Osprey Aether 70/Ariel 65

I bought an Ariel 65 as my only backpack. It compresses well enough to use as a day sack (I carry a large camera so need more capacity than most people) but is more than big enough for backpacking. When I bought it I never thought I would use the lid as a waist-pack and would have prefered a sealed lid. However it has actually turned out to be very useful and has been used more than the pack has! This is an excellent and well made sack that is very comfortable to carry.

(Written by: lame goat)

I have Aether sac and can honestly say haven't worn a more comfortable bag. I was sceptical over the moulded hip belt, but over a long long weekend in Ireland, the rucksac did not put a foot wrong. It carried all my stuff over, compressed down enough to be used as a daysack and then carried it all back. Well done Osprey, I shall buy from you again!!

(Written by: steveg280603)

I also have a couple of ospreys, but the one i use the most is the Talon 44 which i think is excellent as i can fit everything in it what i need for a few days at least..,but im am after buying a slightly bigger sac like 60litres and am defanetley buying osprey again. i also like this yellow colour.

(Written by: darksky9)

I bought an Aether in 2007 to tackle the Dalesway in march , thinking i`d need at least 70L as i was backpacking all the way. Despite a load of 23 kilos (I`v since learned my lesson !!) it coped faultlessly , swallowing my heap of gear easily . Comfort of course is a big issue for seemingly endless days and i can honestly say it became a pleasure to carry , and after a succession of lowe-alpine sacks i can see why the Ospreys are so popular . They are very well designed and the expanding front pocket is a priceless bonus , great for swallowing waterproofs , hat , gloves etc so you don`t have to open the main compartment and rummage around , making life so much easier . I thought £120 was steep but it really is worth every penny . I`ve since used it on the W.H.W as well as 10 kilo overnight trips with a smaller load and hardly noticed i was wearing it . A highly recommended addition to any kit cupboard . Chris.

(Written by: lasty)

Have this (the Ariel 65) as well as the Stratos 32. I don't normally go for 'designed for women' rucksacks, but after trying them both in the shop, the Ariel was definitely more comfortable. I can get everything in it for a weekends' camping and the weight is so well dispersed I was amazed at how easy it was to carry the load. No hip pockets, or smaller compartments is a minor pain, but only because I'm used to the pockets on the smaller Ospreys. But for comfort its head and shoulders above anything else I've tried.

(Written by: Sue_B)