Was trying to decide between the Aether 70 and 60. The 70 was a little much but...It has a good access zipper to the main compartment. The 60 has a side zipper which seems almost an after-thought and not nearly as usable. Also the 70 has bottom compression straps which can be run inside the mesh side pockets, the 60 does not. I got the 70. Both compress down extremely well, and when carrying a light load it doesn't look like a 70. Also for shorter overnight trips I take off the top compartment which contains the dayback (very nice feature) making the pack weigh in at just a little over 4lbs. (I have a small). Both put the weight as close to your back as possible, and this combined with the extraordinary hip belt system make this the most comfortable pack I've ever owned. I tried on a lot of packs before buying, and the Aether was in a whole other class when it came to comfort. Since it holds the weight closer than the Atmos, I traded off a little sweat for better weight distribution. Take the time to get a really good fit. Ospreys seem to run large. I'm 5'11 , 160# and have a "small"pack with "medium" straps and hipbelt and it fits perfect.
Great pack, the fit and finish is top notch. I would have wished the pack came with a rain fly. I appreciate having the hydration bladder included. The adjustability of the pack to the user is excellent. I have enough room to carry all my supplies for a 3-4 day back country adventure
Very versatile back pack. Lots of pockets and zippers, and the frame is excellent! It sits well on your shoulders and hips, and even with a full load, once you've adjusted it for your body, you hardly notice it's there. Seriously comfortable to hike with.
So happy I purchased this pack. Worked great and is going to hold up for a long time. I've been using a old external frame for the last 5 years and finally purchased a high quality pack-this is it! Thanks!
My way of hiking is this, I do not not need to cover more trail miles, I need to experience the miles I cover. Therefore i will be the old guy that you might see with an oversized comfortable pack . I am going to stay a few days in the area that you overnights in. Pls remember when you can that it is not the destination, but the journey, that makes a pilgrimage.
I want the new Ag suspension as it rocks.
Getting limited with my old North Face backpack and seeing my brother being very satisfied with his older (non AG) Aether 70, I decided (after having read multiple reviews in magazines and websites) to get myself the new version.
amazing pack haven't gone on a hike with it yet, but loaded it up and it fits great. can't wait to use it
I have a 2016 Osprey Stratos 50L that I love. I wanted something in a bit larger capacity for when I backpack with the dogs in Winter, or when I'm carrying some luxury items for the Mrs. The Aether AG EX 70L fit the bill, seemed a lot like my buddy's Atmos, and I've taken it out on 4 separate 3-day trips, usually averaging around 25 miles a pop. I plan to return it to REI, after much deliberation. I'm a slim 5'11, 165lbs, with a torso of 19.5 inches.
Pros:
1. The stuff pocket on the front, that my Stratos lacks, is awesome. I love the side pockets as well, as they are deep, and easily fit a Nalgene or a camp-chair (for the Mrs.).
2. The compression straps that cross the front are great for throwing an extra sleeping pad for my dogs.
3. Detachable top lid is awesome... I actually much prefer the bag without the lid at all, and love that this is a feature.
P BONE
where do I place my tent on this pack?
Depending on the packed size of the tent, you can lash it to the bottom of the pack using the included straps or stuff the tent horizontally into the main compartment of the pack.