If I had to pick only one pack in this round-up, I guess I'd go for Aether Plus 70 [read my review].
Quick Summary
The differences between Osprey's Aether and Gregory's Baltoro backpacks:
- Daypack functionality: This is probably the most glaring difference of all. The removable hydration sleeve on the Baltoro transforms into a pretty rudimentary daypack, whereas the convertible top-lid daypack of the Osprey Aether Plus (formerly called the Aether AG) transforms into a legit one.
- The difference is pretty MIND BLOWING, actually! Check them out and see yourself:
- Gregory Baltoro Daypack: Front View - Rear View
- Aether Plus Daypack: Front View [admirable!] - Rear View
- As you see, the Aether Plus daypack is fully equipped: A legit hipbelt, sternum strap, thick and padded harness, hydration sleeve, exterior pocket, etc. The Baltoro lacks all of this!
- The difference is pretty MIND BLOWING, actually! Check them out and see yourself:
- Pockets: Technically speaking, the Gregory Baltoro comes with more exterior pockets (9 vs 7). But the only function of its extra 2 pockets is accessing side mesh water bottle holders on the go. In other words, they enable horizontal installment.
- The Aether Plus' side mesh water bottle holders already enable this without having to add two holders, so I'd look at these packs as if they have the same number of pockets.
- More importantly, the hipbelt pockets of the Aether Plus are much better than those of the Baltoro. So, to me, the Aether Plus is the winner here.
- Raincover: The Baltoro no longer offers an included raincover, whereas the Aether Plus now does, so the winner here is once again the Osprey.
- Hydration Sleeve: Both the Aether Plus and the Baltoro come with internal hydration reservoir/bladder sleeves.
#Sidenote: All these differences apply when comparing the women's counterparts as well: Gregory Deva vs Osprey Ariel.
I recommend the Aether Plus 70 for trips that last up to, say, 4-5 nights. Anything longer and I'd go with the Aether Plus 85 or the massive Aether Plus 100.
Unless you come across a Baltoro on sale for at least $50 cheaper than the corresponding Osprey Aether Plus, then the sacrifices mostly wouldn't worth the price decrease.
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.
- Sidenote - REI's backpack capacity chart is GOLD. Highly recommend you to check it out before you read any further.
So, before we get to the nuts and bolts of these packs, let's make sure they'd be reasonable picks for you:
The Gregory Baltoro (image belongs to Baltoro 65), in my opinion, is absolutely the best alternative to Osprey's Aether AG and Xenith Series. Wish they improve the daypack!
- 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.
If you're either:
- A younger backpacker who is still growing,
- Shorter than 5'4"
- Or taller than 6'3"
... then I'd spare you from reading the rest of this article and recommend the Aether Plus all day long (and with my eyes closed). Why? Because it offers a much lengthier harness adjustment than the Baltoro.
Otherwise you risk the pack fitting you poorly, which is pretty much the only non-negotiable factor when getting a new backpack.
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.
Guide: Backpacks
Start here:
Complete list:
- Osprey Atmos AG 50
- Osprey Atmos AG 65
- Osprey Aura AG 50
- Osprey Aura AG 65
- Osprey Aether AG 60
- Osprey Aether AG 70
- Osprey Aether AG 85
- Osprey Aether PRO 70
- Osprey Ariel AG 55
- Osprey Ariel AG 65
- Osprey Ariel AG 75
- Osprey Ariel PRO 65
- Osprey Xenith 75, 88 & 105
- Gregory Baltoro 65, 75, 85, 95 PRO
- Osprey Kestrel 38
- Osprey Kestrel 48
- Osprey Kyte 36
- Osprey Kyte 46
- Kelty Redwing 50
- Teton Sports Scout 3400