Osprey Atmos AG vs Aether AG: Which Is The Better Backpacking Backpack?

Having the right backpack for all your outdoor adventures is crucial, but do you know what to look for in a high-quality backpack. If not, the following article should be very illuminating.

Here we have reviewed two of the best and most popular backpack models on the planet, the Osprey Atmos AG Backpack and the Osprey Aether AG Backpack. In this review we will identify and explain some of the great features associated with each backpack, followed by a section in which we will list the pros and cons assigned to each bag.

At the end of it all, our hope is to provide you with the information and tools you need to shop for and ultimately choose the best backpack for your specific needs and preferences.

About the Osprey Atmos AG Backpack

Anytime you set out to purchase the perfect backpack there are several features and factors you will need to consider. Here we will provide an overview of some of these features as they apply to our first backpack: The Osprey Atmos AG Backpack.

Removable Top Lid and Flap Jacket

The removable top lid and flap jacket that comes standard on the Osprey Atmos AG Backpack is definitely one of its best features. The lid of the backpack is weight-adjusted, which will come in handy when you have an extra load in the expandable collar.

One of the great things about the lid on the Osprey Atmos AG Backpack is that it is completely removable. And when the lid is so removed, you then have an integrated flap you can use to ensure all of your gear stays dry and protected.

The two small toggles on the backpack have their own tiny pockets on the flap, which you can use to keep the flap up and out of the way when need be. These toggles roughly mirror those you have on the front of the backpack, and thus when the lid is off you will have a more manageable sized bag that is still fully closed and protected from the top.

Comfort

The Osprey Atmos AG Backpack takes comfort to a whole new level. One of the reasons for this is the bag’s AG suspension system, or anti-gravity suspension system, which helps to evenly distribute your items and the weight of the bag so well that you might even forget you are carrying a backpack.

The design and construction of the AG suspension system includes a continuous and seamless mesh with very large openings in the structure. This covers the back panel, the shoulder straps, hip belt and lumbar area padding, making for one of the most comfortable backpacks you will ever wear.

The mesh in the suspension system of the Osprey Atmos AG Backpack becomes tensioned when you put the pack on your back, allowing the bag to contour to every curve in your back and body. It keeps the pack separated from the body itself, which in turns increases the amount of ventilation, meaning less perspiration will form between you and the backpack.

The entire structure is evenly supported by a lightweight aluminum frame; and, as a bonus, it looks cool, too.

Sizes

The Osprey Atmos AG Backpack comes in three sizes: small, medium and large, and even the larger bags can be used as carry-on luggage when traveling by air.

Fortunately, the AG suspension of this pack works well with every size with a simple adjustment of the harness.

Adjustability

Another great feature of the Osprey Atmos AG Backpack is how it can be adjusted on the go. On the hip belt of the unit, you have what the company calls “fit-on-the-fly adjustability.”

What this translates to is the ability to fit and adjust the hip belt with the pack still on your back. To use this feature, users will need to break the Velcro connection on both wing hips of the bag, and then move them forward or backward until they reach the desired position.

This can all be done within a range of 6 inches, and the padded sections, too, can be moved to fit on the body perfectly. An adjustable chest strap is also part of this setup, and this feature comes with an emergency whistle should you get separated from other members in your hiking party.

Load Lifter Bars

As with most high-end backpack options, the Osprey Atmos AG Backpack is equipped with the usual load lifters, but this backpack also has load lifter bars.

Although not entirely rigid, these bars are strong enough to provide added support to the weight of the bag that sits around shoulder level.

Compartments

In terms of compartments, the Osprey Atmos AG Backpack has seven in total—a workable number of pockets but not exactly enough for some people. On the lid of the backpack you will find two zippered pockets, one on top of another.

The lower compartment is secured with two zip pulls that are large enough to grasp and maneuver even when wearing gloves. There is one large stretch compartment on the front of the backpack, which is kept closed using a top buckle.

This buckle lies under a cover, which looks like an inverted pocket, although there is no way to secure this pocket.

Finally, the bag has two zippered compartments on the hip belt that are very easy to access, and on the sides of the pack you have two stretch mesh pockets that can be accessed from either the top or the sides, meaning you will never have to take all of your items out just to retrieve something from the bottom of one of these compartments.

Pros and Cons of the Osprey Atmos AG Backpack

There are many things to like about the Osprey Atmos AG Backpack and just a few ways in which the pack could be improved, in our opinion. Here’s what we think:

Pros

• Removable Lid. The adjustable and removable lid on the Osprey Atmos AG Backpack is a very convenient feature.
• Adjustable hip belt. Because of the adjustable hip belt, the backpack can be adjusted for weight on the fly without ever having to take it off your back.
• Durable. Like all of the company’s great products, the Osprey Atmos AG Backpack features top-quality materials and superior workmanship to produce a long-lasting and secure pack.

Cons

• Limited Compartments. A large backpack, the Osprey Atmos AG Backpack only has 7 compartments into which you can organize your items, a number that some find too small.
• No rain-cover. The rain cover for the Osprey Atmos AG Backpack will need to be purchased separately and might be ill-fitting as a result.

About the Osprey Aether AG Backpack

The second backpack we will review is the Osprey Aether AG Backpack—a pack with many similarities to the Atmos and also a few key differences.

Sizes and Fit

The Osprey Aether AG Backpack is available in three sizes: small, medium and large, and from all accounts the fit on each of these bags is very impressive. Some of the reasons for this wonderful fit are the Velcro adjustments for the shoulder straps that make it very easy for hikers to swap packs midway through their trek.

The Osprey Corporation also does heat molding with their hip belts to ensure a proper fit right from the box.

Comfort

Like the Atmos backpack we reviewed earlier, the Osprey Aether AG Backpack comes with the anti-gravity suspension system that helps to evenly distribute weight around the body, thus putting less of the weight on your shoulders.

The padded straps, harness, adjustable hip belt and all the other attachments fit seamlessly and can be adjusted on the fly for comfort.

Ventilation

In terms of ventilation, the Osprey Aether AG Backpack does NOT really compare to that of the Atmos backpack.

According to other outdoor enthusiasts, this pack provides far less ventilation between the pack and your body, but what it lacks in ventilation it more than makes up for in comfort.

Compartments and Organization

For those who enjoy a lot of hidden pockets and compartments in their hiking backpack, the Osprey Aether AG Backpack has got them covered. Simply put, the Osprey Aether AG Backpack has the organizational capacity you would expect from such a feature-rich pack.

In addition to the pockets found on the Atmos, the Aether features secure zippered front compartments that flank the large mesh pocket, a J-shaped zipper pocket that is great for accessing items in the pack’s main compartment, and two great hip belt pockets that are ideal for things like keys and smartphones.

Pros and Cons of the Osprey Aether AG Backpack

There are plenty of things to love about the Osprey Aether AG Backpack and just a couple of setbacks. Here they are:

Pros

• Amazing fit. Whether you elect to purchase the small, medium or large Osprey Aether AG Backpack, you can rest assured that the fit will be perfect.
• Plenty of compartments. The many extra compartments in the Osprey Aether AG Backpack make for easy organization.
• AG Suspension. The AG suspension system in this backpack distributes weight so evenly you may even forget you are wearing it.

Cons

• Poor ventilation. In terms of ventilation, the Osprey Aether AG Backpack does not perform as well as the Atmos.
• Premium priced. As you might expect from such a feature-rich bag, the Osprey Aether AG Backpack may not be ideal for the budget-conscious consumer.

Whether you want many compartments and a specialized fit, or a more basic bag with plenty of ventilation, the Osprey Company has just what you need to start your adventure.

Summary & Quick Comparison

For a quick glance at how these two backpack models differ, check out the chart below.

So, if you’ve been trying to decide between the Osprey Aether 70 AG vs Atmos 65 AG, then we hope this comparison helps you to make an informed decision.

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