Great pack, but ...

By WallDiver7 Ranked #463 - Backpacks December 9, 2008

Great Pack, but could be better.

This pack carries very well up to 40 lbs; I haven't tested it above that. While I really appreciate the empty weight of this pack, from examining the sturdiness of its frame - I am of the opinion that I'd move up to the Argon when packing above 40 lbs.

The Aether 85 just has an amazing amount of room in it! I'm currently a 3 to 4 night packer and I never fill the pack but the straps allow me to cinch up all that extra material just fine. (The Aether 70 only weighs 3 or 4 ounces less than the 85.)

The "Could be better' part:
1. The side water bottle pockets are terrible to retrieve a bottle from. I have to take the pack OFF to get the bottles in and out. I solved this by ditching the bottles and carrying two 2L Outdoor reservoirs (good old Walmart); one in each side about 3/4 full on long dry hauls. (If you a bottle man/woman this is a Major Problem.)
2. NO pockets for your camera or GPS. Again, you have to stop and doff your pack to get at snacks, camera, Gps unit, etc.. That's just plain dumb. (Major)
3. I'd move the key keeper a little closer to the opening in the top pack. (Minor)
4. The Aether 85 has a reservoir sleeve in the main body of the pack. This was difficult to use. The 100oz res. that I stuffed into it really didn't fit well when it was full. Unless you fill using the tube leading to the res. it's a problem to remove and reinsert it into a loaded pack. I don't use it anymore. It would give you one more location for a 2L res. though. (Minor or Major?)

I recommend this pack to anyone contemplating outings lasting more than 3 nights. It is a very comfortable pack and will haul loads of bulky gear!

View Details: Osprey Packs Aether 85 Backpack - 5004-5370cu in

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes