Osprey Aether 55

Let me just say, I'm getting lighter but not quite an ultralight enthusiast and I do love a full-featured pack that carries a load comfortably.

 My 1st Gen Aether 70 was starting to be less comfortable than I liked. I can't complain after 20+ years, I'm not disappointed. Which brings me to the Aether 55. I've downsized gear quite a bit the last few years and needed something a little smaller that would still be comfortable with a week's load. My 34 and 48 liter packs just won't haul that much...not my stuff anyway. I picked this pack up on osprey.com for 25% off because the blue is discontinued. I don't know why because it's a very cool color. 

This really is a full feature pack. Osprey has always been comfortable for me and this one looks like it will be all that and more. The shoulder straps are thicker than any I've ever seen and anatomically shaped. There are load lifters and the straps are also adjustable if you need them longer or shorter. The back panel adjusts by tightening or loosening straps at the bottom. It's much quicker and more precise than the old velcro panel. The hip belt features the same adjustment as the shoulder straps-just loosen and push or pull depending on what you need. The hip belt has a nice shape to it as well. It will definitely take some wearing in but it looks like it'll be plenty comfortable in the process. 

One thing I really like is the U-shape zipper that allows access into the pack without having to dig from the top down to find what you want. It's as easy as a suitcase! Inside is a sleeve for a reservoir and a compression strap. The sleeping bag compartment has an adjustable separator. The lid storage isn't as big as some packs but the hip belt pockets are a little larger than other Ospreys I have so that's good. The water bottle pockets have top and side access so you can grab your bottle with the pack on. Pretty standard now but a feature I miss if it's not there. I like my Platy in the pack but always have a bottle of electrolyte handy as well. 

It has pad straps under and the stuff-it pocket isn't made of the stretchy stuff. It's pack material and has just a little stretch on the sides. You could still get a wet fly in there or anything else of similar size. The lid is removable and might save a few ounces if you didn't need it. It's a floating lid which is another feature I like. Sometimes you need a little more room and sometimes you don't. The bag is made to accommodate that also. 

Based on my experience with Osprey (I own 7 now) I expect this to be serviceable for the next 20+ years. And if I'm still carrying a pack then, I'll be over the moon! I won't have a chance to give this a good workout until May but I expect it will work as advertised. If it doesn't, I'll sure pop back in and let you know.

Just a note about Osprey...they started out as a "cottage industry." Mike had some great ideas and made some great gear...still does. Don't get turned off by their size. I've had cause to contact them over the years for this and that and a person responds quickly and it usually just takes one email to resolve. They even replaced a set of pad straps that I managed to lose. 

Background

Over 20 years with Ospreys...Love 'em all!