by: Dave D’Abate
Osprey Aether 85
Now in its 3rd generation and updated for 2010, Osprey’s Aether series backpack offers a lightweight custom fit for every outdoor enthusiast. After owning a 2nd generation Aether 60 for four years now, I was pretty excited to test the new Aether and see the differences in the 2010 line. The awesome folks at Osprey sent me a Magma colored Aether 85 to put through its paces this spring.
The Aether series is the Men’s counterpart to the Women’s Ariel pack designed for activities ranging from a short weekend trip to longer expedition treks. The Aether is one of the lightest backpacks on the market offering a custom-molded fit. The IsoForm™ harness comes in 3 sizes, S, M, and L and the IsoForm™ CM hipbelt comes in S, M, L, and XL. Anyone not already familiar with Osprey should know about the custom molding available from Certified Osprey Dealers that allows for the most comfortable fit you’ll find in a backpack.
Upon seeing the new Aether, three things immediately jumped out at me. First, the most notable inclusion is the J-Panel front access zipper to allow for getting to your packed gear quickly. Second is the thinner, but strong LightWire™ alloy frame to save on weight with added flexibility and stability that moves with you. Third is the wide-mouth sleeping bag opening, which has been on the previous generation’s 70 and 85 models but was missing from the 60. It’s great to see this feature is now included on all three 2010 Aether models.
Aether 85 New AirScape™ Backpanel
A few other welcome additions also show themselves in the revision. Osprey’s Stow on the Go™ trekking pole attachment is a great, fast solution that lets you store your poles without having to stop and remove your pack in the times when trekking poles aren’t needed or you just need to give your arms a rest. Another feature added is Osprey’s InsideOut™ Compression system straps that can be routed internally or externally over the side stretch woven pockets to secure your gear. Another new feature is the inclusion of bungee tool tie-offs for a more secure carrying of ice axes and other equipment.
Of course all the other great features you see in an Osprey pack have returned, like the Straightjacket Compression system to secure your load when the backpack isn’t stuffed full, the previously mentioned stretch woven side pockets that can accommodate nearly any sized water bottle, hydration bladder compatibility with left and right side routing holes, and the ability to remove the top pocket and use it as a lumbar pack with its built-in hipbelt.
It is very easy to say Osprey makes very feature-built packs for any and all activities and with such a wide range across their 2010 line of packs, they have something to offer everyone. I know I’m going to have a great time using the new Aether 85 this spring so you should look for my first test update soon!
Update #1
Aether 85
I have been hiking around with the Aether 85 quite a bit lately and even more so starting my fourth summer guiding backpacking treks in New Mexico. After taking the Aether out on two separate five day hikes over rough and varied terrain, the pack has a solid fit when carrying around 65 pounds and scrambling over loose scree fields or climbing the slopes of various peaks. The harness fits great and the custom molded hip belt really makes the difference in comfort during those long days on the trail.
One great thing I’ve noticed that I really like is whenever I get to camp and put the pack down, I really only use the J-Panel opening to get my gear. After the initial loading before departure, I rarely unclip the top pocket and instead lay the Aether down for easier access to whatever I may need. Going up and down a wide range of elevations over the course of a few days changes what you might need from your pack at any given time. Whether you’re chilling at 10,000 feet and you need to grab your down puffy, the sky opens up and your rain suit is a must, or you just need to dig in to your favorite lunch on the trail, the J-Panel opening makes accessing your equipment much easier.
I also really like how the side stretch-woven pockets seem a little bit larger in this 3rd generation Aether. A lot of bottle companies seem to be going with slimmer and taller bottles lately but these pockets can still easily hold the full liter Nalgenes that have been popular among backpackers for many years. The integrated hydration sleeve and dual openings on each side allow you to put any kind of water reservoir inside. I haven’t found myself using the Stow on the Go™ trekking pole holders very much but they did come in handy when you start going from rocky trail to scrambling and need your hands free quickly. In this case, the Stow on the Go™ system works perfectly as the easiest and fastest solution I’ve seen.
9,003 Feet With the Aether 85
So far, I am absolutely loving the new Aether 85. The only downside to using a larger pack is you’re more likely to pack more than you need into it and you end up carrying quite a bit of unnecessary weight but having that extra room when you pack smart is invaluable. I’m going to be using this pack over the summer guiding backpacking treks and just hiking around in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains so look for a lot of updates on this pack.
Men’s Aether 85 – $289 – ospreypacks.com