[kiliki]

After trying on about 15 packs at Marmot, REI and Pro Mountain, and finding that none of them fit right (I have bony hip issues) or had the features I wanted, or were too heavy, I am ordering an Osprey Ariel 75 in the mail (!) since REI sent us a 20% off coupon today. I know mail order is not the ideal way to get a pack you've never tried on but I am convinced (or hopeful at least) that this is the pack for me (I love that Osprey hipbelt!). I have never had a comfortable pack so I have high hopes. Just sharing.

[Judson]

I have an Osprey Aether 60 and I love it. I hope you are as happy with yours.

[Larry]

I have an Osprey Impala, which was one of the early models to use the prototype hipbelt that is still used on the newer lines of packs. The hipbelt (I have bony iliac crest hip bones) and overall fit were the best out of MANY packs I had tried, so I have a feeling you will be pleased.

[chucku]

I'm currently using an Osprey Trillium (5400 ci). It is an older model with a suspension similar to the Crescent. It is a great pack for heavy loads but - at about 7 lbs. - is pretty heavy itself. I'm looking at either an Aether 75 or 90 as a replacement down the road and would love to know how these packs stand up in the field.

[Steve]

Hopefully that will work out for you. If it does not you can always go for a McHale custom made pack. They are expensive but I've not had a pack this comfortable to wear and I've used my larger one to carry close to 100 lbs.

[cheakamus]

I too have an Aether 60, which I chose after trying on just about every pack at REI--the Aether 60 just felt so much better on than all the others. But I bought it from backcountrystore.com for about $50 less than REI, not including tax. My only complaint is the lack of compartmentalization--there's not even a separate compartment for a sleeping bag--which makes packing it a challenge, and pretty well ensures the whole thing will have to be unpacked before setting up camp.

[Allison]

Pack carefully, and the same time every time you pack your pack, and you will never feel inconvenienced in this way. I have a Deuter pack with the seperate sleeping bag compatment removed.

[Hiker Boy]

I use an Osprey Crescent 75 for my longer and heavier trips and my wife uses an Osprey Luna 60. They are very comfortable packs. Good luck with your's!

[Marmot]

Congrats on the selection, kiliki. Have you gotten it yet and taken it out to beat on it? Chuck, I have an Aether 75, and it has held up well for the nearly two years I've been using it. Definitely try one on, rather than jumping to it just because another Osprey model fits you well. I know some people who really love the heavier Ospreys, but found the Aethers too uncomforable.

[kiliki]

It just came in, I have to go downtown and pick it up. I am excited but alas, it is cold and school has started, when will I get a chance to use it??

[chucku]

Thanks for the tip Marmot. Given the price I will definitely be testing with a full load before making any decisions.