I bought this pack for 2-3 week mountaineering expeditions, mainly Aconcagua. I thought I'd bought too large a size, but I'm 5'9 and I have a Medium. My first trip I carried 50-70 lb. loads up and down the 17 mile approach and found the waist strap to ride down onto my upper gluteal muscles, inhibiting my climbing and bruising them a bit. I had the pack adjusted by a pack tech back in Santa Barbara, which improved, but did not solve the fitting issue. The pack is bomber, but it apparently does not fit my relatively short torso well.

Customer Service

Have not had any repair issues, though I hear they are great.

Similar Products Used:

Gregory Reality Pack. Was 65 liters and rides on the small of my back instead of hips. Great customer service.

This pack is amazing. I routinely use it to carry 40-70 lb loads through widely varying terrain. The belt places all of the pack weight onto your pelvis, leaving very little to be supported by your shoulders. My pack doubles as a technical pack when I go climbing. The straightjacket compression panels on the back work great to hold a rope bag, and the mesh pockets are very convenient for storage of commonly used items. The price on this bag is a little higher than some competitors, but it is completely worth it.

Customer Service

Haven't had to use it, excellent product.

Excellent Bag. The most comfortable pack I have ever worn. It has handled everything I have thrown at it so far. My heaviest load has been @70lbs and I had no trouble with it. Definately worth the higher than others price tag! The belt is the best feature of the bag. It actually fits your pelvis and is adjustable.

Customer Service

Moosejaw.com is a great place to get gear and if you are a member you get 10% off of everything! The staff is very nice as well! DC Statehood Now!!

Similar Products Used:

North Face Sephia

I purchased this pack after some extensive research. The model I chose is a 2001 version because it was on sale. The sticker price was originally $369. I chose the Osprey Aether 90 after looking at other comparable quality packs. This model is a substantial upgrade to my Jansport Ranier external frame that was lost in a canoeing mishap. After limited use, I can''t say enough about this pack. First of all, Osprey is a huge step-up in quality from my old Jansport. You can''t even compare the two. For starters, the adjustible Recurve suspension is great. Be sure you talk to a knowledgeable salesman as the suspension and hipbelt are custom sized based on your proportions. I am 5''9" and 155 lbs (male) which means I use a Medium pack with a medium shoulder harness and medium hipbelt (18.5 inch torso length, 32 inch waist). This pack fits very well with the load resting nicely on the well-padded hipbelt. Suspension components are easily replaceable if you gain or lose weight. The load lifter straps allow for perfect adjustment of the load depending on how much weight you''re carrying. All seams and stitching are strong and zippers never snag. This pack is a top-loader with a fabric shelf separating the sleeping bag pouch (it can be opened to create one huge compartment)for easy access. There are no zippered pockets on the outside which means I don''t get caught-up in the substantial brush I hike through in Denali National Park and the like. The top pouch (with spindrift collar for big loads) is a detachable fanny pack. Osprey offers additional external pockets thhat can be attached to the outside if you like them. I love the compressor straps along the back and the mesh outer pouch on the back allows for storage of oft-needed items like a hydration pouch, rain gear, and pack cover. The compressor straps along the back allow for secure carriage of these items. This pack is 5500 square inches, big enough for a week in Denali. The bottom line is that I love this pack. It''s ultralight for a pack this size (5.4 lbs) and is useable for a weekend up to a weeklong trip. The quality is top-of-the-line. I won''t buy another pack until this one falls apart, eventually. Hipbelts and shoulder straps are easily replaced if need be. Get this pack!!

Customer Service

Not used yet. I don''t expect to need to contact Osprey as this pack''s quality is great.

Similar Products Used:

Jansport Ranier (not even close in comparison). I''ve also used a Gregory. I like this pack more thn the Gregory.