1. Introduction
The Osprey Aether Plus 70L is a high-capacity backpacking backpack designed for extended trips, gear-intensive weekends, and challenging adventures. It offers a stable carry system engineered to manage heavy loads comfortably. This manual provides essential information on fitting, features, operation, and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your backpack.
Figure 1: Front view of the Osprey Aether Plus 70L Backpack.
2. Key Features
The Aether Plus 70L is equipped with a range of features designed to enhance comfort, organization, and durability:
- Removable Top Lid: Converts into a functional DayLid daypack for shorter excursions from basecamp.
- Stow-on-the-Go Trekking Pole Attachment: Allows for quick and easy attachment and removal of trekking poles without removing the pack.
- Dual Front Panel Zippered Pockets: Provides easy-access storage for frequently used items.
- Included Raincover: Made with PFC-free DWR (Durable Water Repellent) and bluesign-approved materials for environmental responsibility and protection against the elements.
- Custom Fit-on-the-Fly Hipbelt and Shoulder Straps: Offers extensive adjustability for a personalized and precise fit.
- AirScape Suspension: A close-to-body fit with seamless lumbar-to-hipbelt body wrap for dynamic movement and stable load transfer.
- Large Front Panel Zip: Provides wide access to the main compartment for easy packing and unpacking.
- Stretch Mesh Side Water Bottle Pockets: Designed for convenient access to hydration.
- Dual Ice Axe Loops: Secure attachment points for ice axes or other tools.
- Zippered Sleeping Bag Compartment: Features a removable divider for flexible organization.
- Removable Sleeping Pad Straps: External straps for securing a sleeping pad.
- Internal Hydration Reservoir Sleeve: Dedicated compartment for a hydration bladder (reservoir not included).
Video 1: Osprey Aether Plus/Ariel Plus Product Tour. This video provides a detailed overview of the backpack's features and design.
3. Setup and Fitting Your Backpack
Proper fitting is essential for comfort and efficient load carrying. Follow these steps to ensure your Aether Plus 70L is correctly adjusted.
3.1. Measuring Torso Length
The first step to a perfect fit is determining your torso length. This measurement is independent of your height or clothing size.
- Locate Your Hip Bones: Place your hands on your hips with your thumbs pointing towards your spine. Trace a horizontal line from your belly button straight across to find the top of your hip bones (iliac crest).
- Locate C7 Vertebra: Tilt your head forward. The most prominent bone at the base of your neck is your C7 vertebra.
- Measure: Have a partner measure the distance in inches from the horizontal line of your hip bones to your C7 vertebra. This is your torso length.
Refer to the Osprey Pack Fit Guide video for a visual demonstration of how to measure your torso length.
3.2. Adjusting Your Pack
Once you know your torso length, you can adjust the pack's harness system. Ensure your pack has 10-20 pounds of weight inside for an accurate fit.
- Loosen All Straps: Before putting on the pack, fully loosen the hipbelt, shoulder straps, load lifters, and sternum strap.
- Put on the Pack: Carefully lift the pack and place it on your back, ensuring the hipbelt is centered over your iliac crest.
- Adjust Hipbelt: Cinch the hipbelt straps evenly across your body. The hipbelt wings should cover your hip bones, but the buckle should not be fully covered by the padding.
- Adjust Shoulder Straps: Pull the shoulder strap webbing downwards and backwards evenly until the straps are snug. The shoulder straps should wrap comfortably around your shoulders and end just underneath your armpits.
- Adjust Load Lifters: Locate the load lifter straps above your shoulders. Pull them forward until they are at approximately a 45-degree angle. These straps help stabilize the load and pull the pack closer to your body.
- Adjust Sternum Strap: Buckle the sternum strap across your chest and tighten it to a comfortable tension. It should allow for full chest expansion while breathing and help keep the shoulder straps in place.
- Check Torso Length: With the pack on, there should be approximately two inches of space between your C7 vertebra and the top of the shoulder harness. If there is too much or too little space, you may need to adjust the harness height or consider a different pack size.
Figure 2: The Custom Fit-on-the-Fly system allows for precise adjustment of the hipbelt and shoulder straps.
Figure 3: The AirScape suspension system provides ventilation and stability.
4. Operating Your Backpack
Understanding how to use your pack's various compartments and attachments will maximize its utility on the trail.
4.1. Accessing Main Compartment
The main compartment can be accessed from the top under the lid or via the large zippered front panel for quick retrieval of items.
Figure 4: Front panel access to the main compartment.
4.2. DayLid Daypack Conversion
The top lid of your Aether Plus 70L can be detached and converted into a lightweight daypack for shorter side trips. Unclip the lid from the main pack and follow the instructions provided with the lid for conversion.
Figure 5: Removable top lid converts to a DayLid daypack.
4.3. Stow-on-the-Go Trekking Pole Attachment
To use the Stow-on-the-Go system, simply slide your trekking poles through the elastic loops located on the lower left side of the pack and the upper left shoulder strap. This allows for quick storage and retrieval without removing the pack.
Figure 6: Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment in use.
4.4. Hydration System
The internal hydration reservoir sleeve is located behind the back panel. Insert your hydration bladder into the sleeve and route the hose through the designated port on either shoulder strap for easy access to water while hiking.
5. Maintenance
Proper care will extend the life of your Osprey Aether Plus 70L backpack.
- Cleaning: Hand wash with mild soap and cold water. Do not use bleach or harsh detergents.
- Drying: Hang to air dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Do not tumble dry or expose to direct sunlight for prolonged periods.
- Storage: Store your pack in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight when not in use. Ensure it is completely dry before storage to prevent mildew.
- Raincover: The included raincover should be cleaned and dried separately if it becomes wet or dirty.
6. Troubleshooting
If you experience discomfort or issues with your pack, consider the following:
- Discomfort/Pain: Re-evaluate your pack fit by following the steps in Section 3. Ensure the hipbelt is carrying most of the load (70-80%) and the shoulder straps are snug but not digging in. Check load lifter angles.
- Unstable Load: Ensure all internal contents are packed tightly and evenly. Utilize internal and external compression straps to secure the load and prevent shifting.
- Wet Gear: Always use the included raincover in wet conditions. For extreme wetness, consider using dry bags for critical items inside the pack.
7. Specifications
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 14.2 x 15 x 31.1 inches |
| Item Weight | 5.65 pounds |
| Department | mens |
| Manufacturer | Osprey |
| ASIN | B08LNY374D |
| Item Model Number | 10002896 |
| Age Range Description | Adult |
| Number Of Items | 1 |
| Capacity Total | 68 Liters |
8. Warranty and Support
Osprey stands behind the quality of its products with the All Mighty Guarantee. If your product experiences damage or wear, Osprey will repair or replace it at no cost. For more details and to initiate a claim, please visit osprey.com/guarantee.
For additional support, product information, or inquiries, please visit the official Osprey website or contact their customer service.
