User Review: Osprey Aether 85

Osprey Aether 85
Above: The current Aether 85, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed June 5, 2006 by William Lawson

Rating:
Design: top loading internal
Size: 85L / 5,400 ci
Number of Pockets: 3
Max. Load Carried: 50
Height of Owner: 6'6"
Price Paid: $269

I bought an Aether 85 in sunburst yellow. I have only one trip with this pack so far, but it was a 14-mile overnight thru hike with 6000 vertical feet in Alaska's Kenai Mountains packed with about 45 lbs of gear. I was initially impressed by the build quality and specs. It is indeed light for a pack of this size.

The hip belt and suspension are very nice and fully adjustable / interchangable, I have the large pack size with a medium hip belt. No sore spots or rub spots on my hips or shoulders. My tall size sleeping bag fit in the sleeping bag compartment easily. The hydration pouch and slots / straps for the tube worked very well, my long 3 liter Camelbak did not fit all the way in the pouch due to sleeping bag at the bottom, but a 2 liter probably would and the 3 liter worked ok. All the compression straps and general compression strap layout worked very well, the bag did not shift on a trip that had some steep 3 point climbs and long ridgline traverse.

If you're looking for a large volume lightweight pack I highly recommend this one. It has a lot potential. Could be a good winter bag, skis (up to mid-fat) could be carried a-frame style in ice axe loops, shovel could fit well in front pocket.