Osprey Aether 70 - too heavy?

[Duff]

I started my thru in '09 w/ the 70. It was obvious that I was MUCH heavier that most others. I changed to a ULA Catalyst in Damascus and couldn't be any happier. I used the Catalyst in '11 on a SOBO and it only confirmed the choice. Lately I've moved to the UL camp, but I keep looking longingly at the Catalyst fot the upcoming '13 hike.

[colorado_rob]

I own an Aether 85, and yes it is "heavy" (I think after I chopped a couple things, the final comes in right at 5 pounds), BUT I also think the Aether series of packs carry weight as well as any packs I've owned, meaning they are very "efficient" for carrying heavier total loads. I own an old Dana Design Terraplane, 7.5 pounds, no more comfortable than the Aether.

I used my Aether 85 to carry upwards of 70 pounds on a Denali expedition last year. (16 days of food & fuel, technical gear, frigid condition clothing, etc). That all being said, I could not imagine using an Aether for the AT, even the 70 liter, but we all have our Modus Operandi, and if yours is to carry 40-50 pounds on a regular basis, the Aether would be a fine choice.

[lobotomized]

So, I've managed to scrape together enough for a new pack. I was eyeballing the Osprey Exos 58 but from what people are saying, it seems like it may start falling apart with consistent loads of 30-35lbs. Moutaintop and Drybones, I saw online that the "Max Carry Weight" of the Granite Gear Crown 60 is supposedly 35lbs, but I was wondering how much weight y'all carried with it and how it worked out? As of now I've got my eyes on one of the Atmos series. I was looking at the 50, but the max carry weight of 35lbs kind of scares me as that was the Mariposa's supposed max weight as well.

[jeffmeh]

Check out the ULA Circuit. It handles 35 lbs. without issue and is a great piece of gear.

[Del Q]

I bought myself an Osprey Exos 58 for the Holidays, have been wearing it on hikes a few times each week, adding 5lbs per week, REALLY IMPRESSED. I was looking for more total support than my ULA, have plenty of back and hip pain issues, this seems to be helping having a "beefier" frame.

Pretty light, ton of cool features..............next Section hike this Spring will tell the tale.

Sounds like you will be buying a new pack for your journey...............one of my mandatory items are pockets on the hip belt, really handy. That eliminated many companies right there for me.