Perfect for a few days for a man my size. I'm 6'1", 210 lbs. Tall pack with plenty of straps and pockets. Very comfortable, fits like a glove. I love all the adjustable features. No complaints from me! I'd buy Osprey again.
I had thought that this pack was too small when I first purchased it, but I was trying to carry too much. Major rookie mistake. Took a multi day hike with 4,000 elevation change loaded at 45 lbs. Amazingly, my back never hurt once! It held all weight comfortably on my hips. My legs unfortunately did not fare as well. This pack has multiple pockets and works incredibly with the 3L water bladder by Osprey. The zippers never stuck once, even though I totally overloaded it. I’m a believer in Osprey! Tip: get fitted at an REI store! A pack that is fitted for your body size makes the world of a difference!!!
Been using the pack on my training hikes (35-40 lbs) and about 8- 10 miles. Can almost go without tightening the hip belt, the shoulder straps and suspension felt that good. The pockets on the hip belt are the best out there. I like all the other features like the mesh front and side
pockets although wish they were a little more bigger or more stretchy. The top pocket is a good size although the daypack conversion takes up room.
I've recently done a 45-50 mile backpack wth a pack weight around 38 lbs on the AT and experienced the same comfort.
Been backpacking almost 40 years and used Kelty, Gregory and Dana Design and they are great packs but feel the new Osprey Aether is a notch above.
I gave the pack a 4 star rating, couldn't give 4.5 although I only had the pack for three months I could see giving a 5 star after more substantial use.
I had such a hard time picking my new pack. After all, backpacks in this range do not come cheap. I have a number of trips coming up this year, including a 4 day 4 nite backpacking trip into Havasupai Falls. I originally bought the Exos 58, but upon packing everything up for my trip in a few months, I became quite apparent that the Exos was not going to allow me the weight or volume I needed. Anything over 30 pounds and the Exos becomes a torture device. I tried a larger Gregory, and the Osprey Atmos 65. I found that the Gregory did not seem to fit my 23" torso comfortably, and the Atmos seemed to start getting very mushy in the support area when I started to get above 30-35 pounds. The Aether AG 70 was the perfect bag for me. I could adjust the harness height perfectly for my long torso, and the hip belt support on this thing is down right luxurious. The Anti Gravity system is different than the Atoms, and it seems to carry heavier weights much better. I loaded this thing up with 35 pounds of gear and it just felt perfect. And the build quality on this is amazing. I am excited to put this pack through its paces throughout 2018 and beyond.
Just 1.5 miles from the trailhead on a six-day trek over the Gallatin Range in Wyoming, the stitching on the sternum strap of my brand-new Osprey Aether AG 70 pack suddenly failed, leaving me with just the shoulder straps to balance 50+ pounds of gear and food for the remaining 31.5 miles. Other than that, I have no complaints, but if the stitching had failed at some more crucial support point, I would have been screwed. As it was, I just suffered from sore shoulders. When you pay top dollar for a top-rated pack, things like this shouldn't happen.
I recently purchased this pack for a four day trip at Mt. Whitney and it did not disappoint. I had this thing loaded up to 60lbs with all of the gear, axe, boots, etc. and it was solid. I absolutely love the removable day-lid and the ability to throw my 3L water reservoir in the day pack. All of the straps are great for tying down mountaineering boots, camp chair, tent, helmet, ice axe - you name it, there's a place for it! I had the opportunity to break it in on a couple of hikes prior to Whitney and really like how it handled. I experienced some minor discomfort in my shoulders on the last day of the hike, but after carrying that kind of weight, I attribute that to my own preparedness vice the functionality of the pack. This thing is definitely perfect for a multi-day trip and 45-50lbs of your favorite gear. I already had a smaller 35L pack from Osprey and am very happy with this purchase and their larger 70L pack.
I came to a point where I made a decision to invest in a different lifestyle and went shopping for a pack. Honestly, when I first saw this pack, I kind of knew this was it. I measured the Osprey 70 liter for fit and function and bought it. My primary concerns were durability, capacity, and style. I have been living daily from this pack for about a week now. I fill the entire volume plus attach about 15 lbs. to the cargo area. The 15 lbs. rests on the tent strapped to the bottom. I reconfigured the straps to use heavy duty buckles to insure against accidental breaks due to my ~ 50 lbs. carrying weight. While a little difficult to get into the pack with this weight distribution, once it’s on I understand the selling logo “Anti Gravity”. I continue to find different ways to use the features and personalize the fit. I am kind of rough naturally and this pack takes my handling in-stride. Paired with the 3 liter water reservoir, I live sustainably.
I am happy with the purchase. I am 6 foot with a 33/34 waist. I got the L but the M would have worked. First use was for Kalalau trail. It rubbed my neck but I pulled my shirt up to protect it. The bag should come with a rain cover but it doesn't.
First use was on ozark trial through hiking, first the couple extra bucks for the AG version is the way to go, super great weight distribution, it was a very hot day and stayed a lot cooler than expected, once all adjustments are made it's a brilliant bag, I chose to break in the hip belt instead of baking it had a slight hip rub on left side but settled down once broken in, held everything I needed with room to spare, can't wait to get back out!
This was my first pack that I ever purchased. This last year I used it for 400+ miles with relatively little complaint and still use it today.
So far I like this pack, I have used it for two multi day hikes in the Olympic National Park backcountry for a total of 80 + miles. Starting pack weight of 35 lbs and still plenty of room for more gear. I am not sure I like the waist belt design, it seems too hard & stiff. I hope it will better conform to my body over time. I do not use a hydration pack so don't know how well one would work with a fully loaded pack.
This bag does a very good job of keeping the weight centered to the body and with the spring loaded waist belt it really make the bag feel lighter!
While I had to cancel the backpacking trip I had scheduled week before last and had bought this pack for, I can't wait to christen it because what little I was able to walk around with it packed (store tech was kind enough to pack it for me there) up and down the stairs several times, I couldn't believe how light it felt due to the fitted weight distribution over the hips.
Love this bag! It's light and has a neat feature with the lid/daypack! After 19 years of hauling Allice packs, Molle rucks and heavy 72 hour bags, this thing fits like a dream! Get fitted in store! I find myself using the day pack daily for my hoodie, rain shell, water, snacks, fixed blade and fire starter, sometimes I stash my sidearm/spare mags in there in a pinch!
I held off for a good few months trying to find the right pack for me. The osprey is all around the best pack I’ve had. The detachable day pack is a great extra it comes in very very helpful. The pack has all the bells and whistles I could ask for or need even! It’s my first osprey and I will certainly stick with them as this has left me completely satisfied and happy
My local REI store properly measured me and fitted me with the proper size. Then I carried it with 40 pounds walking around the store for about 30 minutes. Everything felt all right and comfy.
I decided to switch from my Granite Gear Blaze to this pack because the Blaze was wearing out. I just finished up another 70 mile section of the AT and this was the worst pack experience I ever had. For a planned six day hike (with water) I was at 35 pounds, usually at 32 but this pack was almost three pounds heavier than the Blaze. I am 52 and starting to feel some aches and pains but as soon as I started this hike my hips were killing me. I do not, and have never, had any hip problems, I am in great physical shape. By my third day the pain was radiating to my hamstrings and several times thought about calling the hike. I did get fitted for the pack and had the right size. Also, I found the straps for the day pack in the hood to be nothing more than wasted space. When going up hill I could barely look up because the pack sat up too high. I am going back to the Blaze.
Even though it’s not something that I do regularly, I went elk hunting with some freinds of mine and, I helped haul the meat out with the Eather 70. It turned out to be 70 pounds of meat, I was kind of worried about something breaking cause they are only rated for 30-40 pounds, but hiked out 3 miles through some very rough terrain and it was still surprisingly comfortable. Even if I could barely walk. It’s built very well from what I can see, and has held up to the North Idaho wilderness, so I’m definitely happy for that.
So far this has been a comfortable and durable pack. I would rather have the water bladder location on the outside as it used to be on the previous Aether model. I am modifying mine to accommodate the bladder on the exterior so that compressing items inside the pack does not reduce the volume of water in the bladder.
Purchased the AG 70 based on reviews, and really cool daypack feature. I have been on two five mile hikes now and have not been able to get the pack to fit comfortably. First experience was on a 5 mile hike up and down hills along side the lake near my home. pack was loaded with my gear and 15lbs of kitty litter to simulate a tent, food, and crew gear (about 50 lbs with water). Pack would slip from hips and found myself constantly leaning forward to try and battle the sliding. cinched tighter and tighter only to find more weight transferring to my shoulders and greater discomfort after temporary relief. After hiking for over 2 hours I had bruising at my waistline where the pack was pinching and rubbing at my pant waist (no belt or cinching on pants) on both sides of my hips. Hips were bruised and it took about a week to recover. On a side note, there was a lot of noise from the straps and the annoying squeak was commented on by my wife who was going crazy over it!
I bought this for a camp I counsel at over the summers. At this camp it is not uncommon for us to do 60 mile backpacking trips over the course of nine days and nights. This backpack did an amazing job at accommodating my needs, holding my clothing, supplies, food, and etc. no problem. The day pack that is included on the top of the pack was a pleasant addition that came in handy. However, there was mild discomfort on the hips after a few hours into the hike that left bruising, more than likely a repercussions of the weight and intensity of the hike I was on. I definitely recommend this backpack but only to hobbyists. If it is your first time packing, do not spend the 310 to get this pack. Find something cheaper to start you out, and work your way back to the Osprey. Happy hiking.
It's probably not fair to compare this pack to my old, thinly padded, external frame pack, so I'll just say that even with a heavy load this pack is extremely comfortable and manageable. I'm a big guy (6'6") and I'm not a light packer to begin with, but this pack easily held everything I needed for several days solo in the backcountry. I especially loved the loops for putting away but keeping in easy access your trekking poles and the fact that the top of the pack converts into a day pack backpack. I'd struggle to find anything I don't like about it, but the straps at the bottom, which I used to hold my sleeping pad, were a bit short and I thought it could maybe use an outer pocket or two for quick-access or items you don't want in with all your food and clothes (like fuel bottles).
It really wraps around your back when you apply the load-lifters. The load-lifter straps could be longer, though. All in all, a very comfortable pack to carry.
I'M 59 YEARS OLD -USED A METAL FRAME FOR MANY YEARS -BUY THIS PACK AND WALK UPRIGHT-I'M GOING TO COMPLTE THE LHHT THIS SUMMER THIS PURCHASE WILL GUARANTEE IT
Pack proofed to hold up to the Alaskan Tundra for 100 miles. What was good was the overall design. What was not well thought of was how the hydro bottle fills the inner compartment extremely reducing space, the side water bottle access are so tight that i could not get them out by myself with the pack on. What worked very well was the detachable top section into a day pack. I wish the shoulder harness would have had D rings sewn in to make other attachments easier to mount.
The main Backpack seems really nice and comfortable. I went to assmble the day pack, and the buckles didn't seem to match up. Female to male buckle would nort clip together to assemble the shoulder straps. I don't think I was putting it together wrong? Overall seems like a great pack. It was the only one that fit me of all the ones I tried. Gregory Deva fit me. After 2.5 hrs. I chose this one. For AT in July or August for 20 or so miles and futher hiking in Central Pa.
Took this on my very first backpacking trip and loved it.
I bought this to replace a North Face Terra 65 in preparation for a hike in the Hoh Rainforest, WA. The Terra had room, but wasn’t very comfortable, especially with more than 30 pounds. I’m not a light packer, so I had about 40 pounds of gear on my trip, but the Aether really made a difference.
This is my first ever hiking backpack purchase and I was apprehensive since I know that the big and tall segment of the population usually has a hard time finding the right fit for so many items.
Recently got this pack in preparation for a 2 week trip in several months. The going to we can packed with 40+ lb and carried without any difficulty. Very comfortable
Very adjustable, extremely comfortable. well built.....nothing left to want with this pack. I look forward to spending a lot of time with this on my back. The accessory day pack for the top is an amazing thought because I won't need to bring another carry bag on any trip with me.
I’ve used this pack on a bunch of trips ranging from weekend to week long backpacking trips in everything from Utah mountains to Arizona desert. I’ve loaded it with up to 60lbs and hardly lost a step.
Comfortably carried ~60lbs for 40+ miles in this pack. Removable brain for day hikes. Plenty of straps/adjustments/pockets for every need.
I have used it on 2 hikes an both where 4 day hikes an it's a the best pack I have ever owned. Best choice for a pack for long hicks
Carries well. I was able to carry everything plus some for a 3 day hike. Great pack all the way around.
This pack is an absolute delight. It has everything you'd want in a simple backpack for hiking. Not too many frills or extras to complicate things, but enough to make the guy hiking with you wish he had one too. I recently packed it up for a winter camp, minimal hiking, but a couple nights camping. The hike wasn't long (under 5 miles), but rugged terrain and underbrush. After I packed it up (and everything fit, with some space to spare), I walked around with it a bit and decided that I wasn't comfortable using it with the amount of weight I had in it. I was probably around 53 lbs. I also wasn't comfortable taking it on this particular trip because I knew I was going to be thrashing through briar bushes and such at some point and didn't want to rip a $300+ new bag. I reluctantly shifted into an older pack. I will use this pack exclusively for non-winter hiking where my weights are 15-35 lbs. I think this pack would be find even out to 45 lbs, but I didn't trust it above that. Don't misread this as a bad review, because it's not. I'm a heavy packer when it comes to multiple day winter camps and didn't want to break a new bag because of weight. I will be using this exclusively for the other three seasons though.
Rica
What size hydration reservoir would be recommended to fit in the hydration sleeve?
A 3 liter reservoir is perfect!