Many people in the backpacking world trust Osprey’s products, especially the Atmos 65 and Aether 60 backpacks. While both are stand-out models, you’ll need to decide which is best suited to your hiking style.
After your footwear, choosing your backpack is the most important decision you’ll be making, so getting it right is pretty important!
Both the Atmos and the Aether fall into the “big backpacks” category – these are for overnight or multi-day trips.
Osprey also makes excellent daypacks for shorter trails.
Table of contents
Osprey Atmos vs Aether: Quick Comparison
Here’s a quick look at the features and pros/cons of the two models – more detail to follow. If you’re torn between these two packs, we’ll show you how they stack up against each other.
Osprey Aether AG 60
Osprey Atmos 65
Osprey Aether |
Osprey Atmos |
|
| Size Capacity | 57 – 63 liters | 62 – 68 liters |
| Load Range | 35 – 60 pounds | 30 – 50 pounds |
| Standout Feature | Detachable DayLid daypack (US version only) | “Fit-on-the-Fly” hip belt makes adjustment easy when you are walking |
| Main Compartment Access | Top and side | Top only |
| Additional Pockets | Front mesh; 2 hip belt; extra storage straps & loops (Total 11 + main compartment) | Front mesh, 2 hip belt, extra storage straps & loops, (Total 7 + main compartment) water bottle storage on both sides |
| Main Use | Capacity & Versatility | Comfort & Ventilation |
| Buy | VIEW ON AMAZON | VIEW ON AMAZON |
Storage
Storage is the primary feature of any backpack. The Atmos and the Aether have a lot of storage features in common; there are also some key differences in how it’s organized and accessed.
Capacity
The differences in capacity and load-range are thanks to the different anti-gravity suspension systems: an intelligent design feature to increase comfort when carrying a full pack.
A key feature of each pack, their anti-gravity suspension systems work a bit differently. I’ll go into further detail on this later.
Both packs come in small, medium & large, allowing for an almost-custom fit for every shape and size.
Osprey Aether |
Osprey Atmos |
|
| Small | 57 liters | 62 liters |
| Medium | 60 liters | 65 liters |
| Large | 63 liters | 68 liters |
| Load Range | 35-60lbs | 30-50lbs |
Pockets and Other Additional Storage
In addition to their main storage compartments, both the Osprey Aether and Atmos offer external pockets and other storage features. Both models boast the following additional organizational perks:
- Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole storage attachment
- Front stretch mesh pockets (ideal for storing a rain fly or other gear you may need to access quickly)
- Zippered pockets on the hip belt, which are perfect for snacks or storing a phone
- Internal sleeves for storage and protection of a hydration reservoir of up to 3 liters
- Two ice tool loops
- Removable sleeping pad straps
- Sleeping bag compartment (zippered) with a removable divider to afford your sleeping bag extra protection
Crucial Differences between Osprey’s Atmos vs Aether
The Atmos 65 also offers two easy-access side storage pockets to keep water bottles comfortably close at hand.
The US version of the Aether offers one of the biggest storage perks that I’ve seen on a backpack. Also, the top lid, known as the DayLid, is removable and functions as a complete daypack; with a rain flap to protect the gear left in the lower portion of the bag.
Annoyingly, it’s unclear when this feature will be available to backpackers outside of the United States. Access to the main compartment is where the two backpacks differ:
The Atmos is a standard top-load, top-opening backpack.
The functional FlapJacket which protects your gear from the rain when you remove the top is worth mentioning. In addition, the FlapJacket is a patented protective flap that keeps the contents of your backpack dry while still allowing you access.
Even more, the Aether is also a top-load backpack, but it offers handy zippered access to the main compartment from the side of the pack.
This is an excellent feature for those situations when you need access to the gear lower down in your main pocket.
Comfort
Both of these packs are designed for maximum carrying comfort, with plenty of ventilation and load-distribution features built in.
The major stand-out feature of these two packs, separating them from other manufacturers and the rest of Osprey’s current product lineup (aside from the Aura and Ariel, the women’s models), is their Anti-Gravity Suspension system.
Anti-Gravity Suspension Systems: How Do They Compare?
Through a combination of a mesh back panel that provides more even load distribution, increased ventilation, some handy compression straps, and internal engineering, these packs are both designed to distribute weight so that they feel lighter than they are.
There is some compromise involved with this. The anti-gravity technology doesn’t work with loads over about 60 lbs, which is why both of these packs fall below that load range.
In general, the feature is less efficient the more weight you load into the pack, so neither of these backpacks should be stuffed over its capacity.
Basically, Aether’s anti-gravity mesh is much flatter, so presses against the body. Providing support for a higher load weight, also means that you’ll feel more of the weight and that the ventilation isn’t as even.
Here’s a video from Osprey about the anti-gravity system:
Neither the lower weight capacity of the Atmos nor the flatter design of the Aether is a total dealbreaker for me, but it’s worth noting the two packs are designed for different situations and backpackers:
- Without a doubt, the design of the Osprey Atmos has comfort as a top priority, making it a good choice for those with back problems, or difficulty hiking with a heavy pack. It’s also great for very hot days or steep climbs, as it is better ventilated.
- The Osprey Aether offers more storage features and weight capacity, making it perfect for long or difficult treks. Perfect for cold weather backpacking, as the lower ventilation won’t cause overheating, and the load range is sufficient to cover heavier winter gear.
Adjustability
One of the primary features of Osprey’s technical backpacking packs is their adjustability. With very few exceptions, there is an Osprey pack that will fit almost anyone!
In this area, the Atmos does have a slight advantage over the Aether.
Its Fit-on-the-Fly hip belt allows for quick and easy adjustment, so you can easily change the fit of the hip belt even when you’re walking.
How to Adjust an Osprey Backpack
Osprey backpacks come with an owner’s manual with detailed instructions for adjustment. It’s worth reading through this, as each model has a slightly different system.
There are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Adjust the pack so that most of the weight falls onto your hips rather than your shoulders, to save your back. You have to strike a nice middle ground, though: having all of the weight on your hips can pull you off balance.
- If the pack is making you feel off balance, try adjusting it so that a bit more of your weight falls onto your shoulders.
- If too much weight falls on your shoulders, then adjust the pack to shift that to your hips. Remember, more weight should fall on your hips than on your shoulders, but not all!
If you slip out of the shoulder straps and unbuckle the waist belt, a perfectly adjusted Osprey backpack will still hug your hips and stay mostly in place.
Another note on the Anti-Gravity Suspension System
Certainly, the anti-gravity suspension system features a wide mesh where the backpack meets your back that evenly distributes the weight of the pack and hugs your body to provide better lumbar support.
Though both the Osprey Aether and Atmos feature an anti-gravity suspension system, they work in different ways.
The flatter profile of the Aether’s suspension system allows for more weight and stability but presses into your body more. So the Aether can hold more weight but doesn’t offer the same feeling of lightness (or the same level of ventilation) as the Atmos.
Other Notable Differences
Color! While color shouldn’t be your sole deciding factor (why not?) when it comes to choosing a backpack, you don’t want to saddle yourself with something ugly, that you don’t like.
The Osprey Aether is available in the following colors:
- Neptune Blue: a very bright, high-visibility blue tone
- Outback Orange: a subdued but still quite noticeable darker orange
- Adirondack Green: a classic deep green reminiscent of older canvas packs
The Atmos comes in the following colors:
- Rigby Red: a deep yet bright red
- Unity Blue: a much more subdued blue than Neptune, closer to a navy tone
- Abyss Gray: a light but still quite subdued gray tone
While the color options are completely different, there are both subdued and eye-catching variations for each pack.
Another significant difference between the two is their unloaded weight.
The Aether clocks in at a hefty 5.2 pounds at its largest capacity, while the Atmos is a bit lighter at 4.6 pounds (also in its Large size).
You can reduce the weight of the Aether a bit by removing the DayLid. You can, of course, use the DayLid on its own for shorter hikes where a heavy pack would be unnecessary.
Osprey Accessories
- Hydration Bladder: both packs sport an internal hydration sleeve, for a bladder size of up to 3 liters – but the bladder itself will need to be bought separately.
- Raincover – it always annoys me slightly that they can’t just sell the cover with the pack. But hey-ho, here’s one for the Atmos and one for the Aether.
Final Comparison: Osprey Atmos vs Osprey Aether
Both the Osprey Aether and Atmos are solidly built feature-rich packs. While one is not necessarily superior to the other, you’ll need to consider how their respective features match your needs.
The fit and feel of a backpack vary so much that it’s hard to make a definitive statement as to which one is “better”. The only way to know for yourself is to give one a try.
That said, I do prefer the Osprey Aether thanks to its higher weight capacity and removable DayLid. But, the Atmos may be better for you at least in certain situations.
Here’s a short video showing more about the Aether:
The Aether is great for :
- Longer treks where you need more gear and supplies (or those of us who tend to take more gear than we need)
- Colder expeditions where ventilation isn’t as much of a problem
- Users who want the flexibility of the removable DayLid
The Atmos might be better for backpackers who are looking for the ultimate in comfort.
Here’s a video showing more about the Atmos:
- Ideal for shorter trips of 2 – 4 days where a daypack wouldn’t provide enough room
- Might be friendlier to less experienced hikers and those with back issues
I also like the easy-access water bottle pockets on the Atmos and wish something similar had been worked into the design of the Aether.
So, which will it be? The Osprey Atmos or the Osprey Aether?
Need More Advice on Gear and Footwear?
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- Best Hiking Backpacks with Water Bladders to Keep You Hydrated on the Trails
- 11 Best Ultralight Sleeping Bags under 2.0 pounds
- Hang Tight! 9 of the Best Hammock Straps
Product Images credits: Amazon.com
Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Would be great if they didn’t actually sell SOO many options. For example, I would love to to see an Atmos bag with the removable daypack option. Would be a no brainer. But right now I equally value the daypack and the better ventilation system. Sigh.
Right ?! Atmos AG , aether hip belt, aether daypack, Atmos waterduel side pockets, aether interiors side zipper, Atmos duel front zipper pockets ,,,,hey wishful thinking right?? Lol
Totally agree! 🙂
My aether has dual water side pockets, top load and forward facing like the Atmos.
I would say the xenith is a combination of the atmos & the aether as it has the easy access water bottle mesh either side as well as the 2 zip pockets & stuff pouch & removable lid, however its a huge 105L but who doesn’t need the kitchen sink when going camping
Atmos is a great pack, I really like it, but I think it’s fantastic when at 30 to 35 pounds max. I think the frame just doesn’t hold up much heavier. It’s comfortable, easy on my back and has lots of nooks and crannies to put stuff in. The lack of a rain cover is no big deal killer for me. I bought one.
If you have a weird back or are 50+ years old opt for fit and comfort Everytime.