If I’d said it once I’ve said it ten thousand plus times – when it comes to choosing the right backpack for your adventures, striking the balance between storage, comfort, and durability is absolute tantamount.
In this review, we’ll take a deep dive into two top-rated Osprey backpacks: the Farpoint 70 and the Aether 65. While both are exceptional in their own right, they do cater to slightly different needs. Today I’m gonna break down their features, strengths, and potential drawbacks to help you decide which one best suits your style of travel or trekking.
Additionally, for female adventurers, Osprey offers gender-specific versions of these packs: the Fairview 70 as the equivalent of the Farpoint and the Ariel 65 as the equivalent of the Aether. These variations are designed to better accommodate the female frame, providing enhanced comfort and fit. If you are one of 500,000 monthly female readers, then please do read on as the general points are exactly the same and the specs are very similar too.
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The Osprey Farpoint 70: A Closer Look
Farpoint 70 Specs
Weight: 2.3 kg (5.1 lbs)
Dimensions: 65 x 33 x 34 cm (25.6 x 13 x 13.4 inches)
Capacity: 70 liters (55L main pack + 15L detachable daypack)
Price: $200 – $250
Designed primarily for travel, the Osprey Farpoint 70 is a versatile and practical pack that comes with a detachable daypack, making it ideal for those who need some flexibility on the go.
The main pack has a ‘clamshell-style opening’ which zips all the way around, allowing travelers to pack and organize their belongings like they were using a suitcase. I find that this makes for well ordered and organised packing especially if you use packing cubes or compression sacks (I suggest the Osprey Packing Cubes by the way).
However, one of its downsides is that this system means that accessing gear quickly can be inconvenient, as the backpack needs to be fully unzipped and laid down – you will also need to detach the removable 15L daypack first.
Storage & Access
With a grand total capacity of 70 liters, divided into a 55-liter main pack and a 15-liter daypack, it provides plenty of room for essentials. The built-in laptop sleeve in the daypack is particularly useful for digital nomads, while the mesh side pockets offer a handy spot for water bottles or small accessories.
The structure of the pack supports well-organized packing, but it’s design does mean that it protrudes significantly when worn with the daypack, which can be frustrating in tight spaces like packed buses or train corridors – I got stuck in the turnstile of a toilet in Mexico!
In terms of comfort, the pack is designed with padded shoulder straps, a hip belt, and a mesh back panel that offers decent ventilation. It uses the Osprey Airspace suspension system too so is quite easy to carry even when it’s fully loaded with gear.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Like most Osprey products, the Farpoint 70 is made from highly durable ripstop nylon, ensuring longevity and resistance to wear and tear.
However, while it is weather resistant it is not waterproof, so if you expect to travel in wet conditions, purchasing a separate rain cover is a bit of a must. Osprey’s lifetime warranty adds some peace of mind, making this a solid investment for frequent travelers.
Price and Value
$200
The Farpoint 70 typically falls within the mid-range price category, generally costing between $200 and $250 depending on the retailer.
Given its versatility, detachable daypack, and durability, it’s a great value for travelers who want a reliable and spacious pack.
Personally I would not really trust a 70L backpacking or travel pack that left me from change from $200.
Ideal Use Cases
This backpack is absolutely perfect for travelers, backpackers, and urban explorers who need a pack that can function both as a full travel bag and a daypack.
However, for dedicated hikers or those planning multi-day treks, the Farpoint 70 may not be the best option. It lacks external gear loops, a water bottle pocket and a dedicated frame for carrying heavy loads comfortably over long distances. As we said earlier, it also needs laying down and unpacking before the contents can be accessed which is a nightmare when out on a trail.
Unlike the Farpoint 70, the Aether 65 is designed primarily for hiking and backpacking. With a traditional top-loading design, it offers excellent weight distribution and is built for carrying heavy loads over long distances. The pack is equipped with an advanced suspension system that provides ample support, making it a great choice for trekkers tackling multi-day hikes.
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Aether 65 Specs
Weight: 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs)
Dimensions: 82 x 39 x 31 cm (32.3 x 15.4 x 12.2 inches)
Capacity: 65 liters
Price: $250 – $300
Now, the Osprey Aether 65 is designed primarily for hiking and backpacking. With a traditional top-loading design, it offers excellent weight distribution and is built for carrying heavy loads over long distances. The pack is equipped with an advanced suspension system that provides ample support, making it a great choice for trekkers tackling multi-day hikes.
With a total capacity of 65 liters, it is slightly smaller than the Farpoint but features better load distribution. The organization of this pack is tailored to the needs of hikers, with a separate sleeping bag compartment, water bottle pockets, and hip belt pockets for quick access to essentials.
One drawback is that, due to its top-loading design, organizing and retrieving items can be a little less convenient compared to a front-loading pack.
Oh, there is 70 Litre Osprey Aether AG available by the way.
Comfort and Carrying Experience
The Aether 65 features Osprey’s AirScape™ back panel, which helps with ventilation and comfort on long treks. Yipee. It sits that bit closer to the body compared to the Farpoint, making it feel more stable, even when fully loaded. However if you fill the top lid with anything heavy you will feel it pulling you back.
For those who need to carry camping or trekking gear, the pack includes external attachment points for a tent or trekking poles, making it a better fit for outdoor adventures.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Like the Farpoint 70, the Aether 65 is made from tough, abrasion-resistant materials that ensure it holds up well over years of use.
However, it is not fully waterproof, and just like its counterpart, requires that you buy a separate rain cover for wet conditions.
Osprey’s lifetime warranty remains a significant perk, ensuring the pack remains a long-term investment. I have owned an Aether for 7 years now, have taken it around the world and it’s in great condition. Do not worry about this.
Price and Value
$250
With a price range generally falling between $250 and $300, the Aether 65 is a bit more expensive than the Farpoint 70, but this is justified by its superior carrying comfort and trekking-specific design.
If you’re a serious backpacker or hiker, then the investment is most definitely well worth it.
Ideal Use Cases
This backpack is best suited for hikers, trekkers, and outdoor enthusiasts who need a pack that can carry heavy loads fairly comfortably.
Unlike the Farpoint 70, which is much more travel-friendly, the Aether 65 excels in long-distance hikes, where stability and weight distribution are crucial.
With a total capacity of 65 liters, it is slightly smaller than the Farpoint but features better load distribution. The organization of this pack is tailored to the needs of hikers, with a separate sleeping bag compartment, water bottle pockets, and hip belt pockets for quick access to essentials. One drawback is that, due to its top-loading design, organizing and retrieving items can be a little less convenient compared to a front-loading pack.
If you need a pack that can handle both hiking and travel and can only afford one, then go for this. Otherwise get both the Farpoint and the Aether!
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Final Thoughts
As you can see, the Osprey Farpoint 70 and Aether 65 both have their strengths, but their best uses differ significantly. If you’re a traveler who needs a convenient, organized pack with a detachable daypack, then the Farpoint 70 is an excellent choice.
However, if you’re planning serious hiking or backpacking trips, then the Aether 65 provides better comfort and support for carrying those heavy loads over longer distances.
Ultimately, the right pack for you depends on your travel style. If your adventures primarily take you through cities and hostels, the Farpoint 70 is ideal. If you’re venturing into the wilderness, the Aether 65 is the way to go. Let us know which one you prefer in the comments!
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