Gregory Baltoro vs Osprey Aether

As some of you already know, I've been publishing about Osprey backpacks for the last 2.5 years now (find full post list at the bottom). 

Recently I started to notice some confusion around Osprey Aether vs Gregory Baltoro, so I thought that a post centered around both of them would be helpful for most of you. 

Let me start with getting this out of the way: These packs offer niche intended uses. 

This is why when someone asks me the best 70+ L backpack in the market, I always ask them whether they're sure they need that much of volume or not. 

Because without exception, I always doubt it.

• These packs would probably be a good match if you'll be hauling heavy loads over a long period of time (for at least, say, 3 full days). 
  • Because both both packs are fully featured, offer larger volumes and stiff (and heavier) suspension systems that specifically handle heavier loads. 
  • In addition to extended heavy hauling trips, if you'll either be hiking during the winter, with your kids and/or pets, or with lots of items for any reason; then these packs would probably be an even better match for you. 
• These packs would probably be overkill either if: 
  • Your equipment will weigh less than, say, 40 lbs (18 kg), 
  • You'll mostly be backpacking for less than 3 days, 
  • You typically tend to pack few and/or light items. 

If you think these aren't for you, then I'd recommend you to stop reading this post and instead check out my Best Osprey Hiking Backpacks post to find out the most suitable backpack for your own needs and desires. 

Otherwise, not only you'll waste your money on the features that you won't need or use (such as convertible daypacks, additional accesses to main compartment, etc), but you'll also have to haul an unnecessarily large backpack. 

If, however, you do think that these packs would be a good match for you, then read on. 

First thing you should know is that my top recommendation for the situation I laid out above would mostly be Osprey's Xenith Series. They would suit incredibly well for this purpose. 

However, as I also explained in my Osprey Xenith vs Aether post, Aether AG and Baltoro aren't substantially worse by any means. They're both solid alternatives and will fill the bill without a hitch. 

The second thing you should know is that Aether AG and Baltoro are more alike than they're not. 

They both offer: 

• 3 accesses to the main compartment (In addition to top and bottom accesses offered by all 8 packs; the third access the Aether AG 60 offers is from the side, whereas it's from the front for all the other 7 models), 
• A convertible top-lid daypack, 
• Top-notch comfort. 

And hence they're frequently compared to one another. 

If you've been reading some reviews online, let me start with telling you to disregard any comment put forward before 2018. 

Because both packs (especially Baltoro) got revised back then and some serious issues got fixed (such as the Baltoro 95 PRO not having a hydration port). 

Warranty 

Although Gregory is also popular for its mostly helpful customer service and warranty, to my experience and knowledge, they still aren't as good as Osprey. 

Osprey is standing at a whole another level here, and will probably back you up more than any other company possibly can in the near future - including Gregory. 

You probably won't even need to contact the warranty because of the incredible durability of Osprey packs. 

But still, it's good to know that you're covered just in case something goes south. 

This way you can stop worrying about your backpack and just enjoy your time outdoors. Honestly they've never let me down. 

A word on Aether AG 70 PRO

I guess I wouldn't recommend Aether AG 70 PRO to 95% of you, because it lacks a lot of features and is more focused on keeping the comfort as high as possible while decreasing the weight as much as possible. 

The only scenario I can think of where this pack would be more suitable would be alpine climbs with remote basecamps, or ambitious thru-hikes where the only trail is the one you make. Osprey themselves also put this pack at this place (source at rei.com). 

Conclusion

If I had to pick only one pack in this round-up, I guess I'd go for Aether AG 70 [read my review]. 

Here's a good video review: 

But the volume might start coming short for trips longer than, say, 4-5 nights.

So, in that case, I'd recommend you the Aether AG 85 ONLY IF I can't get Osprey Xenith 75 for some reason.

As for Baltoro, unless you come across a Baltoro on sale for at least, say, 50 USD cheaper than the corresponding Aether AG, then I don't think the sacrifices you make would worth it.