Osprey - Aether vs Argon

[Allchin09]

Hey,

I am looking at getting a new hiking pack and Osprey seem to have what I'm after. I'm considering getting an larger size, probable 70 or 85L, but I can't decide whether to go for the Aether or the more expensive Argon model. My only concerns with both the packs is that they are slightly lacking in external pockets which I am used to having, but that seems to be pretty common theses days.

Does anyone have any advice or complaints about theses packs that could help me with my decision?

[wayno]

they have open side stretch pockets and one big one on the front, hte argon has one side zip pocket
the argons are built more for comfort than the aether. but its a good half kilo heavier for comparable sized ones.
some of the argons have an extra zip up pocket on the front

i got a black diamond mercury recently, has the external and several organiser internal pockets, more flexible harness system with black diamonds which i prefer, i ditched my aether for black diamond

[roysta]

I have no complaints about Osprey packs, afterall, we have 8 different ones in the house, ranging from 5 litres up to 65.
However, looking at the relative merits of what you're seeking, Wayne has a good point.
The BD Mercury is a no nonsense pack at a very good weight range.

[wayno]

i think black diamonds esp the mercury are hard to find,
black diamond redisigned their harnesses from a blank pallet

http://www.camphikeclimb.com.au/product ... ts_id=1603

[nq111]

I have the aether 85 and it is great - though the new model has the 'J-zip' which concerns me.

The lack of pockets doesn't bother me - other than a pocket on the hip belt would be nice.

[roysta]

Camp Hike Climb, just down the road, nice store and that's a good price.

[wayno]

they are using water resistant zips on the main compartment zips such as the j zip..
still not ideal if you are into deep river crossings....

[nq111]

they are using water resistant zips on the main compartment zips such as the j zip..
still not ideal if you are into deep river crossings....

More it may be a point of weakness - and i am old-fashioned enough to think a good ol' top loader is just dandy. I don't reckon any standard pack can be expected to be waterproof - that is what drybags are for.

Those black diamond packs sure are getting good press - interesting direction from a climbing hardware mob.

Arcteryx also seem to consistently well regarded for their packs. Gregory also may be worth a look?

[wayno]

black diamond have branched out into hiking gear, they have distinct ranges of packs for designed differently for climbing and hiking. theres far more sales in the hiking market. you're only ever going to sell a limited amount of gear to climbers. so adapt the products to he walkers and make more money.... black diamond gear isnt badly overpriced like some brands like arcteryx are. arcteryx does have a good reputation but they want to trade on it for extra money. and for what they are charging you can get similar quality in other brands.
black diamonds biggeest packs are 75 litres so if you need bigger you'll have to buy something else.
berghaus and arcteryx do pivoting hip belts as well as black diamond, but black diamond have shoulder straps that lengthen and shorten in opposition to each other as you walk,
aarn might have that arrangement as well. it makes for very comfortable walking, reduced tension, pressure points. less feeling of restruction.

[Allchin09]

I do like the idea of a side opening zip, but I'm not sure how it will work in practice. It sounds like those Black Diamond packs are worth a look.

[wayno]

pics and vids on the layout and design of the mercury

http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/gear-news/ ... /9699.html

http://vimeo.com/channels/354688/39425618

http://vimeo.com/24786502

http://vimeo.com/24786502

[stump1100]

I have an Aether 75 and I'm pretty happy with it. The pack has a rear zip for access into the pack - I think it's pointless. The divider between main pack and sleeping bag is also fairly pointless so I don't use it. Side pockets are good but I can't reach them with the pack on. Luckily my Osprey hydration pack fits both day pack and big pack (it wasn't luck I know...).

I wish the big pack had belt pockets like my Osprey day pack, I think the new Aether has those now. Like the "wet pocket on the back and the weight is good.

[Onestepmore]

I have the aether 85 and it is great - though the new model has the 'J-zip' which concerns me.

The lack of pockets doesn't bother me - other than a pocket on the hip belt would be nice.

http://gossamergear.com/packs/pack-acce ... ckets.html

This may help?
I have a couple of the large ones, just to add versatility to different packs, and I like to have my phone camera handy, tissues, lip balm, stuff like that.

[wayno]

some packs are made for drier climates so they put easy access features like j zips although some packs are using water resistant zips on them and or flaps over the zips to reduce the likelihood of rain getting in..
but you average pack isnt waterproof to start with. so it may be academic about the extra zips , i always put a dry bag pack liner in my packs...