Osprey Exos 48 Review: Osprey's Run at Ultralight Backpacks

Gear I have tested and recommend:

Produced By

Follow me on social media

#hikinggear #backpackinggear #hiking #backpacking #ospreypacks #ospreyexos

[lorismith]

I have the Exos 58L and LOVE IT!

It does have the stash loop on the left that hooks into the loop clip on the shoulder strap…made for hiking poles but super handy 😊

[jordankelly]

Just bought this bag last month. I am new to backpacking, so I was looking for something that wouldn’t break the bank, but also give me an enjoyable entry to the activity. I tried this on at Eastern Mountain Sports and immediately knew it was going to be my choice. Incredibly comfortable and the ventilation on the back is crucial for me. I only have a handful of miles on it, but I’m looking forward to seeing how it does next month when I head out into Baxter. Thank you for validating my thought process and purchase of this pack!

[mikeg]

I'm glad I watched this review because I agree with you that having multiple access points to the pack is something I find to be a great feature.

[joshbilyeu]

I have a previous version which is pretty much exactly the same except it doesn't have an adjustable torso. As far as those webbing straps getting in your way, just don't put it underneath all of them you don't need to, just flipping into the pouch loosen the top strap and then slide it over and sinch it down and then when you need it just loosen it real quick and it slides right out. I use it all the time. The stow on the go thing for the poles is amazing In fact I have fabricated a similar system and installed it on most of my other packs as well. I find it a must-have now as I transition through different terrain and I can quickly put the poles away when I need to scramble or hit flat terrain, we're stopping to take a break. I don't ever put them on the back/side anymore.

[isakohan]

Talking about bang for their buck: I got the Eja 48 (female version of this) back in 2018 on sale for around 80 USD! It doesn't have hip belt pockets, like the newer versions of the backpack, but it was my first backpack for overnighters and such, and honestly, it's been great. Five years later I've only managed to go on less than a dozen overnighters, and this pack's been perfect. I hope I'll manage to build up my health to a point where I can do more camping, and when I get to that point, I'll probably want to get a different pack. But for someone just getting started and really wanting a lightweight pack, getting this on sale in my torso size and a color I like... It really felt like the camping gods were looking out for me :D

[david_onthetrail]

I love the trekking pole attachment system on the Osprey packs, I use mine all the time. It is a great feature when you need your hands free, and a lot quicker than what you have done putting them in the side compression straps. Give it a try Eric. Other than that, great review.

[lorismith]

I like having the food for the day in the outside pocket…saves from having to pulling out everything from the main compartment

[seedmole]

Oh hey, I just picked up the Exos 58. Pretty nice pack considering its weight capacity -- it carried 30 pounds very well. And the trekking pole holder works well. The side-entry pockets work better than nothing, but the compression straps run over the outside of them so they're still a bit finnicky imo. I ordered a shoulder pocket from Gossamer Gear to give it a spot for holding my big new phone, as the hipbelt pockets are pretty tight.

Also I saw that they have a Exos Pro line, which somehow comes in at almost a pound lower than this. Very intriguing...

[larsjrgensen]

Thanks for a good and detailed review as always. A couple of comments from me anyway. I have an Exos 58 and I am very happy with it. Comfortable, light and with a well-ventilated back panel. Exos is a lightweight backpack, not an ultralight backpack. To keep the weight down, they use narrower straps and fewer and smaller buckles. For the same reason, the backpack is without a large zipper on the front. As this is not a heavy duty back pack, replace your heavy duty nalgene with smaller smart water bottles, and the access to the side pockets will be much easier. :)

[Away.Aweigh.A.Way.]

I was debating between this and the Gregory Focal as they are incredibly similar. Two design choices ultimately led me to choose the Focal.
1. The side compression straps on the Exos running over top of the side pockets is a non starter for me. The Focal will let you reroute the side compression straps under or over, allowing you to cinch down your pack while leaving the side pocket accessible.
2. While the adjustable harness is nice for dialing in the fit, the little webbing loops with a toggle that connect the straps to the frame seem like a potential point of failure that was too much of a risk. If that failed on trail, you’d have an incredibly difficult time repairing it.

I’ve carried the Focal on three trips for a little over 100 miles now and it’s exceptional. I’m sure the Exos is an excellent bag, but the Focal edges it out on a couple of key points, and manages to do it marginally lighter as well.

[jeffhartman]

I love that that you can slide a water bottle in the side pocket horizontally. I use smart water bottles and I’ve never had a problem getting them in or out of the pocket and I didn’t have difficulty with them rubbing my sides. Much easier access than trying to contort my arms to place the bottles in from above.

[sun]

Got the old 58. The trekking pole loops are so awesomefor me. Including the way it's easy to stash water on the go.

[briangarner]

I have this one, it's pretty good!! This review hits the highs and lows perfectly.

[peterfagley]

You are being more than fair, given the multiple reservations, the price point should be much lower in my opinion. A previous review/advice by you got me to buy Mystery Ranch and I couldn't be happier!

[paulruemmele]

A few tips to better use this pack. There is a quick access system for poles or a tripod, consisting of a strap on the bottom/side of the pack and a pull tight loop on the shoulder strap. Don’t use the compression straps for anything other than compression. Lace them inside the side pockets instead of over the outside. Side pockets become much easier to access and can store a lot more, they easily fit my 48 oz Nalgene for example. For water I either use an hose system to that Nalgene or a cheap shoulder strap water bottle holder from amazon.

[funnyweeman]

I know im late to this video but i just managed to get this pack for £54. On clearance at my work and then staff discount on top of it. Buzzing

[justo]

I have this backpack. I have no problem with the cinch straps as opposed to having buckles. For me, it's an ideology thing. I'm not accessing anything cinched down until I get to camp so even if it takes a few seconds longer, it doesn't matter and I'll take that weight saving and less potential points of failure.

My hiking poles go in the ice axe loop and clip spot if I'm not sure I'm going to need them rather than the side pocket. If I know I'm going to need them, then the stow on the go attachment is perfect.

The brain can be as fiddly as they want to make it. The only time I would ever consider taking it off is at home so it doesn't need to be quick. If the lack of a buckle saves cost, weight and is more secure, then👍

I do wish Osprey allowed us to reroute the cinch straps under the side pockets like they used to. I use a water bladder, but if I had to rely solely on side pocket access for water, it could get annoying.

I am thinking of replacing this pack though with the Atmos. I personally didn't love the Exos hip belt. I felt I needed something a bit thicker and more substantial for my load (which is on the heavier side). I prefer the simplicity of the Exos though.

[timmo]

I can’t see myself ever bothering to claim on the lifetime warranty. If it’s 10 years from now and it needs repair I’m probably going to upgrade to a better newest lightest whatever design that’s out at that time just like I’ve done so far. A breakage is usually the last straw not the first. Osprey are good tho. I’m on a 65lt Atmos LT. Not quite UL but close and a great suspension system I agree. That’s what sold me plus the side pockets are really useful. Same thoughts about the side straps I wish they were inside of the side pockets and didn’t interfere with bottles etc. But overall a good experience. Accurate review.

[sidneymoon]

I have an older version of the Eja 48 and 58, the woman’s version of this pack. It is the most comfortable, lightweight pack I’ve ever owned. I use smaller water bottles and am able to reach them through the side pocket openings which I is one of the things I like best about the pack. This year I purchased and am testing out the lighter Eja Pro. I’ve used it on a couple of training hikes and like it so far. It’s hard for me to find packs that fit, as I am smaller woman with narrow shoulders and wide hips. Osprey packs are extremely comfortable for me.

[SamClarkPhotographerAdventurer]

Thanks for the video. I am looking to get the female version in the 58lt soon. I'm also a photographer. Perhaps you can try the walking poles quick storage for the tripod. Might work! :)