Osprey Aether 65 Hiking Pack - Review 2023

Bearing Your Burdens Comfortably

In case you’ve missed it, we’ve decided to take a closer look at the Aether and the Ariel for their well deserved reputation for a comfortable carry with loads of any size. While we’re impressed with the on trail feel of these bags from the get go, they really shine when your base weight starts to go up. If you’re just looking for a comfortable pack for casual overnighters, we’d steer you toward some of the lightweight models in our best-of roundup.

Osprey employs the same techniques they use in all of their overnight packs to achieve these results- the Aether and Ariel are lavishly padded along the hips, equipped with a wide array of adjustable straps and buckles, and built around their trademark Airscape back panel.

Our testers go through a lot of backpacks, and tend to err on the side of minimalist packs with little suspension. We’ve found the Ariel to be the exception to that rule, particularly (you guessed it) when we’re carrying a lot around with us. The Airscape panel offers a dependable escape from the sweaty nightmare of a wet and wadded up shirt riding under your back panel.

One Size Fits Most

Another standout feature of these bags is their adjustability. Savvy backpackers will tell you that being able to fiddle around with your fit is essential far beyond the retail floor- there are myriad ways to make yourself more comfortable while sauntering down the trail.

Osprey’s Fit on the Fly system makes hike-time adjustments to your shoulder straps, hipbelt, and load lifters easy enough to change while the bag is completely full on your back. Coupled with an extendable back plate and it’s totally feasible to switch out bags halfway through a trip with your buddy if you’re so inclined.

Aside from slight anatomical differences between the men’s Aether and women’s Ariel, both bags are available in two sizes. Combined with their high degree of adjustability, this should be more than enough to slap one on anyone’s back.

Zippers, Pockets, Storage and More

We love multiple access points, particularly when it comes to big bags carrying lots of gear. The Aether and Ariel facilitate an organized backpack, a dialed camp, and an easy trail life. By combining multiple main compartment access points with lash points, mesh side pockets, ice axe carry, and a sleeping bag compartment; these bags do everything short of packing for you.

Of particular note is the front panel access point that makes finding your extra socks less of a chore. The panel is large and U-shaped, with one fell swoop you can open your pack asunder and see all the intricacies of your packing laid out before you. When this fails the tried and true floating top panel and drawstring access up top are always there for you.

Beyond the flashier and more exciting pockets and panels, mesh pockets on the sides are great for water bottles of any size, and the ever-beloved front mesh pocket makes a great place to tuck extra layers or things that you need to let dry out.  The hipbelt pockets were big enough to fit our smartphones and a snack.

Weight

If you’re trying to talk yourself out of buying this bag, its considerable 5 lb build is a compelling argument. While we don’t need to beat this issue to death, you can’t get around that the total weight of these bags clocks in at around a quarter of most people’s base weights. That’s a whole lot to be carrying without considering food and water for longer treks.

The good news is that we’ve covered the cause of this weight extensively over the course of our review- it’s all to blame on the robust build and comfort carrying amenities. You can’t expect a bag to haul a basecamp worth of gear without a basecamp’s worth of reinforcement.

Value

No Osprey pack falls within our “budget” parameters, and the Aether and Ariel are no exception. You need to consider what you’re looking to get out of your backpack. For most overnighters these bags are going to be too much and cost you some efficiency when it comes to weight. But for people who like to bring their toys into the backcountry, or who are assuming a leadership role of some sort should give these a second look.

We Recommend It!

To be sure, their feature sets are fully realized and add considerable value, but that’s secondary to their durability and carrying capabilities. If you’re new (but dedicated) to backpacking, these packs represent the best that the industry can offer you.