Gregory Jade 43L vs. Osprey Aether 55
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Gregory Jade 43L | Feature | Osprey Aether 55 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 6 | Compression | >5 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| Y | Hip Belt | Y |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | Y |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 40% Recycled 400D Polyester Ripstop with C0 DWR: designed without PFAS | bluesign® APPROVED 420HD nylon packcloth, PFC-free DWR |
Key differences between the Gregory Jade 43L and Osprey Aether 55
- Compression straps: 6 on the Gregory Jade 43L; >5 on the Osprey Aether 55.
- Main compartments: 3 on the Gregory Jade 43L; 4 on the Osprey Aether 55.
- Rain cover: No on the Gregory Jade 43L; Yes on the Osprey Aether 55.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, water bottle pockets, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 1 accept both. 1 accept only the Gregory Jade 43L, and 0 accept only the Osprey Aether 55.
Only the Gregory Jade 43L fits
Virgin America.
Gregory Jade 43L vs. Osprey Aether 55: which should you pack?
The Osprey Aether 55 carries 12L more than the Gregory Jade 43L (43L vs. 55L), while the Gregory Jade 43L is the lighter pack at 1.6kg (vs. 2.2kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Gregory Jade 43L fits 1% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Osprey Aether 55; if you want to travel lighter, the Gregory Jade 43L is the better call.