Osprey Aether 70 AG IN DEPTH REVIEW | Why this is my FAVORITE PACK right now! 

Hey! Thanks so much! Really appreciate that! I have literally just made a note to make sure I include the 'does my smartphone fit in the hip belt pocket' in every backpack review I do. Seems like the kind of thing we would all want to know, right?? Thanks for subbing! Definitely having a good time enjoying the outdoors and making videos about the adventures and the gear! Would love to know if there's something specific you'd like to see in future videos! Thanks again!

Thanks Rob! It's an awesome pack for sure!!

Thanks, Michael! Really appreciate that! You said it best, this pack is an all time favorite! The Sierras look awesome! Hoping to do some backpacking over there at some point! Thanks for watching!

So did this pack do great with the bear canister inside the pack

@@DoseofDirt Not enough pocket on this thing. Or compartments.

Hey Jeff! I'm glad it was helpful! Ya, there are so many features in this pack it's hard to even know them all! My buddy just used a 65 on our 100 mile trip and loved it!

Ya, the full day pack is pretty sweet! I've still got this pack several years later. I've moved to lighter and smaller packs for most trips, but when I'm taking the dogs or carrying kids gear, this pack is my go-to. It's huge and oh-so comfortable!

Thanks, Dave! I really appreciate that! I love the Atmos! One of my good buddies has one and it seems like Osprey really nailed that one as well! I'll have to pick one up when I find it on sale somewhere. So crazy that you can send it back to Osprey and they'll just send you a brand new one if they can't fix it! That's why I own so many Osprey packs (5 and counting... 😂). Washington seems like a GORGEOUS place to hike! So, so green! I'd really like to do some longer trips up there at some point. Thanks so much for watching!!

Hey Kit! You are right that this pack just fits like a glove! I've never had a pack feel like it is just giving me a hug before. And, like you said, it carries weight like a champ! I've had it loaded down with 40+ lbs of gear before when I take my two huskies with me. And I'll admit I've used the removable daypack a lot more than I thought I would. It's a super nice feature! Thanks so much for watching!

Thanks Stefan! I truly appreciate that! Thanks so much for watching!

That is awesome! Yes, I love it! When I bring the dogs and my daughter I have to bring tons of gear, and this pack fits it all! Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

That’s awesome! I’m actually heading down to the Grand Canyon around that time as well! This pack has been incredible! Super comfortable, holds tons of gear, and so many awesome features! I’d love to hear how the GC goes when you get back! Thanks for watching!!

This would be an excellent choice! If you're looking for something a bit smaller (some people feel like 70L is a little big, but it works well for me and my dogs!) then the Atmos 65 is another REALLY great pack by Osprey! Would love you know what you end up getting

No worries Jacob! Thanks for watching!

Thank you! You said it best. “A well designed bag with loads of features”! I am still loving this bag! So comfortable and can fit SO much gear! Thanks so much for watching!

@@DoseofDirt I just watched another person negatively review this bag and he also had valid pts, even he does highlight a few good features to this bag. Someone in the comments section of this video did ask what he prefers to use nowadays. He mention the Seek Outside Unaweepa 4800 bag. I had a look and think it's even better than the Osprey. Have you had the pleasure of using any Seek Outside backpacks?

@@slyarsenal Long answer below! Sorry! 🤣 Ya, this is a tough thing about gear. A lot of the time, certain aspects of gear come down to person preference. So for me I try to think about what I want out of that piece of gear and whether different options give me what I'm looking for. I know my brother-in-law and I went to an outdoors store and he was set on getting an Osprey pack, but he tried some on and decided to go for a Gregory pack because it seemed to work better for him. As far as the Seek Outside Unaweep, I haven't had a chance to get my hands on one of these before. But looking at it online it is an interesting pack. There are some thing I would probably like more than my Osprey (highly water resistant, 2-3 lbs lighter which is a big deal on those long hauls, 300 lb weight capacity, and those straps on both sides to attach long pieces of gear) and some things I wouldn't like as much like 1) I like the pockets on the brain and hip belt on my Osprey (I see you can get these as add ons for the Unaweep, but I feel like sometimes these add-ons just don't work as well since they aren't integrated into the pack), 2) Looking at the construction I think the Unaweep would sit directly on my back, and I get bad sweaty back, 3) the water bottle pockets look pretty shallow, so not sure how well they would hold 1 liter smart water bottles. With all that said, it looks like an interesting pack and I would love to get my hands on one to try. The price seems to be steep at around $500 with the add ons I would want, but it's also cool that they are custom built after you order rather than just picking something up off the shelf. Honestly, this looks like it would be an awesome pack. and their warranty sounds good as well. The cost would end up being 3 times what I paid for my Osprey Aether, but it looks pretty sweet. I may see if I can get my hands on one to test and review because I find it really intriguing. Wish I could give you a solid recommendation one way or the other, but I would say both are awesome packs and you should go with the one that has the features you're looking for. Regardless of which one you get, I would love to know what you decide and how you like it when you get it. You could even pick up a used Osprey (or other pack) for now to use while you wait for the Unaweep to be made (looks like some take a while depending on the options you choose). Wish I could be more helpful. 😕

Thanks, Nilesh! I appreciate that!

NICE! These Osprey packs are solid! I think you'll like it!

Hey Gregory! Where did you order it from? from the link in the video is not available and I can't find it anywhere

@@nestorulisesdiazalbarran6955 Hey Nestor! Looks like they have a new version now. You should be able to get it from Osprey here (but it says they currently have low stock...): www.osprey.com/us/en/product/aether-trade-plus-70-AETHRPLS70S21_223.html

Thanks! Let me know what you end up getting!

I ended up ordering the AG 85 last night. I already have a different 75 liter that I love, but I got a great deal on the Osprey. My hope is that I will be able to fit almost everything inside the pack instead of having bags hanging off. Also they seem to be of pretty good quality. Not that I want to switch out my 75 L INCH bag, but I am stoked about getting the new pack. I need to stop watching these videos or I will end up "pack rich" and "cash poor". Thanks for your review, you did a really good job.

Thank you! I love the term “pack rich but cash poor”! 🤣🤣 I can definitely relate to that! An 85L sounds awesome!! Thanks so much for watching and for your kind words!

Agreed! I just took it out this last weekend on a winter backpacking trip! Performed like a champ! Thanks so much for watching!

Thanks, Peder! Really appreciate that!

Yes! I've been looking at the 60 ag as well! I'd like another pack that's just a little smaller and love this one, so figure the 60 is going to be just as good! Thanks so much for watching!

I seriously love it! (If you can’t tell from the video... 😂) You should pick one up! If you don’t want to pay full price you can usually find them used. Let me know if you snag one! Thanks for watching!

Ya, they really nailed it with the mesh pocket on this thing. I compare all other mesh pockets to this one now, which means most others aren't as good. 😆

That's awesome! This thing has been bomb proof and so great on those trips where I have to take more gear (kids, dogs, winter, etc.). I think you'll like it! And you can't beat that Osprey All Mighty Guarantee! Definitely let me know what you think when you get it! Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to leave a comment! Truly appreciated!

@@DoseofDirt Certainly. I am heading to the White Mountains in Arizona for three days (always solo), my 1st time there. This pack should be here and now I'm even more stoked. I'll let you know...

@@BACKpackSouthWest I was just down in AZ doing rim-to-rim at the Grand Canyon! The white mountains look awesome!

@@DoseofDirt Awesome and congrats! As you now know, R-2-R is quite the experience, to say the least! Amazing, but wow. I’ve completed it in one day, twice over the years. Each time that last 3 miles kicks my butt like few other hikes. I look forward to you video!

@@DoseofDirt Just posted my trip to Mt. Baldy on my channel with the new pack, if interested. Not that it will help, but I gave you credit for the bag. Have a good one!

seriously love it! Just took it on a winter trip and it held all the extra winter gear perfectly! Even used the convertible day pack! Thanks for watching!

"Oh yes it will be mine" 🤣 That is awesome. Definitely worth the money, imo. I was able to find mine on sale for $200 so keep your eye open for the sales! I'll have to check out the ULA Catalyst! Thanks for watching, Brendan!

Thanks, Zulhisham! Very kind of you! I’m glad you found it helpful! Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to leave a comment! I truly appreciate it!

@@DoseofDirt yes..so helpful until i finally decide to buy...so convincing..thanks again

That's awesome! I think you'll love the pack! Definitely let me know what you think!

😬😬😬 yikes! That sounds like a story that I’d love to hear but you’d probably rather not tell! 🤣 loving this pack and it seriously seems bomb proof! Just took it an an overnighter with my two kids and we had a blast! Thanks so much for watching!

@@DoseofDirt I searched and found a dealer here in Canada. The hike i did was on the Juan de Fuca trail here on Vancouver Island 🏝 The bag was a let down from start to finish. Looking so forward to this pack and getting another adventure in before winter.

@@jimbojones6169 NICE!! Canada would be incredible to explore! So many places I’d like to hit up there if I can make it!

Thanks, Y.! I really appreciate your kind words! It's a fantastic pack for those longer hauls or when I'm bring tons of gear for dogs, kids, or winter camping! I'd love to hear what adventures you go on and what kind of pack you use! I also did a video about the Osprey Talon 33, which I LOVE, but I'm looking for something in between as well--maybe 55-60 liters. Again, I can't tell you how much I appreciate your comment! Really made my day! Thanks again!

@@DoseofDirt You are more than welcome! It was well deserved! My adventures aren't exactly adventures. I live in Berlin, Germany and we have forests and lots of lakes in our city. A couple of them are free roaming areas for dogs, even though we have a gazillion of wild boars running in them. One of those is about 5 km from my house and I take my little dog, a Minature Poodle and sometimes the neighbors dog, too, for 3 to 4 hour hikes four times a week. We only need our food, water, first aid kit, leash, frisbee, ball, sunscreen, bug repellant, my wallet and my keys. This is stuffed in a Deuter Race Air 10 Liter backpack. It has a suspended mesh back, you are not the only one who gets a sweatty back. ;-) It has a lot of different pockets and an organizer front compartment and I love it! I tried the Osprey Sylva 12 and it was even better thought out, having a mesh shove it pocket and a seperate compartment for the bladder, but it shredded my clothes in the back, which made me return it. In the summer we often go swimming together and then I'll use a Vaude Wizard 18+4. I ordered a Deuter Air Speed Lite 22 SL to see if I like it better than the Vaude, which is lacking in compartments and driving me nuts because I am constantly searching for stuff in the main compartment. The Deuter packs are really high quality. They were the first company doing the suspended air mesh backs, btw. and have been around since 1898, starting to provide backpacks for the army in 1910. So I guess they know what they are doing by now. I grew up high up in the Bavarian Alps in a little village called Mittenwald, 912 m above sea level. It is surrounded by 125 peaks above 2000 m, so I am a bit of on outdoor freak. This is why I watch hiking videos and outdoor gear reviews. Sadly I am too fat and too lazy to roam the mountains anymore or goo skiing, but I do live vicariously through others :-) Stay safe and keep filming, I love your content!

Thanks, Y! I love hearing about the things you do in the outdoors in Germany! Our family visited Germany and Berlin. The things in the city were cool, but I may have enjoyed driving through those forests even more! I think my wife got tired of me asking her to take pictures and videos of trees while we were driving... 😂😂😂 I didn't know that about Deuter! But I do know they make a good pack. My daughter (12 years old) has a XS Deuter Futura Vario 45+10, and she loves it! We found it used for a good deal. Sounds like you basically grew up in a dream world for the outdoors! I do regret that I didn't enjoy the outdoors when we visited Germany and the surrounding area. So many beautiful places there. I know what you mean about getting your outdoors in vicariously. Sometimes when I'm working, I'll just turn on hiking vlogs or other videos to sort of virtually hike while I work. 😆 Thanks, again, for your kind words! I truly appreciate it!

Ya, it's a cool feature!

Yes! I've been looking at an Ariel for my wife. They are such GREAT packs! So glad you got one and like it! Also, I would LOVE to visit Australia someday. We were making plans until the pandemic hit. Maybe someday though! You must have some amazing places to explore down there! Thanks so much for watching!!

@@DoseofDirt Hi! great review :) Is the ariel plus 70 the equivalent of this bag for women?

@@camille2635 yes! The Ariel is the female version of the aether! It’s an awesome pack! I’m keeping an eye out for one for my wife because it carries really well and has the same awesome features!

@@DoseofDirt nice thanks! Gonna buy it tommorow then!

Awesome!! I think you’ll like it!! You’ll have to let me know what you think! Happy trails!

I like listening to the creak when using my Aether.

It doesn't get much better than than a 70 liter Osprey! Awesome that you've put so many miles into that pack! I'm sure it has gone with you to some amazing places! Thanks so much for watching!

@@DoseofDirt Since writing that message I've learnt that the AG has been discontinued this year.

NO OSPREY!!! Looks like you can still get it at a few places online. Sometimes my favorite place to get Osprey packs is used online (honestly picked up 2 in the last 6 weeks--an Osprey Ace 38 for my younger daughter and a Osprey Hikelite 26 to try a smaller daypack). With that all might guarantee sometimes used is the way to go!

@@DoseofDirt Unlikely here in Australia and online nope

Dang! I had been looking around here and was going to offer to ship one if I found it, but I’m guessing the shipping would be a *little* too much to make it worth it! 😂

Hey Robert! Thanks for watching! Always nice when you can pick up a sweet pack at a great price! I know what you mean about the features. My pack before this one was one of the old Kelty external frame packs that I'd had since scouts! 😆 Thanks for pointing out those additional buckles! I do love how they make it easy to compress down if you aren't fully loaded with gear, so a big pack doesn't feel big on your back. Enjoy the trip man! Backpacking with the kids is always special!

Hi Robert may I ask you where did you get it from ? I can't find it anywhere

@@DoseofDirt Well we did Philmont and it was brutally AWESOME!!! Man such a beautiful place, plus living out of our packs in the mountains struck a deep chord in my soul man. I gotta say... It reminded me of when we spent a week on a sailboat in the Florida Keys. We sailed, slept, cooked, ate, everything on the boat. Minimal space and everything has a purpose and many things have multiple purposes just due to space limitations on the 41' Morgan we were on. Backcountry camping is the same thing. You can't haul the kitchen sink or run back to the truck to grab something. Everything has a purpose and should have more than one if possible! Plus the whole lightweight vs. ultraweight is like a REAL THING. I had 70+ lbs in my pack on some days and the pack handled it like a champ. My knees on the other hand were hurting. Also I think because of the wrong choice on an insole in my right boot I got a blister on the bottom of my big toe on day 3. But I finished the 7 next days with no skin. Got back home and my doc said, "God Robert that looks like hamburger meat!" There was no skin left - it was down to the muscle. That was end of June and I'm just now getting close to 100%. Lesson learned. I was trying out a different insole and totally forgot to swap it out with my go-to insole in one boot. Bad, bad mistake! But even with all that I absolutely loved hiking in the mountains, living out of my pack. It was an amazing experience!

@@RobertTheTexan2 DANG! Robert that sounds like a super painful experience! I just got back from a 100 mile trip. My feet hurt, but NOTHING like it sounds like you experienced. Hope you're able to get fully healed and get back out in the back country soon!

a classic!

You nailed it! Although I don't fish, I've used that back exactly like you said so many times. Carry the big load to basecamp, and then use the day pack to explore around during the day. This 70 AG carries the load so well, you can bring basically anything you can think of!

@@DoseofDirt that’s right. It’s perfect for a short pack in, followed by a series of day hikes to explore the area. A waterfall one day, a peak with a view the next, etc. I’ve carried it without the brain for long desert hikes with long water hauls where an ultralight would be great for a 9 pounds base weight, until you added another 20 pounds of food and water. Then the ultralights don’t carry so well. For an extra few pounds, that Aether suspension makes 35 pounds feel like 20. It is also great for trails without much resupply, like the Ouachita Trail. Most of the ultralights simply suck if you have to carry much weight for food and water.

NICE! You'll have to let us know what you think when you get it! 85L should hold just about everything you'd ever need! Would be awesome to have a big pack like that! Thanks so much for watching!

@@DoseofDirt I ordered another Osprey last night because of all the great reviews, and because I got a great deal. I ordered the Atmos AG 65. I am getting richer every day because of these reviews. I am now pack rich, but cash poor. The good thing is that I got both these packs so cheap that I could sell them at a profit. I now will have a pack for every day of the week. They are all different sizes and have their intended purposes except that I do have two matching 40 L packs, one tan and one green. One of them was an accidental purchase. One of those is set up for an overnighter hopefully tomorrow. Keep up the good work.

@@DoseofDirt I will do an unboxing video for both of the new ones when I get them.

@@theprophetez1357 thanks man! I’ve had my eye on an atmos 65. There a good looking pack! You are definitely pack rich! 🤣 Awesome you’re heading out on an overnighter tomorrow! Nothing better than a night in the back country!

@@theprophetez1357 definitely do it! I’d love to see it!

I'm not familiar with that pack. Would be interested in what you decide and why!

I can see your point. I guess taking this approach makes it possible for them to do the suspended mesh, which I really like!

Ya, it's been a solid bag for me! fits a TON of gear! Thanks for watching!

The Oprey Kestrel has a front which can be opened fully as far as I could see from the reviews

Ah dang! The 65 is honestly still a solid pack. Before I had my 70ag I used this one I got off Amazon (link below). I put. A lot of miles on it including backpacking trips, hikes in places we went for vacation, etc. it has a spot for a hydration bladder and is pretty comfortable. It also takes up very little space and is super light. So could be a good option. I don’t know if you can buy a stand alone detachable brain to be used as a daypack. Venture Pal Ultralight Lightweight Packable Foldable Travel Camping Hiking Outdoor Sports Backpack Daypack-Grey www.amazon.com/dp/B01MU9E1BB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_ZY9RDDH31PV8847318C5

Yep but you have to possibly giggle the strap clips. I got a day pack off an Aerial for my wife's Aura 50 from our outlet shop and we had to change the clips. Now she doesn't steal mine off my Aether 70. Regards from NZ

Yes! I like how they include those little features! There's so many it's hard to cover them all! 🤣 Thanks for watching!

I'm actually not sure. I would guess the main compartment is closer to 60. The backpack is about 15-20L when it's all opened up, but much smaller when it's just the brain (probably only like 5L).

@@DoseofDirt Thank you!

Ha! Yes, the old Kelty did well for me for 20 years! I haven’t used it yet this year but can’t bring myself to take it down off the hook. May just hang on to it forever! Thanks for watching!

Thanks for your comment! I felt like that hip belt pockets were plenty big for anything I put in them, but everyone takes different stuff! Looks like the pro is about $175 more than what I paid for the non pro, so you could get an aftermarket strap pocket. I’ve never used one (just keep it in my pants pocket or hip belt pocket) but if that’s a deal breaker than this wouldn’t be the pack to get. Thanks for watching!

Ooh. I'm not sure. I would guess only 5-10.

Dang! That's the worst! I'll be honest, I haven't had to put a bear canister in it yet but will have to this summer so I'll have to sort that out. I'm curious what type of canister you have? Is it the blue bear vault?

@@DoseofDirt bv500 bear vault, just figured it out. I place the canister at the very bottom where the sleeping bag compartment is at and all my gear fit now, tent will be the only gear not inside. My old rei traverse I was able to fit everything inside and it’s a 70 liter bag too 🤷‍♂️

That sleeping bag compartment is huge, so I'm not surprised it fits down there! Thanks so much for watching!

Hey Tingting! The hip belt is definitely adjustable for how big you want it. And I just took a closer look (I literally have it hanging about 6 feet away from me... 🤣) and it looks like it can be fully removed as well. Not sure what type of adjustment you are looking for. If it would be helpful I can send some quick pictures or something. Just let me know! Thanks so much for watching!

Belt on Aether 65 can be repositioned with velcro strap. But it does not have anti gravity and presses on lumbar area. My Aether 70 w RC does not have adjustable or removable belt.

Hey Kim! Dang, a 100! You must be planning some serious adventures! Sounds awesome! It's a good question. I know some people really like it and some people just hate it (extra weight, gets in the way, etc.). For me I've used it on longer trips if I want to quickly summit a peak (that isn't part of the trail where I'm heading). I use the day pack for water, wallet, keys, snacks, etc. and ditch my heavy pack before heading up the peak. But some people just don't really do day hikes on backpacking trips so don't see a need for it. I do like that it has another lid you can use (tucked into the main compartment) if you want to take the daypack off. But that other lid doesn't have the same pockets that a typical brain has. I have seen some people cut out the straps, etc. of the daypack since they think they'll never use it.

@@DoseofDirt I will admit I'm pretty new to hiking, but this bag is a step up from the Romsdal 75L i had. And that bag was not best quality and it felt very heavy.. Upgrading to 100L you'd think it feel heavier, but since this bag is so much more ergonomically better it also feels 10kg lighter, even though I have more in it.. I usually only have weekend trips, but I want to bring axes and saws and create nice camps. I also stuff it with stoves and Amok Draumr hammock, raindeer sleeping mat and air mat + tarp.. I feel that a 50L would be more difficult to stuff these things, even for a weekend trip.. I live in Norway and want to be prepared for winter camping.. Maybe I overkilled it, I don't know.. I'll learn as I go along

@@kimmossige263 dude! Norway sounds like an INCREDIBLE place to explore! You are definitely right that a bigger bag is good to carry all that winter gear! That stuff adds up, especially if you’re dealing with extreme cold! I agree that the aether just feels lighter because of how the pads and hip belt and everything else fit and are super adjustable. I’d love to hear about and see some pics from your hiking and backpacking in Norway. Sounds incredible! Thanks so much for watching!

It took me a while to find it as well the first time I did it. The other side of the buckle is sort of tucked into a little seam on the pack. It is right next to the female end it the buckles on either side of the ‘Osprey’ symbol. Once you find that little buckle and pull it out, you can connect it to the strap and you are good to go!

@@DoseofDirt omg, it worked, thank you so much!!!

@@ThisLoginIsOccupied glad or worked! They do a really good job hiding those buckles!

Is it possible that "w RC" - with rain cover model cannot be transformed to day pack?

Hi Ondrej. I’m not sure since I didn’t get the RC model. I just looked it up online and the w RC model says the lid is convertible. Are you having trouble getting it to convert into a daypack?

Solid choice! I'll be honest, although I like the orange, I got it because it was on sale! I'm cheap! 😂

Ya, looks like this exact pack may not be available right now. I put a link to the Aether Plus 70 in response to your other comment. It is similar but not exactly the same. :(

Hey Phillip! This pack IS heavier at about 5 lbs. But for me the weight is worth the comfort that comes from the frame and padding as well as all the organization available. Just took this out for 3 days with my two dogs and I carried all our gear no problem! Thanks for watching!

YES! If you have a lot of gear or a heavy load, this pack is AWESOME! They have a newer version now but I think a lot of the features are similar! It's a bit heavy (4-5 lbs I think) but you get a lot of comfort and gear/load capacity with that weight, so for the right trip it is definitely worth it!

Hey Waltorian! Looks like this specific model may not be available right now. But Osprey has something caled the Aether Plus 70 that looks pretty similar! www.moosejaw.com/product/osprey-aether-plus-70-backpack_10519990 Hope you're able to find something that works for you! The features on this thing are pretty incredible!

@@DoseofDirt sweet! Thanks.

Hey! Thanks so much for watching! you mean the Thermarest Z light foam pads showing in the thumbnail of the video? That picture is from a trip with the dogs where I took 1 pad for them (cut in half) and added the foam pad under my inflatable for some additional R value. Or did I show another pad in the video? I can't remember now!

@@DoseofDirt I don't know and I don't care, all I care about is you just told me you brought sleeping pads for your dogs, that's just adorable, when you love your dogs, you love you dogs, been there my self. Those little bastards steal ones heart! Love from little Denmark 🇩🇰

By the way don't use that word Dose to much, that's my family name, and I like to keep it in the family. Literally my family name is Dose. And I don't like you use it with the word dirt, I take it as a grate insult😉

@@kewsoner7924 Thank you so much! Yes, I love my little girls Luna and Kya! They are 2 year old huskies who just love to be on the trails! Seriously I don't think they are ever happier than when we are running, hiking, or backpacking on the trails! Also, my family heritage is from Denmark (last name Andersen)!

@@kewsoner7924 haha! Funny how things can be so different in different languages. By the way, I've been looking up pictures of hiking in Denmark since your last comment and it looks INCREDIBLE! WOW!! I need to find a reason to come over there, track down some family areas, and do some hiking! You live in an amazing place!