Osprey Aether/Ariel Review: The Ultimate Backpacks for long hikes

If you are looking for a backpack that can handle any adventure, you might want to check out the Osprey Aether and Ariel series. These are the flagship models of Osprey, designed for long-distance hiking, backpacking, and travel. They offer a customizable fit, a durable construction, a spacious main compartment, and a plethora of features to make your life easier on the trail. But are they worth the price and weight? In this review, we will take a closer look at the Osprey Aether and Ariel backpacks, their pros and cons, and how they compare to other similar models on the market.

Osprey Aether(men) on Amazon

Osprey Ariel(women) on Amazon

What are the Osprey Aether and Ariel Backpacks?

The Osprey Aether and Ariel backpacks are the updated versions of the Aether AG and Ariel AG series, which were released in 2017. The new models have some significant changes, such as:

• A lighter weight (about 10% lighter than the previous versions)
• A more durable fabric (420D nylon instead of 210D)
• A more streamlined design (less bulky and more sleek)
• A more adjustable fit (more options to customize the torso length, shoulder straps, hip belt, and load lifters)
• A more breathable back panel (a die-cut foam AirScape back panel instead of the Anti-Gravity mesh suspension)

The Osprey Aether and Ariel backpacks come in different sizes and capacities, ranging from 55L to 85L. The Aether is the men’s version, while the Ariel is the women’s version. They have similar features, except for some minor differences in the shape and size of the shoulder straps and hip belt.

Some of the main features of the Osprey Aether and Ariel backpacks are:

• A top-loading main compartment with a floating lid and a zippered front panel access
• A zippered lower sleeping bag compartment with a removable divider
• An internal hydration sleeve with an exit port
• A front stretch mesh pocket for extra storage
• Two side stretch mesh pockets for water bottles or other items
• Two zippered hip belt pockets for small essentials
• Four side compression straps and two front compression straps to stabilize the load
• An external anchor loop to attach an Osprey Daylite pack for extra capacity
• Dual ice axe loops with bungee cord tie-offs
• An included rain cover

The most distinctive feature of the Osprey Aether and Ariel backpacks is their customizable fit. You can adjust the torso length by using a webbing ladder lock system on the back panel. You can also adjust the length of the shoulder straps and hip belt by using Velcro tabs. Moreover, you can adjust the height and angle of the hip belt by using a sliding buckle system. This allows you to fine-tune the fit according to your body shape and preference.

Another unique feature of the Osprey Aether and Ariel backpacks is their heat-moldable hip belt. You can take your backpack to an authorized Osprey dealer and have them heat up the hip belt in an oven. Then, you can wear it while it cools down, so that it conforms to your hips. This creates a more comfortable and secure fit.

How do the Osprey Aether and Ariel Backpacks Perform?

The Osprey Aether and Ariel backpacks are designed to perform well in various conditions and terrains. They are suitable for long-distance hiking, backpacking, travel, or any other activity that requires carrying a lot of gear. They are also compatible with different accessories, such as hydration systems, trekking poles, ice axes, or day packs.

The main strengths of the Osprey Aether and Ariel backpacks are their comfort, durability, and versatility. They have a rigid frame that transfers the weight to your hips, a thick foam back panel that cushions your back, and a heat-moldable hip belt that hugs your hips. They also have a sturdy fabric that resists abrasion and tears, a spacious main compartment that can fit all your essentials, and a variety of pockets and straps that can organize your gear.

The main weaknesses of the Osprey Aether and Ariel backpacks are their weight and price. They are heavier than most backpacks in their category, weighing around 5 pounds for the 55L versions. They are also more expensive than most backpacks in their category, costing around $360 for the 55L versions. Moreover, they are not very mountaineering-friendly, as they have a large profile that can affect your balance on steep slopes.

How do the Osprey Aether and Ariel Backpacks Compare to Other Models?

There are many other backpacks on the market that can compete with the Osprey Aether and Ariel backpacks. Some of the most popular ones are:

• The Gregory Baltoro and Deva backpacks, which are similar in size, weight, and price to the Osprey Aether and Ariel backpacks. They also have a customizable fit, a durable fabric, and a feature-rich design. However, they have a different suspension system, which uses a pivoting hip belt and lumbar pad to enhance comfort and stability. They also have a different layout, which includes a U-shaped zippered access to the main compartment, a removable day pack, and a weather shield pocket.
• The REI Trailbreak backpacks, which are smaller, lighter, and cheaper than the Osprey Aether and Ariel backpacks. They have a simple design, with a top-loading main compartment, a zippered lower sleeping bag compartment, and two side mesh pockets. They also have a basic suspension system, with an adjustable torso length, padded shoulder straps, and a foam hip belt. However, they lack some of the features and accessories that the Osprey Aether and Ariel backpacks have, such as the heat-moldable hip belt, the front panel access, the front stretch pocket, the hip belt pockets, the compression straps, the ice axe loops, and the rain cover.
• The Granite Gear Blaze backpacks, which are smaller and lighter than the Osprey Aether and Ariel backpacks. They have a minimalist design, with a roll-top main compartment, a large front stretch pocket, and two side stretch pockets. They also have a lightweight suspension system, with an adjustable torso length, ventilated shoulder straps, and a removable hip belt. However, they are more expensive than the Osprey Aether and Ariel backpacks. They also lack some of the features and accessories that the Osprey Aether and Ariel backpacks have, such as the zippered lower sleeping bag compartment, the hydration sleeve, the hip belt pockets, the compression straps, the ice axe loops, and the rain cover.

Conclusion

The Osprey Aether and Ariel backpacks are among the best backpacks for long-distance hiking, backpacking, and travel. They offer a customizable fit and comfort, a durable and spacious construction, and a feature-rich and versatile design. However, they are also heavy and expensive, and not very mountaineering-friendly.

If you are looking for a backpack that can handle any adventure, you might want to consider the Osprey Aether and Ariel backpacks. They are well worth the investment if you value comfort, durability, and versatility over weight and price.

If you are interested in buying one of these backpacks or learning more about them click here Osprey Aether on Amazon Osprey Ariel on Amazon.