I've bought both packs to try on at home and I've noticed that many people seem to strongly prefer one or the other. What's standing out to me is that they're both like 90% the same pack.

As far as I can tell, these are the differences.

The Aether has a rigid back panel (along with a higher weight rating), heat moldable shoulder and hip straps, compression straps across the "shove-it" pouch, and a large zip that goes across the entire pack, to access anything without having to go through the traditional drawstring opening on the top.

The Atmos has the non-rigid mesh (Antigravity) packpanel (I've had problems with items poking me in the back because of this), shoulder straps and hip belt, trekking pole attachments on the shoulder strap, and a large side zip on each side to access the interior of the pack, instead of the Aether's full zip. The Atmos also has a dual front zipper pouch that isn't mentioned on the product manual for some reason. The Atmos weights 139 grams less, which is nothing imo.

Aside from those few differences, they're literally the same pack.

Oddly enough the Aether has "more features", but a lower price. I'm not sure what that's about.

I find the torso length adjustments on the Atmos dig into my back occasionally. I'm really not liking that.

For those who have tried both packs, which one do you prefer?