Osprey Aether 85 Pack

Advantages: Well built, Good load transfer, Non sweat back system
Disadvantages: Heavy, looks slightly odd, Occipital cavity doesnt work, front pocket opening too small.

...The Cyclops III is the update to the legendary if not popular cyclops series of rucksacks. Whereas most manufacturers offer packs with an ajustable back system the Cyclops series take a differant approach. Instead of buying the pack and ajusting it you by it in back sizes - size 1 and 2 for the ladies and sizes 2, 3 and 4 for the lads. Of course berghaus arent unique in using this method of sizing, a number of firms use it but the vast majorty of packs are adjustable/ So whats on the pack? Well there have been some tweeks since i bought mine in 2002. Starting from the bottom up theres a hib belt with what berghaus describe as "grabber" fins, what this means that the hip belts uses a mix of firm and softer foams on a precurved plate so it wraps around the wearers hips. In anycase the cyclops has a reputations as being a good... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Easy to clean an maintain
Disadvantages: Lacks extra storage

...I wanted to try Hydrapak so I gambled on the AS Trail. I am very glad that I did. The bladder doesn't have a screw-on lid like most other systems but rather a roll-top with velcro. I know that sounds bad and I was skeptical, but it really does hold water well. I filled it up and squeezed and couldn't get it to leak. Additionally, the bladder is easily pulled inside-out so that makes drying and cleaning a breeze. Oh yeah, the hose disconnects from the bladder so you can take the bladder out without snaking the hose through the system - the connection is also excellent, no leaks. The construction of the pack is perfect. Nothing is coming apart, no loose threads. The straps stay tight. I did find that the chest strap (I didn't even try to use to waist strap) kept pulling my jersey up exposing my lower back to mud - a problem made worse... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Just genius designers
Disadvantages: NONE NONE, buy buy

...variations more suitable for a specific purpose the rouge large more load space. Both the bladder and the sack itself are larger so you can carry more chocolate! LOL I now there are versions for snowboarders with special anti-Freeze mouth parts. ---------------------------------------------- You’ll find most shops don’t stock this, but keep on looking! Bad points and the good, here we go as quick and easy as possible. Small water volume compared to my MULE – (see my other review) fits In snug ICE BACK pack. If you don’t know what this is its like insulation that keeps your water warm or cold depending on how you put it in. What’s interesting is you can take out the bottom sheet to let the water heat or cool you, very useful for Very hot days or the very cold (just make sure you remember to slot in ice cubes... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful