Anyone have the Osprey Aether 85?

“I am looking for a new large capacity pack for winter trips as well as gear heavy weekend trips. I want at least 5000cu but I don't want a 7lb pack. The Aether 85 looks to fit my needs, anyone have any experience with it? How about the moldable hip belt?

Also Gregory forester large for sale, AmyG has first rights of refusal.”

“I'm deciding right now between the Ariel (women's version of the Aether) and this one:

http://www.golite.com/product/productdetail.aspx?p=PA5258&s=1

I have received the Odyssey and it is sweet. I'm waiting for the Osprey to do head to head comparison.

I've heard lots of great input on the Aether.”

“I know a couple people that have the Aether 60 and are really happy with it. I want the 85 for the volume and weight carrying. I have the Forester which does not fit right and when the loads are around 50lbs it kills my back.”

“I have the Aether 70 and really like it.”

“I've been looking at this for next winter. I've used the Aether 60 for awhile. It would definitely be nice to have just a little more room for winter time.”

“I've got the 70 (or is it 75??) and LOVE it.

its comfortable, well built and versatile.”

“I have the Ariel 75. I have used it for weeklong trips and summit climbs. It is a very versatile pack, carries big loads as well as small.

I had some difficulty getting used to the the lumbar support at first, since I was switching from an external pack, but now I do not notice it.”

“I use the 75L. Great pack, bombproof, nice features, relatively light. The moldable hipbelt is a nice option that I havn't gotten around to getting yet, cumfy.

I think the Crescent may be your best bet for the weight you're gonna carry although it's more expensive.”

“Yeah I keep thinking about the Crescent 85 but dang 7lbs 5oz for the pack alone compared to 4lbs 12oz for the Aether 85. Capacity is about the same although the Crescent carries 5lbs more but it weighs 3lbs more so does that mean that it only carries 2lbs more? I am sure the crescent is alot more comfy at the heavier loads. Hmm this is so different than what I normally try to do. I am also looking at the 10oz ULA Amp,for summer trips, talk about differences.”

“You should have another forum/trail name relative to season. I would suggest Big Load but that ones already taken.

My arm still hurts from picking up your pack that time.”

“Short hikes = big loads”

“I have the older version of the crescent 110.It lives up to their claim to carry heavy loads comfortably.I dont mind the few extra pound at all.Osprey also fixed mouse dammage and didnt charge me.”

“You get the Mack Truck Award, Lt.”

“I just bought the Osprey Ariel 65 last night. That hip belt is uber comfy! Can't wait to use it this weekend. :)”