Many potential customers are wondering what the real difference is between the two. That is why we have created this comparison of the Osprey Aether vs Xenith.
The Aether 85 and the Xenith 88 are two of Osprey’s largest backpacks. They are made for a week’s worth of backpacking, and can each hold over 80 liters of gear. As the names suggest, the Xenith 88 can hold more gear than the Osprey Aether 85. But is this the only difference?
Related: Osprey Xenith vs Aether: Is The Only Difference The Size?
Osprey Aether vs Xenith
What the Aether 85 and the Xenith 88 Have in Common
Osprey Xenith 88 has an easy access zippered hipbelt pockets where you can keep your snacks and smaller items and smaller items
Both of these backpacks have most of the features that can be found in Osprey backpacks. Many of the features are found in the higher-end Osprey backpack versions. For example, they have a top lid that converts into a functional daypack. You can leave your large backpack behind and go for a roam about town with just your daypack. Once you remove the top lid, you can place the flapjacks over the top opening in order to compress your gear.
In order to store your dirty clothing or your jackets, they have a front stretch mesh pocket. This keeps them away from all of your clean items. Super comfortable harnesses and hip belts for excellent fit and comfort while carrying heavy loads.
Comparison of the Osprey Aether 85 vs Xenith 88
There are a few differences that set the Aether 85 and the Xenith 88 apart. Here they are below, in no particular order.
Osprey Aether vs Xenith Size: Differences
The Xenith 88 has a larger gear capacity than the Aether 85. The Xenith 88 is not as wide, but it makes up for it in depth and height. Here are the specs:
Aether AG 85
- small/medium: 82 liters; 32.28 x 16.93 x 15.35 inches; 5.315 pounds
- medium: 85 liters; 34.25 x 16.93 x 15.35 inches; 5.368 pounds
- large: 88 liters; 36.22 x 16.93 x 15.35 inches; 5.422 pounds
Xenith 88
- medium: 88 liters; 37 x 14 x 17 inches; 5.53 pounds
- large: 92 liters; 38 x 14 x 17 inches; 5.67 pounds
- extra large: 96 liters; 39 x 14 x 17 inches; 5.8 pounds
While the Aether 85 tops off at 88 liters of gear capacity, the Xenith 88 tops off at 96 liters. The height of the Xenith 88 is greater, but much of it is due to the fact that the top lid extends further up than with the Aether 85.
Osprey Aether vs Xenith: Compression Straps
Both the Osprey Aether 85 and the Osprey Xenith 88 have laptop compression straps at the sides, and lower inside-out compression straps. But the Aether 85 also has three compression straps in the front of the backpack. This means that it has better compression than the Xenith 88.
This is interesting considering that the Xenith 88 can actually hold more gear and will be larger when it is full. Compression helps a backpack stay slim and prevents the items from sloshing around on the inside.
Osprey Aether vs Xenith: Pocket Organization
The Xenith 88 has dual front pockets on the sides. These pockets are zippered and allow you to store your smaller items. This simply provides for extra space to store your gear. Both of these backpacks have a front stretch mesh pocket.
But the mesh pocket of the Xenith 88 is actually smaller than that of the Aether 85. If you are planning to make extensive use of the stretch mesh pocket, the Aether 85 will hold larger items such as your jacket or your dirty clothing.
Osprey Aether vs Xenith: Comfort
Since the Aether 85 is a newer model than the Xenith 88, it has the new suspended panel offered by Osprey. The panel is a mesh that extends from the lumbar region all the way through to the beginning of the hip belt. This makes the backpack more comfortable to wear than the earlier models.
Durability
Since the Xenith 88 will be holding more items, it also has a heftier material. It is made of 420D high tenacity nylon, while the Aether 85 is made of 210 nylon. That being said, both backpacks are highly durable.
Osprey Aether vs Xenith: Prices
The prices of these backpacks vary due to their size and features. Please follow the link below for current prices:
Osprey Aether vs Xenith: The Verdict
We have no preference for one over the other. The choice between these backpacks can depend on a variety of factors, the biggest one being the difference in size. We like the fact that the Aether 85 features the new mesh back panel. This new Osprey model also has a larger front mesh pocket and more compression straps. While the new Aether 85 seems to have a slight edge over the Xenith 88 due to its feature list, the size difference tends to be the most important factor.
Which of these two backpacks would you choose? Please leave your comment below.
