User Review: Osprey Aether 70

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.