get it comfortable, even with the custom molded belt.

Pros: Lightweight, durable (no signs of wear after 2 years of use), hip-belt is extremely comfortable once you get it molded (which I highly recommend!), sleeping bag compartment is perfect (there is an adjustable panel inside separating it from the main compartment), removable top for hip pack is awesome, adjustment straps and stretch outer compartment are perfect, and of course, carries heavy loads like a champ.
Cons: harness not the most comfortable, not extremely weather resistant, only two pockets, water bottle pockets are awkward.
Overall: I've used it for 2 years now, for everything from basic traveling to week+ long backpacking trips and for the price, I am quite satisfied. Once I dial in the harness/suspension just right (and slap on a good rain cover!), I couldn't be happier. Decent pack.

Osprey packs are simply amazing. I have used an external frame pack since the early 90's and switched about 5 years ago to an internal frame. Even some of the higher end Kelty's and Northface packs don't even come close to the carry comfort of these packs. I have the big brother the Aether 85. Even with 60 pounds on my back I can hardly feel it. One good thing about these packs is that they can be custom molded to your waist, and that helps a lot. Even without the custom molding this is still one of the best packs I have ever owned. Not only does it have plenty of room it also cinches down to nothing. It will carry just as much gear an external frame can but in what seems like 1/2 the space. Yes, they are a bit expensive, but if you are into backpacking or even just starting out this would be a great pack for you. I am a tight wad when it comes to money, but an Osprey pack is something I will shell out for.

Bought this almost three years ago to replace Gregory Shasta. Has held up well, Thought it may have been a little too small for our nine day trip (Crabtree Lakes) last summer. I am glad to say that I was wrong, held everything with room to spare. Even carried my bear canister on the inside!

Have found this to me more comfortable than my Shasta and much easier to adjust. Removing the lid to make a waist pack is a bit tedious but still very happy with this pack nonetheless.

Used this back all the time! I've hiked a lot of different hikes around northern and southern Utah. Holds everything I need and more!

This pack is great. It has every strap and place to attach things that you will ever need. the detachable fanny pack is pretty cool and not as difficult to put together as I had thought. The sleeping pad straps will fit every pad size I have. I use North Face's "Cat's Meow" sleeping bag and it fits in the sleeping bag compartment but just barely. It is a real tight fit. I also recommend purchasing the osprey raincover, the large one. The rain cover will fit over sleeping pad and just about anything that you have attached to your bag. I will carry an Osprey bag forever because of this product.

Finally upgraded from my old Kelty external pack (we've been together for 20 years)MAN what a difference!!!! Light, tough, custom fit, everything you could want. It even has the option of hanging your water bladder inside the pack (insulates in winter to keep from freexing), or outside between the pack and suspention webbing to keep cool in summer. I strongly recommend that you do not buy any pack, day, tech, or extended backpacking until you try on an Osprey. You won't be disapointed.

great all around pack... unfortunately, I have two complaints - 1. one of the pockets that hold the water bottles tore open slightly at the seam 2. didnt hold up very well in overnight rain (I would suggest a rain cover)... On a good note - the pack was big enough to hold 4 days worth of my summer equipment and fit great.. very light and comfy... a great buy for the price

first pack for me. i originally got the atmos 50 but it was way too small and too hard to pack with the frame design. returned it, got this one. worked out much better. i've used it once so far and put about 17 miles on it with no problems at all. i wish there was a tad more ventilation and a few more external pockets but i really can't complain. its worth the money for sure.

I bought this pack as I was moving toward reducing my pack weight and I haven't been disappointed. I love everything about this pack. The compression straps are wonderfully placed to secure everthing inside and outside the pack. If something happened to this pack, I would buy the exact pack again.

When I bought this pack 3 years ago I was psyched. I spent a little extra money because this pack had everything i wanted in it. It was big enough, and although a little heavy, its worth every extra ounce due to how comfortable it is. I got the hip belt heat molded which is an awesome touch and fits perfect, defiantly take the time and do it. This pack has been through rain and snow and is perfect. It doesn't look old at all and I've put well over 700 miles on it. For all of you winter campers/skiers you can rig a pair of skis on the sides too! This pack is great and worth every penny!

Superb value! This pack will not disappoint you. It packs very well and secures your items well, with the exception of accessing your water bottles on the side pockets. Other than that, you can't beat it for the money. Personally, I would probably consider the Osprey 85 just because I have no where to put my bear canister for multi-day trips, but it will attach with additional straps, so that still works. Anyway, it is a very durable pack for the money. I highly recommend it!!

Extremely comfortable! Lightweight! Used this pack on a 4 day trek into the Grand Canyon. I couldn't have been more pleased. Plenty of room and the belt was used with the hood for my jaunts from base camp. Best pack I've ever owned.

Soooooooo nice. Only complaint is that it needs a small pocket on the inside for a lighter, spork, leatherman, etc. otherwise it rules. My hips stick out and without the molding of the hip-belts it rubbed me wrong, but otherwise it rules.

After switching from a Kelty to this pack, I now know what a quality pack is all about. It snugs down really nice, it's a great size for a weekend or week long trip depending how you pack, and it looks good. I've checked it on several flights and the frame hasn't bent an inch. The heat molding belt is probably unnecessary, but cool nonetheless. If you're looking for an affordable quality pack, look no further.

This is my favorite pack right now. It even smells the nicest. No seriously, it's lightweight and has everything you need to assemble a tight package if you are intelligent enough. Could use a few more gear loops or pockets but that would add weight. 5 stars for 5 days! And it still smells good.

I took this pack on a month long backpacking tour of Europe, it was big enough to fit everything that I needed (which consisted of 2 pairs of pants, 4 shirts, 5 pairs of underwear, 5 pairs of socks, a fleece jacket, standard toiletries, sleeping bag, rain cover) plus a bottle of Scotch I had to smuggle back into the States and somehow I managed to stuff my TNF messenger bag in the top when I had to run and catch trains. Also, it's the perfect size to fit in the overhead compartment of most trains. Only issue that I have is I'm 6ft, 165, and ordered a large and it's almost to loose (the hip straps are maxed out, they can't get any tighter) but it is incredibly easy to adjust the straps which is good on the go when you realize you're dehydrated and lost 15 pounds from the start of the trip.
Overall, I like this pack, I can't wait to use it again.

I bought this pack before going on a four day trip through Utah's Escalante national monument. It worked great for everything, very comfortable (after hip molding) and has plenty of room for all the gear you could want. A very nice feature is the detachable day pack. Would recommend for all those who want a comfortable, functional backpack.

I love my Aether 70 . It has always held up well for me. Ive been through the colorado rockies and the west texas deserts with it. My only complaint is that my belt is a little big for my waist and sometimes rubs pretty bad.

My advise is to pay attention to the belt size if you order it

This is a great pack, the nay-sayers just didn't pack it right or adjust the straps properly. Yes, the side pockets are tight, but that's good, I don't want my water moving around while I backpack. There is an internal pocket for an additional water bladder, so it's not like you have to stop and take your Nalgene out every time.

I took this pack on trail crew for 3 months and it handles like a champ. Great balance, plenty of space, easy to fit to any adjusment. Only 2 complaints:

1) There's a weird triangular extension of the frame into the pack's interior that can make loading hard
2) There's not a lot of exterior pockets for compartmentalizing

Still, this things a great pack!

Have used it on one day to week long backpacking trips, have yet to have a problem. Great construction, straps tighten everything down great, the ventilation on the back is awesome, and the hip belt is comfortable, especially once broken in. I'm pretty rough on my gear, and this thing has survived everything I've done with it out in the chugach. Bomber.

I've used a number of different packs over the years and this one is definitely my overall favorite. It has all of the features you need and none of the ones that you don't. Solid construction, EXTREMELY comfortable, all the right straps and what have you for carrying winter gear such as skis/board, shovel, poles, etc. A seasoned adventure racer said osprey is his favorite pack on the market and I see why. oh... you gotta love the convertible top into a hip pack for those summit hikes once you get to the base.

I used this pack for a 4 day backpacking trip in the Southern Utah Desert. So easy to figure out. So easy to use. You can fit a lot into the 4400. My advice: DO NOT use pack more weight than you should otherwise the pack becomes very very uncomfortable. This pack fit everything from Camelback bladder to my stove and a day's worth of clothes. Even my book. That is the problem! I was so excited that I could fit my bedroom that I over packed. No need to do that.

This pack is incredible. I am 6 feet tall. The large is perfect.

I was really excited when I got this pack because of all the great reviews. I went on a backpacking trip to Glacier and with weight in it the pack didn't perform well. The straps stretched out so it didn't fit properly and they kept loosening. Also one of the buckles broke on the pack the second day just from tightening it. The water bottle holders on the sides are so tight getting a bottle in there with a full pack is near impossible and they are extremely inaccessible with the pack on. The hip belts kept sliding so pressure was distributed in all the wrong places causing my knees to angle inward causing a lot of hip and foot pain as well as uncomfortable rubbing and pressure on my lower back. Make sure the pack really fits before you buy, try it with weight in it. Also if you need to take lots of drink breaks make sure you have someone behind you to pull out your nalgene and put it back because you won't be able to with it on.