Macpac Cascade or Osprey Aether

[greyhairwalker]

I am off to the Kimberley's for a 3 week hike (food drop midway).
Due to my age I'm trying to lighten my load.
I currently have a Macpac Cascade 90l which I'm happy with except the weight.
As the Osprey Aether 85 is a fair bit lighter, am think of changing over.
Does any one have experience with the Osprey aether 85 on a long hike?

[wayno]

I've got the aether 70, only used it up to four days, great pack, comfortable. more than enough space on those trips... not so light that it's flimsy, still has a supportive waist belt, and frame, decent padded shoulder straps... robust fabric

[stepbystep]

I just used a Cascade with close to 30kg, only over 2 days and it carried that weight remarkably well. There is a lot to be said for a robust design even if it weighs a bit more than it's competitor. I have no experience of the Osprey, it might be perfect for you.
As I was on a work trip it meant dropping pack unloading and reloading the pack up to 20 times each day I was surprised at how little the pack weight was of impact despite a frenetic schedule.

Please share a trip report, I would love to do an extended trip in the Kimberley, and no-one on this forum has shared one from there yet.

[icemancometh]

I'd take the Osprey over the Macpac anyday. The Aether is a solid thing and still weighs less.

I've used a few Ospreys and seen more on the backs of friends.

[wayno]

unless you're going to do a lot of scrub bashing you probably won't need the cascade

[Maelgwn]

Go and give it a good long try on, fiddle with the fit, wear it around the shop for an hour. If it is as comfy as your macpac or better then get it. Otherwise dont bother! You dont want something critical like a pack to be uncomfy for 3 weeks!

Also the Cascade will last longer, made to stand up to harsh Australian sun and will survive most mainland scrub/pack hauling experiences ok. I probably wouldn't buy a synthetic pack due to durability concerns.

[nq111]

Agree with all of the above.

I think most people (myself included) would find the Osprey more comfortable. I believe it is a nicer pack to have for comfort and loads the weight better around the body. I find it better than a macpac when climbing as the weight seems to hug the body better and shifts about less. The Macpac is still a top of the line pack for carry but for my body the aether is better.

But the first consideration should be how it feels for you and you may be different to me and the others here. So no escaping loading one up in a shop and walking about a bit. That kg or so of weight saved is no good if it does not carry as well as the Macpac for you.

The Osprey is without doubt not as tough as the Macpac but is not fragile either.

One thing is I think the Aether has better airflow across the back so better for warmer conditions.

I have carried near 30kg (half of that was water) straight up a mountain with my 85. That was pushing it for its designed weight capacity but I was happy with its performance. It shines up to about 25kg IMO. There is another model up if you are thinking of regularly carrying bigger weights (I have no experience with it). I have hiked up to 5 day walks with it (it is a newer pack) and no issues.

[wayno]

with the large osprey packs you can change the hip belt size to fit you, which is handy, they tend to be generous sizes built for american midrifts,,,, i changed down a belt size for my aether.
they also custom mould it to your waist if the shop has the osprey box that heats the foam, then you put hte belt on and it moulds the foam to your shape.