Here's a tip for that new Osprey Aether 85: Special order some shoulder straps for it from an Argon 85. They are interchangeable, the difference in weight is negligible, and the ones for the Argon are super comfy. You'll never want to take your backpack off!
Favorite piece of old gear? For me it has to be my gray plastic measuring cup (8 oz.) from an old mess kit. It's been with me every time I've gone to the hills since, probably, 1968. And the thing about it is, new technology won't ever make it obsolete.
