Osprey Packs Aether 60 Backpack

Osprey Packs Aether 60 Backpack

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.

• Special Note: IsoForm hipbelt and shoulder straps are available in multiple sizes; please call customer service at 800-369-3949 and talk to a pack expert to request the best size for you
• 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

Purchase the Osprey Packs Aether 60 Backpack from Altrec.com. All order totals over $45 qualify for free ground shipping.

Reviews

Altrec.com Shopper - March 30 2010

previous model year
I have an older aether 60 from 2004 or 2005 and loved it, but after surgery to my pelvis the hipbelt is still a bit painful, even two years afterwards. The 2010 model looks too heavy and has things I don't need or want, like side zippers and sleeping bag compartment. I think the one I bought from altrec is the 2008-2009 model. The hipbelt seems to be much more comfortable than my old aether, but the pack is 6 ounces heavier, and I liked the old mesh pockets better than the stretch-woven pockets. Nice to have a hydration reservoir pouch though. Just got back from a weekend snowcamping trip and the pack seemed to work decently well. My old aether has been on many a mountaineering trip and my new one looks like it will do fine in that role.

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Jim - March 13 2010

Very, very good
The back pack is well made with enough room for all but the longest of outings. The pack sits comfortable and the ventilation back frame help you forget it's there. Despite its size I don't feel off balance while on the move, it just moves with me. The waist belt is great for preventing soar spots. Belt pouches would make this pack as near perfect as they come. Despite that one short coming I highly recommend this pack.

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Altrec.com Shopper - March 11 2010

Good buy
I got this backpack a few weeks ago and used it for some of my hiking trips. The backpack is well designed. I have a Atom backpack and I think this one is better because of the room is more compact. Definitely recommend this backpack. Make sure you have the right size.

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Altrec.com Shopper - March 10 2010

Great pack for a weekend or hut ski trip
I bought this pack for hut ski trips. The pack is well made, light, fits perfect and feels great even when loaded. The size is perfect for a short weekend backpacking trip in summer or a hut ski trip in winter. Osprey knows how to make packs!

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Jeff - March 3 2009

Fits like a glove
I took my new Aether 60 on its maiden voyage snowshoeing in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Except for the fact I really wish it had a sleeping bag zipper pocket like the 70 I really love the size. Not too big nor too small. Perfect for overnight and extended weekend trips. I felt nimble on my snow shoes without that top heavy feeling you get when you load up a 70+ liter pack. If you are trying to simplify your backpack load while maintaining the ability to bring some fun things I recommend this pack.

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Sizing Chart

All Osprey packs, save the transit bags, are available in multiple sizes to fit a range of torso lengths. To find your torso length, have a friend measure your back along the spine from the level of your iliac crest (the top of your hipbones) to your C7 (the knobby bone at the base of your neck).

To determine your hipbelt size measure around your hips, not your waist. A properly fitted hipbelt rides centered over the hipbones and needs to be very snug; after all it will be carrying the bulk of the pack's weight. The padded portion should wrap well around your hips, leaving a gap of 3 to 6 inches between the tips of the pads when securely tightened.

Nearly all Osprey hipbelts use an exclusive ErgoPull design. It creates mechanical advantage to provide extra leverage in cinching down the hipbelt. The ErgoPull design also draws tension along the top and bottom of the belt, not through the center, so it distributes pressure more evenly over the padding and relieves direct pressure on the hipbones.

Step 3 - Harness

Osprey Crescent & Luna, Aether & Ariel and Waypoint packs offer interchangeable shoulder harnesses. Harness sizing usually corresponds to pack size, but your best bet is to try one on. A properly fit harness should terminate 2 to 3" beneath the armpit. Webbing should not touch the body. By breaking the hook and loop connection and sliding the harness up and down the backpanel the torso length can be adjusted up to 3". (see illustration).

Once you have the correct size pack, harness and hipbelt, and the torso length set properly, it's time to put some weight in the pack (20 to 30 pounds of well distributed weight will do) and dial in the fit. First, snug down the hipbelt and harness. Connect the sternum strap (A) - position it about 2 inches below your collarbones and snug it down lightly. Finally, tighten the load lifter straps to draw the load solidly against your back. The lift straps (B) should come off your shoulders at a 45 to 60 degree angle in Osprey's ReCurve and Ethereal Suspension packs. In other models these straps serve more as compression straps and ride flatter; they may even angle downwards.

In a good fit, there should be no pressure points and no gaps between your body and the pack. With Osprey's ReCurve packs, final tweaking may involve custom fitting the aluminum stays to your back.