Osprey Packs

Aether 65L Backpack

Great but the rain cover is useless in wind

Other than the rain cover, it’s a great bag. I used it for the first time doing the presidential traverse in the White Mountains and it performed great. It’s easy to load and unload. It has great compression. It was very comfortable with 30-35lbs in it for a day of hiking. The only negative is the rain cover that came with it did not stay on in high winds. It doesn’t have anything built in that holds it to the bag and it relies totally on the elastic draw string. There were 60 mph winds one day and it just blew off. Thankfully I had clipped it in with a carabiner, but otherwise it would have been gone down the gulf and I would have had a very wet bag. My wife has an Osprey Aura AG 65 that has a rain cover with two slots for fitting the hip belt through and her rain cover stayed in place perfectly the whole time. I know I could just buy a better rain cover, but this seems like a miss from Osprey on such an expensive bag.

Good Pack, but heavy starting weight

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

At 5lbs starting weight, this is not a pack for ultralight hikers. I have loaded it down for 40lbs and it really started to hurt my shoulders. I had to continuously adjust it while hiking, and no matter what I did it just keep hurting my shoulder and made it very uncomfortable. I really wanted to like this pack but It didn't work for me. Bag is very well built. The airscape back is a nice touch and having a internal bladder is always nice. Lots of storage spaces for everything. Overall its a good bag if it works for you!

Size and Fit

My torso is 17" so I purchased the S/M size expecting it to be on the shortest setting. I found I needed to have it just under the longest setting to fit me correctly with the middle of the hip belt on my iliac crest. I think you might be able to squeeze into this pack if your torso is 19" maximum. Easily the most comfortable pack I have tried on, very happy with my purchase.

Great features but TERRIBLE for long days with Heavier loads

This pack has every feature one would want in a pack except for a MAJOR design flaw. It has 2 friction points on the back adjustment system which rub on my back and leave me with two red chaffing marks and bruises after every long hike with heavier loads (40-45lbs). I originally bought this for mountaineering and it was perfect because I was wearing so many layers due to cold weather. Now that I'm using it in warm weather without the extra layers on my upper body, I have found that the 2 adjustment strap connection points rub on my back and have removed the skin and caused painful bruising. I have adjusted the pack a number of times to see if it would help but have found that nothing works. I own numerous packs for every possible situation and although I love the features of this pack it is simply too painful to use in warmer weather when I am not wearing extra layers to provide some protection for my back. I hate to say it because I love the features but coming from someone that wears a pack at least 3 out of 7 days every week, I would NOT recommend this pack. There are many other brands with different designs that do not have this issue.

Built for Life

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Size Bought:

Medium

Height:

6' 2"

Weight:

195

I first purchased this pack in fall of 2015, and have used it on every backpacking trip I've been on since Including working as a backpacking guide for the entire summer season. This pack without question is built to last. The on the go adjustments are easy and simple. Depending on the challenge and group size for your next adventure, This pack can easily handle up to 5 days worth of food and supplies. The only maintenance I have done in 5 years is replace the hip belt because I outgrew the original one that came with it.

Osprey Packs Aether 65L Backpack

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Size Bought:

Small

Height:

5' 3"

Weight:

129

I have put this pack through the ringer and I absolutely love using it on longer trips that require a heavier load. I also own the previous version that has the anti-gravity suspension system and plan to have both for a very long time. This pack is using an AirScape back panel instead, which is not as functional as the AG system but still has a nice breathable foam and mesh that keeps you cool in hotter temperatures. The material is very durable and meant to last but is a bit heavy at 5lbs and 1.9ozs. Osprey has been around for a bit now and I feel like they have really honed in long-term comfort with the amount of adjustability they give you on this pack. Also, lots of attachment points for your dog mat, trekking poles, ice axes, etc. In addition, if you are like me and like to get to camp early, then hike around after some lunch, the detachable daypack comes in handy big time. You can bring the essentials and store your reservoir in it instead of carrying around a water bottle or bringing your entire pack.