Osprey Exos 58 Backpack

I backpack a lot, mainly training hikes, but often I carry a pack 3-5 times a week and really like my Exos 58.  My expedition pack is an Exo Mountain Gear but I wanted a lighter option.  I went through several lightweight packs before I settled on this one.  It was not love at first sight, but I learned to love this pack.  The weight is great and the comfort/fit is good. I like the vented space between my back and the pack, sometimes on hot days I think water is leaking because it is so cool. The weight carrying capacity is better than expected. I can comfortably carry 30 pounds with good adjustments, 40 is really pushing it. The dual entry side pockets seem like a gimmick, until you use the front entry to retrieve and stow a water bottle. Capacity is generous though I am not a fan of the dual material on the large front pocket.  

At the time of this review I have used this pack hard for close to 4 years and over 500 miles and found some downsides.  The zipper on the lid can and will jam if you are not careful, the material that lays over the zipper gets zipped up if you are not careful and I had to make a small slit once to release the zipper.  The adjustment straps are a little small and hard to manipulate with cold hands, the compression system is confusing and confounding until you work it all out so plan on learning it not just using it. It is not fair to compare it to another pack that costs over three times as much but the Exo Mountain Gear compression system is so simple and much more effective. There are no belt pockets, which I knew going in and I've adjusted to that as well, but keep in mind that they are not there and are not available from Osprey as add on accessories. Another thing that will not be of concern to most but causes issues for me is the belt design. It has decent padding for the hips but a very thin belt. I sometimes backpack in areas where I feel safer carrying a sidearm. There is no good way to attach a paddle or belt holster to the hipbelt or padded side and I struggled with that until deciding to purchase a shoulder holster which negated much of the comfort and weight savings compared to my other packs. Those are minor gripes compared to the features this pack offers.  

I just came back from a hike in the Rockies with the pack filled to the top with food, camping and comfort items and was overall very pleased with it. If you purchase this pack make sure you are measured as you'll likely need a longer torso size than you expect.  This is a great pack that will serve you well!