Have had 4 different Osprey backpacks. All great!! I’m no UL hiker. This means that I enjoy the extra comforts possible with that extra weight. Still lighter than my service load out. My go-to packs are the Aether Plus 100 and the Exos 48. No reason for me to change from Osprey. They obviously know what they are doing. The customer support is also great!
Finding the right pack is so hard. I ended up getting custom pack, just so I could get hip belts that fit my overweight body size... my one before was good, just heavy and just enough wrong shape to sit wrong. Seen such array of packs from 80's expedition packs to modern fancy sail cloth ones, it's amazing how things have evolved, and now packs are getting broader and broader on scope of use, from us more minimal folks trying to cut down the weight, to ladder style frames animal trappers carry... no longer "just tramping pack" with bare bones canvas pack and simple frame.
Thank you for pulling up a desk and sharing this PSA for the backpacking community. I’ve had the honor of assisting several folks start their backpacking journeys and totally agree that adjustability is key. It’s easy these days to fall down the ultralight rabbit hole before even setting foot on the trail, but when you’re ordering a custom UL pack, you get one shot at it fitting correctly. All of folks I helped needed torso and hip belt size adjustments on their first trips, and once they got dialed in the look of joy on their faces is the only validation you need. I’m also with you on Osprey being a great recommendation. Their suspension systems are quite magical. And that’s not to knock the other mainstream brands, who make fine packs as well. But I’ve never seen an unhappy Osprey owner. One design element on these packs that I would like to see some innovation is with the “load lifters”. The natural inclination from most new backpackers is to cinch them down tight. It provides an immediate feeling of relief, but makes a mess out of the shoulder strap geometry. On every break, I’m checking that shoulder straps are adjusted properly and then the lifters are just barely snug. That familiar “aha” look comes over their face again and we’re off. Gotta be a better mechanism for bringing that upper pack weight closer to the body’s core. Of course showing how to pack weight toward the center and back helps, but you’re already working at a bit of a disadvantage due to the suspension hood the pack away from your back. Anyways… ramble over. Great video!
Honestly, it's hard to go wrong at this stage. so many great bags out there these days. I would also tend to agree with you on the load lifters. I feel like newer hikers tend to over tighten every strap other than the hip belt. That being said, the load lifter tend to slip more than any other strap. So its more or less an issue that will solve itself after an hour or so on trail.
Thanks for the information and for helping out the new guys. I just purchased my first pack, the Osprey Aether Plus 70, based on the recommendations of videos like this. I really appreciate what Osprey stands for with their commitment to quality and their lifetime warranty. I first looked at bags from Teton Sports and the like, but eventually decided to go with a more adjustable pack. Thanks again for your help!
Great video and useful. I’m looking at getting a Osprey atmos for wild camping but unsure what size I should go for. Was thinking 65 as I can always pack less but if I go smaller and I need the space not much I can do. What are your thoughts?
Depends on how much gear you generally take, I always suggest getting your backpack last. First get together everything else you take with you, outline a food carry, and then see roughly how much volume that is.
@@MoveWithMurph Ah well I’ve got my tent already a OEX bobcat but having issues finding a sleeping bag to fit me that’s warm & packable. I can’t fit in the mummy bags. I’ve not done a backpacking wild camp before so all my kit is geared towards overlanding & not super light etc
@@LoneWolfExplorer in that case it might be better to go with the 65l, and then later down the road when you start to get a more streamlined setup you can downsize the pack. A 65l is a great all around bag that should be appropriate for most 3 season trips. that way you yo can save a bit of cash on gear and put that money toward being outside more.
@@MoveWithMurph Yes pretty much what I was thinking and is it correct that you can compress down the 65L Atmos a little an even remove the brain if not needed? I’m also hoping to do some winter camping in the future, I just need to make sure I’m comfortable these days.
If you look at the back panel of the day bag there’s two small loops in the bottom corners. It’s a little tricky but you can freed the small plastic bit at the end of the straps into them.
Kia Ora bro. Ive got Deuter 55+10, great pack but after something lighter. Would you recommend the Hyperlite southwest or the Osprey exos?( For mostly Australian and NZ conditions)The cost is not an issue. Thanks. Nice vid
That's a tough call, is there a store nearby where you could try on the Hyperlite? The Exos has more features and more adjustability, they Hyperlite is lighter, but essentially just 3 pockets and a large main compartment. I if you plan on carrying more than 15KGs frequently, I would go with the Exos, if you never really plan on exceeding that Hyperlite. If you order a hyperlite use the code movewithmurph15 at checkout and you can save 15% should help with shipping too.
I would recommend grabbing all your gear together and buying your backpack last. So you have an estimated volume. But 60L would be good for most people
They are very similar, but the plus is specifically designed with a heavy pack weight and more gear in mind. There are two additional zipper pockets on the front of the bag for exterior storage, the lid on the bag has more storage, not to mention like you mentioned it turns into a day bag. And it is .7lbs heavier. For most people, I would recommend getting the regular aether, unless you know you’re going to want a day pack for base camp style scenarios. There’s an additional lid so it can be used and you can leave the large lid behind for lighter trips.
I will never understand how you start by saying "a person wants to be somewhat comfortable" on their first trip......so you recommend the very worst pack model...full of unnecessary buckles and straps and zippers.. to make finding anything harder. 100% form over function. Heavier packs with pockets mean people take more crap and have a decidedly less good time because they're miserable all day hiking with their heavy pack and comfort items. Then the items go unused because you're wiped and years later you figure it out like the rest and simplify. Just start simple....listen to ANYONE but the idiot in your head that wants to take the big hunting knife...
Hahaha, can be, but there was no one out there in the world that was stopping me from bringing 3 pairs of blue jeans on my first multi day backpacking trip. Nothing teaches more than experience. Especially a bad one. I really wanted the space for all of the things I thought that I "needed" when I first started. So I enjoyed that my bag was at least somewhat comfortable during those growing pains. Out of general curiosity what would you recommend?
You really have a hard time finding stuff in a pack with 2 or 3 zippered pockets? And you go out on your own? Let’s say the new backpacker with his Osprey pack can’t remember where he put his _____. What’s the ABSOLUTE worst case scenario? He has to unpack his pack until he finds it. Oh no! 15-20 minutes just GONE FOREVER, he’ll never get those back. Now let’s say he bought an HMG or another brand without unnecessary buckles and zippers instead. He puts something he should keep handy in the bottom of his pack, now he has to…unpack his pack to get it, wasting 15-20 precious minutes. So what did he gain by going with a pack that you have to be careful with when setting it down on rocks? “It’s UL! Reeeeeeee!” Sorry, but neither he, nor I, nor you would EVER notice going from, say, a 30lb total weight to a 27.5lb total weight in the field. Nope. I could put an extra liter of water in your pack and you’d never notice until you unpacked it at the end of the day. I wouldn’t notice it missing from my pack, either, but making my pack lighter wouldn’t be why I did it. What would I recommend? Osprey or Granite Gear, with maybe a slight edge going to GG if the new backpacker is going to buy lightweight gear from the beginning. I find my 2 to be so close in comfort to my similarly-sized Ospreys that it basically comes down to which one you think has better colors. You will need to experiment more with packing the GG simply because the back pad and frame sheet transfer weight to your hips differently than a pack with a perimeter wire frame does. The GG won’t ventilate as well, my back gets drenched with sweat with either one so it’s not an issue for me but it might be for someone else. 12 years in the army 1/4 century ago ingrained in me that discomfort is something you can ignore, at least minor stuff like a sweaty back. The wrecked knees that were a gift from the army are a little harder to ignore!
A bunch of us young whippersnappers, back in the early 70s, hiked in the Wind River Range three summers straight, two weeks each summer. One guy had an REI internal frame, while the rest of us had Kelty packs. The women carried 50-55 lbs and the guys carried 80-90 lbs, going over Bonney Pass(13,000) as the highest traverse we had to negotiate. We didn't in know any better. Packing just 50 lbs would have been heaven. The women didn't complain and for that matter neither did the guys. We were young, dumb and happy. 👍⛰️
lol, I love this, I met a man who carried a wooden frame backpack once. I love the way it used to be. When I first got into backpacking, that's what I had always imagined. I have no idea what my first backpack weighed, but I certainly filled my 70l bag with no issues. I hope youre still getting after it.
Have had 4 different Osprey backpacks. All great!!
I’m no UL hiker. This means that I enjoy the extra comforts possible with that extra weight.
Still lighter than my service load out. My go-to packs are the Aether Plus 100 and the Exos 48.
No reason for me to change from Osprey. They obviously know what they are doing. The customer support is also great!
Finding the right pack is so hard. I ended up getting custom pack, just so I could get hip belts that fit my overweight body size... my one before was good, just heavy and just enough wrong shape to sit wrong.
Seen such array of packs from 80's expedition packs to modern fancy sail cloth ones, it's amazing how things have evolved, and now packs are getting broader and broader on scope of use, from us more minimal folks trying to cut down the weight, to ladder style frames animal trappers carry... no longer "just tramping pack" with bare bones canvas pack and simple frame.
Thank you for pulling up a desk and sharing this PSA for the backpacking community. I’ve had the honor of assisting several folks start their backpacking journeys and totally agree that adjustability is key. It’s easy these days to fall down the ultralight rabbit hole before even setting foot on the trail, but when you’re ordering a custom UL pack, you get one shot at it fitting correctly. All of folks I helped needed torso and hip belt size adjustments on their first trips, and once they got dialed in the look of joy on their faces is the only validation you need.
I’m also with you on Osprey being a great recommendation. Their suspension systems are quite magical. And that’s not to knock the other mainstream brands, who make fine packs as well. But I’ve never seen an unhappy Osprey owner.
One design element on these packs that I would like to see some innovation is with the “load lifters”. The natural inclination from most new backpackers is to cinch them down tight. It provides an immediate feeling of relief, but makes a mess out of the shoulder strap geometry. On every break, I’m checking that shoulder straps are adjusted properly and then the lifters are just barely snug. That familiar “aha” look comes over their face again and we’re off. Gotta be a better mechanism for bringing that upper pack weight closer to the body’s core. Of course showing how to pack weight toward the center and back helps, but you’re already working at a bit of a disadvantage due to the suspension hood the pack away from your back.
Anyways… ramble over. Great video!
Honestly, it's hard to go wrong at this stage. so many great bags out there these days. I would also tend to agree with you on the load lifters. I feel like newer hikers tend to over tighten every strap other than the hip belt. That being said, the load lifter tend to slip more than any other strap. So its more or less an issue that will solve itself after an hour or so on trail.
Thanks for the information and for helping out the new guys. I just purchased my first pack, the Osprey Aether Plus 70, based on the recommendations of videos like this. I really appreciate what Osprey stands for with their commitment to quality and their lifetime warranty. I first looked at bags from Teton Sports and the like, but eventually decided to go with a more adjustable pack. Thanks again for your help!
Great video; I use a Mystery Ranch 55L and its pretty awesome.
Dude, I love your channel and I am excited to see it grow!
Thanks for the encouraging words! I'm happy you're getting value from it.
luv my osprey......and why would I buy another?
good and informative video. Thank you! Just bought my first osprey backpack
Enjoy!
Great video and useful. I’m looking at getting a Osprey atmos for wild camping but unsure what size I should go for. Was thinking 65 as I can always pack less but if I go smaller and I need the space not much I can do. What are your thoughts?
Depends on how much gear you generally take, I always suggest getting your backpack last. First get together everything else you take with you, outline a food carry, and then see roughly how much volume that is.
@@MoveWithMurph Ah well I’ve got my tent already a OEX bobcat but having issues finding a sleeping bag to fit me that’s warm & packable. I can’t fit in the mummy bags. I’ve not done a backpacking wild camp before so all my kit is geared towards overlanding & not super light etc
@@LoneWolfExplorer in that case it might be better to go with the 65l, and then later down the road when you start to get a more streamlined setup you can downsize the pack.
A 65l is a great all around bag that should be appropriate for most 3 season trips. that way you yo can save a bit of cash on gear and put that money toward being outside more.
@@MoveWithMurph Yes pretty much what I was thinking and is it correct that you can compress down the 65L Atmos a little an even remove the brain if not needed? I’m also hoping to do some winter camping in the future, I just need to make sure I’m comfortable these days.
I have the Aether plus 100L. I can't figure out how to strap the handles on the day pack. No instructions.
If you look at the back panel of the day bag there’s two small loops in the bottom corners. It’s a little tricky but you can freed the small plastic bit at the end of the straps into them.
Wonder if osprey has any backpacks that might fit a super giant. 6'8
Not sure really, maybe try one on and see. Might depend if you’re all legs or torso.
The Aether plus L/XL 100L, can fit torsos up to 23 inches.
Kia Ora bro. Ive got Deuter 55+10, great pack but after something lighter. Would you recommend the Hyperlite southwest or the Osprey exos?( For mostly Australian and NZ conditions)The cost is not an issue. Thanks. Nice vid
That's a tough call, is there a store nearby where you could try on the Hyperlite? The Exos has more features and more adjustability, they Hyperlite is lighter, but essentially just 3 pockets and a large main compartment.
I if you plan on carrying more than 15KGs frequently, I would go with the Exos, if you never really plan on exceeding that Hyperlite.
If you order a hyperlite use the code movewithmurph15 at checkout and you can save 15% should help with shipping too.
@@MoveWithMurph thanks heaps. I'll have to hunt around for somewhere that may have a hyperlite to try on. Cheers for the reply bro.
What size aether would you recommend for someone who goes out backpacking 5 days ?
I would recommend grabbing all your gear together and buying your backpack last. So you have an estimated volume. But 60L would be good for most people
Thoughts on those cheap 3f ul gear backpacks?
Never tried one before. They look pretty nice though. not sure I would bust something like that out on thru hike or anything.
would you say that 85 L is a good choice for travel in asia? i got a good retail price about 175 euro for it and he have only used it twice
It’s a bit large in my option, I did Asia on a 30L bag because I could carry it on a plane
Any chance you know the difference between the aether 65 and aether 60 plus? I am not sure if I am missing anything besides the removable day pack.
They are very similar, but the plus is specifically designed with a heavy pack weight and more gear in mind. There are two additional zipper pockets on the front of the bag for exterior storage, the lid on the bag has more storage, not to mention like you mentioned it turns into a day bag. And it is .7lbs heavier.
For most people, I would recommend getting the regular aether, unless you know you’re going to want a day pack for base camp style scenarios. There’s an additional lid so it can be used and you can leave the large lid behind for lighter trips.
I think it’s finally time to retire my 1996 Dana Design Terraplane X. 😬
Don’t toss it though! It will make a great gear room piece!
great info
Thanks!
I will never understand how you start by saying "a person wants to be somewhat comfortable" on their first trip......so you recommend the very worst pack model...full of unnecessary buckles and straps and zippers.. to make finding anything harder. 100% form over function. Heavier packs with pockets mean people take more crap and have a decidedly less good time because they're miserable all day hiking with their heavy pack and comfort items. Then the items go unused because you're wiped and years later you figure it out like the rest and simplify. Just start simple....listen to ANYONE but the idiot in your head that wants to take the big hunting knife...
Hahaha, can be, but there was no one out there in the world that was stopping me from bringing 3 pairs of blue jeans on my first multi day backpacking trip. Nothing teaches more than experience. Especially a bad one. I really wanted the space for all of the things I thought that I "needed" when I first started. So I enjoyed that my bag was at least somewhat comfortable during those growing pains.
Out of general curiosity what would you recommend?
You really have a hard time finding stuff in a pack with 2 or 3 zippered pockets? And you go out on your own?
Let’s say the new backpacker with his Osprey pack can’t remember where he put his _____. What’s the ABSOLUTE worst case scenario? He has to unpack his pack until he finds it. Oh no! 15-20 minutes just GONE FOREVER, he’ll never get those back. Now let’s say he bought an HMG or another brand without unnecessary buckles and zippers instead. He puts something he should keep handy in the bottom of his pack, now he has to…unpack his pack to get it, wasting 15-20 precious minutes.
So what did he gain by going with a pack that you have to be careful with when setting it down on rocks? “It’s UL! Reeeeeeee!” Sorry, but neither he, nor I, nor you would EVER notice going from, say, a 30lb total weight to a 27.5lb total weight in the field. Nope. I could put an extra liter of water in your pack and you’d never notice until you unpacked it at the end of the day. I wouldn’t notice it missing from my pack, either, but making my pack lighter wouldn’t be why I did it.
What would I recommend? Osprey or Granite Gear, with maybe a slight edge going to GG if the new backpacker is going to buy lightweight gear from the beginning. I find my 2 to be so close in comfort to my similarly-sized Ospreys that it basically comes down to which one you think has better colors. You will need to experiment more with packing the GG simply because the back pad and frame sheet transfer weight to your hips differently than a pack with a perimeter wire frame does. The GG won’t ventilate as well, my back gets drenched with sweat with either one so it’s not an issue for me but it might be for someone else. 12 years in the army 1/4 century ago ingrained in me that discomfort is something you can ignore, at least minor stuff like a sweaty back. The wrecked knees that were a gift from the army are a little harder to ignore!
A bunch of us young whippersnappers, back in the early 70s, hiked in the Wind River Range three summers straight, two weeks each summer. One guy had an REI internal frame, while the rest of us had Kelty packs. The women carried 50-55 lbs and the guys carried 80-90 lbs, going over Bonney Pass(13,000) as the highest traverse we had to negotiate. We didn't in know any better. Packing just 50 lbs would have been heaven. The women didn't complain and for that matter neither did the guys. We were young, dumb and happy. 👍⛰️
lol, I love this, I met a man who carried a wooden frame backpack once. I love the way it used to be. When I first got into backpacking, that's what I had always imagined. I have no idea what my first backpack weighed, but I certainly filled my 70l bag with no issues.
I hope youre still getting after it.