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With 5,400 cubic inches, this lightweight mountaineering pack features a custom moldable hipbelt and a streamlined design for backcountry pursuits.
- Top-loading pack shaves weight with its lightweight yet tough 210-denier high-tenacity double-ripstop nylon construction
- AirScape Suspension uses peripheral rods, a nubbed foam back panel, single stay and an internal framesheet
- Running down the sidewall, the peripheral rods anchor to load lifters and hipbelt, actively transferring load and resisting sag
- Providing superior load support is the removable IsoForm CM (Custom Moldable) hipbelt, a 3D dual-density foam contoured and anatomically shaped
- Osprey's certified Custom Molding available in most stores—check your local REI store for a custom hipbelt molding oven
- ErgoPull hipbelt closure provides extra leverage in cinching, drawing tension along top and bottom--not through the center--relieving hipbone pressure
- IsoForm dual-density foam harness with Spacer Mesh promotes airflow and wicks away moisture during warm weather and intense activity
- Externally accessible bottom compartment accommodates all types of sleeping bags
- Top pocket can be removed and converted into a lumbar pack; IsoForm hipbelt on pack can be removed and slid onto lumbar pack for comfortable carrying
- Dual-entry stretch side mesh pockets keep essentials easily accessible, and a built-in front mesh pocket accepts Osprey Excessories for added capacity
- Front compression wings let you securely compress the contents of the pack, whether full or nearly empty, without sag or load distortion
- Ski straps, ice axe tool loops, sleeping pad straps and extendable lid accommodate a variety of alpine gear
- Hydration-compatible design features reservoir sleeve and dual drink tube exit ports for on-the-go hydration (reservoir sold separately)
- High-density polyurethane (HDPE) framesheet and a single aluminum stay protect your back from bulky or pointy items and support heavy loads
Specifications for torso / waist and hips / base volume (cu. in. and liters) / weight are as follows:
Imported.
Item 733142
REI stores have Osprey molding
ovens for creating custom hipbelts.
Find an REI store near you.
Related Items:
Osprey Aether 85 Pack Specs
Specification | Description |
| Gender | Men's |
| Frame type | Internal |
| Backpack style | Lightweight backpack |
| Approximate volume | 5,200 cubic inches |
| Approximate volume - metric | 85 liters |
| Average weight | 4 lbs. 13 oz. |
| Average weight - metric | 2.21 kilograms |
| Adjustable torso | Yes |
| Fits torso | 18 - 20.5 inches |
| Fits waist/hips | 30 - 34 inches |
| Material | Nylon double-ripstop |
| Frame material | HDPE/aluminum |
| Number of stays | 2 |
| Number of pockets | 2 + main compartment |
| Access / Loading | Top |
| Sleeping bag compartment | Yes |
Osprey Aether 85 Pack Customer Reviews
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
- Large capacity (11)
- Comfortable (10)
- Highly adjustable (10)
- Easy to load (9)
- Good padding (9)
Cons
Best Uses
- Extended hikes (12)
- Heavy loads (9)
- Backpacking (3)
- Extended travel (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Avid adventurer (12), Casual adventurer (3)
- What Is Your Gear Style:
- Comfort driven (6), Minimalist (6)
Reviewed by 15 customers
Sort by
Pros
- Comfortable
- Easy To Load
- Highly Adjustable
- Large Capacity
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not Enough Pockets
Best Uses
- Extended Hikes
- Heavy Loads
- Light Loads
Comments about Osprey Aether 85 Pack:
Backpacker rated it as "best pack for week long trips". I agree. It fits well, I can get the bear barrel inside. With 50 pounds in it, it is still very stable for moving cross country and on stepped trails.
It has a great set of belts to tighten and control the loads. The pack expands and contracts well with different load sizes. I found all the needed
straps to hold fly rods and foam pads on the outside.
I highly recommend this pack. My last pack was a 70"s Kelty, and the Bear Barrel did not fit in, so it was always in the way. There are pockets on top and the inside, but not so much on the outside.
Pros
- Best hip belt I've tried
- Durable
- Easy to Pack
- Good Back Support
- Good Padding
- Strong Zippers
Cons
- Not Enough Compartments
Best Uses
- Backpacking
- Extended Travel
Comments about Osprey Aether 85 Pack:
My go to pack. VERY comfortable and the best hip belt I've ever used. Great weight transfer and the pack stays where it should. Well built and I think very durable(so far so good). One little nitpick, when the pack is stuffed full, the side pouches are just a little too small to accept water bottles.
- What Is Your Gear Style:
- Minimalist
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Pack
- Good Back Support
- Good Padding
- Strong Zippers
Cons
- Not Enough Compartments
Best Uses
- Backpacking
- Extended Travel
- Weekend Trips
Comments about Osprey Aether 85 Pack:
I've had this pack for more than a year. It took me 80 miles through the New Mexico mountains last summer, plus some tune-up weekend trips. Osprey does this pack, like all their packs, very well. Strong zippers, large openings, good use of stretchy material. Only two external pockets (one holds a Nalgene, the other holds my camp stool). Would prefer to see more/different pockets externally, but overall this is a great pack. I bought an add-on daypack from Osprey and it buttons/attaches to the outside very nicely so it extends the capacity of the overall pack. Nice and easy to detach and use on side trips in the middle of your expedition. Overall - great pack - I'd do it all again!
- What Is Your Gear Style:
- Minimalist
Pros
- Comfortable
- Easy To Load
- Highly Adjustable
- Large Capacity
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Extended Hikes
Comments about Osprey Aether 85 Pack:
I would reccommend the Osprey 85 for any multi-day backpack trip. It is light, weighing in at 4lbs 12oz and there is ample room for a bear cannister and a water bladder plus anything else you would need to an extended backpack trip. I personally took mine on a 12 day backpack trip in the California Sierras.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Easy To Load
- Good Padding
- Highly Adjustable
- High Quality
- Large Capacity
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Extended Hikes
- Heavy Loads
Comments about Osprey Aether 85 Pack:
I have used this amazing pack on only a couple short backpacking trips so far, but am extremely confident about its ability to last me through my upcoming summer in the Sierra Nevada's when I will be doing quite a few longer backpacking trips.
Everything about this pack is the highest quality. The zippers and buckles are both durable enough to last decades of abuse. The zipper pulls for the bottom compartment are large rings that are much handier than I thought they would be, especially when you have mittens/gloves on in the winter. There is also a sleeve inside the main compartment for your water bladder. The drawstring cinch at the top of the pack is also much better than your standard poorly made plastic cinch -- it opens and cinches shut very smoothly and easily. While the pack is designed for minimalists, Osprey sure did a great job at the details of this backpack.
On top of its extremely high quality design and components, it is the most comfortable pack I have ever had on my back. The back padding and hip belt are second to none in comfort. It can easily support heavier loads into the 50-60lbs. range.
My only complaints about the pack are minimal quibbles: no hip belt pocket and no *zipper* compartments on the outside of the pack for water bottles or other small items. However, this cuts the pack weight down, making it a light pack for its expedition-length backpacking trip ability.
I really think this is a great pack and worth every penny. You won't be disappointed by its comfort, weight, or design.
- Gift:
- No
- What Is Your Gear Style:
- Comfort Driven
Pros
- Comfortable
- Easy To Load
- Highly Adjustable
- Large Capacity
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Extended Hikes
- Heavy Loads
Comments about Osprey Aether 85 Pack:
Only used it once but I love it! It fits my torso perfectly and doesn't bounce around. I'm definitely gonna get more mileage out of this one. The only drawback is its weight, slightly heavier than most light packs. I'd probably go for the Aether 70, but Osprey is defnitely the way to go.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Easy To Load
- Good Padding
- Highly Adjustable
- Large Capacity
Cons
Best Uses
- Extended Hikes
- Heavy Loads
- Travel
- Wet Weather
Comments about Osprey Aether 85 Pack:
I took this pack on a 12 day trip to New Mexico back in 2007. When this pack was fully loaded, it felt that it was part of your body. It handled 40-50 pounds like it was nothing. Once the pack was on your back and adjusted and tightened up, it did not move.If I had to take any pack on a multiday trip, this would be the one I would grab, hands down. I have had many packs over the years, this one goes to the top of the list.
- Gift:
- No
- What Is Your Gear Style:
- Comfort Driven
Pros
- Comfortable
- Easy To Load
- Good Padding
- Highly Adjustable
- Large Capacity
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Day Hikes
- Extended Hikes
- Heavy Loads
- Light Loads
- Travel
Comments about Osprey Aether 85 Pack:
This is my favorite pack I've ever put on. I've brought on countless trips throughout the Whites and recently on a 12 day in Alaska. You could find a place to put almost anything in or on this pack. I've carried about 65 pounds in this pack easily. Don't think you'll be able to put that much weight in here and immediately be comfortable, you need to train your back to do that. This pack helps though and distributes the weight appropriately.
If you're going for a day hike or a shorter trip, this pack is light enough for you and adjustable enough to strap down so it's not a nuisance.
Pretty much, if you're going to buy one pack to feed all your needs, this pack won't disappoint.
It's top loading with a zipper on the bottom for a sleeping bag/tent/anything really. Some people don't really know how to operate with a single compartment top loader. I suggest getting a few waterproof stuff sacks (or even just trash bags) to help organize your stuff. If it rains, then you won't need a pack cover to keep your stuff dry.
If I were to pin something on this pack as a con, the back doesn't vent perfectly. You'll get a bit of sweat buildup on your back where the pack meets. However, the backing won't absorb moisture so it doesn't collect. This is a problem with any pack that you put anything more than 10 pounds in.
I've compared it against some "better", more expensive packs, this one is worth every cent.
Service and delivery comments:
I had this pack delivered to REI, shipping was free. Delivery took about a week and a half. The employees in the store helped me load it up, along with a few other packs I tried on.
- Gift:
- No
- What Is Your Gear Style:
- Minimalist
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Pack
- Good Back Support
- Good Padding
- Strong Zippers
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Backpacking
- Extended Travel
Comments about Osprey Aether 85 Pack:
[...] That really increases the comfort level when you have to carry a large amount of water to cover a possible dry camp, or you're carrying the shared items (e.g. tent, stove, etc) for your spouse. Great pack for long trips or when you're carrying more gear.
- What Is Your Gear Style:
- Comfort Driven
Pros
- Comfortable
- Easy To Load
- Highly Adjustable
- Large Capacity
Cons
- Not enough pockets
Best Uses
- Extended Hikes
- Heavy Loads
Comments about Osprey Aether 85 Pack:
Used this pack for an epic month long trip across the US this past summer.
Spent some time in Utah, Montana, East Coast, Pacific Northwest, and this went with me every step of the way.
Does what its supposed to do so I can spend less time worrying about carrying my gear around and more time enjoying where I am.
Great pack for extended trips; its probably too much for anything much less than a week unless you like to carry your living room with you.
I did notice the straps start to dig into my hips after a few weeks, but I blame that more on wearing the same 50 lbs pack almost every day for a month over build or quality of the pack.
- Gift:
- No
- What Is Your Gear Style:
- Minimalist
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