Features:
• InsideOut Compression.
• Stow-on-the-Go Trekking Pole Attachment.
• Top Pocket Removal.
• S 2600 cubic inches; 43L; 2 lbs. 4 oz.; 1 kg.
• M 2900 cubic inches; 46L; 2 lbs. 5 oz.; 1.05 kg.
• L 3000 cubic inches; 49L; 2 lbs. 7 oz.; 1.10 kg.
Dimensions are shown as length (height) x width x depth.
• In: 27 x 13 x 9.
• Cm: 66 x 33 x 22.8
Support and Cushioning:
- Highly ventilated and supportive Bio Stretch™ harness with mesh covered slotted foam and adjustable sternum strap with whistle.
- Modified Airspeed Suspension along with the highly ventilated and supportive BioStretch Harness and Hipbelt make your treks more comfortable than you though possible
Frame:
- 6061-T6 aluminum frame
Hipbelt:
- Features gender-specific BioStretch™ fixed shoulder harness and hipbelt; mesh-covered, slotted foam saves weight and enhances breathability
- Zippered mesh hipbelt pockets keep small items handy while you hike, perfect for your compass or a tasty energy bar
- 2 zipped hipbelt pockets are perfect for energy bars and small cameras
Pockets:
- Gel pocket on shoulder strap
- Top-loading design features a floating lid pocket; another pocket under the lid further extends your gear storage options
- Unique over-skirt compression strap extends from the front stretch pocket to carry bulky gear
- Top Pocket Removal~Step 1
Lining and Layers:
- ErgoPull hipbelt closure relieves hipbone pressure by spreading the tension along both the top and the bottom of the belt, not in a single line along the middle
Fabric:
- Side stretch woven pockets with inner or outer compression
- Front stretch woven pocket for stashing on-the-go gear
- Features a front pocket with vertical zipper, a stretch-woven front pocket, side mesh pockets and zippered mesh pockets on hipbelt
- Made of 70 denier/100 denier Shadowcheck nylon and 160 denier/210 denier Window Ripstop nylon.
Fit:
- Hydration-compatible design with drinking tube portholes; reservoir (sold separately) fits in cavity behind mesh backpanel
Padding:
- Perforated and slotted foam padding on hipbelt
- Includes adjustable sternum strap and integrated sleeping pad straps
Ventilation:
- Modified AirSpeed suspension combines the rigidity of aluminum stays with a tensioned mesh back panel for effective load transfer and cross ventilation
- Modified Airspeed suspension features an aluminum frame for support and a breathable mesh backpanel with side ventilation for cool comfort
Hydration:
- Hydration compatible backpanel sleeve with external hose routing.
- Hydration sleeve holds your reservoir (sold separately) and H20 icons help route your tube
Webbing:
- Comes with superlight 7mm side compression webbing straps; route the straps over or under side pockets
Suspension:
- Anchored in the lumbar area, the suspension system provides uniform pressure without annoying hot spots
Straps:
- Thin tool loop and bungee tie-off lets you strap on an ice tool
- Ergonomic BioStretch hip-belt and shoulder straps ensure your load rests where it should for max efficiency
Features:
- Reflective detailing to increase your visibility in low light conditions
- Removable floating lid lets you ditch extra weight for summit bids and fast-packing
- 70D x 100D shadowcheck
- Use the minimalist cord tie-off points to add a bungee cord for lashing on extra gear
- InsideOut™ Compression~Step 2
- Stow-on-the-Go™ Trekking Pole Attachment allows you to store your hiking poles out of your way for a moment while scrambling on rocks or taking a picture
- BioStretch hip belt with mesh-covered slotted foam and an ergo pull closure
The Exos 46 is the ultimate thru-hike and super lightweight backpack. The AirSpeed Suspension and side crescent ventilation provide comfort on the trail, and the AirSpeed suspension works in tandem with the supportive and ventilated Bio-Stretch harness and hipbelt for fit and comfort unheard of in a one kilo pack. If you're a lightweight warrior you will be impressed with this feature rich, lightweight pack from Osprey.
The green to yellow zones represent the recommended load range for this pack.
US and International weight and volume specifications
Features:
The Osprey Exos 46 Pack is a great thru hike and lightweight backcountry pack that touts plenty of awesome features to make carrying your load worry-free. Forget about hot spots and a sweaty back thanks to the AirSpeed suspension system, a 3D tensioned mesh backpanel and side crescent ventilation for maximum airflow between your back and your bag. All contact surfaces are made of breathable mesh for comfort. This bag is hydration compatible, with a built-in sleeve to accommodate a 3 liter reservoir. Enjoy the comfort provided by the BioStretch harness and hipbelt, and never experience shifting weight thanks to the internal and external compression components. Store your gear in style and comfort with this pack. The lovely people over at Outside Magazine awarded this pack the Gear of the Year Award in 2009, and I think it's safe to say they know what they're talking about.
With a total focus on super lightweight construction, the award-winning Osprey Exos 46 offers stripped down performance for adventure racing and fast-and-light thru-hikes and weekend trips. Despite weighing less than 2.5 pounds, the Exos 46 comfortably carries up to 30 pounds of gear and clothes!
Designed with Modified Airspeed Suspension with a 3D tensioned, breathable mesh backpanel.
Features a highly ventilated and supportive BioStretch™ harness that is mesh covered slotted foam with an adjustable sternum strap, attached whistle and gel pocket.
The 6061-T6 aluminum frame is super light yet extremely durable.
Super light 7mm webbing side compression to ensure everything remains in place.
Stow-on-the-Go™ trekking pole attachment for easy carrying convenience.
Large front stretch woven pocket.
with an integrated over-skirt compression strap.
The convenient BioStretch™ hip belt is made with mesh covered slotted foam for greater comfort and contains an easily adjustable ErgoPull closure.
Zippered mesh pockets located on the hip belt.
at the bottom of the pack.
Side stretch woven pockets with InsideOut™ compression for water bottles or stashing last minute items.
compatible back panel sleeve with external hose routing guides.
Backpacker Magazine's 2009 Top Ultralight "
According to Outside Magazine's 2009 Buyer's Guide, the ultra lightweight Exos 46 from Osprey stands out among lightweight packs because of its superlight aluminum frame and breezy mesh backpanel. Experience cool comfort with a mesh backpanel and ventilated bio-stretch harness and hipbelt while ample storage and carefully designed pockets provide on-the-go accessibility to your gear.
The Exos 46 from Osprey Packs incorporates a ventilated suspension built for comfort with super light weight. This pack is perfect for everything from super lightweight thru hikes to weekend hikes, with plenty of storage and organization.
Sophisticated in design, the Osprey Exos 46 backpack offers comfort and super light weight without a sacrifice in ventilation. Use it for thru-hikes to weekend hikes.
Imported.
| Access: | Top Loading |
|---|---|
| Activity: | Backpacking |
| Adjustable Torso Length: | No |
| Adjustable torso: | Ultralight backpack |
| Awards: | Past Award Winners |
| Backpack Style: | Multi-Day Pack |
| Capacity: | SM 2600 cu. in. (43L), MD 2800 cu. in. (46L), LG 3000 cu. in. (49L). |
| Carrying Capacity: | Up to 30 lbs. |
| Country of Origin: | Vietnam |
| Detachable Daypack: | No |
| Detachable Lid: | no |
| Detachable Pack: | no |
| Dimension: | (H x W x D) |
| Dimensions: | 28" x 14" x 12" |
| Fabric: | 70D x 100D Shadowcheck, 160 x 210 Window ripstop. |
| Features: | Ultralight, Top Loader |
| Fits Torso: | Medium: 18"-20.5" Large: >20" |
| Fits Waist: | Medium: 30"-34" Large: >33" |
| Fits waist/hips: | Yes |
| Frame Type: | Internal frame |
| Frame material: | 43 liters |
| Gear capacity (L): | Internal |
| Gear capacity (cu. in.): | Internal |
| Helmet Carrier: | no |
| Hydration Bladder Included: | Not Included |
| Hydration Compatible: | yes |
| Ice Axe Loops: | yes |
| Laptop Sleeve: | None |
| Material: | 70D x 100D Shadowcheck/160 x 210 Window Ripstop |
| Maximum Weight: | 30 lbs |
| Number of exterior pockets: | 2,990 cubic inches |
| Number of pockets: | 8 |
| Number of stays: | 46 liters |
| Organization Pocket: | no |
| Pack Fabric (Primary): | 210D x 160D nylon ripstop |
| Pack Size: | 2000-2999 cu in |
| Pack access: | 2,807 cubic inches |
| Pack loading: | 2,624 cubic inches |
| Padded Laptop Compartment: | No |
| Pockets: | 1 front, 2 side mesh, 1 lid, 1 under the lid, 2 hipbelt |
| Primary Access: | Top Access |
| Rain Cover: | no |
| Raincover included: | 2 lbs. 5 oz. |
| Recommended Use: | Ultra-Lightweight Backpacking and Thru-Hiking |
| Reservoir Included: | no |
| Shoulder Straps: | biostretch harness |
| Shovel Pocket: | no |
| Ski / Snowboard Carrier: | no |
| Sleeping bag compartment: | 2 lbs. 4 oz. |
| Sternum Strap: | Yes; Adjustable Position |
| Strap Drop: | 11 1⁄2 in |
| Support / Suspension: | AirSpeed back panel, T-6061 aluminum stays |
| Suspended mesh back panel: | 49 liters |
| Suspension: | Internal Frame |
| Torso Adjustment: | No |
| Torso Length: | Medium - 18"-20.5", Large - <18.5" |
| Trekking Pole Loops: | yes |
| Trip Length: | Weekend (2-3 nights) |
| Type: | Internal Frame Backpack |
| Ultralight: | Internal |
| Volume: | S 2600 cu. in.M 2800 cu. in.L 3000 cu. in. |
| Volume Range: | 46-59 Liters |
| Waist-Belt: | yes, Biostretch |
| Warranty: | Lifetime |
| Weight: | SM 2 lbs. 3 oz. (1010g), MD 2 lbs. 5 oz. (1050g), LG 2 lbs. 1 oz. (1100g). |
| Weight - metric: | Ultralight backpack |
| Weight Capacity: | Up to 30 lb. |
Subcategories of Backpacks, Daypacks & Bags:
Related Categories:
- Osprey Backpacks, Daypacks & Bags
- Backpacks, Daypacks & Bags
- Everything from Osprey.
Osprey Exos 46 Reviews:
Positive Reviews:
JUST what you need, nothing less.
This pack is a perfect combination of weight, size, and functionality for a minimalist backpacker. My goal was to pack intelligently enough to be able to survive a week out of this thing, and that I did.
First thing you'll notice is this thing isn't decked out with tons of fancy features. And you'll be glad it isn't. They are simply unnecessary! The design of the bag is so good that whatever 'luxuries' you think this pack lacks, make up in proper fit and simplicity. I tried lots of other backpacks, including the heavy dutier line of Osprey packs, and despite them having an outrageous amount of additional padding, none were simply as comfortable as this pack. The suspension works great, and distributes weight as it should among hips/shoulders. The airspeed mesh design works amazing as always. (I've owned another Osprey pack with it)
I took this backpacking for a week in hawaii, and didn't have any issues. I got rained on a good amount, and didn't even take out my rainfly because it was simply unnecessary. I was REALLY impressed when one day I had to forge a stream 60ft wide almost chest deep. I thought my tent/gear was gonna be all wet (luckily had sleeping stuff in dry sack), but to my suprise nothing was wet at all! This thing was dunked in water halfway for over a minute and my gear was barely damp. I guess that's what you get for not having tons of zippers/sleeping bag compartments on your bag.
At one point I hiked about 12 miles a day for 3 days, with about a 24-28lb load, and everytime I woke up my shoulders/traps barely felt sore from the day before, as it should! I looked forward to every day of hiking, and not dreading body pains instead.
Only thing I could really mention is you can't overstuff the hip pockets because of the minimal padding. Whatever is in there will dig into your hips if they are.
Also, a big reason why I chose this size is because it is carry-on approved, technically. It is just shy of the 45 linear inch rule on most airlines, and fit into the overhead bins without a problem, even when packed to the MAX. Airline employee's would glance at it, and let me through. If they ever questioned it, I simply challenge them to measure it and they just let me through. Note that this would probably not appply to the largest size of this pack.
So if you're thinking about this pack, go try it on, if it fits your anatomy well, you'll love it. Simple as that. Happy trails!
Solid and Awesome!
Like other people, I have been waiting for the perfect pack that is lightweight, and full featured. If you have a look around the ultralight backpacking scene it can be a little daunting. Cutting straps, counting ounces, and getting it down to the purest elements of what you need can add up to a lot at once. Going light is absolutely the way to go, but getting there takes some time, and you want to make sure you do it safely without jumping into gear that is too flimsy and will let you down when you eventually add a few extra things at the last minute.
This pack is pretty bare bones, when you look at the fine features. They have cut weight everywhere...little compression straps, minimal hip belt, lots of mesh, and little buckles...but they are the experts and all those little things mean a really light pack, that has most of what the others have.
I used to have an old Gregory that was like 5 pounds, and by switching to this, It's like throwing in the sleeping bag, and pad at no extra weight cost.
There is lots of nooks and crannies to organize and keep gear where you want, it has a frame for support, and it's just made well and has everything I need. When I first used it, I kept saying "Damn...this thing is great"
I'm super happy with this purchase.
For sizing...I"m 5'11 about 165lbs and got a medium and it fits. I can fit all the gear for 2-3 days very easily and keep my gear to the "lightweight" league, nothing too crazy. I managed to fit a bag, pad, tent (sierra designs lightning with fly) cookware, stove, clothes, food, water, bear hang, first aid, you name it, it fit in there.
Amazing Pack for the Weight
One caveat with the frame is that it was much more rigid than other osprey packs with which I was familiar. This pack might restrict movement too much for activities like rock climbing, however, a backpacker or hiker should be fine.
Only other aspects which I would like improved is more room in the side pockets. Its not so much lack of room as much as they are very tight. I can get a nalgene very easily (one handed without looking) in the angled opening but platypus bottles and other items require a little more effort and top loading. Also, the strap for the hip belts are very long. They hang down almost to my knees and I am not a bean pole I am ~36 in. waist.
Its a great lightweight pack with alot of features you don't get in packs this light. It also seems to be a very efficient packer, I can't believe it is only 46L in the main pocket, it feels like more. Doesn't SEEM delicate, but don't want to comment on the durability until I use it more. I am a 23" torso and feel I am at the limit for this pack. I'd very much like to give it 5 stars, but there's no such thing as a perfect pack...
Strong Piece - Try it On for Fit
I can say that my approach is right between minimalist and comfortable camping, leaning to minimalist. For me the max capacity is about three days worth of gear/food (~32-35 lbs). Though that exceeds Osprey's recommended upper limit, I believe the pack handles that load fine. Great pack for me as I will rarely go on longer than 3 day trips and will use it for its sweet spot overnighter with two long days. I can easily see using this for long day hikes too.
I can't emphasize enough the importance of trying on this pack. It is not highly adjustable and relies on a relatively close match to the wearer's contour to achieve successful weight transfer. Medium fits my broad back, shoulders and waist and long torso.
A couple niceties-
-The type and size of the pockets are nice for me and helpful for organizing.
-The breathable back-panel makes it super comfortable in reducing overheating on the back.
-Appears durable
A couple downsides-
-While the belt is effective, it's not the most confidence inspiring. I would like to see the width of the belt straps a taste wider. (Maybe because I load a bit more.)
-The side mesh pockets are stretchy but just large enough to fit a standard water bottle when the pack is full.
Thus far I have used this on a few three-day backpacking trips in the Rocky Moutains of Colorado. Overall I find this to be a very good balance between light-weight and comfortable carrying capacity.
I can say that my approach is right between minimalist and comfortable camping, leaning to minimalist. For me the max capacity is about three days worth of gear/food (~32-35 lbs). Though that exceeds Osprey's recommended upper limit, I believe the pack handles that load fine. Great pack for me as I will rarely go on longer than 3 day trips and will use it for its sweet spot overnighter with two long days. I can easily see using this for long day hikes too.
I can't emphasize enough the importance of trying on this pack. It is not highly adjustable and relies on a relatively close match to the wearer's contour to achieve successful weight transfer. Medium fits my broad back, shoulders and waist and long torso.
A couple niceties-
-The type and size of the pockets are nice for me and helpful for organizing.
-The breathable back-panel makes it super comfortable in reducing overheating on the back.
-Appears durable
A couple downsides-
-While the belt is effective, it's not the most confidence inspiring. I would like to see the width of the belt straps a taste wider. (Maybe because I load a bit more.)
-The side mesh pockets are stretchy but just large enough to fit a standard water bottle when the pack is full.
This pack rules!
The REI pack was 3.5 lbs and I definitely didn't want to go heavier. I wanted a full upgrade. I found this pack which is a pound lighter and insanely comfortable. Since the large is 49 liters and I was used to 65, I immediately wondered if this was going to be big enough. The Osprey is so adjustable that I had no problems fitting in everything I would usually take with me.
After a three day backpack, I could not have been happier. I only have two minor complaints-- it squeaks and creaks a little bit at first. Either that went away or I stopped noticing it. The other is the side pockets. They look like you could fit a water bottle in them but once you're loaded up-- no way! I found, though, that with the side straps the pocket are perfect to carry my tent poles and sleeping pad on the outside.
I also wish it came with a rain cover. Either way, this pack is amazing.
I love this pack!
"How you use the product"
I have used this pack for hikes varying from 1-4 nights. I have about 60 or more trail miles with it.
"Things that are great about it"
Alot. It really is light (I have the Large). And it still has all the benefits of a frame: weight transfer to the hip harness and ease of packing.
Someone really thought ALOT about design: 5 different compartments in the main pack (more than other minimalist packs I considered), great exterior gear tie points and cords, magnificent water bottle pouch design (this is where someone really thought - it is wonderful to easily get and stow bottles without taking the pack off or loosening anything, the bottles are held tight and vertical, so there is minimal or no sloshing in less than full bottles), the pouches and gear points on the straps are large and strong. I can forget I have it on with weights of 23 lbs or less. The shoulder straps and hip belt are light but very comfortable, same with the webbing on the frame.
"Things that aren't so great about it"
Nothing comes to mind. I just used it yesterday, in the rain, and nothing bad comes to mind, just how much I really like this pack.
So light. Is it still on my back?
Best Ultralight pack with a Frame.
This pack has the perfect combination of capacity , durability and weight. The suspension back panel is the most comfortable I have ever used and it doesn't take up as much internal room as the Atmos series.
As far as the reviewer from Southern Ohio? He lists himself as a casual adventurer, and it shows. 10 whole miles, wow. I can get 3-5 days on my 46 and that is including food and water (plus trail water), for under 20 lbs (Heck my Skin-out weight is less than 25lbs). And no, this is not an external frame. Having tried externals in my younger days, as well as all manner of internal and frameless packs I can assure you he doesn't know what he is talking about. Packed properly you can't even feel this pack on your back, so yes, it does move with you naturally.
Excellent Pack
The pack is lightweight and deceptively voluminous. I was able to stash a ton of stuff with plenty of room to spare. Lots of different compartments with well thought-out access. The mesh bottle holders on the sides are a bit too far back and high for me to reach without taking off the pack, but that might be my own fault for getting a small instead of a larger size. The front hip pockets are great for chapstick and other knicknacks.
I worry a bit about the exterior material ripping or getting scuffed up if I set the pack down carelessly, but after this trip, there was no damage at all.
My experience so far has been great. This is one of those items that if you treat it well, you'll have it for 10-20 years. I don't regret my purchase at all.
Negative Reviews:
Works if you're skinny
Neutral Reviews:
When I read about this pack I was amazed. The weight, the features, the fact that it was listed in NatGeos Adventure gear of the year 2009âWhat more could anyone ask for? The pack has been lauded by one and all at only 1lb14oz it was supposed to compete with some of the best frameless packs. When I research gear I put the same amount of effort into it as a heart patient trying to figure out the best possible hospital for a heart transplant. I must have studied every angle of the pack and admired the youtube marketing video put out by Osprey more times than Iâd like to admit. Plus Osprey is a great company with a wonderful reputation standing firmly behind each and every pack they make. Researching the Exos 46 I noticed a difference in the weight posted on Ospreys site it was now 2lb 5oz for a Med. Exos 46, so I immediately called osprey to investigate and it turns out the weight of the pack changed in production â and it is 7oz heavier, the newly listed weight is in fact correct. I forgave the discrepancy since After all my research I was convinced my 1 year old model of the Gregory Z55 had become yesterdays news and needed to go. I didnât care that it served me well in the wilds of Wyoming - NatGeo picked a new golden child and the EXOs 46 was going to be mine. After deciding that the 46 would suit my sub 10lb base needs I ordered it in Med. â I was on the border of sizes so I went with the pack that would weigh less. The pack arrived from backcountry and regardless of how many packages I get from BC itâs always like Christmas in my house when they arrive. I took out the pack marveled at the pockets, the straps, and the brilliant ingenuity. This was certain to be the Lexus of backpacks. Deep down I marveled since I was about to become the envy of every backpacker on the Appalachian Trail.
After my extended excitement it was time to load the pack. My goal was to place a reasonable burden of weight in it to see how it feels and performs. I loaded it with approximately 25lbs of gear, and excitedly strapped the Exos pack to my back. In short order I began to feel a hot spot on my shoulder â Is this a consequence of age? Had I aged that much since last fall? I must have tried adjusting the straps every way possible for at least 45 minutes. Surely this canât be right this is the must have highly acclaimed pack, this pack sells out and fast! Everyone canât be wrong, can they? Finally I began to accept and realize that if this pack caused pressure points in my home it would be a disaster one hundred miles from nowhere. The only logical conclusion was that I had obviously ordered the wrong size â OF COURSE! The pack I need is a large, how could the brilliant folks at NatGEO be wrong â after all my Z55 had been the very essence of comfort. I am sure many are asking why I decided to get a new pack â well the logical reason is my wish to further cut down on weight. Going UL for me is not a religion as it is for other fanatics â itâs a matter of convenience and comfort. I enjoy being able to bend down on and off trail, I love the ability to jump over obstacles, and run through streams â the less weight the more nimble I am. This all equals more comfort and joy when out and about. So I ordered the large. It came today. I noticed the same hotspots where the shoulder straps dug into my skinny frame, plus the pack does not hug the body. I tested it on my steep stairs and the pack bounces no matter how tight I make it, plus the more I tightened it the more the straps dug into my shoulder. Finally compared to the z55 less of the weight was transferred to a profoundly less beefy waist strap, causing my back to literally shoulder more of the burden. I really wanted this pack to work, but sadly the comfort is just not there for me. So I unloaded the Exos 46 and transferred all the contents to my Gregory Z55, I needed to see if my body and not the pack had let me down. So I removed the lid on the Z55 and packed it with the same weight plus I will trim all the straps to the bare minimum this season. Sure it weighs a bit more â but the goal for this hiker is and always will be maximum comfort while hiking. Iâm sure you all know what comes next â the Z55 was a delight just as it was last year. Also I have seen it come up a few times on SAC for like $100 or less and as far as this hiker is concerned itâs a steal.
Hereâs my point â donât fall into the trap we are all so guilty of. If it works you donât need to fix it. Similarly I have been debating buying the lauded NEOAIR we are all aware of the space station technology involved with it that people talk about. I was considering the NEO while Ignoring that I sleep perfectly sound on my Big Agnes Aircore size small at 16oz - it has always completely covered this side sleeper. I went to my local camping store to marvel the NEOAIR in an instant a salesman sensing my desperation for newer and better was hovering over me as I felt the material. I couldnât help but notice that I would be far more comfortable relying on the BA Air Core since the material is strikingly more rugged. Does the NEOAIR have a true 2.5r rating like the salesman was touting to me â I donât know â but then again I doubt most people can even define what an R rating is exactly. I slept warm and like a baby on my BA AirCore in 35 degrees plus it never busted or deflated, and it is easy to fill and only cost me around 40 bucks what more could I ask for?
I feel like my rating is generous since for me the pack is not adequate, only I am sure there are others who will not notice the same degree of discomfort. As far as backcountry is concerned they get five stars from this writer always.
Everything old is new again
The packbag itself is very nicely done, with 3 outside pockets plus a lid; the "inside-outside" compression strap allows you to run them inside the side pocket, or across the top of the side pocket as you prefer. I always found it very handy to use the long front pocket for storing my tent and tent poles; it was perfect for a Big Agnes Fly Creek or Seedhouse solo tent; not so much for a Copper Spur 1. I didn't have to open my main pack to set up camp in the rain.
So why didn't I like it? Because, as I soon figured out, this isn't an internal frame pack. It's a high-tech makeover of an external frame pack, but it's still an external frame pack, with all the limitations of that design. As a result, you still get a slight bounce in the load as you walk, and it tends to move opposite the way you turn (unlike an internal frame, that moves with you.) The suspension didn't impress me. The shoulder straps were fine, and it does have load lifters. However, the hip belt does not wrap all the way around you; instead, there is a section of hipbelt sewn to each side of the frame. The mesh back panel (the "trampoline") is supposed to provide the rest of the wrap.
That doesn't work any better now than it did when I put webbing straps on each side of my old American Camper external-frame pack in 1980. Despite the load lifters, I could never get the Exos "hipbelt" to support a 20 - 25 pound load adequately. No matter how tightly I pulled the belt, after a mile or so, the load settled onto my shoulders and stayed there; my shoulders always were sore after I carried the pack. I thought it might be that the hipbelt was just a little too lightly constructed. So, I tried an Atmos 50 on a 3 mile hike; it has the same general design, but thicker, stiffer shoulder straps and hipbelt material. It didn't make any difference, the load still ended up on my shoulders. (Also consistent with my e-frame days: those "split" belts never carried a load as well as the full-wrap belts I eventually discovered on a succession of Camp Trails packs.)
Let me be clear: I'm not trashing the quality of the Exos pack (or the Atmos, for that matter.) It is a high-quality, well-made, creatively re-designed external frame pack, and it does have a lot going for it. However, you have to clearly understand that you're getting an external frame pack; you can't expect it to perform like an internal-frame pack.
Good, but needs a real hipbelt
Along with some shorter trips, I hiked across Kodiak Island with the Exos 58. It was 60 miles with no trails, 20k feet of climbing, rugged mountains, alpine ridges, and dense brush. Typical coastal Alaska. The Exos did pretty well at first, but the limp hipbelt did not keep the pack riding up on my back consistently. The trampoline back panel has a tiny bit of give so with each step the pack would slouch down lower and lower until my shoulders were carrying more and more of the ~35 pound load. This would happen slowly and incrementally so I would not notice until I got a nerve/muscle twinge in my trapezius or lower neck. I could over-tighten the hip belt until it was constricting my waist to reduce this pack creep, but that just led to sore hips and iliac crest bruising. By the end of the trip my shoulders were not happy from carrying the sagging load, and my hips were not happy from being cinched down on so tight. Maybe I just need to be more pair-shaped (I'm 5'11", 190# with a 34" waist). The aluminum tube that runs the perimeter of the back panel also contacted the bottom of my back below the lumbar area. A grippy-material lumbar pad would solve a lot of this pack's issues, along with a slightly more structural hipbelt. The mesh material on the backpanel wings on either side of the hipbelt also started to chafe through where it rubbed on the hipbelt pockets. The Atmos uses solid nylon here and would be less likely to wear out.
Part of my problem is probably that the frame on the large Exos is pretty short, so the pack does not have to slip far down before the load lifters on the shoulder straps become useless. Being less than 6' tall and with a normal length torso for my height, I was dismayed at how little good the load lifter straps did me.
I have been testing the Exos 46 this fall to see if it would work better for me than the 58. I have done about 40 miles so far carrying 30 pounds in the pack and it exhibits all the undesirable characteristics that the 58 did. Not surprising since they share the same design.
The rest of the pack is great. Lots of useful pockets, reasonably easy to load (aside from the back panel intruding deeply into the main compartment, making bulky items hard to get down to the bottom of the pack), amazingly light for a framed pack, and most of the harness is super comfy. The short torso length and dishrag of a hipbelt are deal breakers though. This may fit lots of people well, but it just doesn't work for me.
Initally bought the smaller volume for light overnight canyon hiking in Grand Canyon. Got the size bigger to accomodate extra food and water. On the first trip out, I broke the stow-on-the-go trekking pole strap - since retied and good as new - and also broke one of the plastic compression cord buckles. I also noticed that one of the other buckles was definately stressed. Second trip into the Canyon, and I popped a seam on the inner pocket, the one accessed by zipper. All in all, I think its a good pack for the weight but not super durable. Having used it several times, I really like the ventilated back feature which also provides nice suspension and cushioning, but the pack definately will not withstand any abuse. I'm constantly worried about something failing on account of weight savings subtracting from component strength. I'll let you know if I ultimately keep it or trade for a more durable cousin. stay tuned...
Amazing pack, and all of the straps are excessively long and can be trimmed to normal lenghts for more weight saving. I really wanted this to work. Loaded it up with 25#, and it's like the hip belt would rotate down in the back, and I would end up with more weight than I wanted on my shoulders. The vented backpanel was great in the desert at Guadelupe Mountains NP, but I kept tightening the hip belt to try to get it to work, and it felt like the 1/2" strap would cut me in half. Maybe it's just my build, a buddy tells me it works great for him.
