Bugtent Outside, nice review, well done. Thru-hiked the AT in 2019, flip flop (HF-GA, HF-ME). Carried my Opsrey Atmos 65 pack for the first half (had it for about three years), and I wanted to save a few pounds (I’m not UL backpacker, but lessening the load makes for a happier hiker!). Saw many Osprey Exos packs on the trail and I talked to many about the pack, so I decided to try the Exos for the second half of my hike. Was very happy with it. It carried well, I normally had about 30-35 pounds in it with everything. Left the brain/lid on (removed it from the Atmos to save some weight), taking it off the Exos would save four ounces but I liked having it (and the mesh pocket on the inside). After the big, beefy, and comfy Atmos, I was skeptical that the Exos would work for me, but it did well. I was not happy about the hip belt pockets that were removed, but they were pretty small as I saw on the trail with the older models that still had them. To compensate, I got a fanny pack that I looped through the hip belt straps once I put the pack on, and quite honestly, I loved the fanny pack with its easy access. I had the 58L model, and I always put everything inside my pack aside from the three things I always put in the mesh pocket; rain jacket, water kit, and my homemade footprint for my Big Agnes Copper Spur UL 2 tent. Camp shoes and everything else went inside and it worked fine. Yes, the pack is not waterproof, more water resistant. I carried a pack cover for a while but ditched it as you are going to get wet. I put all that needed to stay dry in a trash compactor bag and I found that worked well. I liked the top loader aspect. My other pack had the bottom compartment, but I quickly found that I didn’t miss that. I liked the side pockets for Smart water bottles, and on the right side I used the angled entrance for one to get it out when I easily. I felt I mastered that, but if you were rock scrambling or doing any leaning over or forward, it was best to have the bottles vertical to prevent falling out (I quickly learned that). About the only other thing I put in them was trekking poles occasionally, although I did use the Stow and Go feature a number of times, particularly up North. You mentioned the Osprey great warranty and I can attest to that. As I was nearing the end of my hike, the material that kept the backpack away from my back (the mesh backpanel) began to fall apart near the top; the bag still functioned and it got me to my hike’s end, but it was a problem that needed correcting. I also had several holes in my pack, nothing major, more normal wear and tear from my many falls! When I completed my hike, I followed the warranty directions and mailed the pack in to see what could be done with it, repair or replace. Osprey decided to replace my pack as they deemed it irreparable. Not long after their decision, I had my brand new pack. Well done to the All Mighty Warranty! Highly recommend this pack! Trigger/John Dupras.
Would you pick the exos over the atmos when the weight difference is only about 2 pounds? I feel the extra quality and features of the atmos would be worth that minimal weight difference right?
@@KavalanSol Hi, Kav, sorry for the delay, just noted the comment. They are both great packs, but I was looking to trim some weight, hence me going with the lighter pack. It was important as I was on a long hike. If it was a shorter trip, perhaps the two pounds would not have been a consideration. I wished I had gotten the Atmos in medium instead of the large I selected. I was in between on the sizes as measured per Osprey's instructions, and the medium pack would have fit me better, particularly with the ability to make adjustments. As said earlier, they are both great backpacks that served me well!
Hahaha... fair point. I think I was asking for too much flexibility from this pack- when I hike by myself, my base weight is pretty low but when I go with the family or with friends who have young kids, my pack weight can really climb (as we carry a portion of the kids' weight). When I bought this pack, I was hoping that I had found a bag that met both needs. Ultimately this wasn't the one for me, but I know it has served a great number of hikers well over many miles!
Hi, great review. I just bought this pack. I don’t know what the small straps that are ran through the side pockets are for? How do you manage them? Thanks again.
I think the side straps you’re referring to are part of the side compression system. The straps can be run either: on the outside of the pockets or underneath/inside the pockets. They are used to help compress the size of the pack to limit the overall volume or further stabilize the load inside the pack. Some people prefer running them inside the pockets so that you still have unimpeded access to the exterior water bottle pockets even when the straps are fully tightened. Hope this helps!
I've had my EXOS 58 (Large so really 61 liters) for 4 years and love it. I cut off the "pole holder" loops and the CUT OFF the extra flap under the lid (carefully). Don't need 'em. And BTW, my "old EXOS 58 does have SIDE POCKETS on the hip belt but not the newer hip belt cut-outs for the iliac crest of your pelvis. I keep 1/2 of a Thermarest Z sit pad behind the trampoline back. good place to store it for instant use on the trail.
Hey Eric- Love the idea of using the space behind the mesh panel for storage! I have stuffed a layer in there for quick storage while hiking but hadn't considered using that space more intentionally. Great tip!
Thanks for the helpful review. I have read elsewhere that the curved nature of the support system means that the centre of gravity of the loaded pack is further back than on an unventilated pack and this tends to pull you backwards and off balance. Have you or any other viewers experienced this?
Hey Ian- I haven't felt that so much when the pack has been on my back but it is really noticeable when you set the pack down- constant topples over! The arc of the back panel really promotes airflow if you plan on hiking in warm environments. Hope this helps!
I hiked the Colorado Trail with this pack and found the lack of hip belt pockets not a problem. The side entry plus deep well into the side pocket allowed me to place snacks in there without them falling out and me stopping to access them. I also attached a should water bottle holder.
Thanks for the great review! Im thinking about buying this model. But can you recommend a light rain cover, which fits the backpack and keeps it fully dry?
Ooooo... I have been wanting to post a how-to video on this topic! A few options to buy: Zpacks Rain cover: zpacks.com/products/pack-cover Dutchware Pack Cover (silnylon or DCF): dutchwaregear.com/product/waterproof-pack-cover/ ... but we ended up making some DIY packcovers out of a window shrink wrap kit! (Polycryo Window Kit: amzn.to/2ScDSox) Fair warning, it is not nearly as durable as the above options but it is crazy light and at 7$ it is hard to beat! Good luck!
The two way side pockets are absolute the best for carrying Smart Water bottles, inflexible or not. You put the bottles in vertically like with any side pockets, but you grab the bottom of the bottle through the side opening to pull it out, then put the top of the bottle in first thru the side opening as you stand the bottle up and push the bottom in. There is no better system, period:)
Glad you have found the system so intuitive and helpful! It missed the mark a but for me and I actually preferred the ‘wing’ holders on the REI Flash 55. In practice, I end up carrying two Smartwater Sport bottles on the shoulder straps of my pack.
Thanks for the informative review. Quick question: How safe are the side elasticated pockets? I'm intending to stow my map and Suunto compass in one of them and wouldn't like them to fall out. Thanks :)
Great question- I would NOT store anything small in the side pockets as they have large holes in them - presumably to store a water bottle at an angle. They are great for water bottles, trekking poles and other large items but small things could definitely slip out without you noticing!
Thinking about buying but I’m a bigger guy I wear about a 42 pants size would this be a good fit waste belt wise?? Has everything I want just wanted to make sure
Bugtent Outside, nice review, well done. Thru-hiked the AT in 2019, flip flop (HF-GA, HF-ME). Carried my Opsrey Atmos 65 pack for the first half (had it for about three years), and I wanted to save a few pounds (I’m not UL backpacker, but lessening the load makes for a happier hiker!). Saw many Osprey Exos packs on the trail and I talked to many about the pack, so I decided to try the Exos for the second half of my hike. Was very happy with it. It carried well, I normally had about 30-35 pounds in it with everything. Left the brain/lid on (removed it from the Atmos to save some weight), taking it off the Exos would save four ounces but I liked having it (and the mesh pocket on the inside). After the big, beefy, and comfy Atmos, I was skeptical that the Exos would work for me, but it did well. I was not happy about the hip belt pockets that were removed, but they were pretty small as I saw on the trail with the older models that still had them. To compensate, I got a fanny pack that I looped through the hip belt straps once I put the pack on, and quite honestly, I loved the fanny pack with its easy access. I had the 58L model, and I always put everything inside my pack aside from the three things I always put in the mesh pocket; rain jacket, water kit, and my homemade footprint for my Big Agnes Copper Spur UL 2 tent. Camp shoes and everything else went inside and it worked fine. Yes, the pack is not waterproof, more water resistant. I carried a pack cover for a while but ditched it as you are going to get wet. I put all that needed to stay dry in a trash compactor bag and I found that worked well. I liked the top loader aspect. My other pack had the bottom compartment, but I quickly found that I didn’t miss that. I liked the side pockets for Smart water bottles, and on the right side I used the angled entrance for one to get it out when I easily. I felt I mastered that, but if you were rock scrambling or doing any leaning over or forward, it was best to have the bottles vertical to prevent falling out (I quickly learned that). About the only other thing I put in them was trekking poles occasionally, although I did use the Stow and Go feature a number of times, particularly up North. You mentioned the Osprey great warranty and I can attest to that. As I was nearing the end of my hike, the material that kept the backpack away from my back (the mesh backpanel) began to fall apart near the top; the bag still functioned and it got me to my hike’s end, but it was a problem that needed correcting. I also had several holes in my pack, nothing major, more normal wear and tear from my many falls! When I completed my hike, I followed the warranty directions and mailed the pack in to see what could be done with it, repair or replace. Osprey decided to replace my pack as they deemed it irreparable. Not long after their decision, I had my brand new pack. Well done to the All Mighty Warranty! Highly recommend this pack! Trigger/John Dupras.
Thanks so much for the comment! I appreciate you sharing your trail-tested advice!
Would you pick the exos over the atmos when the weight difference is only about 2 pounds? I feel the extra quality and features of the atmos would be worth that minimal weight difference right?
@@KavalanSol Hi, Kav, sorry for the delay, just noted the comment. They are both great packs, but I was looking to trim some weight, hence me going with the lighter pack. It was important as I was on a long hike. If it was a shorter trip, perhaps the two pounds would not have been a consideration. I wished I had gotten the Atmos in medium instead of the large I selected. I was in between on the sizes as measured per Osprey's instructions, and the medium pack would have fit me better, particularly with the ability to make adjustments. As said earlier, they are both great backpacks that served me well!
Surprising that you want to remove the very light trekking pole/ice axe holders and yet said you would carry up to 40lbs of kit...
Hahaha... fair point. I think I was asking for too much flexibility from this pack- when I hike by myself, my base weight is pretty low but when I go with the family or with friends who have young kids, my pack weight can really climb (as we carry a portion of the kids' weight). When I bought this pack, I was hoping that I had found a bag that met both needs. Ultimately this wasn't the one for me, but I know it has served a great number of hikers well over many miles!
Great tip- Thanks for posting!
Hi, great review. I just bought this pack. I don’t know what the small straps that are ran through the side pockets are for? How do you manage them?
Thanks again.
I think the side straps you’re referring to are part of the side compression system. The straps can be run either: on the outside of the pockets or underneath/inside the pockets. They are used to help compress the size of the pack to limit the overall volume or further stabilize the load inside the pack. Some people prefer running them inside the pockets so that you still have unimpeded access to the exterior water bottle pockets even when the straps are fully tightened. Hope this helps!
Probably the most organized review on the exos I’ve watched! Thank you and keep it up!
Really appreciate the feedback, Eric!
Another great review. How would you compare this to the new design REI flash 55? I watched that review of yours as well.
I've had my EXOS 58 (Large so really 61 liters) for 4 years and love it. I cut off the "pole holder" loops and the CUT OFF the extra flap under the lid (carefully). Don't need 'em.
And BTW, my "old EXOS 58 does have SIDE POCKETS on the hip belt but not the newer hip belt cut-outs for the iliac crest of your pelvis.
I keep 1/2 of a Thermarest Z sit pad behind the trampoline back. good place to store it for instant use on the trail.
Hey Eric- Love the idea of using the space behind the mesh panel for storage! I have stuffed a layer in there for quick storage while hiking but hadn't considered using that space more intentionally. Great tip!
Thanks for the helpful review. I have read elsewhere that the curved nature of the support system means that the centre of gravity of the loaded pack is further back than on an unventilated pack and this tends to pull you backwards and off balance. Have you or any other viewers experienced this?
Hey Ian- I haven't felt that so much when the pack has been on my back but it is really noticeable when you set the pack down- constant topples over! The arc of the back panel really promotes airflow if you plan on hiking in warm environments. Hope this helps!
This is the most comfortable pack I've ever worn.
I hiked the Colorado Trail with this pack and found the lack of hip belt pockets not a problem. The side entry plus deep well into the side pocket allowed me to place snacks in there without them falling out and me stopping to access them. I also attached a should water bottle holder.
Great tips, Nathan! Thanks for sharing~
Thanks for the great review! Im thinking about buying this model. But can you recommend a light rain cover, which fits the backpack and keeps it fully dry?
Ooooo... I have been wanting to post a how-to video on this topic! A few options to buy:
Zpacks Rain cover: zpacks.com/products/pack-cover
Dutchware Pack Cover (silnylon or DCF): dutchwaregear.com/product/waterproof-pack-cover/
... but we ended up making some DIY packcovers out of a window shrink wrap kit! (Polycryo Window Kit: amzn.to/2ScDSox) Fair warning, it is not nearly as durable as the above options but it is crazy light and at 7$ it is hard to beat!
Good luck!
The two way side pockets are absolute the best for carrying Smart Water bottles, inflexible or not. You put the bottles in vertically like with any side pockets, but you grab the bottom of the bottle through the side opening to pull it out, then put the top of the bottle in first thru the side opening as you stand the bottle up and push the bottom in. There is no better system, period:)
Glad you have found the system so intuitive and helpful! It missed the mark a but for me and I actually preferred the ‘wing’ holders on the REI Flash 55. In practice, I end up carrying two Smartwater Sport bottles on the shoulder straps of my pack.
That's actually really clever!
Thanks for the tip!
Cut it, cut it 😉
Just switched to this 1500 miles into the at
What did you have prior? How'd exos hold up?
Thanks for the informative review. Quick question: How safe are the side elasticated pockets? I'm intending to stow my map and Suunto compass in one of them and wouldn't like them to fall out. Thanks :)
Great question- I would NOT store anything small in the side pockets as they have large holes in them - presumably to store a water bottle at an angle. They are great for water bottles, trekking poles and other large items but small things could definitely slip out without you noticing!
You can see the holes in the side pockets when I am talking about the hip belt around 2min35sec
Thank you. This has helped a lot. All the best. :-)
Thinking about buying but I’m a bigger guy I wear about a 42 pants size would this be a good fit waste belt wise?? Has everything I want just wanted to make sure
I went with the large version and think the waist belt should be plenty big... The best part is that you can always go into a store and try one out!