Hyperlite Mountain Gear NorthRim 55 vs Osprey Aether Plus 70
Quick take: The Osprey Aether Plus 70 costs $30 less; the Osprey Aether Plus 70 carries more (70 vs 55 liters); the Hyperlite Mountain Gear NorthRim 55 is lighter (2.18 vs 6.2 lbs).
Which one to buy
Over 4 lb separates these two, and that is the decision. The NorthRim 55 weighs 2.18 lb and is rated to 40 lb; the Aether Plus 70 weighs 6.2 lb in L/XL, holds 15 L more, and Osprey gives no load rating for the 70 L size itself. It costs $30 less.
What the Aether's weight buys is adjustability and convenience. Its torso adjusts across 17-20.5 in (S/M) or 19.5-23 in (L/XL), and the hipbelt and shoulder straps adjust too, which makes it one of the easier packs to fit without trying it on. It adds a raincover, a front-panel zip, a sleeping-bag compartment and a lid that becomes a daypack. The NorthRim comes in four fixed torso sizes from S to Tall with no adjustment, so measure first.
The NorthRim is Hyperlite's most durable model, with woven Dyneema on the bottom and 9.8 L of outside pockets, built for off-trail abrasion. It has no lid, no cover and no ventilation. For week-long trips, winter kit or anyone who wants a fully tunable harness, the Aether makes sense. The NorthRim gives up those comforts to save more than 4 lb on your back.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear NorthRim 55
For off-trail hikers whose torso fits one of Hyperlite's sizes and whose loads stay under 40 lb, who would rather save weight than carry organization.
Osprey Aether Plus 70
Best for week-long trips, winter loads or hard-to-fit bodies, where an adjustable torso, a raincover and a detachable daypack lid matter more than weight.
| Spec | Hyperlite Mountain Gear NorthRim 55 | Osprey Aether Plus 70 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $480 | $450 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Ultralight Pack | Traditional Pack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
| Weight | 2.18 lbs | 6.2 lbs |
| Max Load | Up to 40 lbs | Not specified by the manufacturer |
| Torso Fit | Sized S/M/L/Tall: S 15-17 in, M 17-19, L 19-21, Tall 21+ in | Adjustable, 17-20.5 in (S/M) / 19.5-23 in (L/XL) |
| Material | Dyneema Composite Hybrid body with Dyneema Woven Composite 5.0 bottom and pockets | bluesign-approved 210D high-tenacity nylon, PFC-free DWR |
| Back Panel | Padded contact back panel with internal frame | AirScape injection-molded die-cut foam back panel |
| Adjustable torso | No | Yes |
| Ventilated back | No | No |
| Raincover included | No | Yes |
| Hipbelt pockets | Yes | Yes |
| Removable lid | No | Yes |
| Hydration sleeve | No | Yes |
| Fits BV500 bear can | No | No |
| Warranty | Guaranteed against manufacturing defects, no term stated | Osprey All Mighty Guarantee (lifetime) |
Pros & cons
Hyperlite Mountain Gear NorthRim 55
- ✓The bottom and the pockets are Dyneema Woven Composite 5.0 rather than laminate, which is why HMG rates it their most durable pack.
- ✓9.8 L of external pocket volume on a solid-fabric pack, so quick-access storage survives abrasion.
- ✓The 70 L size is rated to 60 lbs, which puts it in hauler territory at 38.6 oz.
- ✓Over-the-top compression in addition to side straps holds a part-empty roll-top stable.
- ✓Four torso lengths from S to Tall.
- ✗$480 for the 55 L is HMG's priciest standard pack, $60 over the Southwest 55.
- ✗HMG's own page gives two weights for the 55 L: 32.7 oz in the product summary and 34.9 oz on the spec tab.
- ✗The 55 L shares the 40 lb ceiling of the lighter Southwest, so the extra fabric buys durability, not capacity.
- ✗No ventilation, no lid and no rain cover.
- ✗Torso length is not adjustable within a size.
Osprey Aether Plus 70
- ✓Custom Fit-On-The-Fly hipbelt and shoulder straps plus an adjustable torso give one of the widest fit ranges on this site
- ✓Removable lid turns into a DayLid daypack for summit or side trips
- ✓Raincover is included and stores with the pack
- ✓Front-panel zip and a zippered sleeping-bag compartment reach gear without unloading from the top
- ✓210D high-tenacity nylon throughout is tougher than the 100D fabrics on lighter Osprey packs
- ✓Same design runs to 85 and 100 L, both rated for 40-70 lbs, if 70 L proves too small
- ✗6.2 lbs in L/XL (5.5 lbs S/M) is close to double a modern ultralight pack
- ✗$450 list price sits at the top of Osprey's range
- ✗Foam AirScape back panel rests against the back, so it runs warmer than the suspended-mesh Atmos AG
- ✗Osprey publishes no load rating for the 70 L size itself
- ✗S/M size drops to 68 L
Hyperlite Mountain Gear NorthRim 55 vs Osprey Aether Plus 70: common questions
Is the Aether Plus 70 worth carrying over 4 lb more than the NorthRim 55?▾
Only if you need what the weight pays for: 15 L more space, an adjustable torso and harness, a raincover and a lid that converts to a daypack. For loads under 40 lb on a fitted torso, the NorthRim does the job far lighter.
Which is easier to fit without trying on?▾
The Aether Plus 70, because its torso adjusts across a published range in two sizes and its hipbelt and shoulder straps also adjust. The NorthRim comes in four fixed torso sizes with no adjustment within a size.
Can the NorthRim 55 handle heavier loads like the Aether?▾
The 55 L NorthRim is rated to 40 lb, while Osprey publishes no load rating for the Aether Plus 70 itself, only for its 85 and 100 L siblings.