Osprey Ariel 65 vs Osprey Aether Plus 70
Quick take: The Osprey Ariel 65 costs $80 less; the Osprey Aether Plus 70 carries more (70 vs 65 liters); the Osprey Ariel 65 is lighter (4.89 vs 6.2 lbs).
Which one to buy
For $80 less and 1.3 lb less weight, the Osprey Ariel 65 gives up only 5 L to the Osprey Aether Plus 70. It also carries a published 60 lb rating, which Osprey doesn't give the 70 L Aether Plus. Both are Osprey heavy haulers with a foam AirScape back against the body and Fit-on-the-Fly hipbelt and shoulder straps. The Ariel is a women's-fit pack, so for a woman choosing between these two it's the clear pick.
Reviewers put the Ariel's comfortable range at 35-60 lb, where its contact back panel holds the load close to the spine and stays steadier on rough ground than suspended mesh. Its 420HD nylon packcloth is the toughest shell on any Osprey trekking pack. It comes in XS/S and M/L with torso adjustment in each, and it's widely stocked at retailers, so trying one on is realistic. The main complaints are its empty weight and a back that ventilates much worse than Osprey's suspended-mesh Aura.
The Aether Plus is for people who need what the Ariel lacks: 70 L, a unisex harness sized for 17-20.5 in and 19.5-23 in torsos, a front-panel zip and sleeping-bag compartment, and a lid that converts to a daypack. Its 210D high-tenacity nylon is lighter than the Ariel's packcloth. Unless the extra volume is needed for week-long or winter trips, the Ariel carries the same kind of load for less.
Osprey Ariel 65
For women carrying 35-60 lb who want a proven heavy-hauler with a women's fit and the toughest fabric in Osprey's range, for $80 less.
Osprey Aether Plus 70
Makes sense for hikers who need 70 L for week-long or winter trips and a unisex harness sized by torso range, and will carry 6.2 lbs of pack.
| Spec | Osprey Ariel 65 | Osprey Aether Plus 70 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $370 | $450 |
| Rating | 4.1★ (47) | — |
| Type | Traditional Pack | Traditional Pack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
| Weight | 4.89 lbs | 6.2 lbs |
| Max Load | 60 lbs | Not specified by the manufacturer |
| Torso Fit | XS/S and M/L, adjustable torso | Adjustable, 17-20.5 in (S/M) / 19.5-23 in (L/XL) |
| Material | 420HD nylon packcloth | bluesign-approved 210D high-tenacity nylon, PFC-free DWR |
| Back Panel | AirScape die-cut foam backpanel over LightWire frame | AirScape injection-molded die-cut foam back panel |
| Adjustable torso | Yes | Yes |
| Ventilated back | No | No |
| Raincover included | Yes | Yes |
| Hipbelt pockets | Yes | Yes |
| Removable lid | Yes | Yes |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | Yes |
| Fits BV500 bear can | Yes | No |
| Warranty | Osprey All Mighty Guarantee (lifetime) | Osprey All Mighty Guarantee (lifetime) |
Pros & cons
Osprey Ariel 65
- ✓420HD nylon packcloth is the toughest shell in Osprey's trekking range and the reason the Ariel outlasts lighter packs.
- ✓Built around heavy loads: reviewers carry 40+ lb in it, where suspended-mesh packs like the Aura start to struggle.
- ✓Fit-on-the-Fly hipbelt and shoulder straps adjust in padding as well as length, so the fit can be tuned after purchase.
- ✓Two frame sizes plus torso adjustment within each covers a wide range of body dimensions.
- ✓The 55 L sibling shares the suspension, so the choice is about volume rather than a different pack.
- ✓The contact back panel keeps the load close to the spine, which is more stable on uneven ground than a trampoline panel.
- ✓Osprey's All Mighty Guarantee applies.
- ✓Widely stocked, so fitting one in person before buying is realistic in a way it is not for cottage brands.
- ✗At 4.9 lb it is among the heaviest women's packs on this site before anything is loaded.
- ✗The contact panel ventilates far worse than the Aura AG's suspended mesh, which is the main reason to choose between them.
- ✗$370 is top-of-market for a women's trekking pack.
- ✗420HD packcloth is heavy for its durability compared with modern high-tenacity ripstops.
- ✗Only two volumes in the women's line.
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
Osprey Ariel 65 vs Osprey Aether Plus 70: common questions
Is the Osprey Ariel 65 enough pack for a week-long trip, or do I need the Aether Plus 70?▾
Reviewers use the Ariel for long, gear-heavy trips at 35-60 lb, and it's only 5 L smaller. The Aether Plus 70 adds a front-panel zip, a sleeping-bag compartment and a lid that becomes a daypack, which helps on expeditions but costs $80 and 1.3 lb more.
Does the Ariel 65 breathe better than the Aether Plus 70?▾
No. Both use a foam AirScape back panel that rests against your back. The Ariel ventilates much worse than Osprey's suspended-mesh Aura, and the same applies to the Aether Plus.
Can a woman use the Aether Plus 70 instead of the Ariel 65?▾
She can if the unisex harness fits, using its 17-20.5 in and 19.5-23 in torso ranges. The Ariel 65 has a women's-specific fit in XS/S and M/L, with torso adjustment in each, and it's stocked widely enough at retailers to try on first.