Osprey AETHER 65 - User Manual

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Summary

Carry System

Lightwire Suspension System

Explains how the LightWire peripheral frame transfers load to the hipbelt effectively.

AirScape Backpanel

Describes the AirScape backpanel for comfortable, ventilated back contact and stability.

Harness and Fit Adjustments

Details the adjustable harness and Custom Fit-on-the-Fly shoulder straps for personalized fit.

Custom Fit-on-the-Fly Hipbelt

Explains the customizable hipbelt for precise fit with incremental length and angle adjustments.

Adjusting Your Pack

Torso Length Adjustment

Detailed steps for lengthening or shortening the harness torso length using ladder locks and markings.

Custom Fit-on-the-Fly Hipbelt Adjustment

Instructions on how to adjust the hipbelt wings for a personalized and even fit.

Custom Fit-on-the-Fly Shoulder Strap Adjustment

Steps to adjust the shoulder straps for a perfect shoulder wrap and comfortable fit.

The Osprey Aether and Ariel series are designed as highly functional, durable, and innovative carrying products for various adventures, emphasizing comfort and load stability, especially with heavier loads. These packs are built with a focus on adjustability and user-friendly features to ensure a personalized and efficient carrying experience.

Function Description:

The Aether and Ariel packs serve as robust backpacks for carrying gear during outdoor adventures. They are engineered to distribute weight effectively, provide ample storage, and offer various attachment points for specialized equipment. The core function revolves around a remarkably comfortable carry system, even when the pack is heavily loaded, thanks to advanced frame and suspension technologies.

Usage Features:

Carry System:

The packs feature a sophisticated carry system designed for optimal comfort and load transfer. The LightWire Suspension utilizes a 3.5 LightWire peripheral frame to effectively transfer the load to the hipbelt, ensuring stability and reducing strain on the shoulders. The AirScape Injection-Molded Framesheet is a key component, maintaining comfortable back contact through ventilated airflow channels and providing maximum stability for heavy loads. This framesheet is complemented by a mesh-covered foam lumbar area, offering supportive, lightweight, and comfortable contact surfaces.

The Custom Fit-on-the-Fly Shoulder Strap and Custom Fit-on-the-Fly Hipbelt are central to the pack's personalized fit. The shoulder straps allow for a precise shoulder wrap and fit, with spacer mesh fabric providing a soft and comfortable contact surface. The hipbelt is extendable, offering a precise fit for varying waist sizes through incremental length and angle adjustments. The Crossbody ErgoPull hipbelt design pulls weight into the lumbar when tightened, enhancing load transfer by integrating the LightWire frame into the adjustment system for better weight distribution.

Adjusting the Pack:

The pack offers extensive adjustability for torso length, hipbelt, and shoulder straps.

Torso Length Adjustment: The harness can be lengthened or shortened by sliding it along the LightWire frame. This is achieved by releasing or tightening ladder locks located above the lumbar. White markings on the backpanel serve as a guideline for aligning each side of the harness. When the pack is on-body, the ladder locks engage the harness webbing, allowing it to adjust to the desired height.
Hipbelt Adjustment: The customizable hipbelt pad extends up to 6 inches (15 cm) from the lumbar, accommodating different hip shapes and sizes. To adjust, separate the hipbelt wing from the padded hipbelt by disengaging the hook-and-loop closure, then guide the padded hipbelt in or out to the desired position. Firmly re-engage the hook-and-loop closure, using white markings as a guideline for even extension on both sides.
Shoulder Strap Adjustment: The shoulder strap extension allows for a perfect shoulder wrap. To adjust, separate the shoulder strap sleeve from the padded shoulder strap by disengaging the hook and loop closure, then slide the padded strap in or out to the desired length. White markings guide alignment, and the hook-and-loop closure must be firmly re-engaged to prevent rubbing and abrasion.

Storage and Organization:

The packs offer a variety of storage options:

Main Compartment: Large front panel zip access provides easy entry to the main compartment.
Top Lid: A floating top lid includes lash points for external attachment.
Front Storage: A fabric-reinforced front shove-it pocket allows for quick access to items. Dual front panel compression straps with StraightJacket compression help stabilize loads, and can be attached to additional StraightJacket points when minimal pack volume is needed.
Side Pockets: Large dual-access stretch mesh side water bottle pockets are available for hydration. Dual upper/lower side compression straps provide added stability and additional attachment points for gear.
Hipbelt Pockets: Dual zippered hipbelt pockets offer convenient storage for small essentials.
Sleeping Bag Compartment: A lower zippered compartment is dedicated to sleeping bag storage, with a removable divider for unimpeded access to the pack interior.
Hydration: An internal hydration reservoir sleeve helps ensure proper pack weight distribution, with a buckled loop to keep the reservoir upright.

Tool Attachment:

Ice Axe Loops: Dual ice axe loops with bungee tie-offs provide secure attachment for ice tools. The tool shaft slides through the top loop, and the handle is secured with a bungee cord lock and Y-clip.
Sleeping Pad Straps: Removable sleeping pad straps allow for external attachment of a sleeping pad.

Included Accessories:

Raincover: An included raincover, made with PFC-free DWR and bluesign®-approved materials, is stored in a dedicated compartment. It slips over the top and bottom of the pack and can be tightened with a cord lock.

Maintenance Features:

Raincover Care: To prevent mildew, the raincover should be allowed to dry entirely before storing.
Hook-and-Loop Engagement: For both hipbelt and shoulder strap adjustments, it is crucial that the rough "hook" side of the pack's hipbelt wing or shoulder strap sleeve is always firmly engaged with the soft "loop" side of the padded hipbelt or shoulder strap. If disengaged, it can cause rubbing and abrasion to clothing.
Webbing Keeper: A webbing keeper by the ladder lock on the hipbelt wings and shoulder straps aligns the webbing before it enters the ladder lock. It is important not to thread the webbing coming out of the ladder lock through these keepers, as this creates an incorrect angle that inhibits proper tightening.