Osprey Aether 45

“I'm looking for a smaller pack to use for both lightweight summer trips and long winter dayhikes. I love my Aether 60, so I'm thinking of picking of the Aether 45.

From reading the old threads on lightweight packs, I know several people on this board have the 45. After using it a few more times, what do you think of this pack? Does it carry well? Does a folded thermarest make a better support than the foam panel? Would it compress well enough to make a winter day pack?”

“Ive used this pack...its kind of weird how it carries on me....I dont like it.”

“SC/Free - I'm guessing it would ride a bit different on me than you. :) What didn't you like?”

“She's a shiela! hehehe”

“I don't have a clue, T Mac. Just wanted to say "Hey, how ya doin?"”

“I love mine. I love the dry-bag like closure system. The hydration clip and the tube exit are well designed. If there is any complaint it would be the way the side mesh pockets are designed... they do not really hold water bottles or suchlike well. I keep my filter in one and my poncho and windbreaker in the other. I don't realyl care for the cinching system... but it seems servicable.”

“Its Friday and I'm doing fine, Snake. How 'bout you? Any pyschological issues after observing the ritual sacrifice at Yellow River? Perhaps you're just glad we didn't choose you.

DDX - thanx. I thought you had one. Glad to see it is working for you.”

“yeah thats another thing I didnt like, no place for waterbottles! BLEH and I like to have a place for water bottles that is easy to get to without getting outta the pack :)

The pack just didnt seem to fit right agains me. Ive tried diffrent ways of packing it and well..it jsut never feels right at all.”

“Well if you're like me and don't use a bottle then you will probably manage well. It's not a water bottle friendly pack.”

“Check out backpackinglight.com. They did a review of frameless packs that included the 45. As I recall it finished middle of the pack (pun intended).

I don't have time to check now though - gotta get to the trail.
last edited: 11/05/04 5:19:19 PM”

“No more issues than what I had before the trip, T Mac. I didn't sweat any ritual sacrifices because there is no indication I ever was a virgin. Come to think of it, there wasn't any indication BeerWench was either. I had a great time and need to get out real soon. This in between season (hiking and skiing) and the early darkness is a little bothersome.”

“I've used this pack on several trips. It fits me perfectly, but the pack does seem kind of stiff feeling until you get used to it. The roll top closure is ok, but a pain sometimes for quick access. I prefer a top pocket for trail snacks, gloves, etc. A good buy if you keep your load around 25 lbs max.
The suspension is probably best used as is, the internal back pad is a bear to remove and replace. And for me at least, the pack carries very well. The side compression straps will tighten it up for a winter dayhike size load.
-Leadfoot”

“Here is the review I mentioned earlier.

It is not premium content, but it doesn't appear to have a detailed write-up on the 45.

It seems to be a good choice for a really light pack. But personally, I would probably go with the Jam and save almost a pound.

(Disclaimer: I haven't put either of these packs on my back. So all comments are based on reviews only)”

“Thanx, hubcap. I was set to order the 45 today, now I'll first review the Jam. Its always good to have options.

Thanx also for everybody's thoughts on the 45.
last edited: 11/09/04 8:18:38 AM”