Osprey Packs: Aether 60 Backpack
Description of Osprey Packs: Aether 60 Backpack
Ultra-comfortable for carrying moderate loads using a suspension system found on bigger packs (see Aether 70 and 85), the Osprey Aether 60 backpack is ideal for short mountaineering trips and go-light backpacking. The suspension / harness system has a variety of interchangeable parts, giving it a custom built feel without the custom built price tag. The Osprey Aether 60 backpack is also hydration friendly, with multiple hose ports and external water bottle holsters for hot and cold brew. Additional key features include a modular hip pack formed when the hipbelt is threaded through the lumbar pad sewn to the removable top pocket and a deep Stretch Woven front pocket for snowshoes, climbing rope, or anything else that is too lanky to put inside the main compartment....
Read More...For light mountaineering trips and go-light backpacking, the Osprey Aether 60 backpack offers a high performance suspension system typically reserved for larger packs. Two aluminum rods attached to the periphery of the backpanel evenly transfer the weight to the IsoForm custom moldable hipbelt. From there, the weight can be further distributed to the shoulders, where the IsoForm contoured shoulder harness contributes to a comfortable carry. Both the IsoForm hipbelt and shoulder harness are available in four sizes, although most people find that the size included with the pack matches their needs. Osprey pays attention to the details here and everywhere, making sure that all pack surfaces that touch the body do not have seams. This greatly reduces the chances of annoying pressure points developing as the day wears on. The Osprey Aether 60 backpack also offers a number of useful features, especially suited for carrying climbing equipment and camping gear that is usually awkward to carry. Good examples are the durable Stretch Woven front pocket, perfect for carrying a climbing rope, and the sleeping pad straps, removable if the plan is to cut ounces. The Osprey Aether 60 backpack also takes hydration seriously. The external dual entry side pockets accommodate one liter bottles for easy access and an internal backpanel hydration sleeve with exit ports over each shoulder provide hydration customization. The Osprey Aether 60 backpack is designed to comfortably carry loads of 35 to 45 lbs. For larger loads, and the added benefit of a zippered sleeping bag compartment, be sure to check out the Osprey Aether 70 and Aether 85 backpacks.
- Key fabrics: 210-denier double ripstop, 210-denier Oxford, 420-denier Oxford, 500-denier Kodra, 840-denier stretch power mesh
- AirScape suspension consisting of peripheral 7075 AL rods, internal HDPE framesheet with single aluminum stay and a covering of ventilated nubbed foam and mesh grip
- Men's IsoForm shoulder harness with dual density foam and Spacer Mesh surface
- Men's IsoForm custom moldable hipbelt
- Two-way Stretch Woven nylon with Lycra® front pocket and side pockets
- Removable sleeping pad straps
- Side compression straps - perfect for carrying trekking poles
- Internal compression strap (red for easy visibility) to secure load
- Dual ice axe loops
- Detachable zippered top pocket mates with hipbelt to create a lumbar pack
- Internal backpanel hydration pocket with twin exit ports
- Osprey Excessory compatible
- Capacity: 3,700 cu. in. (60 l) in medium, 3,800 (63 l) in large
- Weight: 3 lbs. 15 oz. (1.79 kgs.) in medium, 4 lbs. 2 oz. (1.87 kgs.) in large
Customer Reviews (21)
Osprey Packs: Aether 60 Backpack -
21 Reviews
B.K. aka - 2007-01-30
Great pack! This is not my first Osprey pack, but it's my first model with the Aether suspension. Just finished a 3-day winter trip on the AT with 35 lbs (8 lbs of water) and the pack rode very well. I haven't had the belt "heat fitted" yet, but it felt fine as is. Osprey quality remains high.
Was this Osprey Packs Aether 60 Backpack Review Helpful? - Yes - No
Joey White - 2003-04-01
Comfortable and suprisingly roomy for a 60L pack. This pack is amazingly light yet has many features. You still get a real suspension, very tough construction and materials, a comfortable harness and hipbelt, mesh pockets outside and a roomy removable hood.
This pack carried my winter gear, including a bulky synthetic sleeping bag on an overnight with ease. This pack is all I need for nearly all my trips. I can easily pack this thing food and all for a 5 day summer trip.
The only thing i do not like about the construction: I am wary of the stitching of the label on the hood. It looks like a leak waiting to happen. Otherwise impeccably made with great comfort and load control.
Is this Handy? - Yes - No ( 1 of 1 found this review helpful.)
2004-10-04
Fits and Feels Great No problems so far.
Is this Useful? - Yes - No
Read all 21 reviews... 
Brian Park - 2005-05-27
Lightweighter's dream I am not an ultralighter but I do buy lightweight gears such as tents, sleeping bags, titanium pots. My baseweight is about 20 lbs. I realized as I shed some gears that Arc'Teryx Bora 80 was too much. Bora 80 served me well and it's one bomb-proof backpack but too big and weighed too much. I am still keeping it and I will take it on longer extended trips. In contrast, Aether 60 is just perfect for lightweight backpackers and it also accomodates bear cannisters inside. I have taken it out on 4-6 day backpacking trips and it's just perfect for that. Only downside would be no hydration compartment but one can usually manage to find a place for it somewhere within the roomy Aether 60. Also unlike Aether 75 and 90, the top lid doesn't convert into fanny packs but again that's not an issue for me.
Was this Osprey Packs Aether 60 Backpack Review Helpful? - Yes - No
Richard Orlick - 2004-02-11
Best comfort per dollar OK, I finally gave in and retired my old A.L.I.C.E. pack. This Osprey Aether will change your mind if you are one of those stubborn ones that think, If it ain't broken, dont fix it. The Aether 60 is just the right size for weeklong excursions if you narrow your gear down to the necessary amenities. On the lighter side, this pack has two attachment points for the compression straps to accommodate a lighter range of needs. The instructions lack any clear explanation of how to stuff and lash, I am still experimenting. Accessories are almost non-existent compared to my old pack thus limiting the versatility a bit. However, this is not much of a problem if you are not going to use this pack for combat or haul a chainsaw and gas. This pack also has the most comfort per dollar and a superior range of satisfaction adjustments. On my first excursion with this pack, I had to stop and inventory everything because it felt too light. This is an excellent pack even if you dont think you need an upgrade, it is worth it.
Is this Handy? - Yes - No
Joe Loiselle - 2005-10-17
This is THE ONE After trying on 7 packs, buying 3, I finally kept the third one. The AETHER, it's the ONE. My short over 60 year old torso had problems with all the packs I tried except the 60L Aether.
Is this Useful? - Yes - No
Jang - 2003-09-27
Awsome Pack!!!!! This pack rocks!! Its very, very put together and more importantly comfortable. The hipbelt and suspension system make 30lbs. feel like nothing at all. Even without the rain cover its very water-resitant. My only advice is this: if your going for long trips go with the Aether 75. But if you're just going for a weekend. This pack will get you in and out, even if you don't have the ultra-expensive, super space saving gear.
Was this Osprey Packs Aether 60 Backpack Review Helpful? - Yes - No
James Clements - 2003-11-19
The Perfect Summer Pack The first time I really used this pack was when I went on a seventy mile hike through the Great Smoky Mountains on the Appalachain Trail. We were out for about six days, and the Aether 60 never gave me any problems whatsoever. The weight of the pack is minimized my the lack of a sleeping bag access. It can house all of my equipment, and the mesh pockets make it easy to get to things I would need immediately. Most importantly, this pack is comfortable. If you're lookin for a pack, this is the one!
Is this Handy? - Yes - No
HUGO CORTES - 2006-10-03
A great pack, no doubt! It is the first time I buy a hike backpack and I don't really have anything to compare this pack to, however I feel it is a great pack. I took it on a week trip to Mexico and It was big enough to carry everything I needed, it fit perfectly to the shape of my body, I think I'll even buy a larger version like the 85 for a longer trip.
Is this Useful? - Yes - No
jordan w - 2006-07-28
this pack is terrific!!!! best you could ask for!!!! as soon as i got this pack I was amazed at how it fit so perfect to the shape of my back and how snug it fit to my shoulders, it is the best pack i have ever worn. Definitly recommend this pack, go to your nearest osprey dealer and check it out!!!!!
Was this Osprey Packs Aether 60 Backpack Review Helpful? - Yes - No
Bryan Beckes - 2007-01-30
Get This Pack! This is the best of the best. Great construction and style too. I used the pack to travel throughout Europe for weeks and it took all that I could dish out. I plan on staying true to the Osprey brand due to their quality.
Is this Handy? - Yes - No ( 2 of 2 found this review helpful.)
unclemat - 2005-12-18
Nice pack Simple, leightweight, comfortable pack!
Is this Useful? - Yes - No
Caley - 2004-03-08
Comfortable, Bare bones pack for up to 7 days This pack is great for nearly all of most backpacker's needs. Here's my list of Pros and Cons. The Cons: 1)No sleeping bag compartment 2)No pocket or port for a hydration bladder 3)Awkwardly placed bottle holders around the hip belt make it difficult to grab your bottle without taking off the pack 4) Tapered bottom area of the bag requires bulkier items be loaded vertically
The Pros: 1) Comfy, comfy, comfy! The aether suspension is no B.S...it magically lightens your load 2) See number one 3) Wide range of adjustments allow you to find a PERFECT fit 3) Solid, good-looking construction 4) Purchase the Osprey SOLO and you have a really cool day pack that will also clip right into the Aether to give you a perfect food/map/raingear/snack compartment
This bag will handle nearly everything you ask of it and it is very comfortable, which makes all the difference. It lacks a lot of the fancy extras I had on my old North Face bag, but I get by just fine without them, and this bag is 10 times easier to haul.
Was this Osprey Packs Aether 60 Backpack Review Helpful? - Yes - No
Ron - 2006-01-03
Great Buy!! Good looking bag that has held up for 4 trips so far. I originally bought this to haul my ski gear around
but have used it for trips to Nyc and Chicago as well (fyi it fits as a carry-on). I hope to take it to Europe and Asia next year. My only regret is not getting the bigger version of this (Aether 80 I think) because I can only fit 3-4 days of stuff. Then again, I am not a light packer. Anyways, definitely recommend this backpack!!
Is this Handy? - Yes - No
Cody Garrett - 2006-08-22
Great lightweight pack Bought this pack for 1-3 night overnighters during spring-fall. It fits me great and is lightweight compared to other packs. The pack seems well built and has just enough suspension for up to 40 lbs of gear. The backpanel really keeps your back cool. The outside stretch pockets allow you to stuff extra gear when needed. I like a streamlined pack and this one fits the bill. Don't know about durability yet...time will tell.
Is this Useful? - Yes - No
Ashley - 2008-01-28
Very useful!! The pack size is perfect for weekend getaway trips and just small hiking trips when you need to carry some extra layers, food, camera, etc. with you. Shoulder straps have great padding for comfort, as well as the cushioning for your back. Great price for size backpack!! Customer service was EXCELLENT in getting me the pack I wanted. Would definitely order from this company again!!!
Was this Osprey Packs Aether 60 Backpack Review Helpful? - Yes - No
Chris - 2007-01-05
Great Pack. Bought this for hut trips in CO. I have been really happy with it this winter. It contours very well to your body, and all the straps on the outside were perfect for strapping snowshoes on, etc. Pretty light. All materials seem strong--have used for several trips and no signs of wear.
Is this Handy? - Yes - No
2004-07-12
excellent pack- great carry I've tested a number of packs that were in the lightweight (not ultralight) category, and I'd have to say this is the best. Light enough to be considered lightweight, expandable space, and able to carry a lot of weight, easily over 35 pounds, in great comfort.
Is this Useful? - Yes - No
Damion - 2007-08-24
Solid backpack This backpack is very comfortable when properly packed. It had enough space to carry everything and more that I needed. On one trip it handled 55 lbs(don't ask). The construction is very solid. I am a new Osprey fan.
Was this Osprey Packs Aether 60 Backpack Review Helpful? - Yes - No ( 2 of 2 liked this review.)
Kyle - 2006-12-14
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT PACK, THIS IS IT! Great for hard to fit backpackers. Awesome pack from Osprey! Hipbelt is the best in the world! No slippage, no overheating, -- all comfort. Plenty of room for 3 to 4 day trips. Not too heavy either. great for up to 40 pounds. I used it in the Smokies with no slippiing of the hipbelt and not one scratch on it. I will be using this pack for years.
Is this Handy? - Yes - No
Greg Lofttus - 2007-10-02
So far very happy I have received the pack just today and the intial inspection shows a well made product with a few neat little surprises. I like the built in buckle whisle and all the adjustments. The trail fitting went well and I am looking forward to trying it out fully loaded but anticipate excellent results. All new toys take a while to figure out and this one looks like we're going to have some fun doing it. All and all very glad I decided to buy it. Should I change this opinion I will repost the reveiw. Greg
Is this Useful? - Yes - No ( 2 of 2 thought this was useful.)
Write Your Own Review
