Adirondack Green Osprey Aether Ag 85 Review – Technical Backpacking Pack
From weekend backpacking to thru-hiking, and even all-out mountaineering expeditions, this high-end pack keeps up virtually with any outdoor adventure. Of course, should you simply need a daypack, the Aether AG 85 has you covered too!
Having owned a handful of technical packs, I’m always on the search for the best of the best. When I came across the Osprey Aether AG 85 at Outdoor Retailer this year I immediately knew I had to have one!
With 85 L of cargo capacity (Medium size), this pack can comfortably carry 35 to 60 pounds. It answers the question as to what pack I should bring along for overnight, weekend, and week plus long treks outdoors. (If 85 is too large, don’t worry, Osprey also offers this pack in 60 and 70 versions.)
Now, while space and a convertible top-lid daypack are key features for me, I really was interested in the anti-gravity technology and custom fit. It’s one thing to get a pack that can carry everything you need, it’s another to get one that does so comfortably.
Below you’ll find my field test and review, covering more of the load hauling experience, comfort, organization compartments, and beyond.
Quick Highlights:
- Small (82 L), Medium (85 L) and Large (88 L) sizes available.
- 210D Nylon Dobby Main Fabric
- 210D High Tenacity Nylon Shadow Box Accent Fabric
- 500D Nylon Packcloth Bottom Fabric
- 35-60 lbs. load range.
- Anti-gravity Technology hugs the body. (Continuous, suspended panel of lightweight mesh)
- IsoForm 5 harness and CM hip belt for the perfect, custom fit.
- Removable, convertible top-lid daypack.
- Internal hydration reservoir sleeve.
- Integrated FlapJacket cover for lidless usage.
- Removeable sleeping pad straps
- Zippered dedicated sleeping back compartment with removable divider
- Dual ice tool loops with button tie offs.
- Stow-on-the-go trekking pole attachment
- Generously sized, large stretch mesh front panel pocket.
- Dual front compressions straps with StraightJacket compression.
- Zippered hip belt pockets.
- Lower Inside-Out compression straps.
- Dual access side stretch mesh pockets.
- 5.32 lbs to 5.42 lbs pack weight.
- Available in Adirondack Green, Outback Orange, and Neptune Blue colors.
- Adjustable sternum strap with safety whistle.
- Large front J-zip main compartment access.
Adirondack Green Osprey Aether Ag 85 Review
Front Pack Details
Back Pack Details
Cargo Organization Details
Lid Details
Osprey Aether Ag 85 Field Test Impressions
After loading the Osprey Aether AG 85 up with everything from my titanium Bushcraft Essentials stove to Kylmit Static V Recon sleeping pad and beyond, the weight started to add up rather fast. Yet, I instinctively knew this pack would be able to handle it like a champ given that it comes from a quality brand like Osprey in the first place. After taking it out for a spin I was beyond impressed!
The anti-gravity technology gives this pack a super strong base to really haul around those heavier loads without the discomfort. It does an exceptional job at transferring all that weight down to where it really belongs, the hips. Factor in super soft, contoured shoulder straps and moving around with the Osprey Aether AG on your back is a dream!
Of course, if you want comfort with the ability to haul lots of weight, that usually means lots of heat! Surprisingly, the Osprey Aether AG is able to offer a plush body-hugging fit while still being super airy. For those of you who sweat like crazy, you’ll be happy to know that this pack really excels in terms of breathability.
Aside from the comfort, breathability, and load-hauling performance, the Osprey Aether AG delivered big in terms of organization for me. With top, bottom and front access I’m able to access all my gear fast! It goes beyond the zippered hip belt pockets which make grabbing a snack while on the move effortless. In reality, I really like the way Osprey structured each compartment with a purpose. Needless to say packing and unpacking all gear, clothing, food, etc. was a treat given how nice the experience was.
When it comes to reliability, Osprey offers their “All Mighty Guarantee” which I like. Osprey will repair for any reason, free of charge, any damage or defect in their pack. It doesn’t matter if you bought it today or ages ago, the same guarantee applies. Now, while it does offer peace of mind, I’m confident the Aether AG 85 is reliable enough on its own. The construction appears rock-solid and I’ve yet, to spot any areas which I find to be weak points. If you’re curious to know what materials are involved, Osprey chose 210D Nylon Dobby for the main part of the pack, 210D High Tenacity Nylon Shadow Box for the accent, and finally, 500D Nylon Packcloth for the bottom.
Overall, the Osprey Aether AG 85 delivers huge on everything from features to comfort, to load hauling ability and so on. The pack impressed me at first glance but after adventuring outdoors with one on my back, well, I’m in love! It does so many things exceptionally well and then some.
Osprey Product Collection
When it comes to accessories for the Osprey Aether AG 85, I highly recommend the ultralight rain cover along with various ultralight dry and stuff sacks. Add in a Osprey 3 liter hydraulics reservoir and you’re all set! Of course, if you’re looking for things like protective camera cases, map carriers and beyond, Osprey has them all as well.
Aside from the Osprey Aether AG 85, Osprey also makes some really nice travel, everyday, and kid carrier packs. No matter if you ski or are simply going to school, chances are Osprey has the perfect pack for you.