Outdoor Federation

Osprey Aether 60 vs Osprey Atmos 65

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In the world of outdoor backpacks handful of companies stand head and shoulders above the rest of the pack, and Osprey is definitely one of those industry leaders that people look to more often than not thanks to their high quality, durability, and feature rich options.



In fact, the biggest problem people have when shopping for outdoor backpacks from Osprey isn’t whether or not to go with a bag from this company but figuring out which Osprey backpack they want to go with moving forward!

Both the Aether 60 and Atmos 65 lineup of Osprey backpacks are incredibly popular, and it’s easy to see why. These bags are rock solid, both fall into the “big backpack” category of outdoor equipment, and are intended for the same kinds of adventurers – folks that are going to be spending at least one night (and probably a couple of nights) out and about and need to be able to carry all of their gear efficiently.

Let’s dig a little deeper into whether or not you should go with the Osprey Aether 60 or the Atmos 65.

Osprey Atmos AG 65 Backpack, Abyss Grey, Medium
Osprey Aether AG 60 Men's Backpacking Backpack
Product Name
Osprey Atmos AG 65 Backpack, Abyss Grey, Medium
Osprey Aether AG 60 Men's Backpacking Backpack
Volume
65 Litres
60 Litres
Fabric (Main)
100D X 630D Nylon Dobby
210D Nylon Dobby
Fabric (Accent)
210D High Tenacity Nylon
210D High Tenacity Nylon Shadow Box
Fabric (Bottom)
420HD Nylon Packcloth
500D Nylon Packcloth
Dimension
34.25H X 15.35W X 16.14D IN.
32.68H X 15.35W X 12.2D IN.
Weight
4.56 LBS
5.148 LBS
Price
Price not available
Price not available
Osprey Atmos AG 65 Backpack, Abyss Grey, Medium
Product Name
Osprey Atmos AG 65 Backpack, Abyss Grey, Medium
Volume
65 Litres
Fabric (Main)
100D X 630D Nylon Dobby
Fabric (Accent)
210D High Tenacity Nylon
Fabric (Bottom)
420HD Nylon Packcloth
Dimension
34.25H X 15.35W X 16.14D IN.
Weight
4.56 LBS
Price
Price not available
Osprey Aether AG 60 Men's Backpacking Backpack
Product Name
Osprey Aether AG 60 Men's Backpacking Backpack
Volume
60 Litres
Fabric (Main)
210D Nylon Dobby
Fabric (Accent)
210D High Tenacity Nylon Shadow Box
Fabric (Bottom)
500D Nylon Packcloth
Dimension
32.68H X 15.35W X 12.2D IN.
Weight
5.148 LBS
Price
Price not available

Last update on 2024-03-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Storage Breakdown

When it comes to “raw” storage space available, you’re going to find that the Atmos 65 has a little bit of extra room inside to fit things compared to the Aether 60. The Aether 60 comes with between 57 and 63 L of storage space with the Atmos 65 coming in at between 62 and 68 L of space.

Interestingly enough, however, this “raw space” comparison isn’t really where you want to focus your attention so much as the load you can pack into these backpacks, the way that the load is dispersed, and how the internal storage system is configured.

Fun Outdoor Quiz

You see, even though the Osprey Aether 60 has a lower raw storage space rating it’s capable of carrying loads between 35 pounds and 60 pounds in weight versus the Osprey Atmos 65 that can only handle between 30 pounds and 50 pounds.

On top of that, the Osprey Aether 60 provides main compartment access on both the top end of the backpack as well as through the side. With the Osprey Atmos 65 your only ever going to be able to pop the top to load and retrieve the gear that you have placed within.

Both of these adventure style backpacks also have unique storage configurations. The Osprey Aether 60 has a couple of different pockets on the outside and the hip belt of the backpack, where the Osprey Atmos 65 has a number of storage compartments but not quite as many as the Aether 60.

In total you’ll get seven different storage spaces with the Osprey Atmos 65 versus the 11 different storage spaces with the Osprey Aether 60.

Photo Credit: Instagram @maranathaditya

Comfort Breakdown

Though there are some differences in how and what you’ll be able to store inside of these Osprey adventuring backpacks there are a lot more similarities than anything else with how these backpacks distribute the load your carrying and how comfortable they are particularly over multi-day adventures and excursions.

This is all thanks to the fact that both the Osprey Aether 60 and the Osprey Atmos 65 feature the proprietary Anti-Gravity Suspension platform that’s been designed by the folks at Osprey.

This unique set up takes advantage of mesh back panels and fabric support systems to provide very efficient and even low distribution as well as improved ventilation to make these big backpacks a lot more comfortable than they would have been otherwise.

Unbelievably, you’ll feel like you are carrying 30% less gear on your back thanks to this Anti-Gravity Suspension system compared to more traditional outdoor backpacks and it all boils down to the way that this suspension system handles low distribution.

On the flip side of things, this is why neither the Osprey Aether 60 or the Osprey Atmos 65 can handle loads that go quite a bit north of 60 pounds maximum. You might be able to squeeze four or five extra pounds worth of gear in this backpack without any real discomfort but start climbing north of that and you’ll feel every pound and then some while putting a lot of extra stress on the structure of these bags as well.

In a side-by-side comparison, definitely feels like the Osprey Aether 60 has been designed with storage and overall weight capacity in mind whereas the Osprey Atmos 65 has been designed almost exclusively with comfort in mind. There are going to be trade-offs regardless of which direction you decide to go, but at the end of the day both bags are quite comfortable and quite capable.

Adaptability

One of the biggest draws of Osprey backpacks in general is that they feature technical advancements that allow them to be almost infinitely adjustable and flexible to fit any person and any frame.

The proprietary Fits on the Fly system created by Osprey uses an intuitive hip belt system that allows for effortless adjustments on the go, letting you set up both the Aether 60 and the Atmos 65 ahead of time and then fine-tune the system as you go along until you get it really dialed in.

You’ll be amazed at just how much of a difference this makes compared to some of the other top-tier adventure style backpacks on the market right now. This is like being able to tailor fit and off-the-shelf bag to your body on a minute to minute basis, shifting the load and the way it feels according to the terrain, time of day, and a variety of other factors to really suit your needs perfectly.

Photo Credit: Instagram @andriysaputro

Final Verdict

There’s a lot to really love when it comes to both the Osprey Aether 60 and the Osprey Atmos 65.

Both of these bags are highly effective, made out of advanced construction materials that are going to last and last, and feature a proprietary technology from Osprey that you just aren’t going to find anywhere else.

At the same time, if you’re looking for the ultimate in storage (extra room and space, but also intelligently designed storage compartments) the Aether 60 is where you’re going to want to focus your attention.

If, on the other hand, you want something that is going to feel incredibly comfortable while offering plenty of storage and carrying capacity the Atmos 65 is where you’ll want to spend your money.

Last update on 2024-03-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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