Osprey Aether 70

Summary

Ultra comfy, ultra adjustable pack able to handle significant weight.

When it comes to packs, it either feels good or it doesn't. I tried on numerous packs and even though most technically fit, this is the only one that felt good. I'm shaped kinda weird (narrow shoulders, thick chest) and needed significant finagling to come up with a pack that fit and felt good. The result was well worth the wait.

The harness can be switched around with the pack which makes for a very versatile fit.  I ended up with a medium pack coupled with a small harness. It's arguably the most comfortable internal frame pack I've ever worn.

All the requisite straps are present and fully and easily adjustable. Nothing unusual here except there are tons of them.  You can compress your gear in so many different ways you'll probably need a moment to reflect.  Go ahead...

As with every internal frame pack I've ever worn, you will sweat and the pack will not vent enough to keep you comfy in this regard. All these pack designers coming up with new high-tech names for their back panel venting systems (the Aether 70's is the "Airscape"...oooo!) should spend their time and money elsewhere. As far as I've been able to tell none of them are particularly effective at venting and the Aether 70 is no exception. You will sweat.  Embrace it.  Revel in it.  Let it make you feel like a hero from the dim recesses of history.  Or a tax accountant from Jersey, whichever you prefer.

There is a sleeping bag compartment accessible from the bottom of the pack via a zipper and compressible with two straps. I'm sure your sleeping bag will approve but if it complains you can remove the divider between the sleeping bag compartment and the main body cavity of the pack which will allow your sleeping bag to socialize with the rest of your gear. 

There is a huge main compartment and a stretchy front pocket for your toilet paper, though you'd need to bring lots of toilet paper to completely fill it up. There is a  zipper opening on the pack body which allows you to access the main compartment from the outside of the pack in kind of a pseudo panel-loader way.  This helps if you dropped something small inside the main compartment and don't want to upend your pack to get at it (you know it dropped way down and is now chillin' with your sleeping bag, right?).

The pack lid is huge and very adjustable.  You could put anything from a pair of long underwear to a large stuffed animal to scare away bears from your camp at the end of the day in there.  The lid can be disengaged and worn as a fanny pack.  Or a large ugly hat.

The hip belt is special.  You can take it in to any one of a number of authorized Osprey retailers and they'll heat it up for you in a special little oven (don't try this at home) and you can wear it around the store for 15-20 minutes or so. This molds the hip belt padding to your hip bones for a custom fit.  This makes for a supremely comfy pack ride, even with a large, heavy load.

The pack is also very durable. You could run over it with a truck or verbally abuse its ancestry and it'll just sit there and look at you.  Well, I'm not sure about the truck part, but if you did and something broke Osprey would probably replace/repair it.  Their guarantee is outstanding.

The water bottle pockets suck. They're oddly shaped and not accessible while the pack is worn.  Whatever I put in them I always feel like it's vulnerable to falling out.  This is my only real complaint. For such a well-thought-out pack to neglect the water bottle pockets, well, that's just disappointing.

Overall, if you're looking for a heavy-duty, long-range pack that can handle the load and not offend you, buy this one.

Summary

Love this pack. It's very solid construction, a good hip belt and is very comfortable under heavy load.

I bought this as my first hiking backpack because I felt like I needed all the extra space. I wanted to make sure I didn't miss anything. So I loaded it up for a 3 day hikes will all the essentials and then some! With water, I had a bit over 50 pounds on that first trip and it handled it with ease.  I have to admit that I over packed :)  

I have since gotten a bit smarter about what I pack and 70L is slightly on the big side for me. I still use this pack when I go backpacking with my girlfriend as it allows me to take on a few more items so that we can keep a better pace.

The hip belt saved me on that first trip, but I had it so tight that my hips felt bruised (not raw, but felt like I took a good hockey check). In subsequent trips, the belt felt much better with less weight on my back.

The side pockets are very usable, the back mesh is great to throw in rain gear for both quick access for an oncoming storm or drying once the rain is done.  I like that I can access the sleeping bag from the bottom, but my North Face Cat's Meow is a very tight fit.  The Western Mountaineering Ultralite easily fits, at which point I can slide in my tent next to it.

I also like the top of the bag that can be used as a day bag.  I often use it when we have a bit of a walk for water away from camp.  I can then pack it with the water filter and first aid kit (which I always leave there for quick access anyway).

I like the loops that allows for storing your hiking poles.  I normally prefer hiking with the poles, but sometimes we get in bushwhacking or tight spots and being able to put them away without removing my pack is great.

Summary

Light pack, large voluminous compartment. Best fitting out of the dozen or so packs I tried for a long torso'd person. No hot spots on the back.

This was the first "serious" backpack I've purchased.  Being the type of person that does homework on gear purchases, I tried many different packs (about a dozen total) from entry level to top of the line.

Having a long torso and large chest/shoulders made it difficult to find one that fit well. 

Finally tried the Aether and after a few adjustments, it fit like a glove!  "test drove" it for a while around the store with weights in it and was mostly sold.  (like I said, homework). I looked up reviews and talked to outdoors friends. A couple of them had Osprey packs and one thing that always came up was "durability"

So with that I was sold. Purchased the backpack and after about 200 I'm happy I did.

The only issues I had with the pack: Many of the other packs had accessory pockets on the hip belt, but not the Aether.  I guess I got mine too early, as the new models now include them. Also wished it had a couple more smaller zippered pockets on the sides or back, but the benefits out weighed these little cons.

Summary

Good pack with lots of room, pockets and accessories, but the shoulder straps were too uncomfortable for me.

This was the first pack I bought as a new backpacker. I got it because of the great reviews and because it looked cool! The fit was nice, but the way the shoulder straps sat on me produced fatigue quickly. It rode good on the trail but I was constantly readjusting the shoulder straps because of soreness. Because of this, I returned the pack and bought the Gregory Baltoro.

Give this pack a try, it didn’t work for me but it might for you.

Summary

Custom fit, adjust on the fly, distance comfort

    
I took my first (of many I hope) trip with my new pack. 6-days and about 54 miles in the Porcupine Mts, Lake Superior. 

The pack exceeded my expectations. I was a little woried about the size and all I'd need for a week going solo, but it worked just fine. I do wish it had a few more organizational pockets on the outside and especially on the belt, but it wasn't anything I couldn't overcome with clip on pouches.

So, when you buy the pack, spend the time to have the belt heat fitted. It pays off to really be able to pull this belt tight and keep the weight off your shoulders, then, when your waist needs a break, just a pull here and theye while walking and youre soulders can take a little burden for a bit. The little tweak here and there became so routine, it was second nature.

There are 3-4 adjustments you can make so you can keep moving for the full day if you wanted to. My best this trip was about 14 miles with a 52 lb pack. The greatest testimony is, on very rutty, hilly ground, I can pull it tight all around and the weight of the pack NEVER pulled me off balance; it was part of me.

I have to say, after a week, I am more impressed with the pack and its capabilities then I thought I'd be. You "learn" it very quickly and it returns with a close and comfortable fit. 

Summary

Extremely comfortable, supportive, tons of great features. Highly recommended.

I have the latest version of the Aether 70 — the harness is a little better than that of the previous version, the tradeoff being that the pack is slightly heavier — a worthwhile trade!

The capacity is perfect for multiday treks in the winter months, when you need to carry more warm gear. It has at least 10 more litres of capacity, in comparison to my Aether 60, probably more like 15. The respective heights are similar, the 70 has a significantly broader base.

The moulded hipbelt fits like a glove, and the back panel sits nice and flush against my back. I love the ability to pack away, or take up, my hiking poles as I move, such a simple but useful feature. I use a pack cover in the rainy conditions, as I've found the pack material very quickly wets-out and starts to seep into the pack contents. The detachable top compartment is another great feature, with its built-in lap belt. I use it for taking the essentials with me when I wander away from camp,  off bird-watching, fishing etc. 

This is the largest of my Osprey packs. I'm only 65kg, so a 70-litre pack is pretty much the limit of what I will carry, around 19-20kg of gear. The 60 litre Aether is perfect for the warmer months, carrying 15-17kg. 

After 25 years I decided to upgrade my stuff. I checked them all and I'm totally sold on the Osprey line. The fit and finish of this pack is the way things should be. Lots of adjustments but not confusing. Once you get it adjusted it fits like a glove and unless you put on a few pounds you never have to mess with it again.

Belt and shoulder straps cinch and release smoothly and HOLD unlike some other brands where you are constantly cinching the straps. Seams and strap attachments are all well stitched. Mine has been on the trails in Montana including Glacier National Park and whenever I meet folks I'm not surprised how many Osprey packs I see.

Do not buy another pack without first checking out Osprey line. Grace and Peace on your next journey.

I have just recently bought this bag; however I have not thoroughly tested it out on the trail yet, therefore, I will give it a default 4.5 stars, for the sake of writing this review.

I would like to add something, I did not read from the other reviewers, when briefly glazing through the reviews.

-- This bag has the customization option of indeed, as noted by others, heating the hip belt, and moulding it, like a pair of skates, or a mouth guard. I believe the Argon series, by Osprey, also offers custom moulded shoulder straps as well, but that is another matter.

-- However, this bag can also be customized in-store, by choosing the appropriate shoulder strap size, hip-belt size, and of course, pack torso size. For example, I bought my Osprey pack, as a Large (tall) pack. However, I am slim around the waist, so I had the hip-belt that comes default with the Large pack removed, and a Small size hip-belt placed instead.

Also, as the shoulder straps were riding too high, I had those changed as well, to Medium size shoulder straps... Basically, you the hip belt and shoulder straps are removable, and the store which sells the Osprey packs, should have a bunch of different sized hip belts and shoulder straps ready to use.

My pack: Large Torso Length (Tall), Small Hip Belt, Medium Should Straps

This is my FAVORITE bag of all time.   have only been at this a little while, but have traded many a things in to REI because I'm very particular.  I got this bag however and I absolutely love it!

It is a nice big bag that will hold all you need and more, not a lot of pockets so if you're one for organization I dunno how it would make you feel.

I love this bag though because I can get it to sit oh so right no matter how much gear I have in it or how little! Anything from an over-nighter (of comfort) to a thru-hike this bag will perform!

I hope it'll last forever and knowing that it's Osprey makes me think it will!

This pack is awesome. I'm a rather hefty 6'0" and this pack feels like it just another part of my body when properly cinched in and adjusted. I have an Osprey daypack and based on the quality of that pack, I had no qualms about purchasing this as my main pack. I look forward to many years of use with it.

Just a note on one of the other reviews (written in 2007). The reviewer had two nitpicks about the pack:

"the back pocket is impossible to get into when securely cinched down as 2 of the straps are over the top of the pocket.

to use the lid as a daypack you must remove the hipbelt from the pack, a feature I never use but some may."

Both of these issues have been fixed with the 2010 model. The straps can now be re-routed to avoid blocking the pocket. Also, the daypack now has its own hipbelt so you don't have to remove the main belt.

Stay safe.

After having had some opportunity to use the Aether 70 in various conditions, I've got a thought or two perhaps worth sharing.

Firstly, the fit of the pack, after having had the hip belt well and properly heat-fitted by a knowledgeable sales guy, is the best I've ever had. It much more easily brings the load in close when necessary, and makes carrying a load significantly more comfortable than my other/previous packs, made by such outfits as TNF, Lowe, and Mountainsmith. (NB: None of those packs are current models--all are at least several years old.)

Secondly, the general design of the pack makes for easy organization without too much gewgaws and such. I'd like for the top-end opening to be a bit wider, but that's about the only complaint.

Zippers and drawstrings work very well, smooth and quickly and easily released/opened when so desired. Hydration compatible, of course, with well-sited openings for drink tube. Shoulder straps and hip belt both very comfortable. Separate access to sleeping bag compartment allows for quick and easy access to sleeping materials and helps with packing quickly.

Only other complaint is that the stretchable fabric trim on one of the lower side pockets has stitching coming free--probably because fitting a 1 L Nalgene in the pocket is a tight fit--perhaps too tight.

Easily my favorite pack purchase.

I really love this pack, certainly compared to when I did most of my backpacking with external frame packs years ago! But just a couple of minor gripes which prevent me giving it a fully enthusiastic five stars, you may think them trivial in which case, fine; if I could give 4.5 stars I would.

Firstly, it's really incredibly comfortable to wear, and the ventilation seems fine, but then that's based on UK conditions so maybe in hotter climes others may differ, but up to 8 days backpacking in Scotland, carrying everything including food (but excepting the odd drink in the pub) and it felt as good to put on at the end as at the beginning. (We started with eight days food so we could take it easily and that includes the dog's food so fairly well loaded)

The moulded hip belt fits fine but occasionally it's easy to get one of the various straps caught in the buckle which then snaps loose, a nuisance, not a problem, but the pack does come festooned with a vast number of straps! If I have a gripe with the carrying system it would be that the (very strongly S shaped) shoulder straps can be a bit narrow on the collarbones, if you're particularly broad chested check it out carefully - and the sternum strap isn't generous for length unlike almost every other strap on the pack.

But the overall impression is of a very comfortable, well designed, well made, robust pack. making load carrying simple.

Packing is standard top loader although stuff from the top can slip down into the bottom compartment unless carefully packed from the start since the gaps round the edge of the divider are a little large. The front pocket strap is a bit odd in that in attaches a couple of inches below the top of the pocket, which therefore gets pulled out of shape when the strap is done up - odd but not really a problem. More problematic is that the upper compression strap does up across the front pocket and can make access into everything except the top few inches of the front pocket a bit awkward at times if the compression strap is cinched tight but I hardly ever use the front pocket for rapid access so it's not a problem for me.

Purely as a matter of personal preference I think I preferred the mesh side pockets on the previous version because it makes it easier to see what's where in them but that said the knitted work fine so again a niggle not a problem.

All his probably sounds like carping about minor points, but put simply, if I had to buy this capacity pack again, would I buy another Aether 70? Yes, it's that simple.

My concern (living in the sub tropics, aka Florida) is usually not only the comfort of a pack but more the heat and moisture buildup when wearing same. I took a chance on the Osprey 70 and was pleasantly surprised at how dry (a word we seldom use down south) my first (August 93 degree, several hour, morning to late afternoon dry run) worked out.

Not only was the pack MORE comfortable than any of my "vented" day packs but the back of my cotton shirt was quite dry. The pack rode close to my body and the customized belt transferred most all the weight (40 lbs) to my hips as the shoulder strap was used to steady the load and bring it in close.

I am now a believer, while I agree that the side pockets are not available while pack is on... I attached a small utility pack to the belt and had "my necessities, knife, binos, snacks" close at hand. The Camelbak rode well in the pack and I returned home without the usual back and leg aches and pains from a test run.

I was originally going to buy a Gregory Baltoro, but noticed the weight difference between it and the Osprey and went with the Osprey Aether 70. I have used it for a multi-day section hike on the AT in Georgia and also on several shorter hikes in North Carolina and North Florida.

What I like about the pack, in addition to its 4.5 pound weight, is there are "just enough" pockets and storage places. It is neither an empty shell, like a Catalyst, nor a maze of pockets, like a Whitney. I prefer to dispense with the partition between the sleeping bag and the main compartments, so I can shove tent and/or poles down to the bottom of the pack to optimize space above. The side pockets are perfect for Nalgene 48 oz bottles - more than adequate for carrying water for meals. I personally don't like putting a hydration bladder inside my pack, because it takes up premium space and there's a spillage risk. I put mine on the outside/rear of the pack, and use the hydration sleeve inside for dirty clothes or other segregation items.

I agree with the other reviewer that the pocket on the back is inconvenient to find a use for. Maybe to carry camp flip-flops? I clip my Crocs with a light carabiner.

Interestingly, I did not initially like the hipbelt. I followed Osprey's advice and got an XL based on my midriff bulge. As I used the pack, it seemed to loosen up a bit, to the point that I did not feel like the load was being supported by my hips, but by my shoulders instead. I did not feel "confident" that way. So, I got a Large belt as a replacement, and I now feel the load transfer to my hips, in the same way as the (stiffer) Gregory belts.

In closing let me make three points: First, if I had it to do over again, I'd still get the Aether 70 for weight and features. Second, I like mine so much I got my wife an Ariel 65; and it fits her like it was custom-made for her. Third, if I was doing a thru-hike, like the length of the AT, I would probably opt for an Aether 85, for that extra space for food and clothing at the start of each 5 day section, between re-stocking points.

So far this pack is great! It is lightweight with plenty of space for up to 5 days easily, in three season conditions. It is extremely comfortable and the molded hipbelt is excellent. I love how Osprey hipbelts cinch, it is much better than others, in my opinion.

Cool little things like a built in whistle on the chest buckle and a detachable top pocket that combines with the hipbelt to make a daypack show that extra thought and care go into these packs. Compression straps allow for cinching up extra space making it usable and comfortable as a day pack or an ultralight weekender.

There are few things to criticize but I have to come up with something. If you are a pocket/organizer lover then this internal frame, like many others, doesn't allow as much built in compartmentalisation. For many that won't matter.

The other thing is that it is hard to reach water bottles in the side mesh pockets and is even harder to get them back in alone. I have to have friends take out and put in my bottles when I need a drink so that I don't have to remove the pack (I don't have a water bladder).

Overall, I love it and would recommend it to anyone who tries it on and finds it comfortable.

This pack is a great compromise between being reasonably light, but still having the frame and padding needed to carry mid-weight loads with comfort and stability (35-45lbs). My experience with some of the vaunted ultralight packs is that they are only good when you are able to keep your load ultralight. That's all good until you need to carry more stuff. I don't mind carrying an extra pound if it carries the rest of the load better.

This pack hauled gear up to high-camps in the Andes with good stability. I appreciated not feeling tipsy when scrambling over house-sized ledges and through car-sized boulders, even when tired at altitude.

The stretchy side-pockets hold big water bottles, fuel, and poles with security and ease. The back pocket will take a large bladed folding shovel. There is mesh welded into it for airing out socks, gloves, etc. when on the go.

I won't comment too much on the fit, because everyone is built different. For me the fit is perfect. Try one on and see if you like it.

One nice little detail, the pack sits up well on its own most of the time. It doesn't fall over constantly when you're packing/unpacking.

My only real complaint was that the stretch-woven material on the side-pockets seems to be a bit less durable than old-school mesh pockets. When you have them stuffed with bottles and grind them on the rocks, they'll start to show wear a bit. It's not major, but I'll eventually goop some seamgrip over the abrasions if they get bad.

I hold the same kind of opinion for my Aether that I do for Granite Gear. Light packs that can still haul realistic weights, and a great fit. Oh, and the Lid-Fannypack option is actually comfortable and practical for a change.

After my first summer that included a week in the Winds and Tetons, and several weekend jaunts closer to home I feel I have finally found "my" pack.

What I like:
Hipbelt - It is worth the difference the heat molding makes, buy this from a dealer who can custom heat mold the belt for you. Other highlights are the two strap hipbelt design, this puts the pressure point off of your hip bones and spreads it out around your whole hip. It hugs them like a monkey. Also the straps to tighten pull toward the center of your body, not away from them. This simple difference makes adjustments easier by far and you can tighten down more easily.

Suspension - Being 6'5" this is one of the few packs that accommodates my long torso. I appreciate the curve of the shoulder straps.

Pack bag - it is simple. A bag with a removable sleeping bag compartment divider, and the Osprey top clip strap to help secure loads. The compression straps can also be clipped to adjust to smaller loads, useful when day hiking during a trip where the tent stays put for a night. And the pockets on the side are deep. No worries about losing your Nalgene. There is also a hydration sleeve and port for those bladder types.

Zipper pulls on the sleeping bag compartment are easy with gloves

few nit picks:
the back pocket is impossible to get into when securely cinched down as 2 of the straps are over the top of the pocket.

to use the lid as a daypack you must remove the hipbelt from the pack, a feature I never use but some may.

I think this is a fairly comfortable pack. My main complaint about the pack is the backpanel, it's too close to the back and doesn't breath well, and the weight.

There are better bags in the 60-70L range out there, some even made by Osprey. The new 2010 Atmos 65 comes to mind. So when compared to other Osprey packs available it is just "Average".

I have been an avid backpacker for at least a decade and have used or tried many packs. For the past two years this has been my go to pack for both week long and weekend trips. Overall the pack's construction is excellent, after having seen hundreds of miles on the trail and having been tossed on the ground and into the back of my car it looks as good as the day I bought it.

Osprey has an incredible suspension which carries weight on two staves down the sides of the pack. This feature is incredibly comfortable and allows for a great deal of air flow to pass between your back and the pack, perfect for hot summer days.

The only feature that I am unimpressed with is the belt. While it is thermo molded to your waist, the belt lacks padding and can become uncomfortable on extended trips.

Another downside for me is the lack of pockets and storage space outside of the main compartment. There is one mesh pocket that runs the front of the pack but is impossible to retrieve items from while in use.

By far and away the construction and suspension of this pack far outweigh its shortcomings.

What can I say that isn't good about this pack? Yes, there are a few very small dislikes but this is true with any type of gear not specially made for me, not very likely.

Very comfortable and just love both the fit and weight transfer of the hip belt and also how it pulls tight from both sides,two buckles not just one. Very easy to get the hip belt perfect. The load transfer with this pack is very good as is the ride. Have used with 45 lbs and my back country skis thrown on for good measure, they are not light!

I was going to go with the Gregory Baltoro but have had other Gregory packs and found them to be on the heavy side and not as nice to wear. Give this pack a try before you buy anything else.If it fits your body style then you won't be unhappy with your choice.

This pack is astounding in terms of functionality and comfort.

It is a bit heavier than some packs but makes up for it in comfort. The weight difference, in reality, is hard to remember when you're hauling 40-50 lbs of cold weather gear. Trust me, you'll be glad for the extra comfort of the great support systems.

The molded hip belt is absolutely crucial. In addition, the load adjustment straps are easy to get to and actually pull the load higher or lower quite well. I've used it for everything from 3-4 night cold weather (sub 20s) in January to ultra lite speed hikes/trail runs in April and I couldn't be any happier.

My only advice would be to make sure you get some system to organize your gear inside of it. The sleek design is awesome (I use it as a approach pack for climbing as well) but you sacrifice pockets.

Happy Trails

I have hiked about 50 miles so far with my Aether 70. So far, so good. There are aspects about this bag that are fantastic, the weight, price, features are all top notch. In particular, I like the elastic pockets, straps and the airscape back. When hiking in hot weather, my skin has a tendency to get rashy and pimpley (blah) and I have noticed that it is less with the Osprey.

I have not yet had the hip belt heat molded to fit me, perhaps that would help with the fit better. As a typical male, the hip belt slips right off my hips. Perhaps on the other biggest reasons I bought this bag is because of the adjustability Osprey packs have. The average weight I carry is about 40 lbs. This pack is more comfortable than my old one but not yet as comfortable as I had hoped.

So 4 stars instead of 5 with the hope that with the adjustablity and heat molding it can get even more comfortable.

This pack is awesome. I took the recommendation of Backpacker magazine's gear guide and researched this pack and ultimately found it on sale at a great price. The pack is very comfortable and spacious.

The only potential gripes I could make are a)the shoulder straps are a little uncushioned (at least more than my last pack) and b)the outer pocket is difficult to get into because of the straps. But, once you get everything else cinched into place most of the weight is not on your shoulders anyway...and I haven't really needed to put much of anything into the outer pocket yet due to the spacious interior.

Overall, I would seriously suggest anyone looking for a new pack to check this one out. And then find it on sale!

I have used this pack for bushwhacking in the mountains of S/E Oklahoma, as well as the Texas hill country. It's light, comfortable, and ideally suited for multi-day trips. The vented front pocket is great for stashing a rain jacket or other need-to-get items. There is a sleeping bag pocket and sleeping pad straps. The IsoForm harness and CM hipbelt were form-fitted by the local dealer, and I've never had a pack that carried like this Osprey. It moves with me...

For a quick overnight loop for a multi-day adventure, this pack will prove a reliable partner.

I down-sized from the Gregory Palisades for my 3-5 day excursions into the Applachian. This pack was firm on my back, was extremely comfortable (great suspension) and held all my gear. And it is fully 2 lbs lighter than my Palisades. I could not be more thrilled with this pack. My four hiking buddies all tried it on and wish they had it.