Grogory Z Pack vs Osprey Aether 60

“I've been reading the threads that the search feature turned up on these two packs but still not sure which way to go. There are features that I like about both packs. The Z Pack is a few ounces lighter, but with less capacity. The Z Pack however has a very large pouch on the back panel which looks like it would be great for hauling a wet fly or a trash bag.

The Aether has a really nice suspension system though, and felt really good on my back. My Whitney has the ultimate suspension system, and I expected something similar on the Z Pack. But the Aether's suspension is superior to the Z Pack's.

Also the Z-Pack has a true hydration sleeve, whereas the Aether's hydration 'sleeve' is really just the top compartment. I dont know if I care for that.

Looking through the archives it seemed that there are several of you guys wearing these packs. I just wanted to see what the thoughts were on these two packs head to head. Same ballpark price, weight and volume.”

“I don't have the z-pack, but do have the osprey pack, I love the osprey, but one of the things that bugs me the most is the missing hydration sleeve. Actually that's the only thing that really bugs me. It's an awesome pack if it would come with the hydration sleeve it would be perfect.

I did notice that if I pack it too heavy (around 40 lb.) my shoulder strap will loosen up and slide down my shoulders.


Those are pretty much the ONLY complains I have about the Osprey pack.”

“I have the Z and really like it. Haven't done any comparisons, so can't say it's better than this or that. I do like the hydration sleeve - hadn't used that kind of system before, but now that I have this, I bought the bite valve kit for my platys and drink through the tube now. So far I haven't noticed any capacity problems - I have used it when with BowlderSon (I carry some of his stuff) in summer, but in winter (with B-Son) I did use my bigger pack. I have found the Z to be pretty comfortable. I find that the best part of the Z is that it's easily converted to a big daypack (for summiting, etc.) just by cinching down all the compression straps.”

“Keep in mind that Gem usually only brings along a pink bikini, so has probably rarely tested the Osprey at a heavier weight.


[BowlderMan ducks as a shoe flies past his head....]”

“If the Z Pack had a slightly better suspension it would be a slam dunk. The nice cushy suspension on the Aether is what has me taking a good long look.”

“Yeah, I haven't tried out the other one, but I don't find the Z to be uncomfortable at all.”

“I have the Z pack..mens medium, I think I need the small..because the medium rides on my butt..for 100 cu.in. less I can get the mens small also with less weight..I only have problem with the hydration..if I put the bladder in the sleeve it clamps off and I can't get water..the last trip I put it in the top of the pack and the weight seemed to shift and my left shoulder hurt..I don't like the hydration sleeve inside the pack..I have to stop and filter water frequently and unloading my pack for the bladder is, crap..”

“I just bought an Osprey, but i got the 70 litre model. I was looking for a larger pack and the Osprey seemed to be the best fitting for me.

I havn't used it yet on a trip, but on an in store comparision test the Osprey had the best features and carried better than anything else I tried on.”

“Roam, you mean the 75? I dont see a 70, at least in the Ospreys offered at REI.”

“Yes, what trekngirl said. A lot of people with hydration sleeves don't like it because the bladder can only be filled if the pack is emptied. (Pressure from the pack contents onto the bladder.) I have a pack with the sleeve and this hasn't been an issue to come up. I do a 2 liter platy for the hike and when I get to camp, my pack pretty much gets emptied out at that point anyhow.
Something for you to consider tho, if the hydration sleeve is one of your determining factors.”

“You know, I just never thought about the hydration sleeve that way. Im an internal frame newbie, having only just bought my first I-frame earlier this year. My last E-frame had the hydration sleeve and my Whitney has the sleeve. Having the bladder in the lid compartment would certainly simplify the task of making a water stop.

Does the lid compartment then become a dedicated bladder compartment or do you also stuff other gear in there with it?”

“I've used both packs. I own 2 Gregory packs (Whitney and Reality) and love them, so I got the Z Pack for lightweight trips. I really liked the pack, but I prefer nalgenes versus a bladder and it doesn't have side pockets to accommodate them. It also doesn't have bottom straps for a tent/sleeping pad. I hated to return it because it's a great pack, but I traded it in for the Aether 60, mainly because of the nalgene issue.

The Aether 60 has been a fabulous pack for me. I almost never use my Reality now, except for extended or winter trips where I'm packing more than 40lbs. Once in a while I'll use a bladder, and while the Aether 60 does not have an internal sleeve, a bladder fits great in the big rear mesh.”

“Z-Pack.”

“Pennsy, when are you using the Whitney? That will be my 40+lb pack.”

“practically never. I've learned to pack much lighter since I bought it 3 years ago.

35lbs and under - Aether 60
35 to 45 - Reality
45+ - Whitney”

“I own and love the Aether 60. The ppl at Osprey told me it could be used for loads up to 50lbs. The most I carried was 38lbs for a nine day trip and it felt just as comfy as it does when I carry much less. I have zero complaints about that pack.

I've never used the Gregory so I have no opinion.”

“cbat, yes i meant the 75, not 70.”

“When I was looking for a pack I was with a friend who is smaller in size. I ended up with the 60 and he ended up with the Gregory. I think how it feels is very important. That's the primary criteria we both used. To me, the 60 feels like an extension of my back, very natural.

I put the hydration on top and find it's actually easier than a sleeve (which I have on my daypack). I've experienced the slipping with higher weights that Gem is talking about, but extending the straps corrected that for me.

Bottom line, go for how it feels on your frame IMO.”

“i have a gregory z pack. i have had a gregory palisades for years that i love. i have a problem with the z pack....where do you place your thermarest...on most packs it straps inderneath...z pack has not straps like my palisades...where do you z packers put your mattress?”

“I still attach it to the outside. I just get creative with small bungees. I use the bungees anyway for odds & ends related to the tent, so just strap it on with those. BTW, I use a Z-rest pad. Guess I'm into Z's lately. Hang on, I'll find a photo that demonstrates this....”

“OK, you should be able to see the little bungees around the top and bottom of the Z-rest. They simply loop underneath the compression straps. No big deal. (Photo by BowlderSon)

”

“People still strap their pads on the bottom of their packs?

What is this? The 60s?

Put it inside or strap it on the the side.

If you put it on the bottom please flag it and make sure you have a sign that says "Wide Load"”

“My Aether 60 has become my primary 3-season pack. I normally carry around 25 pounds, so I can't say how it carries heavier weights. Last time out, I just put a water bladder in the top compartment, and it worked great.

The only thing that annoys me with the pack is an odd squeaking sound from the suspension. I've never heard anyone else having that problem, so its probably just my pack.”

“I've been wearing an e-frame my whole life until earlier this year. Im used to squeaking.”

“My Aether only squeeks when I get over about 35 pounds. More reason to lighten up.

I never tried the Z-pack but can't see any reason I'd want to.”

“I agree with Pennsy that a water bladder fits real well in the mesh of the Aether 60. It is easy to fill and rides nicely back there- just have to make sure that the hose is long enough to make it to the shoulder clip.

I use a MSR 4 liter DromLite Bag, which is a bit much, but is nice to have when water is scarce.”

“well, I tried to do the Z-pack thing, but Z-packs don't hold up in rugged hikes such as in the Adirondacks.

They great packs for long mileage and if the trail conditions are nice, but when you have scrambling and bushwacking to do, they are no good. The material on the bottom of the pack is too light and rips too easily. I've gone through two Zpacks in less than 6 months for this reason.

Today I went out and bought the Ospry Atmos 50, which is a really sharp looking pack and felt really comfortable and it wasn't much more than the Zpack.

I think I am going to be really happy with my new Ospry. It even weighs less than the Zpack. I have to say, I am not very pleased with Gregory right now.”

“I was not happy with my GPack either. The shoulder straps gave me a little trouble”

“Hey ENS...I have the Atmos 50. I actually used it on the Mid State Trail where I ended up bushwhacking the majority of it because of blowdowns. Not a single problem, rip or tear. It's a great pack!”

“yeah, I am very impressed by it. I can already tell that it will be an exceptional pack”

“I just got off the phone with Gregory and they are going to repair my pack for me at no cost. Once I get the repaired pack back, I am going to return it.

I can't wait to use my new Ospry!”

“well, at least the customer service is good.

I've got an Osprey Aether 75 and while I havn't really backpacked with it yet, i've loaded it up and hauled it on a car camping trip. Seems like it will be a great pack! I really like the lid/fanny pack too - great for dayhikes.”

“Osprey's are awesome. I have the Gregory G [first version] Pack, but would never use it on a longer backpacking trip. I don't like it...the kids are using it right now, or I use it for dayhikes, but that's about it.

you'll love the Osprey...”

“yeah, I was very pleased with Gregory's customer service. They even want to hear what I don't like about the Zpack. They are going to have a rep call me.

I want to get a larger pack for winter trips and want something lightweight, yet durable. I will still look at Gregory packs.”

“I used my new Gregory Z this past week for a 7 day trip in the Sierras'..the strap hurt my left shoulder really bad no matter how I tried to adjust it..also I set it down on a rock and tore a hole in the bottom.. :(
Not very durable in my opinion..
I'll be looking for another pack.”

“I had the same problems with mine. Call Gregory, they'll take it back, repair it, ship it back to you and then you can take it back to the store where you bought it.”

“I carried my ula p2 and loved it...BUT...I do have various cuts. Sure dont' beat the comfort level thou. wow, that pack felt good, even with 43lbs.”

“I got the Osprey Atmos 50 , weighs under 3 pounds. For $20 more than the z pack, you can't beat it. Osprey Atmos 50 is the best weekender backpack on the market in my opinion.”

“ENS what is the cu of the 50..I couldn't find in in there site..only 75..90 packs..and does it have a rugged bottom? Thanks”

“3200 Cu in. (Atmos 50) I have the aether 45 and I absolutly love it”

“Thanks Jackstraw...I'm looking at the Osprey Atmos 50...I may try it out..
Gotta be at least 2800-2900 cu..weigh < 3 lbs..really all I require...lol”

“it has to be the most comfortable pack ever. Even with 30 lbs inside of it, you hardly feel it. The usability of it is amazing. Don't let the curviture of its frame scare you, it is actually quite packable. It is simply an amazing backpack and is perfect for weekend hikes. IMO no pack can touch it. It is quite durable too.”

“If $ matter Check this out. The 45 is between 2800 and 300 cu. in. http://www.paragonsports.com/Paragon/Shop?DSP=40000&PCR=1:101:1004:10055:100406&IID=5228-A45&e1src=QFRGL&e1prm=Aether+45”

“ENS is right about the comfort.The quality and durability are tops.”

“Thanks ENS...the Z was 3650 Cu in..I meant (above) I needed at least that for a week hike and to carry my bearicade and everything else 'inside'...if it is only 3200 I may need to put something outside.. hhmmmmm
It is good to know it wears comfortable though..
Solo, I am at about 35-40 lbs for a week..
But most of my hikes are weekends though..it may work..”

“trekkingirl,
I too bought a new Z pack to take to the Sierras. The fit never felt right and the bottom of my pack got a few rips in it. So I took it back to REI and ordered an Aether 60.”

“I just orderd the atmos 50 (should arrive today!) I used the "g" pack and my shoulders always seem to bother me on long days. I saw ENS last weekend and tried on his Atmos = it is an awsome, well designed pack.
FYI- they are on backorder in alot of places. I had to do alot of searching to find one.
Anybody wanna buy a g-pack cheap ??”

“I have a granite gear vapor trial that I like a lot, but I bought a Osprey Ariel 60 because the granite gear is just a bit too lightweight to carry my regular backpacking gear and snow gear. The Osprey is comfortable with over 30 lbs and it still only weights 3 lbs - I'm happy with it.”

“Hmmm. All these troubles with the Z. Mine seems perfectly comfortable, even with a maxxed out load of about 35 lbs. No rips. Maybe someday I'll try one of the other packs, but my Z works for me so far.”

“Hey all, I am looking at the Osprey Ariel 60. With my back problems I will have to give up my beloved Golite Trek (no hip padding) and because I have to have 99% of the weight on my hips and no weight on my shoulders. Is this doable with the Ariel?”