Updated for 2010! If you like your pack streamlined, but enjoy bringing those creature comforts along, the Aether 85 is the pack for you. The IsoForm custom molded hipbelt and Lightwire suspension along with the size-swappable dual density shoulder harness demonstrate Osprey's undying quest to build the perfect backpack. Great for multi-day climbing and backpacking trips, and a perfect lightweight pack for a Rainier Summit Climb.
- LightWire suspension uses peripheral rods, a nubbed foam back panel, single stay and an internal framesheet
- 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 (now enlarged for water bottles)
- Zippered sleeping bag compartment with removable divider allows for access to main compartment too
- Removable sleeping pad straps
- Side compression straps and gear loops
- Internal compression strap (red for easy visibility) to secure load
- Stow on the Go trekking pole attachment, side gear straps, ice axe tool loops, cord loop attachment slots and sleeping pad straps accommodate a variety of alpine gear
- Detachable zippered top pocket mates with hipbelt to create a lumbar pack
- Internal backpanel hydration pocket with twin exit ports
- Osprey Excessory compatible
| Size Small | 5000 cu. in./4 lbs 13 oz. |
| Size Medium | 5200 cu. in./5 lbs 1 oz. |
| Size Large | 5400 cu. in./5 lbs 4 oz. |
Pack Frame Size
Your correct frame size is found by measuring your torso from the seventh vertebra (the big bump where the shoulder slope meets the neck) down the spine to the point in the small of your back which is horizontally level with the top of your hip bones (iliac crest). To find the iliac crest, use your fingers to trace the hip bone upwards until you can feel the point where the top edge of your hip bones curve inwards, on the side of your hip, creating something of a shelf. Holding your finger on the seventh vertebra, measure down your back to the point in the small of your back level with your iliac crest. The measurement is most easily obtained using a string or a cloth tape and help from a friend. This is your torso length, and using it, you can now select the correct frame size.
Aether Series
Your correct frame size is found by measuring your torso from the seventh vertebra (the big bump where the shoulder slope meets the neck) down the spine to the point in the small of your back which is horizontally level with the top of your hip bones (iliac crest). To find the iliac crest, use your fingers to trace the hip bone upwards until you can feel the point where the top edge of your hip bones curve inwards, on the side of your hip, creating something of a shelf. Holding your finger on the seventh vertebra, measure down your back to the point in the small of your back level with your iliac crest. The measurement is most easily obtained using a string or a cloth tape and help from a friend. This is your torso length, and using it, you can now select the correct frame size.
| Torso Length | Pack Size | ||
| > 20" | Large | ||
| 18-20.5" | Medium | ||
| < 18.5" | Small |
12/13/11
Finally replaced my pack of 17 years with this and what an upgrade. Very comfortable and lots of great features. I have had 2 other folks buy Osprey packs after seeing mine in action.
Jared
10/13/09
I used this pack on a 12 day backpack carrying 60lbs in the Wrangell/St Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska. Volume is great, harness adequate for full load (until some of food gets eaten - then it's downright comfortable) and it compresses well for stability as volume decreases.
It's also great for winter backpacks, zips worked when frozen. Overall a sound choice.
Geoff Moore
09/18/09
I have traveled with backpacks on extended overseas trips for over 20 years and this pack is probably the most comfortable I've ever worn. I bought this pack for a recent climb on Mount Rainier and it performed extremely well. It has a separate storage area in the bottom for your sleeping bag which allows you to access it w/o taking all of your other gear out first. If you don't like that option, you can unclip the partition from inside and use the whole bag like any top-loader. Note that it will not hold much over a 2 liter bladder. I had bought a 3 liter which was too long so had to replace it with a 2 liter which worked fine.
John Scott
03/12/09
I'm a large-framed 5'10" female - I tried a woman's version first, but found this one to fit my body much better - plus the hip strap is totoally adjustable! With my last pack on it was hard to turn my head, but this one gives great range of motion. It gobbles up gear! I took it on a 6 day in the Sierras and there was plenty of room for everything. There aren't very many zippered pockets, though - which is something I kind of miss.
Erika Wilhelm
08/16/08
Took it to the top of Ranier- Nice pack, light weight and form-fitting to the body, very comfortable to wear with nearly 40 pounds for 12 hours. One of the strap snaps broke on me half way up the mountain and I was impressed that it still was able to snap in place and remain pretty secure. I would buy it again. BWS
Ben
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