Osprey Packs Men's Aether 85 Backpack

Luxurious for the weight
November 23, 2011

The sleeping compartment isn't huge, but this pack will carry a LOT of stuff and is set up to keep everything reachable fairly easily. The fit can be micro-managed by swapping out the shoulder straps and/or hip belt, as needed (do this before using it for anything, as once you've used it, you're stuck with returning the whole pack). One bummer is the outside back pocket mesh can come unglued, but I got that swapped out and haven't had it happen with my second one. The only way the could really improve it would be to make it lighter, but then it probably wouldn't be as durable.

Pleasently Pleased
July 28, 2011

Very comfortable, light weight backpack. I used this pack for a 3 night trip. Packed it for about 12 miles and felt good. I had about 46 to 50 lbs in it. Not as big as I was expecting but I should probably pack less too. I had a 20 degree sleeping bag in the compartment and it was a tight squeeze, but it worked. I do wish it had more pockets for smaller items. Excelent pack for me, and yes I would recommend it for you.

Big pack, very comfortable
May 23, 2011

Was looking for a good pack for longer, all weather trips. This pack fits the bill. Lots of compression straps and a great harness system make it comfortable and versatile for long or short trips. Just be careful, with this much room you'll be tempted to take everything you own.

Great Backpack
March 23, 2011

I walk from Boise Idaho to Yellowstone National Park every year, where I work and have been through several backpacks. The Osprey is by far the best pack I have had thus far. It is comfortable, large, light and durable.I will be traveling from Yellowstone to the east coast this fall to really test it out, but so far I am well pleased.

Not a huge sleeping bag compartment
February 05, 2011

I may be a little naive. I am getting outfitted for snow camping. I went once last year and loved it. Decided to get all the gear I need for an upcoming trip later this month. A pack was one of the items on my list. A 10 degree or warmer synthetic bag was also a need. 10 degree bag. Check. Now for something to carry it in. The Aether 85 seemed more than big enough to handle my bag and gear for 3 days in the snow. The pack will handle the bag fine, but not in the compartment. It's just not big enough for this synthetic, cold weather bag. a lightweight summer or light down bag, maybe. Fortunately, and to it's credit, the compartment is separated by a strapped "floor" that you can undo, so the bag just overflows into the main compartment. I'm not sure how it's going to work on the trip. We'll see. Otherwise, I'm very pleased with the overall quality of Osprey packs. The straps, padding and suspension system seem top notch.

Grrrrreat!
August 09, 2010

I got to test out my Aether 85 pack this weekend at the White Mountains. It really is a superb pack. I had about 35lbs of gear on me for two days and the pack made it seem weightless. It's very comfortable and definitely well made. The only disappointment I found is that there isn't a mesh pocket on the hipbelt for your trail mix and snacks. I have that on my old pack and it was great. Otherwise this thing is definitely solid.

Superior pack
July 24, 2009

I've been using Osprey packs for a number of years and I got Aether 85 for larger volume. In my opinion, Osprey packs are very well made and on top of that they are light weight. Make sure the fit is right and it hugs your back nicely distributing the weight appropriately. Highly recommended for all levels.

Great Fit!
February 28, 2009

I picked this one for my upcoming trip to Mt. Rainier. I am 5'5", 150 Lbs and the pack fits me perfect. Very lightweight and the storage space is enough to carry everything you will need for a long trek. My favorite features are the storage space at the bottom for your sleeping bag(Easy Access!)and the adjustable straps and waist belt. A lot of thought and engineering was put into this. Perfect pack for all types of trips....

Large volume, light weight, excellent quality and design
July 26, 2008

Re-entering backpacking after 20-some years. Trying to go lightweight, but switched to this higher volume pack, to have sufficient room for a bulky synthetic 0F sleeping bag and warm synthetic clothes, for high altitudes and shoulder seasons. Took it on a 3-night trip in the Pecos Wilderness to 12,000 ft. Load-carrying system was comfortable even when 5 quarts water loaded me to perhaps 50 lb. for a hike to a dry camp. Floating top pocket sometimes a bit awkward, but works well. In combination with lower 'sleeping bag' pocket, and outer mesh pockets, provides enough pocket storage to keep smaller items organized and accessible. However, the simplified design still keeps the weight 1-3 pounds below quality packs of comparable volume. Various cinch straps keep the load close to your back even when all the volume is not being used. However, I had to cinch the 'large' hip belt all the way closed to get a reasonable fit on my 33-34-inch waist, so some people may need to select hip belt sizes that differ from the usual ones supplied with the various pack sizes.

Exceptional Pack
July 20, 2008

I have used a smaller Osprey pack for a couple of years and was happy with it for 1-2 night backpack trips, but it couldn't hold the volume for 3 nights or better so decided to get this pack due to its' larger volume capacity. Osprey packs are known for their lightweight, yet versatile and durable packs and I am very happy with the Aether 85 as it fits my needs.

Excellent pack for old guys.
April 13, 2008

I was looking for a light weight, large volume pack for my 50 year old body. I acquired the Aether 85 last fall and have taken it on eight small trips (5 to 20 mile)with my son's Scout troop. I am working up for Philmont this summer. I am really impressed with the load distribution and the large main bag. Even with a load of 50 pounds, the pack feels as if it was a part of me as opposed to fighting me every inch of the way. I highly recommend this pack for anyone who started serious backpacking in the 1970s.

Excellent Pack
August 29, 2007

This is an excellent pack. I have used it alongside of many Kelty packs, a few Gregory packs, and some Lowe Alpine packs and have found the Osprey Aether 85 to completely out compete other packs of similar size. I have been very impressed with it's construction.

Osprey 85 Aether Backpack
August 24, 2007

The Aether is a fine pack. Having backpacked for thirty years using an external frame, I was pleased to find that this internal frame pack has the room to handle all the junk I want to carry. The hip belt is as comfortable as I can imagine one to be, shoulder straps adjust to distribute the load well, and the compression straps are easy to tighten and release. If I could change any part of this pack, I would have the manufacturers change out the top "pocket" (fanny pack) for a lightweight day pack, which is really what most of us need when leaving base camp for a day of hiking and perhaps fishing.

Excellent pack...lightweight!!
April 03, 2007

Last season I used a Gregory Palisade pack, which worked great for me...but I've been looking to shave some weight...this pack is almost 2 pounds lighter and is slightly larger. I have been on a number of training hikes, carrying 50 pounds, and the pack is very comfortable. I haven't noticed any sore spots at all. It is perfect for my 2 liter Platypus bag as well. I'm very happy with my decision!

great pack
June 05, 2006

I bought an aether 85 in sunburst yellow. I have only 1 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 camelback 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 your looking for a large volume lightweight pack i highly recomend 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.