Osprey Volt 75 vs Aether 70: Great for Mountaineering

This review of the Osprey Volt 75 vs Aether 70 was written in order to clarify the differences between these two similar backpacks. In essence, the Osprey Aether 70 is a higher-end version of the Volt 75. The Volt 75 was created for those who do not want all of the bells and whistles. It is also less expensive than the Aether 70. But to really understand how they are different, we will first cover what makes them the same.

Related: Osprey Volt 60 vs Atmos 65: Is Simplicity Better?

Osprey Volt 75 vs Aether 70

Preview
Osprey Volt 75
Osprey Volt 75 Men's Backpacking Backpack
Osprey Aether 70
Osprey Aether Plus 70L Men's Backpacking Backpack, Black, Large/X-Large
Title
Osprey Volt 75 Men's Backpacking Backpack
Osprey Aether Plus 70L Men's Backpacking Backpack, Black, Large/X-Large
Price
Price not available
$405.00
Dimensions
33" x 14" x 14"
33.07" X 14.96" X 14.17"
Capacity
75L
70 L
Weight
4 lbs. 1 oz.
6.17 lb
Hyrdation Sleeves
Internal hydration sleeve
Internal hydration sleeve
Features
Ice Tool & Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachments | Daisy Chains
Dual ice axe loops | Compression straps | Integrated FlapJacket cover
Suspension
AirScape back panel
AirScape back panel
More Information
Osprey Volt 75
Preview
Osprey Volt 75 Men's Backpacking Backpack
Title
Osprey Volt 75 Men's Backpacking Backpack
Price
Price not available
Dimensions
33" x 14" x 14"
Capacity
75L
Weight
4 lbs. 1 oz.
Hyrdation Sleeves
Internal hydration sleeve
Features
Ice Tool & Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachments | Daisy Chains
Suspension
AirScape back panel
More Information
Osprey Aether 70
Preview
Osprey Aether Plus 70L Men's Backpacking Backpack, Black, Large/X-Large
Title
Osprey Aether Plus 70L Men's Backpacking Backpack, Black, Large/X-Large
Price
$405.00
Dimensions
33.07" X 14.96" X 14.17"
Capacity
70 L
Weight
6.17 lb
Hyrdation Sleeves
Internal hydration sleeve
Features
Dual ice axe loops | Compression straps | Integrated FlapJacket cover
Suspension
AirScape back panel
More Information

Main Features of the Volt 75 and Aether 70

Both backpacks have the same basic design. The following are the basic features that you will find in those backpacks.

What they are made for

The Volt 75 and the Aether 70 are made for backpacking and mountaineering. They are meant for trips that will last about a week. You can put a week’s worth of clothing and gear in there without needing to worry about running out of space.

Straightjacket compression system

Both backpacks use Osprey’s straightjacket compression system to help you stabilize your gear. This compression system includes top and bottom side straps that compress your gear to make it unmovable as you roam around. This helps you maintain stability and not lose your balance. When your backpack is only half full, you can compress your gear to a much smaller size.

Osprey Aether Plus 70 Men's Backpacking Backpack, Black, Large/X-Large Organisation

Both backpacks have side mesh pockets, and zippered hipbelt pockets where you can store the items that you will be using frequently. There is room for water bottles, cell phones, snack, a map and compass, and other important items. They also have a very useful stretch mesh pocket at the front of the backpack. This is a very large pocket that allows you to store big items such as a jacket or a blanket.

Keep in mind that they do not have any zippers so they are not internal pockets. Both have a zippered sleeping bag compartment and external sleeping pad straps. What backpack for hiking would be complete without the ability to carry your sleeping equipment?

Adjustability for comfort

The harness on the Volt 75 and the Aether 70 is made of a Lightwire peripheral frame. This frame allows for the transfer of the weight of your gear from the back to the hip belt. With this evenly distributed weight, there is less risk of taking a fall. Since the Volt 75 is one-size-fits-all, the torso length is more adjustable. The hip belt also adjusts for a custom fit depending on the waist size. There is more on this later.

Trekking pole attachments

Both of these backpacks have trekking pole attachments around the front panel. They provide loops where you can attach your poles and easily detach them without needing to take off the backpack.

Osprey Volt 75 vs Aether 70: The Main Differences

Size

As mentioned previously, the Aether 70 is a higher-end version of the Volt 75. It has plenty of bells and whistles, and comes in four different sizes. Refer to the section below for the different sizes of the Aether 70. As you can see, the Volt 75 is one-size-fits-all. This is due to the high adjustability of the torso length of the backpanel and the waist size of the hip belt.

Aether 70

  • Dimensions: 34 x 14 x 14 inches (sm) 35 x 14 x 14 inches (md) 36 x 14 x 14 inches (lg) 37 x 14 x 14 inches (xl)
  • Volume: 67 liters (sm) 70 liters (md) 73 liters (lg) 76 liters (xl)

Volt 75

  • Dimensions: 33 x 14 x 14 inches (o/s)
  • Volume: 75 liters (o/s)

Since the Volt 75 is one-size-fits-all, it needs to be highly adjustable. The torso length has 5 inches of adjustability. Also, the hip belt can be custom-fit with a difference of up to 3 inches.

Hydration sleeve

The Volt 75 has an internal hydration sleeve, while the Aether 70 has an external hydration sleeve. While the internal hydration sleeve is located inside the main body of the pack, the external one is guarded from the main compartment. This means that any spillage will not carry over to the contents of the backpack.

Removable top lid

The top lid of the Aether 70 is removable. This makes way for a lighter backpack. But the even greater benefit is that the top lid converts into a lumbar pack. The lumbar pack has a built-in belt used to strap it on to your waist. When not in use, the built-in belt can be tucked away into a sleeve.

Accessory pack attachment

Osprey has the number of very light day packs that can piggyback off of larger hiking backpacks. The Aether 70 is compatible with Osprey’s Daylite pack and the Alpine Pocket. This gives the Aether 70 more versatility than the Volt 75.

Heat mouldable hip belt

To add on to the luxury of the Aether 70, its heat mouldable hip belt and harness have the perfect amount of padding. You can customize the fit of the harness and hip belt to get the maximum comfort. This is a great way to spend a lot of time hiking with your backpack on.

Osprey Volt 75 vs Aether 70: Price Comparison

The price of the Aether 70 has come down considerably. It is now only $50 more than the Volt 75 on Amazon. Check current prices below:

Osprey Volt 75 vs Aether 70: The Verdict

Comparing the Aether 70 and the Volt 75 is like comparing apples and oranges. They both have the same basic design, but the Aether 70 has all of the bells and whistles. This means that it is not a matter of which is simply the best. It is a matter of how many luxury comforts you are looking for. Something to remember is that the Aether 70 has 4 different sizes available, while the Volt 75 is one-size-fits-all.

If you are especially tall or short, the Vault 75 might not do. There is only 5 inches of adjustability and torso length. Would we pay $50 more for the luxury comforts of the Aether 70? With the removable top lid that converts into a lumbar pack and the mouldable hip belt, we likely would. These backpacks will last for several years, so we feel that it is worth the cost. What do you think? Please leave us a message below.

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