Backpack Obituary: Goodbye Old Girl

Osprey Aether, a 60-liter red backpack, died peacefully on June 9, 2017 in Wrightwood, California after 40 months of dedicated service to Fitty Shrimp.

Sunrise above the cloud bank at elevation 7,500 feet.

Aether and Fitty first met in February, 2014 in at the Columbia, Maryland REI store. From that point, they were literally inseparable on the trail. One might say they were attached at the hip. The pair completed two thru-hikes together, the Appalachian Trail in 2014 and the Pacific Northwest Trail in 2015. They also hiked sections of the North Country Trail, the Sheltowee Trace, and the Florida Trail, along with several loop hikes. It is estimated that they traveled together for nearly 4,500 miles in 25 different states.

Fitty and Aether in the final days together.

Despite numerous minor ailments over the past year, it was believed that Aether would be capable of one final thru-hike on the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail. But the rigors of the desert proved to be too much for her. Vital organs began to fail about 300 miles into the trek, just prior the the Deep Creek Hot Springs. Specifically, her hip belt clip broke, compromising her effectiveness in minimizing the strain on Fitty's shoulders. She was transported on foot for 70 miles to the town of Wrightwood where she was pronounced dead on arrival. She was laid to rest in a cardboard box and sent to meet her maker Osprey Packs via U.S. Postal Service, where she will likely be cremated.

In addition to her pal Fitty Shrimp, Aether is survived by Hubba Tent, Kelty Sleeping Bag, and Therma-Rest Sleep Pad, as well as several gadgets and gizmos.

Fitty and the Gear family mourn the loss of Aether.

While there will never be another quite like Aether, her legacy will be carried on by a new and improved Osprey Aether model, a shiny sleek new blue pack. Fitty and Aether II plan to depart Wrightwood on June 10th for a 330-mile jaunt to Kennedy Meadows General Store at the foot of the High Sierra. At that point, a decision will be made whether or not to attempt a 400-mile traverse of the Sierra section, still socked in from record snow pack this past winter and spring, and separated by raging streams of icy runoff.

Snowy peaks above Big Bear Lake, a taste of what lies ahead next month in the High Sierra.

Fitty would like to thank the good people @OspreyPacks, and especially customer service agent Lizzie, for their prompt attention to this matter. The replacement pack was waiting in Wrightwood within 72 hours of report, and they stood behind their lifetime guarantee program, a $290 replacement pack for free!

Fitty and "Aether II," ready to rock on!

Rest in peace, Aether, and thank you for your service!

Araura, Alex, and Mountain climb out of Cajon Pass.

Special "Thanks" to Diana and Ken for hosting Potato Girl and me in Wrightwood... amazing generous people!