The Osprey Aether 85

This is without doubt, a superb backpack and the largest of the Osprey Aether series.

Osprey Aether backpacks are built for Men. Women should consider the Osprey Ariel.

As I've already said, the Osprey Aether 85 is the largest in the Aether series and is perfect for one of those longer expeditions of about a week or more into the wilderness. The pack features a light weight alloy frame and a molded hip belt which makes it suitable for men. The Aether 85 features a clever reservoir compatible dual exit system for your hydration needs. (The reservoir is sold separately)

This pack is top loading, and has a sturdy support base so that most of the weight is well supported around your hips. The shoulder straps are easily adjusted to further distribute the weight comfortably. As with many packs, the sleeping bag compartment is zippered, so if you're not taking a sleeping bag then you can unzip it and combine the two sections. The pack has ample pocketing, meaning you can keep the stuff you need most frequently within easy reach, and there are plenty of exterior straps and clip points should you need to strap stuff to the outside of the pack.

Colors: Dusk Blue, Magma Orange, Tundra Green. Available in 3 Sizes: L 5400 CU.IN. (88 Liters) 5LB 4OZ (2.38KG) M 5200CU.IN. (85 Liters) 5LB 1OZ (2.30KG) S 5000CU.IN. (82 Liters) 4LB 13OZ (2.18KG).

Click here to see the Osprey Aether 85 on sale at Amazon.com

• Materials: Stretch woven nylon 500D Plai 210D nylon block shadow 420HD nylon pack cloth Hipbelt
• convertible top pocket/lumbar pack
• LightWire™ alloy peripheral frame
• Red internal load compression strap
• Stow on the Go trekking pole attachment
• Three horizontal compression straps
• J-zipper panel access
• Stretch woven dual access side pockets
• Stretch woven front pocket with welded vent
• Side gear loops and straps
• Wide mouth sleeping bag access with divider
• Two ice axe loops
• Removable sleeping pad straps IsoForm Harness
• Spacer mesh surface with no sewn seams
• Hook-and-loop adjustable yoke allows
• 4” / 10CM of fine torso adjustment
• Ribbed foam backpanel with grip mesh
• Recycled HDPE framesheet with weight-reducing cutouts
• Hydration Compatible
• Built-in sleeve with dual exit ports
• Heat-moldable foam hipbelt

The Osprey Aether 70 review

The Osprey Aether 70 is the medium size of the Aether range, again suitable for men.Ladies, please check out Ariel range.

I have found that the Osprey Aether 70 is suitable for trips of about 4 days. It is around 70 liters in size so can carry everything you'll need for a trip that long. If you are going for a week or more, you should definitely consider its big brother the Osprey Aether 85 . If you are after a smaller version of this pack then check out the Osprey Aether 60.

This pack comes with lots of straps, a sleeping bag compartment and detachable lumbar pack. With the compression strap putting everything in place, you'll be amazed by what you can carry. In fact this pack is so comfortable you might even forget its there! I know a number of people who have these and they tell me you won't feel any aches and pains after a straight 5 mile hike – unlike some other brands I better not mention.

The Aether 70 can carry between 4000-4400 cubic inches depending on the size you choose. (S,M,L) The top pocket can be removed and converted into a lumbar pack using the IsoForm hipbelt on the pack. The Osprey Aether70 features a reservoir compatible dual exit system for you hydration needs. (The reservoir is sold separately)

>>Click here to see the Osprey Aether 70 on sale at Amazon.com<<

Colors: Dusk Blue, Magma Orange, Tundra Green

Sizes:

Large    4400 CU.IN. (73 Liters) 5LB 2OZ (2.33KG)

Medium    4200CU.IN. (70 Liters) 4LB 15OZ (2.23KG)

Small    4000CU.IN. (67 Liters) 4LB 11OZ (2.14KG)

Specifications

• Materials: Stretch woven nylon 500D Plai 210D nylon block shadow 420HD nylon pack cloth Hipbelt
• convertible top pocket/lumbar pack
• LightWire™ alloy peripheral frame
• Red internal load compression strap
• Stow on the Go trekking skiing pole attachment
• Three horizontal compression straps
• J-zipper panel access which allow quick access
• Stretch woven dual access side pockets
• Stretch woven front pocket with welded vent
• Side gear loops and straps to carry additional equipment
• Wide mouth sleeping bag access with divider
• Two ice axe loops
• Removable sleeping pad straps IsoForm Harness
• Spacer mesh surface with no sewn seams
• Hook-and-loop adjustable yoke allows
• 4” / 10CM of fine torso adjustment
• Ribbed foam backpanel with grip mesh
• Recycled HDPE framesheet with weight-reducing cutouts
• Hydration Compatible
• Built-in sleeve with dual exit ports
• Heat-moldable foam hipbelt

What do I think the Pros and Cons of the Osprey Aether 70 are?

pros:

Top quality well made pack, Highly adjustable, Super guarantee

cons:

Quality and ruggedness are assoiated with weight and price. So some people might think this pack is too heavy and too expensive for their needs.

What do people think who have bought the Osprey Aether 70?

Brendon Brown "This product is amazing. I am one to pack more than he needs, and this is perfect for me for the weekend." Click Here to see the full review

Which size is correct for you?

First, get a friend to measure your torso length. As shown in the picture, this is from your iliac crest (the top of your hipbones) to your C7 (the knobby bone at the base of your neck). Now use the chart below to determine the correct size pack for you. Remember, getting the right size pack is the key to comfort.

>>Click here to see the Osprey Aether 70 on sale at Amazon.com<<

Osprey Aether 60 review

This is the smallest size of the Aether range, again suitable for men. The Aether 60 holds 3400-3800 cu in depending on the size selected.(S,M,L) The Aether 60 features a reservoir compatible dual exit system for you hydration needs.(The reservoir is sold separately) Colors: Dusk Blue, Magma Orange, Tundra Green Available in 3 Sizes: L 3900 CU.IN. (63 Liters) 5LB 1OZ (2.31KG) M 3700CU.IN. (60 Liters) 4LB 14OZ (2.20KG) S 3500CU.IN. (57 Liters) 4LB 10OZ (2.11KG)

Click here to see the Osprey Aether 60 on sale at Amazon.com

The Osprey Ariel 65 review

The Osprey Ariel series of backpacks are suitable for women. The Ariel 65 is the middle of the range making it suitable for a weekend away in Yosemite, Sierras or the Rockies perhaps.

This award-winning pack has stolen the hearts of many through its ability to handle heavy loads at a substantially lighter weight than others in its size range. In fact, there are packs of similar capacity nearly double the weight. I've seen so many of these packs out and about it makes my head spin, while reassuring me that I made a sound decision in purchasing this pack.

This pack includes features like J- Panel access, Stow-on-the- Go™ trekking pole attachment and an improved suspension technology. These added features make this backpack the #1 choice for adventurers of all calibers.

This pack is incredibly comfortable for women due to it's custom fit is achieved through torso specific sizing, and contoured women's harness and hipbelt.

Click here to see the Osprey Ariel 65 on sale at Amazon.com

Features

• Hipbelt convertible top pocket/lumbar pack
• LightWire™ alloy peripheral frame
• Red internal load compression strap
• Stow on the Go™ trekking pole attachment
• Three horizontal compression straps
• J-zipper panel access
• Stretch woven dual access side
• pockets
• Stretch woven front pocket with
• welded vent
• Cord loop Add-Ons™ attachment slots
• StraightJacket™ compression
• Side gear loops and straps
• Wide mouth sleeping bag access
• with divider
• Two ice axe loops
• Removable sleeping pad straps

This stylish pack is available in the following 3 colors.

One of America's best hiking trails is the Pacific Crest Trail which runs from Mexico to Canada and crosses  Washington, Oregon, and California.

The  Pacific Crest Trail was first conceived in 1932 Clinton C. Clarke and designated a National Scenic Trail in 1968, and finally completed in 1993. The trail runs along the coast of the Pacific Ocean for over one hundred miles and crosses through six of the seven ecozones that are found in the United States. From blisteringly hot deserts to moist rain forests, the Pacific Crest Trail offers an amazing hiking experience. The Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Mojave Desert, Mt. Whitney, Northern California's Russian Wilderness, Marble Mountain, Yosemite National Park, the volcanoes in the Cascades, Mount Hood, Mount Shasta, the Columbia River Gorge, Crater Lake, the Northern Cascades, and Mount Rainier are all found along the trail.

Each year, there are over 300 people who try to hike the entire Pacific Crest Trail in one season. Unlike the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Trail doesn't only have thru-hikers. It also has thru-riders. These are people who ride a horse through the entire trail. Both thru-hiking and thru-riding are massive undertakings, because the trail runs two thousand six hundred and fifty miles.

The usual duration of such a trip is between four and six months. The average distance covered in a day is about twenty miles. Each year, about 180 people reach their goal of completing a thru-hike. The first thru-hike is said to have been made in 1970 by a 17-year-old kid named Eric Ryback. He wrote a book about his travels. There is debate about the validity of Ryback's achievements, with books by Wilderness Press claiming that he accepted rides along the trail. The Pacific Crest Trail is the place to see America's most extraordinary landscapes, alongside coyotes, cougars, lizards and snakes.

A great opportunity for you to use your Osprey Aether 70 backpack!

You just got yourself to Valdez, Alaska and now you're wondering what people do up here besides fish. Why don't you grab your Osprey Aether 70 backpack and your camera and check out the many trails Valdez has to offer.

The trails listed below are one of Valdez's best kept secrets because they are not very well publicized. The breathtaking scenery you will see is second to none! Valdez has frequently been called "Little Switzerland" for good reason. For directions to any of these trails, check with the Valdez Visitor's Center or just ask one of the friendly locals who are  always happy to help. So this is what to expect when you head off to Valdez, Alaska.

Dock Point Trail

This short trail is full of numerous photographic opportunities. The variety of plant life to be seenon this trail is enough to keep any nature lover happy. You will see excellent views around Port Valdez, including snow capped mountains rising from the water's edge that is enough to take your breath away. Give yourself at least 45 minutes to enjoy this three-quarters mile round trip. To find this trail simply walk across the road from the boat launch ramp.

Mineral Creek Trail

The Mineral Creek Valley is a photographer's dream with high mountains towering above the river and too many waterfalls to count. Most of this six mile plus trail is actually a rough gravel road.

Due to washouts and rockslides you won't get very far in a vehicle. I would recommend you take mountain bikes, which can be rented in town if you didn't bring your own. The last eight-tenths of a mile is a dirt trail that leads back to an old stamp mill where gold ore used to be processed. This is gold country and you may also see recent signs of gold prospecting on your trek. Bring a gold pan along and try your luck in the river.You never know – it might pay for you holiday!

Solomon Gulch Trail

This beautiful hike takes starts off Dayville Road near Allison Point. This moderately difficult route (has a couple steep spots) will take you through spruce forests and along a short section of the pipeline maintenance road. Sorry, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline is buried along this stretch. There is a viewing area near the top that offers a great view of Port Valdez. Valdez looks so small tucked against the mountains on the other side. A well marked trail will take you the rest of the way up to the dam and Solomon Lake. One of the first things you will notice is the unusual green color of the water. This is due to large amounts of copper in the area. In fact, there is even an old copper mine submerged when the valley was flooded.

Shoup Bay Trail

This scenic trail cuts across the Mineral Creek flats and meanders along the base of the Chugach Mountains. The many varieties of Alaskan wildflowers will astound you. In late summer, you may lose track of time as you stop to feast on Salmonberries along the way. The first three miles will bring you to Gold Creek. This is a good turning around point for most folks. There is a bridge, but recent floods have rerouted the creek around it. You may need a good sense of adventure, and rubber boots, to get across. Once across Gold Creek, the next six and a half miles will bring you to Shoup Bay where you can check out Shoup Glacier and a Kittiwake rookery. This section of the trail can be difficult but the views are worth it.

Keystone Canyon

I personally think that Keystone Canyon is one of the most beautiful places in Alaska. Keystone Canyon has two restored trails: The Keystone Canyon Pack Trail and the Goat Trail. I It is recommended to park at the pullout across from Bridal Veil Falls. The Goat Trail starts here and climbs to wind through the canyon. A short way along you will find the Pack Trail diverging off the Goat trail. This will take you over the top of Horsetail Falls and wind back down to the Valdez side of Keystone Canyon. Along both trails be on the lookout for old artifacts as this was the original route through Keystone Canyon long before the road existed. Along all of these trails, remember you are in Alaska. You may see bears or other wildlife. Be a noisy hiker so they know you're coming. Keep your distance if you do spot wildlife. Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring along plenty of water. Alaskan weather is always prone to change, so bring along an extra sweater, just in case. Make sure your camera is fully charged and enjoy your hiking along the trails of Valdez.

If you’re a die hard backpacker, this is one hike you won’t want to miss.

A trip to Paria Canyon is not as famous as other hikes in the south-west, but it is one of the most unique. As you walk along the canyon you will be surrounded by the distinctive red sandstone of this area, creating a visual experience that is second to none.

This area was officially designated a wilderness in 1980 and it covers an area of thirty-eight square miles of the Arizona and Utah desert. Over the entire length of the walk the canyon widens and narrows, approaching only 25 meters in some places. When you get to Buckskin Gulch its even narrower,  just 3 feet wide in some places. Buckskin Gulch is in fact, the longest and deepest canyon in the United States.

Your hike through Paria Canyon will take several days depending on the route you choose and whether you make a detour and take all the side trips along the way, such as Arch or Buckskin Gulch Wrather. Depending on your speed your hiking trip through the gorge will take anywhere from four to seven days. The more time you spend on your trip, more fun you'll have to explore your surroundings as you make your way through Paria.

To preserve the pristine nature of the desert, just twenty permits per day are given out to hikers in the canyon. In addition, hikers should prepare to carry their own waste with them.

The trek takes you along the bed of  the river canyon. Usually you will find that the water is ankle deep though this depends of course on the amount of rainfall there has been. You will also encounter large boulders along the way which will have to be traversed, as well as some steep slopes along the way. The barrel is not entirely devoid of evidence of human presence, however. Along the Paria Canyon, hikers will come across petroglyphs. These old drawings reflect indigenous peoples that once inhabited  the canyon.

There is much desert wildlife to be seen along the way, including eagles, mule deer and wild rabbits. You may also see desert bighorn sheep  and the endangered California Condor.

Paria Canyon is a unique destination that should undoubtedly be placed in any hiker's bucket-list. The fact that Pariah is not as well known as some other attractions in the south-west, will make your journey more memorable and one that others will never have the opportunity to share.

For places to stay, I recommend Paria Canyon Adventure Ranch

Where You Can Buy Your Camping Gear and Supplies From

Are you preparing to go on a camping vacation or even just a short camping trip? If you are, have you already gathered all of your camping gear and your other needed camping supplies? If you have yet to do so, it is something that you may want to soon think about doing.

If this is your first time trying to find and buy camping gear and camping supplies, you may be unsure as to where you should make your purchase or purchases from. What you will find is that you have a number of different options. Both camping gear and camping supplies can be purchased from a number of different locations. For information on where you should buy your camping gear and camping supplies from, you will want to continue reading on.

Before examining where you should buy your camping supplies and camping gear from, it is important that you know that there is a difference between the two. Camping gear is a phrase that is regularly used to describe items that are essential to camping, like tents, sleeping bags, hot plates, and so forth. On the other hand, camping supplies is a term that is often used to describe items like food, toiletries, and so forth. In your search for camping supplies and camping equipment, it is important that you know there is a difference between the two.

As for buying your camping gear, you will find that camping gear is sold at a number of different locations, including both on and offline. One of the best places to buy camping gear from is stores that are often referred to as sports stores. Sports stores are stores that regularly sell sporting equipment and gear, like camping tents, baseball bats, fishing poles, and so forth. Sports stores are one of the best places to buy camping gear from because they often have the largest selection of products to choose from. For an even larger selection of products, you may want to check out some online sports store retailers.

Department stores are also another place where you can buy camping gear from. A large number of department stores, especially those larger in size, regularly have camping tents, sleeping bags, and other camping gear pieces available for sale. While the selection may not be as large as the selection found in many sports stores, you may find that the prices of camping gear sold in department stores is significantly lower. It is also important to mention that department stores are often referred to as “one stop shopping centers,” as they often have a number of items for sale. In keeping with that, you can often buy a large number of your other needed camping supplies, like food and such, from department stores.

In addition to department stores, camping supplies, like food, toiletries, and so forth, can be purchased from grocery stores. Grocery stores are nice, especially for food, as they are based on food. This means that you have a large selection of food and drinks, many of which are appropriate for camping adventures, to choose from. In fact, in the summer months, you may even find local grocery stores that have camping snack displays set up. These displays make it easy for you to find easy to transport camping food and drinks.

As previously stated, a large number of camping gear pieces can be purchased online. If you are looking for the best bargains or the largest selection of products, you may want to think about shopping online for your camping gear pieces or even some of your camping supplies. Even if you don’t want to buy your gear and supplies online, you may still want to think about using the internet to read product reviews or at least research what you should or shouldn’t bring with you on your next camping adventure.

As you can see, you have a number of different options when it comes to buying camping gear and camping supplies for your next camping trip. Before you start shopping online or head on down to one of your local retail stores, you may want to think about creating a camping gear and supplies checklist for yourself. A checklist will help to ensure that you and your camping party are fully prepared for your next camping adventure.

Tips to Make Your Next Hiking Adventure a Safe One

Are you, your family, your friends, or your romantic partner planning to take a hiking adventure soon? As you likely already know, hiking can be fun and exciting, but it can be dangerous at the same time. Of course, there are a number of different steps that you can take to protect yourself on your next hiking adventure and a few of those steps are outlined below.

If you have yet to choose your hiking trail, you will want to do so soon. The sooner that you choose your hiking trail, the easier it will be to familiarize yourself with where you will be hiking. When choosing a hiking trail, it is advised that you take the difficulty level into consideration. For instance, you can find hiking trails in the United States that are designed for beginners, as well as those that have advanced hiking experience.

Once you have decided which hiking trial you would like to hike on, you will want to take the time to fully familiarize yourself with the trail. If you are able to acquire a map of the hiking trial in question, you will want to closely examine it. You will want to know exactly where you are at all times, as well as how to get out of the area, in the event of an emergency. If you do acquire a map of the hiking trial that you plan on hiking, you will want to make sure that you bring a copy of the map with you. This will also assist you in the event of an emergency.

You will want to think about familiarizing yourself with the security of the hiking trial or park in question; get their contact information so you can contact them in the event of an emergency. Speaking of contacting security guards, you will want to make sure that you bring a cell phone with you. A cell phone will allow you to call for help if you or someone in your hiking party has an accident or wanders off the trail. If you do not own a cell phone, you may want to think about buying a cheap prepaid one or borrowing the cell phone of someone that you know.

Although it is important that you bring a cell phone with you on your next hiking adventure, a cell phone is not all that you will want to bring. Even if you are only planning on hiking for a day or two, you will want to make sure that you have enough food and drinks, just incase something went wrong. Many hikers are urged to prepare for the worst, just incase. For that reason, you may want to think about packing a number of extra snacks and drinks.

Another great way that you can stay safe on your next hiking adventure is by making sure that you have all of the right hiking equipment or hiking supplies. In this aspect, you will want to make sure that you are dressed for the hike. Hiking should involve sneakers at the least, but you may want to think about buying a set of hiking boots. You will also want to review the weather before leaving. Even if it will be bright and sunny, you may still want to think about bringing a light coat with you, incase of rain or incase you become stranded on the hiking trail overnight.

Perhaps, the best way that you can go about staying safe on your next hiking adventure is by letting your friends and family members know where you are going, when you will be leaving, and when you will return. Should you not return on time, those that you know should be able to find you, or at least have a generalized idea of where you are. You may also want to think about writing down the same information and leaving it at a safe place at home.

The above outlined hiking safety tips are just a few of the many that you may want to think about practicing. As a reminder, hiking can be fun and exciting, but it can also be dangerous as well.