osprey backpacking backpacks

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. 

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). 

I thought a post around Osprey Stratos vs Kestrel would be helpful for most of you as they're quite a bit similar. 

In short, Stratos 36 and Stratos 50 offer 1 more additional zippered pocket at the front, and a bit more ventilation than Kestrel 38 and Kestrel 48.

But their weight distribution and external gear attachment capabilities are a bit lower, and with Stratos 36, you can't install your water bottle inside side mesh pockets without taking off the pack. 

Osprey advertises both lines as backpacking backpacks (source at osprey.com for Stratos | Sirrus and Kestrel | Kyte). 

If you're looking to get a backpack suitable for backpacking and/or hiking, I'm pretty sure you can't go wrong with either of them. 

Having said that... They do have some minor differences. 

Quick Differences

• Stratos 36 & 50 come with an additional front zippered pocket (7 pockets at total + main & sleeping bag compartments) which allows making more of your frequently used items readily available. 
  • Don't confuse this pocket with the front pouch! Front pouch isn't zippered and it is also offered by the Kestrel line - unlike the front zippered pocket. 
  • They also offer a little bit more ventilation than the Kestrel's. You can say they're more for warm weather use. 

• Kestrel 38 & 48 lack this pocket, which means that the total number of exterior pockets add up to 6 (+ main & sleeping bag compartments). 1 pocket less than Stratos. 
  • But they offer superior external gear attachment capability (bungee tie-offs, loops and daisy chains). They're perfect for attaching ice tools, snow shoes, etc. This too makes the Kestrel a more suitable option for winter adventures compared to Stratos. 
  • They also perform a little bit better in terms of distributing its weight throughout your entire body to ensure a more effective carrying. 

Overview

In short, my recommendations would be as follows: 

• Kestrel 38: The most suitable option for day hiking unless you're a heavy sweater. 
• Kestrel 48: If you're like most people and incredible external gear attachment capability isn't crucial for you... or, in other words, if you'll be backpacking, say, %80+ of the time with your pack... then I'd probably recommend the Stratos 50 over the Kestrel 48. 
• Stratos 36: For heavy sweaters, this can be a superior alternative to Kestrel 38, but read on. 
• Stratos 50: The most suitable option for multi-day hiking & camping trips. 

Most of you are probably also wondering about of their differences in the suspension. 

Let's take a look at it first and then compare the Stratos 36 to Kestrel 38, and the Stratos 50 to Kestrel 48. 

AirScape vs AirSpeed

The way I see it, there's a little bit of a confusion going on about these suspension systems. 

Some of you might have read that the AirScape (belongs to Kestrel) and AirSpeed (belongs to Stratos) are focused on effective weight distribution and ventilation departments respectively. 

Now this is true. Because even Osprey themselves explain something similar in their suspension technology page (source at osprey.com).  

But... these differences aren't huge by any means. Might not even be that noticeable for most of you.

Stratos 36 vs Kestrel 38

Compared to Kestrel 38, Stratos 36 comes with less external gear attachment options. 

Now I don't really have much problems with this unless I'm going on a winter adventure so I need things like snowshoes, ice tools, trekking poles, etc. 

But one thing I don't like about Stratos 36 is that unlike all the other models in this review, it doesn't offer horizontal access to the mesh water bottle holders at each side. 

I always wish having this feature when hiking - as it allows loading and unloading on the go, without having to take off your pack. 

Stratos 36 does have its advantage, though. It's a bit more ventilated due to it's different suspension and harness system (it does inevitably sacrifice a little bit weight distribution performance in return, though). 

It also offers an additional front zippered pocket, which is lacking in Kestrel 38. 

However, this pocket is prone to getting squeezed if/when the pack is overloaded and hence bloated outwards to the front. 

It comes down to your preferences. Comfort & ventilation wise, both packs are solid and I rated them 8/10 in my Best Osprey Backpacking Backpacks post. 

Both Stratos 36 and Kestrel 38 would be suitable for day hiking and occasional overnight camping. It's difficult to go wrong with either one of them. 

If you think that you wouldn't be camping (or even if you do so it'd be with ultralight gear) and just would be day hiking with your backpack, then I'd recommend you to check out Talon 33 [read my review]. 

It's a more streamlined and less feature rich alternative to these packs, as I explained more in my Stratos vs Talon post. 

Stratos 50 vs Kestrel 48

This is easier to decide. 

Unless incredible external gear attachment capability is crucial for you (which I'd doubt), I'd recommend you the Stratos 50 over Kestrel 48. 

The front zippered pocket will come more useful as it's less likely to get squeezed due to the bloated main compartment that pushes the equipment outwards to the front. 

Unlike Stratos 36, it is possible to access the water bottle holders on the go with the Stratos 50. 

You're also more likely to wish top notch ventilation when you're hauling 48-50 liters worth of equipment when it's warm than you do so with 36-38 liters of it. 

Here's a good video review of the Stratos 50:

As most of you know, I've been sharing helpful guides to Osprey backpacks for more than 2 years now (find full post list is at the bottom). 

I thought that putting together a guide around Osprey Talon vs Stratos (which also applies to Osprey Tempest vs Sirrus) models would be helpful for most of you. 

Because both of them took place in my top Osprey hiking backpacks post, and their differences can be confusing at times. 

Overview

Now...

Let's take a brief look at them before we dig any deeper. 

You can think of Talon | Tempest line as a more comfortable & less feature-rich alternative to the Stratos | Sirrus line.

This is exactly why Osprey advertises the Stratos | Sirrus [source at osprey.com] and Talon | Tempest accordingly [source at osprey.com]! 

If I had to lay them out one by one... 

Talon 22 vs Stratos 24

I'd recommend them mostly for daily purposes. 

• Talon 22: In addition to day hiking, if you're also planning to perform a fair amount of other high output activities (think biking or bikepacking), then I'd recommend Talon 22 over Stratos 34. 
• Stratos 24: If I were to day-hike with my pack 80% of the time or more, then I'd prefer the Stratos 24 over Talon 22. 
  • Its design is intended towards hiking more than the Talon 22. Equipped with more pockets: Top panel zippered stash pocket, front panel zippered storage pocket and front panel vertical zippered pocket. There might not be (isn't) much difference between their volumes, but you always wish having your equipment organized on a hike. This will make a noticeable difference. 

Talon 33 vs Stratos 34 and 36

I'd recommend them mostly for day hikes with occasional overnight camping trips with UL gear. 

• Talon 33: More streamlined (no sleeping bag compartment & less exterior pockets) compared to Stratos 34 and 36, but offers more comfort.
• Also, unlike Talon 22 and Stratos 24 & 34, Talon 33 is loaded from top - which allows easier access to your main compartment when you take your pack off and put it on the ground. 
  • Now yes, I am listing the Talon 33 under this heading and not under the previous one - but don't let that mislead you. Overall design (no sleeping bag compartment and few pockets combined with small size) of Talon 33 would allow you to camp overnight only if you're packing ultralight gear. Otherwise, I'd probably stick with Stratos 36 in most cases for that matter, and prefer Talon 33 just for day hikes. 
• Stratos 34 (no women's counterpart!): I can't think of any situation I'd recommend this pack over the others mentioned in this post. 
  • Its design, in my opinion, is mostly "flawed", for the lack of a better word. Its intention is unfortunately stuck somewhere between day hiking and overnight camping. The thing I find the most strange and confusing about it is that it's large AND offers front panel loading at the same time. It doesn't even have a women's counterpart! Is Osprey experimenting their marketing with this pack or what?! 

• Stratos 36: The most suitable pick here for overnight trips. Mind you though, I'd still like a (much) larger volume for trips longer than 1 night. Check out Stratos 50 for that matter. 
  • Versatility-wise, it's a no-brainer that the Stratos 36 is the winner here. If you aren't sure about the ratio of your day hiking trips to your overnight camping trips... Better be safe than sorry. Some say that the more space you have, the more you'll pack, but I don't find it necessarily true for me. I think having the extra space but not needing it is better than needing it but not having it. Especially when you're considering to get a backpack that's far from cheap. 

Talon 44 vs Stratos 50

I'd mostly recommend them for weekend camping and hiking trips.

• Stratos 50: The most suitable pick here for this. I'm pretty sure that the Stratos 36 won't suffice in this case. 
  • Besides the obvious volume increase, everything else stays the same going from Stratos 36 to 50. The benefit of the additional side access becomes a complete game-changer here. 
• Talon 44: I'd probably get the Stratos 50. 
  • Unlike Stratos 50, Talon 44 does not offer a side-access to the main compartment (as it's the case for all Talon & Tempest line-up). If you're like most people; when going above, say, 40 liters; an additional access would probably always come handy. Not having to dig through your entire inventory and then re-packing them mostly save you a lot of time and frustration on the go. 

Conclusion

Both are great lines with different design intentions: Talon | Tempest line is more comfortable & less feature-rich than Stratos | Sirrus line. 

I'd recommend the Talon 22 for multiple high output activities, the Stratos 24 or Talon 33 if you'll be day hiking only, the Stratos 36 for overnight camping trips and Stratos 50 for weekend trips. 

As most of you know, I've been sharing helpful guides to Osprey backpacks for more than 2 years now (find full post list is at the bottom). 

I thought that putting together a guide around these Stratos configurations would be helpful for most of you. Because, the 50 L version of Stratos took place in my top Osprey backpack picks for backpacking. 

And I recommended these smaller adaptations as alternatives for some specific intended uses.

Overview

Let's take a quick look at them before we dig any deeper. 

• Stratos 24: Front loading, no sleeping bag compartment, and offers 5 exterior pockets. 
  • Great for day hiking, but certainly nothing more than that. 
• Stratos 34: Front loading, sleeping bag compartment (which also offers an additional access to the main compartment), and offers 7 exterior pockets. 
  • This would probably be my least recommended Stratos.
  • Stuck somewhere in between Osprey's line-up and ended up lacking a true identity. It doesn't even have a women's counterpart! 
• Stratos 36: Top loading AND side access, sleeping bag compartment (which also offers an additional access to the main compartment), and offers 7 exterior pockets. 
  • Top loading is a great advantage out in the nature as it offers easier access to the main compartment when the pack is sitting upright.
  • 36 liters of volume, extra accesses and sleeping bag compartments together make it a good option for overnight hiking trips.
  • Versatility wise, no doubt that it's the top pick. Unless you'll be day hiking only, then I'd recommend this over the 24 as well.

Let's get to their bolts and nuts. 

Front or Top Loading?

I'd base my decision primarily on this difference. My approach is pretty simple here: 

• Front loading (Stratos 24 & 34) would make things easier if you have an elevated, wide platform (think bed, desk, etc) to lay your backpack on and open it like a suitcase. 
  • I mostly recommend this for traveling folks. 
• Top loading (Stratos 36) would come more useful during activities where you need access to the main compartment on the go. 
  • You can easily lean your pack against something (think a wall, tree, or even your leg) and voila. You just gained the access to your entire equipment. 

I mean... I did say the front loading Stratos 24 is great for day hiking... and overall, that is true...

But I guess I'd still consider a top loading alternative such as osprey's Talon 33. Comes with less bells and whistles, but is more comfortable and offers top loading. 

I also compared the Stratos line to Talon line here in detail. 

Comfort

These are all Stratos (duh), so their suspension and ventilation systems are identical. I'd rate their comfort level at 8/10, coming right after Xenith/Xena, Atmos/Aura and Aether/Ariel Series. 

Intended Use

Unless you're a true ultralighter, I wouldn't recommend 24 liters for overnight camping. Not at all. 24 liters is optimal for day hiking, but is off the table for anything more than that. 

Having said that, Stratos 36 isn't huge by any means. 

It's slightly larger than a carry on sized pack (see the introduction image). But at that level of cost, you obtain a larger advantage in terms of versatility. 

Conclusion

You can get the Stratos 24 and be perfectly fine if you'll be day hiking only. 

However, if extra size isn't a concern for you, than I'd recommend you the Stratos 36. 

Here's a good video review of the 36: 

If we want to be able to compare Xenith vs Aether, then we should first address to their positioning in Osprey's entire backpacking backpack product line briefly.

It's crucial to make a healthy comparison. 

Osprey packs are also far from being cheap. I'd strongly recommend you to read this short post entirely, but if you really want a short answer, here you go:

My top pick would be Aether AG 70. If you think you need more volume, get Xenith 88. If you'll mostly be backpacking for, say, longer than a week; and sometimes even with kids, pets or during the winter; ONLY THEN you might really need a beast like Xenith 105. 

Design intentions of Xenith & Aether 

If you're a regular read of my site, then you probably know that I recommend Osprey's Atmos/Aura Series a lot.

Aether/Ariel AG, on the other hand, toys with this equilibrium.

It's geared towards extended (4-5+ nights) trips more than anything else. This is why it's a more niche backpack and hence appeals to a more specific type of audience: Heavy hauling and/or extended backpacking. 

So it offers larger volume options, is more feature rich and comes with a bulkier suspension for heavy hauling. 

What's more, Xenith/Xena takes this aggressive stance of Aether/Ariel AG EVEN FURTHER and targets extended trips & heavy hauling even more so than Aether/Ariel AG. You can sense this in my popular chart below, as well as my Best Osprey Hiking Backpacks post: 

So it offers EVEN LARGER (Xenith 105 XL Size equals to 113 liters of volume - see Manual here [PDF]) size options, a whooping FOUR accesses to the main compartment, tons of external gear attachment capability and a rock-solid frame & suspension that hauls heavy loads over long distances without a hitch. 

Pushing 6 lbs, it's quite a bit heavy in return. 

As you see, these packs are impractical for those who won't be going on extended (4-5+ nights) backpacking trips and/or hauling heavy loads for long distances. 

This is why I think Aether AG 60 is sort of "misplaced". 

Aether AG 60

60 liters of pack volume is considered average.

Extra accesses to the main compartment would probably be overkill (or even useless) at this level. 

Also, because of limited volume, you most likely won't pack it much heavier than usual either. 

In case you haven't noticed yet, the two most important extra advantages of Aether/Ariel (and also Xenith/Xena for that matter) aren't being exploited with 60 liters. 

Hence not only the extra money but also the extra weight spent on them turn to a waste. 

So, this might sound a little bit aggressive, but when trying to choose between Xenith and Aether, I'd start by eliminating Aether AG 60.

And, if you've been considering Aether AG 60 seriously, I'd now recommend you to consider Atmos AG 65 as well. You can read more about these in my Osprey Atmos vs Aether post. 

Now this leaves us with 5 options: Aether AG 70, 85, Xenith 75, 88, and 105. 

Xenith 105

Generally speaking, for any trip that takes longer than a week, a 90+ L backpack is considered optimal. This leaves you with one option only: Xenith 105. 

This is why the frame of Xenith 105 is 0.5 mm thicker than those of 75 and 88 (4 mm vs 3.5 mm). It's designed to carry the heaviest of backpacking loads: up to 80 lbs (36 kg)!

Osprey Xenith 105

• 105 liter backpack built for carrying 50-80 lbs....
• Floating, removable top lid with top-and under-lid...
• External hydration reservoir sleeve is easy to...
• Dual side zips provide easy access to gear stored...
• Zippered hipbelt pockets keep snacks and smaller...

Buy on Amazon

Aether AG 70

If, on the other hand, you aren't going to be backpacking for that long most of the time, then my recommendation would be Aether AG 70. 

It's my favorite along the entire Aether/Ariel line. In my opinion, Aether/Ariel line design intention (pockets, accesses, size of suspension system and harness) responds and works the best with 70 liters. 

As long as you won't be backpacking with kids or pets, during winter, or for longer than 7 nights; I see no point in getting a pack larger than 60 - 70 liters either. 

Combine these two facts and you'll see why the 70 liters is the most wide spread used pack of Aether/Ariel Series.

I've talked more about this in my Osprey Aether 60 vs 70 vs 85 vs PRO post.

356 Reviews

Osprey Aether AG 70 Men's Backpacking Backpack

• Removable top-lid converts to DayLid daypack
• Top to bottom suspended mesh wraps shoulders, back...
• Front stretch mesh pocket and zippered hipbelt...
• Large front J-zip provides quick access to main...
• Internal hydration reservoir sleeve accommodates...

Buy on Amazon

Xenith 88 vs Aether 85 

If, on the other hand, you aren't really sure whether 70 L would cut it for you (either because of the reasons mentioned above or any other), then I'd recommend you the Xenith 88. 

Think of Aether 85 as a little inferior alternative of Xenith 88. 

88 liters is considered high. If you pack like most people, I'd expect the total weight of your entire inventory to exceed 55-60 lbs (27.2 kg). 

This is considered quite heavy, to the point where even Aether's robust suspension start coming short. 

This is why getting a pack with an even bulkier suspension at roughly the same volume, Xenith 88, can be a better idea. 

Even if you pack don't pack heavy stuff, one extra side access you get with Xenith 88 will make accessing your items much easier than Aether AG 85. 

Osprey Xenith 88 Men's Backpacking Backpack

• 88 liter backpack built for carrying 40-70 lbs. of...
• Floating, removable top lid with top-and under-lid...
• External hydration reservoir sleeve is easy to...
• Dual side zips provide easy access to gear stored...
• Zippered hipbelt pockets keep snacks and smaller...

Buy on Amazon

What about Xenith 75? 

Xenith 75 is a fantastic pack, but I recommend Aether AG 70 over Xenith 75 for the same reason I recommend Stratos 50 over Atmos AG 50 in this site. 

The reason: It'd most likely be overkill. 

Extremely bulky suspension and robust harness of feature-loaded Xenith start making a practical advantage once you're past, say, 80 liters of volume. 

If you're like most people and you don't always pack extremely heavy stuff...

Then Aether AG 70 would work perfectly fine for anything smaller than 80 liters in my opinion.

356 Reviews

Osprey Aether AG 70 Men's Backpacking Backpack

• Removable top-lid converts to DayLid daypack
• Top to bottom suspended mesh wraps shoulders, back...
• Front stretch mesh pocket and zippered hipbelt...
• Large front J-zip provides quick access to main...
• Internal hydration reservoir sleeve accommodates...

Buy on Amazon

Now let's lay out some other facts that led me these picks and conclusions. 

Accesses

Xenith allows dual side zip-accesses to the main compartment, while the Aether allows only one - through a J-zip front access in 70 & 85 L and through a side zip in 60 L. 

Hip-belt

Released after Aether/Ariel's so-called "IsoForm" custom molding design, "BioForm" custom molding design of Xenith/Xena is Osprey's most recent technology in this field. 

This is why superior BioForm hipbelts of Xenith/Xena are going to respond even better to your unique curves during the molding process. 

Durability

It's true that 420 D main fabric of Xenith is twice as much durable compared to Aether's 210 D. 

But since even Aether's 210 D face fabric is extremely durable, I wouldn't consider increasing that durability even further as an important benefit - not to even mention Osprey's killer life-time warranty policy as well. 

After all, you'd like to pay for things that matter in practice. 

Hydration

Xenith comes with an external and Aether comes with an internal hydration sleeve.