Osprey Exos 58

I've hiked four segments (3-7) of the Colorado Trail on this pack now and I feel I've got enough experience with it to write a review. I'm coming from an Osprey Aether 70 pack. Mainly because my backpacking goals have shifted to distance/ultralight hiking vs casual weekends.

I will be up front and say I started with loads around 35 pounds and just finished a trek at 25 pounds. That's loaded weight (water, food, fuel, gear). In my opinion this pack does NOT handle loads above 30 pounds well and is really best suited for loads under 25 pounds if you want it to be comfortable and perform well.

That said I feel there are a three key elements to a good pack: comfort, durability, and function.

Comfort comprises suspension and padding. This pack is minimal on both. The straps are comprised of open cell foam padding to reduce weight. They are comfortable at lighter loads but can wear on you at heavier loads.

The suspension is a fixed point belt, affixed to a wire outer frame, and fixed shoulder straps at the to of the frame. Once nice thing is the frame is curved to allow for a raised breathing area on your back. The fixed suspension causes this pack to ride a little differently than you might expect as your weight tends to follow your body a lot closer than a floating suspension. At light loads this isn't a big deal but if you overload this pack it will be a problem as the weight will continually throw you off balance.

One other thing about the suspension. To reduce weight Osprey moved to significantly smaller webbing. The smaller webbing doesn't maintain tension as well as the wider webbing you find on most other straps I found that the belt in particular tends to loosen over time and you need to constantly make adjustments. Again a lighter load helps but even at 25 pounds I'm still adjusting.

In the durability department this pack is designed to be light which also means lightweight and less durable materials. While this pack is delicate I think Osprey did a nice job balancing materials and strength. You need to be extra aware not to throw this pack down or scrape it on trees/rocks/etc. On the plus side there are relatively few zippers and other things that can fail so if you're careful and respectful this pack should last a long time.

Lastly function. To reduce weight Osprey dropped a lot of zippers and pockets to shave weight. However they maintained a top flap with a mesh pocket and top loading zipper. They also kept two external long pockets and a stuff pocket. I'm debating cutting the top flap and pockets off completely to shave more weight.

I find I can fit my bivy and sleeping pad in one of the long external pockets and my rain gear, first aid kit, and toilet gear in the other pocket. Leaving the main compartment for sleeping bag, food, and a stuff sack with "10 essentials" stuff. With 3 days of food I had plenty of room for another 5 days of food without over stuffing. If I crammed I bet I could make a 10 day trip on this pack.

There are also two mesh belt pockets that are a nice touch. I stuff my camera in one and sun screen etc in the other. They are too small to fit most snack bars (unless you munge them). Which is too bad.

And one final note on luxury items. I don't always bring trekking poles but when I do I love the Osprey "shoulder strap holster" setup that allows you to sling your poles off your shoulder strap for easy access. I like to use my trekking poles on serious uphill/downhill but generally prefer to keep my hands free to bust out the camera.

One negative on function - the water bladder ports are too small! I really have to work to get my bite valve through the hole! It works but is annoyingly slow to work through.

Overall this is a fantastic lightweight backpacker pack off the shelf.

Final thoughts.

Osprey put enough webbing material on this for a 500 pound guy and king size gear. I'm about to take a knife to all the extra webbing I'm not using. I bet I lose a quarter pound in excess webbing alone.

If I choose to lose the top flap I bet I could lose another half pound (requiring some waterproofing of the closure). Bringing this into a really sweet ultralight pack range.

I give a guarded recommendation for this pack to a friend. The friend would have to be lightweight minded. This pack isn't meant for heavy loads!

I just got back from my first backpacking trip using my Exos 58. It was a five day trip on the High Divide Loop in the Olympic National Park. Started the hike with about 34 lbs and the pack performed beautifully the whole way. In 2004, I switched out much of my gear to greatly reduce weight. I bought a Go-Lite Trek pack and have used it since with great success for a bunch of multi-day trips and overnights. It's 4000 cubic inches and weighs just 2 lbs! My only gripe was that the simple waist belt was not as effective in transferring the load to my hips as I would like. I've been watching with disappointment for the past six years as no pack manufacturers seemed to be making any serious effort to come up with a pack as light and well designed as the Go-Lite but with a better belt. It amazes me that so many packs in the 3500-400 cubic inch range still weigh 4-5 lbs (or more). There's just no excuse for that anymore IMHO. The Exos was the first pack I'd seen that looked like it might be a viable candidate to replace my Trek. I bought the Medium which weighs 2 and a half lbs. I'm 5' 9'', and 160 lbs and it fits me just fine. The waist belt actually works great for me in putting the load on my hips and off my shoulders. I like the simple design of the bag. The shape and dimensions make for very efficient packing. It holds a bear cannister horizontally perfectly. The mesh pockets on the sides that allow you to easily get your water bottles and put them back without removing the pack are an excellent feature. It has two ice axe loops and lots of lashing points. The mesh back panel gives good air flow to your back. I disagree with the reviewer that says the pack is actually an external frame pack with the associated problems. I used external frame packs for many years and this pack behaves like an internal frame pack in my hands. I would have no problem taking this pack off trail. I think its very important to get the correct size to fit your torso length for this pack to work. Get some help determining the correct one for you before buying one. Only concern I have is how durable the attachment points for the small width compression straps and the small waist belt buckle will be in the long run. Otherwise, it's a keeper.

I've not done backpacking trips before, so my past experience is limited to military issue packs in the Marines and working with the Boy Scouts. Last August I hiked to the Phantom Ranch in the Grand Canyon and purchased Osprey Exos 58 for the trip. The shoulder straps were much more comfortable that I've been used to with previous packs. For my four day trip, the size of this pack was more than sufficient. (Admittedly, I sent heavy or bulky items via pack mule) Space and access for packing was quite satisfactory. There are pros and cons to the external frame. The design integrated an open mesh material against my back that offered great ventilation in the 120 degree heat. However, the top of the frame tended to push my neck forward so I walked leaning forward. Actually, going uphill, this was not really a drawback as I tended to lean into the claim, anyway. Going down or on level terrain is was a bit awkward. The mesh side pouches on the outside of the pack were a bit confusing. They had lots of space, but I couldn't figure out how to effectively close the side access openings. Smaller items tended to slip out if not situated carefully in the pouches. While I didn't experience any problems with the plastic snap buckles on the pack closures, they seemed a little flimsy to me. I may be wrong, but those buckles don't look like they will hold up to extended, rought use. I'm used to metal buckles, so maybe I just haven't caught up with current technology. The small pouches on the hip belt were convienent for trail snacks, sun block, and such. I'm not used to a chest strap and didn't care for the position of that strap on this pack. To me, it felt too high and a bit too narrow for comfort. Maybe it just takes getting used to. I didn't notice a great deal of difference in the way the pack rode on my shoulders when I left the chest strap unbuckled. Overall, this pack was far more comfortable than the military issue packs I've used in the past. For my purpose of steep climbing in and out of the Grand Canyon in 100 degree plus temperatures, this pack worked out even better than I had hoped. I doubt that this pack would be sufficient for large loads that would be required for colder weather or long duration treks, but for light to medium loads I wouldn't hesitate to use it.

This pack is perfect if you have the self control and the right gear to be able to use it correctly. It definetly is not designed for heavy loads. However, if you have invested in other light weight gear, then this bag will fit your needs great for hikes ranging from overnighters to trips well over a week in length.

I have had this pack in the snow, in the rain, while climbing, off trail hiking, and on extended backpacking trips and have not yet had a single problem with it. No tears, loose seams, etc.

In regards to the pocket design and layout: Alot of people have complained about the side pockets being constricted once the pack is full. I have never had that issue. Also important to realize is the function these pockets are designed for: to hold small essential pieces of gear. I fit my pack raincover in there, a small plastic camp shovel, tissues, a small rope, etc. Even some extra clothes and gloves, all without a problem and also with the pack fully loaded on the inside. One feature that I particularly liked about the backpack is the elastic stretch pocket on the outside of the main pocket. The reason for this is that I was easily able to store my gloves and hat in there in winter camping, and snacks and other small items that you don't want to necessarily spend the time digging in the main part of the pack for.

Alot of people have also complained about the fit of the waist belt. I am 5' 7", skinny and have a small waist (30 in) and the M size of the pack fit me great. You do want to try it on in the store before getting it though, to make sure you don't have an issue with the sizing.

All in all, I love this pack. Its everything I need in a backpack, and if you use it correctly and get the right size, you will be equally impressed.

For myself the Exos is just the right combination of comfort, convenience and weight saving. My typical setup includes a bear canister, hubba hubba tent, down bag, water filter and bladder, pocket rocket or alcohol stove, titanium pot and thermarest neo-air trekker in Long along with a few lbs of miscellaneous safety and comfort gear. This puts me in the "lightweight" category which would make most backpacks overkill in the load carrying department. The Exos is remarkably light for how engineered it is. The aluminum tube frame stretches the breathable mesh back panel tight against your back providing a surprisingly rigid transfer to your hips. The pack has all the important features lacking in the granite gear vapor trail like top lid and hip belt pockets, and stays practically the same weight. The padding is not thick and cushy, however it does provide adequate support. This is not to say it is the most comfortable pack I have used, but it certainly wasn't uncomfortable. Other reviewers have reported carrying 40+ lbs, but personally I would be hesitant to go too much higher than 30-35 lbs. expect some shoulder tenderness throughout the day. Unlike many other packs I have tried, my lower and mid back never get sore from the exos. I am a big fan of the suspension style utilized. I believe the load feels more balanced and stable compared with single, centered aluminum stays. I don't believe their is another pack on the market with comparable breath ability. I should also comment on the quality of the construction with great attention to detail throughout. If you don't abuse the pack, it should last a lifetime. Osprey also offers a lifetime fix or replace guarantee so you shouldn't have to worry about your investment. I only wish REI would carry this pack in more stores, so people could get the chance to try it. With the advances in technology allowing outdoor enthusiasts to push the limit on weight savings, this pack is the perfect partner to your lightweight setup.

I just returned from a 7-day trip to the Wind Rivers which was a try-out trip for the Osprey Exos 58. I was carrying 31 lb including a 10L Bear Vault. I'm 60ish with a semi-bad back and use trekking poles, so suspension and close-ride mean a lot to me. This is a great pack.

At this weight, the hip belt and shoulder system work very well. I'm used to a full frame pack riding on my hips, so it was good news to me that distributing more load to the shoulders and the trekking poles is a better alternative. Getting the right pack (torso) size and adjusting the shoulder strap lifters are key.

I was amazed that the Exos 58 could handle the big Bear Vault both vertically (my preference) and horizontally. The 8.5" diameter of the Bear Vault means that the load hangs out further than I like, but the suspension handled it well.

I also really like the built-in straps for cinching down the pack (we used the Exos for a very comfortable four-person day pack)and for eliminating the need for extra straps. The belt pockets were perfect for a bottle of DEET and a small camera+GPS device (Android phone).

I only give the Exos a four out of five for two reasons. 1) The belt closure is a bit undersized. It popped open twice when I bent over and I only have a 32" waist. 2) The "simple sack" design means that you have to unload everything to put a sleeping bag in the bottom. In my opinion this is essential so that you can get the load high on the shoulders and to have ready access to items you need during the day. In a downpour, you risk getting everything wet. A simple bottom partition would solve this and would eliminate the need for a sleeping bag stuff sack.

Well done, Osprey!

I bought this pack after careful deliberation between this and the Atmos. Osprey packs have been my favorite since I burrowed my dad's Aether and conveniently forgot to return it. I had been wanting to switch to a lighter pack, but was worried about the capabilities of these ultralight packs. With all gear, fit is everything, so that is why I went with the Exos. It just seemed to fit better.
I really like all the features of this pack. It is fully adjustable and has A LOT more storage space than I could've imagined. Smell people find the top loading only main compartment a pain, but I always use a contractor bag as a liner, so even if I had a bottom access zipper (like my Aether) I wouldn't use it anyway.
In regards to all the comments about this pack not being able to handle heavy loads, I don't find that to be true at all. I loaded the pack up with 44 LBS of gear/food/water and it handled it like a champ. It stayed on my hips all day and didn't make any indication of being overstressed.
This pack is very breathable (though maybe too breathable on a windy ridge?) and I love the way it still conforms to your body. I do agree that the hip belt's buckle is too small, but I overlooked this because i didn't have any trouble with it and I'm altering it to have a wider webbing/ buckle anyway.
So far I am glad with the purchase and it has held up beautifully. However, I will be bringing this on an AT thruhike, so the real test will begin this April. (Look for an updated review in september.)
The only negative about this purchase, was that I wasn't able to get any money towards my REI dividend with it since I bought it on sale. Oh well.

I bought this pack recently for a trip to the Maroon Bells/Snowmass Wilderness. This pack performed admirably and satisfied my need for a pack capable of carrying 4+ days worth of food and gear, be light and comfortable. I tried on many packs (Gregory Z55, Granite Gear Nimbus Meridian, Osprey Atmos 55, 65 and the Osprey Aether 60) and all fell short on comfort to me. Bigger and more padded straps just do not feel comfortable on my frame. The thin and airy pads on the Exos were just the thing. They breathe well and stretch to give some suspension in the straps themselves. The suspension is awesome and manages to keep me cool, not dry because I am a sweaty monster, even when on a long uphill slog. I am impressed with the amount of features on such a light pack and will be selling my smaller Osprey Stratos 36 because it weighs more than my new Exos 58 and my new Exos can compress down to the same size when not full. Also, I weighed my pack before the trip with all my food and gear with 1.5L of water and it came in around 26lbs total. I was pleased with the way it felt, or did not feel for that matter. Once on my back and hips I would feel unencumbered.

All in all I would not hesitate to recommend this pack to anyone unless they are exceptionally hard on gear because I do feel it might be a bit more delicate in the long run, but I do not baby my gear and its no worse for the wear so far. I also treat lightweight gear like it is more delicate and tend to get a lot more mileage out of gossamer equipment then most.

I've had this pack for 1 1/2 years now and absolutely love it. It has performed well on day, overnight, and multi-day hikes. In August 2011 my wife and I hiked the Haute Route (Chamonix, France to Zermatt, Switzerland) and this pack cleared any doubts I may have had about its ability to perform on a 2 week hike. During the two weeks we were on the trail I was carrying on avg about 30 lbs (give or take a few lbs depending on the day). There were a few days I was carrying close to 50 lbs. I'm not going blow smoke; this pack is not meant to carry heavy loads for long periods. There were several days my shoulders would ache a little from the more narrow shoulder padding but for me that's a good trade-off for having an ultra-light pack. Construction wise, we were going through rugged terrain on a daily basis and the pack held up to everything thrown at it.

When carrying about 20lbs this pack is amazing and you will barely even notice that it's on your back.

The bottom line is that this pack has taken me through about every type of terrain you can imagine and held up very well. You can nitpick any pack and come up with faults. If you're that type of person you will probably never find the "perfect" pack. This is not the perfect pack for every situation but I believe it to be one of the most versatile packs I've owned. I'm looking forward to seeing how much more I can put it through. :)