Osprey Tempest 33 vs. Osprey Aether 55
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Tempest 33 | 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 |
| 2 | 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 | |
| bluesign® APPROVED, 100% recycled 100D high-tenacity nylon w/ dobby check ripstop, DWR treatment made without PFAS | bluesign® APPROVED 420HD nylon packcloth, PFC-free DWR |
Key differences between the Osprey Tempest 33 and Osprey Aether 55
- Compression straps: 6 on the Osprey Tempest 33; >5 on the Osprey Aether 55.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Osprey Tempest 33; 4 on the Osprey Aether 55.
- Rain cover: No on the Osprey Tempest 33; 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 Osprey Tempest 33, and 0 accept only the Osprey Aether 55.
Only the Osprey Tempest 33 fits
Virgin America.
Osprey Tempest 33 vs. Osprey Aether 55: which should you pack?
The Osprey Aether 55 carries 22L more than the Osprey Tempest 33 (33L vs. 55L), while the Osprey Tempest 33 is the lighter pack at 1.2kg (vs. 2.2kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Osprey Tempest 33 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 Osprey Tempest 33 is the better call.