Osprey Packs Exos 48 Backpack

This is one of those things I felt I needed lots of time "in the saddle" to review properly. I'm glad I waited! When I first got the bag I was honestly a bit disappointed. I didn't think there was enough pockets for organization, the shoulder straps kind of choked up on my neck, and given the price of the bag, it just compounded those issues for me. After a few trips, I've completely changed my perspective! I've had time to really fine tune the suspension so it hangs just right on my back. The straps are close to my neck, yes, but I don't even notice them after adjustment. I feel that the amount of pockets is perfect now. I typically roll without the top bag half the time. I must say, my absolute favorite thing about this is the breathable back. I've never had a backpack that I didn't sweat under, but this is the exception. Hiking in 85 degree weather with a moisture wicking shirt on, and I'm dry to the bone when I take the bag off. Who likes a sweaty, slimy feeling back? I always just accepted it as part of wearing a backpack. Not anymore.To be honest, the frame design is probably the biggest reason I bought this bag over anything else. Yup, I did plenty of research and looked at virtually all other options from both big name manufacturers, and down to the cottage manufacturers. The Exos is not the lightest, nor the cheapest, but fits the bill for my needs. Most any other ultralight bags lack any sort of frame. Instead, they either forego a frame and expect you to use a sleeping pad to reinforce the structure, or use a janky looking hand pump to fill an air frame - not my thing. What happens if you catch your airline on a tree branch? Some say "the chances of that happening are so small," but I'd rather eliminate that chance. I want something I don't have to mess with, feels damn near the same every time I put it on my back, and a has enough stoutness that it can handle a bit more weight if I need it to. I've been backpacking for years, but as a beginning ultralight'r, this is the perfect transition bag for me.

I purchased this pack as a solo trip pack or for short trips. It has proven to be a fantastic pack when packing light-ish. I have carried up to 30 lbs in it without much discomfort, but I couldn't see going over that by much. The lack of external storage is a little frustrating at times as is the inability to reach the mesh water bottle pockets with it on. Another con I found is that the loops on the bottom are too short and spaced too far apart for many things I would want to actually carry under my pack. The hood also fits awkwardly when the main compartment is loaded down. Other than that it is a fantastic pack. I can fit my hubba NX 2 person tent, sleeping bag, and air pad all in the pack along with my stove, food and extra clothes. It is nice to have all your stuff in such a small pack with nothing hanging off of it. It also works great as a day pack when you want to be a little more comfortable and carry a little extra.

I am generally happy with this pack. I have been increasingly conscious of the weight of my backpack and this 2017 Model 48L Exos shaves two pounds plus from my Atmos AG with minimal loss of features. I was reluctant at first to switch because as an old school backpacker the Atmos AG was the most comfortable pack I have ever worn. Other UL range packs seemed to be glorified bookbags with fancy material or nothing more than duffle bags or large dry bags with shoulder straps and a few mesh pouches. This pack is basically a pared down version of the Atmos with a similar suspension and mesh that lets your sweaty back breath and keeps items from pressing on your back. Your shoulders do take more of the weight than the Atmos even with the frame but since you are typically only carrying 25-30 lbs you rarely feel the pull on your shoulders.With the lighter weight you will have to be more careful with the material in the wild, the mesh pocket is great and has great stretch but it is more delicate as a result. Laying the pack on it could tear it if placed on sharp rocks etc. The pack doesnt like to stand on it's own so you need to be mindful when you put it down as to not tear either the mesh pocket or the mesh back panel. The water bottle pockets are great, while worn with the bottle in your right hand, push your slim bottle through the side opening of the mesh pouch on the left side then push upward and it is properly sitting in the bottle pocket. Then you can grab your bottles or replace them without taking off the pack. You will have to take care with the thinner webbing and smaller buckles in places. And the fact that certain things like the armstraps, brain etc, are connected to the pack with short 3mm paracord loops rather than sewn into the pack mean this pack is not meant for rough treatment.The armstrap and hipbelt pockets, color and lighter weight are why I chose to buy this 2017 version at the end of the 2018 summer instead of the current model version. The new 2018 version removes the pockets completely, increases overall weight and changes the colors in a way I didnt care for. I was surprised to see this change. To improve on this pack they should have made it out of waterproof material (xpac or similar,) enlarged the hip belt pockets to accommodate large cellphones, added cinches to the small armstrap pockets, made the brain-less flap removable and possibly added some stretch mesh pockets to the interior.Even with the odd changes and limitations with the new model vs the old, this pack is the most direct value to the dollar out there in the UL game, perhaps a tie with the Gregory Optic. You can pay more for features that suit you better but you will pay disproportionately more in almost every case. The current sub-$200 price range for this pack gives you a great pack with a great warranty.

I switched to this pack from the Osprey Atmos 65 AG because it was smaller and lighter. It is made from high-quality materials and shows top quality workmanship. The straps and the buckles are all small and lightweight yet strong. I think it compares well with other ultralight backpacks even though it's heavier than the lightest packs available. I believe it's a great compromise between the ultralight frameless packs and the heavier sturdier packs available. The net design against your back holds the pack out away from you and lets air circulate behind you as you hike.

I got this for a six day trip up Mt. Whitney this summer -- filled it up and climbed Mt. Diablo as an initial conditioning hike. It was everything I hoped. Super light -- extremely comfortable - in a nine hour hike I took it off just once -- for a short lunch stop -- no stress anywhere.

Have really enjoyed using this rucksack so far.Super light. Amazingly comfortable and nicely adjustable depending on what I want to do.The material feels flimsy but so far it's stood up to everything I've thrown at it so I'm happy!

Good bag but one of the internal zips was faulty, not acceptable at this price couldn't return it as it was a Christmas gift for my son who needed it to go travelling and time was against us. Disappointed that it was faulty.

great bag - got me round SE asia well. very good shape and does not sit on your lower back and the back support thing is beneficial. loads of pockets and compartments. and the lid comes off to reduce size slightly

Great bag as it fits as hand luggage. It comes in a small back size which makes it very comfortable and the straps are very padded. One down side is the lack of smaller pockets but it has 2 in the lid and one on the front. I would recommend.

I ordered the small frame and only realized I had been sent a medium after I took it on a 7 day hike, so pity as the product is good but doesn't fit me.