Osprey Aether™ 55/Ariel 55 Named BACKPACKER Magazine Editors’ Choice Gold Award Winner

March 11, 2021

Cortez, CO – March 11, 2020– Osprey, a leader in creating top-quality, high-performance, innovative carry solutions is pleased to announce that the brand’s men’s Aether™ 55 and women’s Ariel 55, received BACKPACKER Magazine Editors’ Choice Gold Award. The Editors’ Choice Gold Award is bestowed on products that have sustained years of best-in-class performance.

BACKPACKER editors praise Osprey’s Aether 55/Ariel 55 for “expertly balancing a comfortable ride, back-saving support, and smart features” concluding that “the Aether will be our go-to load-hauler for years to come.” The pack’s “cushiony hipbelt and shoulder straps” are equated to “structured pillows” which combine with “a wire perimeter frame and a dense, injection-molded plastic framesheet that distributes weight to all the right places”.

“We are honored to receive BACKPACKER Magazine’s Editors’ Choice Gold award for the Aether 55/Ariel 55,” said Rob BonDurant, VP of Product, Design and Marketing at Osprey. “Almost 25 years ago, we set out to design the best backpack ever made. Beloved on the trail our Aether/Ariel Series has continually set the standard for what a pack should do and what it should weigh. BACKPACKER Magazine Editors’ Choice Gold acknowledges that commitment to create a pack that lasts a lifetime.”

Whether it’s an extended excursion into the backcountry or a weekend full of creature comforts, the Aether/Ariel is built to carry the heaviest of loads. The pack, updated for the Spring 2021 season, features an injection-molded backpanel, Custom Fit-on-the-Fly Hipbelt and Shoulder Straps coupled with adjustable torso length to deliver a fine-tuned fit. In step with Osprey’s goal to become the most progressive, transparent and sustainable hardgoods brand in the world, the packs feature high quality bluesign®-approved body fabrics and PFC-free DWR. Additionally, the injected molding on the Airscape Suspension virtually eliminates plastic waste.

This is Osprey’s second BACKPACKER Editors’ Choice Gold Award. Kamber 42 /Kresta 40,the brand’s backcountry ski/snowboard pack, was honored in October 2019.

About Osprey

Founded in 1974 and based in Cortez, Colorado, in the foothills of the San Juan Mountains, Osprey designs the highest performing and longest lasting carry solutions on the market including technical packs for outdoor, travel and everyday adventures.

In addition to creating top-quality packs, the Osprey team is focused on becoming the most progressive, transparent and sustainable hardgoods brand in the world. From raw materials and chemistry benchmarks to progressive factory code of conduct agreements and programs that extend a product’s end of life, Osprey is taking a truly holistic approach and looking at every aspect of their business to ensure they leave as little trace possible. Osprey’s dedication to create innovative, high performance, sustainable gear reflects the brand’s love of adventure, devotion to the outdoors and steadfast resolve to leave the world better than they found it.

To learn more about Osprey and its products backed by their industry leading All Mighty Guarantee, visit osprey.com. Osprey products can be found online at osprey.com and in specialty retailers in over 60 countries worldwide. Follow all brand updates on Instagram (@ospreypacks), Facebook (@ospreypacks) and Twitter (@ospreypacks).