Osprey Packs Aether 70 Backpack- 4000-4400cu in

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 you 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 almost 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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!

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 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

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!

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.

The Aether 70L pack is just downright amazing. I took it backpacking through twelve countries in Europe for two months and it held up like a dream. The waist belt can be custom molded to your body at any outdoor store, but if you just wear it around the house for a few hours with about 25 lbs in it the belt will mold to your frame on its own. I (contrary to popular opinion) really like the fact that the pack is top-loading, because when you are backpacking through Europe it would be easy for a pickpocket to steal something out of an outside pocket; whereas, with the Aether 70 I knew my stuff would be safe. I have taken it on several three and five day long trips in the Smokies and on the A.T. and I have nothing bad to say about this pack it all. It is well worth your $$$

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.

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!!

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.

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.