The Aether Plus (100L) is built to carry heavy loads and stays comfortable even with more than 60 pounds of gear. Most buyers are willing to deal with its large size because it fits everything they need, but it’s too big for plane travel.
DVSS Scorecard
- DVSS Score: 80.3/100
- Satisfaction Tier: Excellent
- Review Count: 108
STRENGTHS
- Weight Distribution: Handles heavy loads well by shifting the load away from your shoulders.
- Build Quality: Made with tough materials and zippers that keep working smoothly over time.
- Capacity: Can hold gear for two people or large items like a Thermorest and enough food for eight days.
- Fit/Comfort: Offers many small adjustments for a “perfect fit,” which helps prevent back chafing on long hikes.
LIMITATIONS
- Water Bottle Pockets: The side pockets don’t hold standard water bottles securely, so some users have lost bottles.
- Daypack Attachment: Taking the daypack off and putting it back on takes time and strong fingers to work the buckles.
- Hip Pockets: The waist belt pockets are too small for most modern phones and hard to open with one hand.
- Internal Visibility: The black interior makes it hard to find small items in the dark.
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Contents
Aether Plus (100L) Maintains 80.3 Despite Quirky Strap Designs.
The Aether Plus (100L) gets a high DVSS score because it really does make carrying heavy loads more comfortable.
Product Scorecard
- DVSS Score: 80.3/100
- Satisfaction Tier: Excellent
- Review Count: 108
- Average Rating: 4.60
- Ideal For: Non-Ultralight Gear for Multi-Day Expedition
People are happy with how comfortable the pack is when carrying heavy loads. Most complaints concern minor design issues with the pockets and attachment points. The DVSS score shows the pack’s reliable suspension, despite a few minor flaws.
Suspension Distributes 60+ Lb Loads Insanely Well.
The Aether Plus (100L) can carry a lot of weight without feeling too heavy. This is because it shifts more weight to your hips than most lighter packs.
The adjustable mid-strap and hip belt help move weight off your shoulders. People who carried more than 45 pounds for several days said the pack still felt comfortable.
The pack is heavy and sturdy, weighing about 6 pounds, but that’s the trade-off for its size. The back pad helps prevent chafing, even for bigger users.
Side Pockets Do Not Secure Standard Water Bottles
The water bottle pockets on the Aether Plus (100L) aren’t secure enough for active hikes. One user lost a bottle during a multi-day trip because of this problem.
There’s no strong buckle on the side straps to keep bottles in place. Small items can also fall out because the side panels open in two places.
Detachable Daypack Requires Physical Effort to Convert
The Aether Plus (100L) has a lid that converts into a separate daypack that holds about 20 liters. Changing it over is tricky and takes patience and strong fingers to work the buckles.
There are no instructions, so you have to figure out how to attach the straps yourself. Once you do, the daypack can feel less sturdy than a regular one. If the lid is packed full, the top pouches can also make it hard to move your neck.
Main Compartment Allows “Bag of Holding” Capacity
The main compartment is huge, so you can fit gear for two people in one bag. One user called it a “real life bag of holding” that can swallow anything smaller than a child.
With this much space, you don’t need to buy pricey ultra-light gear to save room. The big suitcase-style opening also makes packing and unpacking faster.
Waist Pockets Are Too Small for Modern Smart Phones
The hip belt pockets are too small for most modern smartphones, which frustrates users who want quick access. The zippers are also hard to use with one hand.
This design makes it hard to grab snacks, your phone, or navigation tools quickly. You have to stop using both hands or put those items somewhere else.
Back Panel Offers Micro-Adjustments for Perfect Fit
People really like the back system on the Aether Plus (100L) because it’s the most adjustable they’ve seen. You can make small changes without taking the whole thing apart.
One user with a 50-51 cm back found the smaller size almost at its limit, but it still fit perfectly. This means the pack can match your torso length and feel “very comfy” to carry.
Aether Plus (100L) Comfortably Handles Bulky Gear?
The Aether Plus (100L) isn’t lightweight, but it’s made to carry heavy loads comfortably over long distances. Whether it’s right for you depends on what kind of gear you bring.
Real-World Loadout Test
- Tech: Not explicitly cited; phone does not fit in hip pockets.
- Gear: 8 Days of food, bulky non-ultralight camping gear, and two people’s worth of supplies.
- Result: The pack comfortably handles a lot of gear and weight (over 45 pounds). Only the Thermarest had to be strapped on the outside.
Quick-Fit Assessment
✓ You’re a Great Fit:
- You bring bulky or heavier traditional gear and don’t use ultra-light brands.
- Your pack usually weighs more than 40 pounds.
- You use a hydration bladder instead of water bottles on the outside.
✗ Skip This If You:
- You need a pack that works as a carry-on or is easy to take on a plane.
- You want to grab your smartphone from the hip pockets with one hand.
- You use regular two-liter water bottles in the outside mesh pockets.
Expedition Carrier: Max Comfort, 60lb Loadout, Accepts Bulk
This person needs a pack that can carry 40-60+ pounds for multi-day trips. The Aether Plus (100L) is a great choice, offering a secure, comfortable carry even when loaded.
The main downside is its size—it’s too big for plane travel and has to be checked. Users say the pack is made to last for years.
Daypack Traveler: Needs Flexibility, Sacrifices Plane Fit
This person wants a big pack for travel and likes having a detachable daypack for side trips. The Aether Plus (100L) comes with a 20L daypack for short outings from camp.
The main trade-off is that it’s hard to put the daypack straps back on the main bag after using it. You also have to accept that the bag is too big for carry-on.
Aether Plus (100L) Defends Multi-Day Expedition.
The Aether Plus (100L) is best for people who don’t use ultra-light gear and care most about comfort. Its strong frame and straps can handle heavy loads that would break lighter packs. The main drawback is its size, which makes flying with it hard. It’s a good choice for hikers who want reliability and lots of space over saving weight.
Want a comfortable pack for your heaviest trips? See the price and availability for the Aether Plus (100L) and check out the best expedition backpacks (75L+).
