Been 10 years since I've worn a framed-pack… is this pack right for me?

[Ryan Gardner]

Hey all,

I’m just getting into mountaineering – I have extensive 3-season UL experience but this season will be my first time venturing up peaks in the winter.  The last time I wore a traditional “framed” pack was probably 2008.  Because of the bulk and weight of mountaineering gear, I’m trying out different traditional packs.

I just bought an Osprey Aether Pro 70.  When I put it on my back, with only around 15 lbs in it, it’s extremely uncomfortable around my lower lumbar area.  I know you can get these hip belts custom heat molded, but I would have imagined it would be more comfortable out of the box than this.

Am I just not remembering what carrying heavy loads in a framed pack felt like?  (My usual base weight is around 10 lbs, and I often use a thin cuben fiber pack).  Or is this pack not for me?

Any thoughts?  (Or any recommendations on other 70-80L packs with features for ice axes, crampons, etc).

Thanks!

Ryan

[David Thomas]

From online pictures, that Osprey Aether Pro 70 isn’t a traditional (external) framed pack, but more of an internal-frame pack with some of the frame on the outside.

When I put my external-frame pack on with 50 pounds in it, it is far more comfortable than the UL packs I have with that weight in them.

Sometimes a particular pack just isn’t a good for your body.  Best to get to an REI for a few hours and spend lots of time walking around the stores (and up and down the stairs) with 40+ pounds in each pack.

Can you fit all your winter gear, plus climbing gear in a 70-liter pack?  I couldn’t.  Bigger sleeping bag, pad, clothes, 4-season tent, more food and fuel. . .

If alpine climbing with all your gear along, yeah, I guess look more widely at internal-framed-ish packs.  If you are doing an approach with all your gear, base-camping, and then peak-bagging, I’d consider an external-frame pack that allows for lots more volume to be lashed on.

[Ryan Gardner]

Hi David,

Thanks for the response.  As I started acquiring the rest of my gear, I realized 70L was nowhere near as big as I needed.  I ended up getting the Osprey Xenith 105.  Loaded with 60lbs, it is way more comfortable than the Aether Pro was, so that pack just may have been a bad fit for my body.

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