Gear Review
Osprey Packs Aether 85 Backpack - 5000-5400 cu in
Aether improve the pack or take it off the market
By trailtrash
Ranked #570 - Backpacks
September 11, 2009
So very disappointed. I returned this pack after 1 trip in the Grand Canyon. Granted the Canyon eats gear alive,but I was really expecting more from a company with Osprey's exalted reputation(not to mention price tag). The belt is basically worthless,barely padded,and inadequately suited for comfortably supporting a heavy load. At the time I bought the pack, the heat moulding was not available at BCDC outlet,I am skeptical that it would have made any difference, a skinny, unpadded belt is what it is(I have since noted that there is a moulding machine available at the outlet). The fabric was pummeled by an endless variety of vicious rock surfaces, and the afore mentioned belt began to basically unravel. My partner pack, years older than mine, but also an Osprey, seemed to perform admirably,his model sported a much beefier belt, and a tougher fabric. It seems to me that the "big bird" is running on fumes and reputation. I hate to harsh, but the Royal Arch Loop is the last place you want feeble gear. For those that say, I should have tried the pack out under gentler circumstances, I accept your censure.
View Details: Osprey Packs Aether 85 Backpack - 5000-5400 cu in
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
Tech Specs:
- Material:
- nylon (210D), nylon pack cloth (420HD), stretch woven nylon
- Support/Suspension:
- LightWire alloy frame
- Shoulder Straps:
- isoform harness
- Waist-Belt:
- yes, heat moldable, , ergo pull
- Access:
- top, front j zipper
- Pockets:
- 1 top, 1 front stretch woven, 2 side
- Sleeping Bag Compartment:
- yes
- Hydration Compatible:
- yes
- Reservoir Included:
- no
- Detachable Daypack:
- yes
- Detachable Lid:
- yes, built in hipbelt
- Ice Axe Loops:
- 2
- Weight:
- (small) 2190 g, (medium) 2250 g, (large) 2380 g
- Volume:
- 85 L
- Recommended Use:
- weeklong backpacking, mountaineering, expeditions
- Manufacturer Warranty:
- lifetime
Change me.
2 Comments Last Reply: January 17, 2010 By: Alex Miller
I brought my Aether 60 to the grand canyon this winter for a week and couldn't have been happy with its performance, it is about a year old with a beefy belt. It was tossed around on all sorts of rock surfaces, after a recent rockslide, I pretty much threw the pack down 6 feet or so and scrambled down myself, no impact on the pack. In regards to the heat molding, I was told when I bought the pack, at a store- after loading it up to 55 pounds and walking around for awhile, that the heat molding isn't required and if you wear it loaded it will mold to you in the same way, just not as quickly as the heat molding.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
It's to bad that you were disappointed, but I don't think this is a canyoning pack. I think I would have carried something different, but as an alpine/expedition pack this is a good choice.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes