Gregory Baltoro vs Osprey Aether: Large-volume backpacks for multiple nights on trail

As some of you already know, I've been reviewing Osprey backpacks for many years now (find our 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 directly comparing both of them could be helpful. 

Let me start with this: These packs offer niche intended uses. So when someone asks me the best 70-plus-liter backpack on the market, I always ask if they're sure they need that much volume. 

Because without exception, I always doubt it.

So, before we get to the nuts and bolts of these packs, let's make sure they'd be reasonable picks for you: 

• The Aether Plus or Baltoro would probably be a good match if you'll be hauling heavy loads over a long period of time (for at least 3 full days). 
  • Both packs are fully featured and offer larger volumes and stiff (and heavier) suspension systems specifically tailored to handle heavier loads. 
  • In addition to extended heavy hauling trips, if you'll be hiking during the winter, adventuring with your kids and/or pets, or carrying lots of items for any other reason, these packs could be a good match for you. 
• These packs would probably be overkill if: 
  • Your gear typically weighs less than 40 pounds (18 kg); 
  • You'll mostly be backpacking for less than 3 days at a time; or  
  • You tend to pack few and/or light items 

If any of those sound like you, jump over to our Best Osprey Hiking Backpacks article to find more suitable options for your needs. Otherwise, not only will you waste money on features you won't need or use, you'll also have to haul an unnecessarily large (and heavy) backpack. 

If a large-volume backpack is for you, however, keep reading!

I used to recommend the Osprey Xenith as the best large-volume backpack (for some context, here's our Osprey Xenith vs Aether post), but the Xenith series was discontinued in 2021. To be clear, the Osprey Aether Plus and the Gregory Baltoro packs are solid options worthy of your gear closet. They're also more alike than not. 

Both the Aether Plus and Baltoro offer: 

• 3 points of access to their main compartments 
• A convertible top-lid daypack 
• Top-notch comfort

And hence they're frequently compared to one another. 

Warranty: Osprey Aether Plus vs Gregory Baltoro 

Although Gregory is generally applauded for helpful customer service and a good product warranty, to my experience and knowledge, they still aren't as good as Osprey. 

Osprey is on a whole nother level here. 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, Osprey has never let me down. 

A word on Aether Plus 75 Pro

I guess I wouldn't recommend the Aether Plus 75 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 is alpine climbs with remote basecamps, or ambitious thru-hikes where the only trail is the one you make.  

Conclusion

If I had to pick only one pack in this roundup, I'd go for Aether Plus 70 [read my review]. 

But the volume might start coming short for trips longer than, say, 4-5 nights. In that case, I'd recommend the Aether Plus 85.

As for the Baltoro, unless you come across a Baltoro on sale for at least $50 cheaper than the corresponding Aether Plus, I don't think the sacrifices in features and quality are worth it.