This review of the Gregory Baltoro 75 vs Osprey Aether 70 is for those looking for a very large weekend backpack for hiking. They are both very similar in the future that they offer, and it can be difficult to choose. We will help you make a decision by comparing them.
Related: Gregory Baltoro 65 vs 75
Gregory Baltoro 75 vs Osprey Aether 70
How the Baltoro 75 and Aether 70 are similar
Made for long weekend trips
The Gregory and Osprey backpacks are one of the largest variety of backpacks available today. They both have a volume capacity of around 75 liters depending on the size that you choose. No backpack would be complete without a sleeping bag compartment. They have sleeping bag compartments that are separate from the rest of your gear. You can zipper up your sleeping bag to prevent it from getting moist.
Made for Harsh Weather
They are designed to be durable in the rain and the snow. Apart from having thick materials, they also come with an integrated rain cover. This will allow you to completely cover your backpack in the case of inclement weather.
Access point to the main compartment
Tired of accessing your gear from the top? It is crucial for a large backpack to allow full access to all of the gear in its large main compartment. These backpacks give large gear access when you unzipper the panel.
Hip belts for stability
All good hiking backpacks nowadays have hip belts to help stabilize the load. Weight is transferred from the backpanel to the hips in order to share in the work. This relieves your pressure points from too much weight being carried and hurting your back. These hip belt have zippered pockets on both sides in order to carry your smaller items.
Gregory Baltoro 75 vs Osprey Aether 70 Comparison
These backpacks have differences mainly in their adjustability and their removable sections. The Baltoro 75 has various predetermined size combinations in terms of adjustability. When it comes to the Aether 70, adjustability is more fluid. But this does not mean that it is any less adjustable to your liking.
Backpanel and hip belt comfort
With the Baltoro 75, you get 15 different combinations to adjust for your torso length. You get this along with the fact that there are also five predetermined hip belt sizes.
The Aether 70 is a bit different in terms of its size. First of all, the backpack comes in 4 different sizes while The Baltoro 75 comes in 3. But to be more precise, you can adjust the Aether 70’s back panel to your own torso length. The hip bone is also within a 5-inch difference.
Perhaps what is different between the two is the way that the back panel adjusts to the shape of your back. The Baltoro 75’s lumbar section adjusts to the curvature of your lower back. As for the Aether 70, the whole back panel is mouldable to your back. They just offer slightly different fits.
Removable daypacks and hydration
Both backpacks have removable sections that convert into a daypack. The Baltoro 75 is a removable daypack that incorporates a hydration sleeve. On the other hand, the Aether 70 has a removable top lid that converts into a lumbar pack. This lumbar pack is not quite as comfortable as the Baltoro 75’s daypack. And instead of the lumbar pack having a hydration sleeve, the Aether 70’s backpack itself has an external hydration sleeve.
The hydration sleeve of the Aether 70 is external because the separation between it and the main compartment prevents leaks from seeping into the content of the backpack. This makes it quite safe to use.
If you do not like the Aether 70 removable lumbar pack, the Aether 70 is also compatible with the Osprey Daylite Pack and the Alpine Pocket. These can be purchased separately from Amazon.
Tool attachments
A backpack would not be complete without at least an attachment for some trekking poles. Both of these backpacks have a way to attach trekking poles and ice picks. While the Baltoro 75 simply has shock cords upon which you can attach these tools, the Aether 70 has designated attachment loops.
Size
Gregory Baltoro 75 backpack
- Weight: 4 lbs. 14 oz. (s) and 5 lbs. 2 oz. (m) and 5 lbs. 6 oz. (l)
- Volume capacity: 71 liters (s) and 75 liters (m) and 79 liters (l)
Osprey Aether 70 backpack
- Weight: 4.78 (s) and 4.92 (m) and 5.18 (l) and 5.25 (xl)
- Volume capacity: 67 liters (s) and 70 liters (m) and 73 liters (l) and 76 liters (xl)
Gregory Baltoro 75 vs Osprey Aether 70: Price Differences
The Aether 70 costs around $40 less than the Baltoro 75 on Amazon.
Gregory Baltoro 75 vs Osprey Aether 70: The Verdict
Between the two, we like the Baltoro 75 for its high adjustability and its removable daypack. The Aether 70 is not too far behind in these areas, and it does cost $40 less. But if you will be using a backpack for several years, and these backpacks will likely last you that long, we would not mind paying the $40 extra.