argon70 atoms65 or aether 60/70

[freighttrain48]

Anyone own these packs and If so tell me what you think I am looking to purchase one of these three and would love some advice and beta. I own an osprey kode 38 and love it!! Its just two small for overnighters unless you go really light. Also its made for winter and ski/ snowboarding so it doesnt carry a lot of weight well.

 

[bignslow]

I have a bit of an Osprey addiction (Atmos 50 & 65, Talon 22 & 33) and I have been very happy with my Atmos 65. I purchased the 65 after using the 50 for a whole winter and being very pleased with it for a heavy winter day pack (or light summer overnight). The 65 carries weight much better than the pack I had before it and it weighs half as much (Lowe Alpine Alpamayo).

My biggest gripe with the pack is the amount of re-curve in the back panel for the air mesh was very pronounced and would make packing and un-packing the backpack very tough. Also the idea of putting a water bladder between the pack and the mesh in that curved cavity isn't reasonable either.

The good news is I have the previous generation Atmos while Nicole has the newest generation where they have largely corrected this issue.

My other complaint (though a nit-pick) is for the hip belt pockets, they have the zippers open front to back so if you get the pull caught on anything while walking forward they will get opened. I never understood why they wouldn't just turn the zippers around.

One caution I would give with the Atmos family is do not over-tighten the load lifters on the shoulders. If you do the frame has a tendency to dig into your shoulders (I have never found more tension in the load lifters to be helpful anyways).

 

[TDawg]

Atmos 50 performed beautifully on my Long Trail thru hike last fall. Osprey makes great stuff.

Only complaint: I prefer bottles when backpacking, easier to refill and purify water. The side pockets were a little tight and hard to reach without taking off the pack. Not a problem if you got a hiking buddy with you, but a small pain if not.

 

[bikehikeskifish]

I have the Talon 22 and the Stratos 40 and I agree with TDawg's complaint about water bottle access. I only carry bottles in the winter* (or to fill the bladder from in summer) so access to the bottles isn't a big deal to me. On occasion I am carrying bottles for my kids though and generally it's easier for them to get them out / put them back than it is for me, especially on the smaller, higher-riding Talon 22.

Tim
* and I carry them in cozies hanging from the shoulder straps where they are very much accessible.

 

[Barkingcat]

Atmos 50 performed beautifully on my Long Trail thru hike last fall. Osprey makes great stuff.

Only complaint: I prefer bottles when backpacking, easier to refill and purify water. The side pockets were a little tight and hard to reach without taking off the pack. Not a problem if you got a hiking buddy with you, but a small pain if not.

Agreed -- side pockets are a bit tight, but all else considered, these are nice packs.

I have the Atmos 50, as well, and can stuff quite a bit into it. My next purchase from Osprey would probably be the Atmos 65 (one of the models that you are currently considering).

 

[freighttrain48]

thanks for the advice everyone, Looks like the atmos is quite popular. But during my lunch break I shot up to ems and bought an aether 70. I got 25% off so I jumped at it. Im gonna load it up and take it up monadnock tomorrow and I will let everyone know how it did

 

[Raven]

I have the aether 70 and love it. I've done winter overnights and day trips with it and feel it is a nice size. It's overkill for summer days but is nice for overnights anytime. One advantage of this pack is that the strapping allows for a relatively small load to be carried comfortably. The pack rides well and carries as if it were lighter than it really is.

After years of using a kelty or vaude pack, neither of which I ever had any complaints with, I've found the Osprey to be simply a better designed pack. I would not change a thing with this one. I won't use it again until my next overnight though...

Good luck with it. BTW, I carry bottles for water, either inside or in the side pockets.

 

[freighttrain48]

I have the aether 70 and love it. I've done winter overnights and day trips with it and feel it is a nice size. It's overkill for summer days but is nice for overnights anytime. One advantage of this pack is that the strapping allows for a relatively small load to be carried comfortably. The pack rides well and carries as if it were lighter than it really is.

After years of using a kelty or vaude pack, neither of which I ever had any complaints with, I've found the Osprey to be simply a better designed pack. I would not change a thing with this one. I won't use it again until my next overnight though...

Good luck with it. BTW, I carry bottles for water, either inside or in the side pockets.

Raven I am glad I picked it I carried it up firescrew and cardigan with complete overnight gear and it felt awesome compared to strapping stuff all over my smaller pack like when I went to owls head

much better with the aether 70