Osprey Aether 2008 vs. Osprey Crescent 2007

Hello,

I'm currently in the market for a ~85L backpack, and I've narrowed it down to 2 bags at my local store. I'd like to get some feedback on pro's/con's of each bag. One of the major factors is price, but seeing as how they're relatively close, it's making it harder.

Bag 1 - Osprey Crescent 85 (2007) on clearance for about $275

or

Bag 2 - Osprey Aether 85 (2008) on sale for $215.

So there's a $60 price difference, but for that much more, the 2007 Crescent seems like a better/more well made backpack.

What do you guys think??

Thanks in advance/Steve T.

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Just purchasede an Aether 70,just smaller bag, and love it to death.At around 4.5 lbs it is light and comfortable to boot.I do beleive the Crescent is around 6lbs so for me lighter is good.Also are you doing mostly very long trips because the 85 is a huge pack.

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Steve, I was caught flat footed with the discontinuation of the Crescent line in 2008. I wanted a big pack also, and was originally looking for a Crescent 110. I still haven't seen the new Aether line, but have hear from other MBs, as well as Osprey themselves, that the aluminum stays aren't full length in the Aether, and the bag material is lighter weight. If shaving every possible ounce is your only priority, then maybe the Aether is your pack. I was more interested in maximum strength, AND maximum load hauling ability.

I think you'd love the Crescent 85. I ordered one on clearance in size XL since it was easier to find than a 110. I was very impressed with the pack's construction and design. It was a smidge too big (the risk of phone ordering), so I got back on the phone and ordered a Crescent 70 and 110 in size Large. If prices are any indication, then the supply and demand forces on the clearance market right now tell me that the Crescent packs are still very popular. Only the XLs are really having great sales, and the more common sizes are disappearing fast. It was HARD to locate a large 110, and when I did, I paid MORE than I would have for an Aether 110------$400!!! The Crescent 70 was $250, and felt like a steal in comparison!

If the decision was mine (I guess it was) then I'd gladly pay another $60 for a Crescent 85. The fact that that current 2008 pack is selling for less than a 2007 discontinued model tells ME something loud and clear. I mentioned this to the gal at Osprey, and suggested that maybe they needed to consider the "Crescent II," or whatever marketing trick is needed to get the original Crescent back on the market. We'll see.

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I am not sure if you were aware, but the Argon line is the replacement for the Crescent series. It is slightly lighter will all the same great features. I just picked up the Argon 85 in a large and need to get down to REI to get the belt molded.

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