Osprey Aether 65 vs Zpacks Nero Classic Backpack
Weight and specs compared for 2026 — and which one to choose.
Heavy-load backpacking pack with Fit-on-the-Fly adjustable harness and hipbelt and an AirScape backpanel for extended trips.
Check price Full details →Ultralight frameless Dyneema Composite backpack, just 289g. Roll-top closure with mesh side pockets. Ideal for SUL hikers carrying under 10 lbs base weight.
Check price Full details →Osprey Aether 65 vs Zpacks Nero Classic Backpack: which should you buy?
If saving weight is your priority, the Zpacks Nero Classic Backpack wins — at 289 g it is 1,921 g (87%) lighter than the Osprey Aether 65 (2,210 g). That said, the heavier option may justify the extra grams with more capacity, durability or comfort, so weigh the trade-off against how you'll use it.
See where both rank against everything else in this category on the lightest backpack page, or browse the full gear weight database.