You Took the Weight Right off My Back: Osprey Aether AG & Ariel AG backpacks

Matt Vodjansky and Ashley Buttelmann backpack along the Colorado Trail near Kennebec Pass, CO

The biggest problem when it comes to an extended hike to some far flung corner is lugging all your stuff. In Trevor Long’s case that would mean, drones, smart devices, laptops and previously unheard of tech that he simply can’t exist without. Thankfully I have fond memories of the sheer weight of the actual real essentials required, such as clothes, a sleep mat, water and the humble compass.

Ok well that was back in my scout days anyway. Renowned backpack maker Osprey has unveiled the Aether AG & Ariel AG series, a range said to take the weight of your back.

The new AG harness system has been introduced into the Aether/Ariel AG pack series. It features a continuous suspended panel of light mesh that extends from the upper back to the lumber area, it literally hugs you, giving the pack a sense of weightlessness.

There’s a customisable hip belt fitted with zippered pockets and interchangeable sizes to make sure it fits your particular body type. The whole setup is said to be friendlier to your back than a typical office chair, plus the mesh-type material helps your skin breath on those long treks.

For the series adventurer the Aether/Ariel AG series includes dual ice tool loops for those daring alpine regions and bungee tie-offs for further secure tool attachments and even a trekking pole attachment. Most importantly each pack comes with a fold away rain cover.

For a decent backpack with all the bells and whistles it may well be worth your time to check out the range at www.ospreypacks.com.

The full line up of Men’s and Women’s packs will be available from May 1^st.

MEN’S BACKPACKING

AETHER AG™ 85 WITH RAINCOVER RRP $429.95
AETHER AG™ 70 WITH RAINCOVER RRP $419.95
AETHER AG™ 60 WITH RAINCOVER RRP $399.95

WOMEN’S BACKPACKING

ARIEL AG™ 75 WITH RAINCOVER RRP $429.95
ARIEL AG™ 65 WITH RAINCOVER RRP $419.95
ARIEL AG™ 55 WITH RAINCOVER RRP $399.95

Chris Bowen

Chris was EFTM’s Motoring Editor for many years, driving everything from your entry level hatch to the latest Luxury cars through to the Rolls Royce.

He has been in the media for 20 years, produced three Olympic games broadcasts, attending Beijing 2008 & London 2012.

Strangely he owns a Toyota Camry Hybrid, he defiantly rejects the knockers.

Chris is married to Gillian and resides in Sydney’s North West. They have Sam the English Springer Spaniel and Felix the Burmese cat to keep them company, and recently welcomed baby Henry to the family.

He has now left EFTM, and writes freelance and runs his own Facebook Page “Bowen’s Garage”