User Review: Osprey Exos 58

Summary

This is an awesome pack. Not only is it the most comfortable pack I've ever owned, it's also lightweight and durable. I've loaded it to 55+ pounds comfortably, even on long hauls. In addition to the roomy interior pocket, it has easy external access for water bottles, rain jackets, ice axes, and sunglasses.

The best feature of the Osprey Exos is the comfort. The shoulder straps have surprisingly thin foam with lots of ventilation, and the hip belt is similar. Both combine to comfortably hold the weight snugly against your body. The back is a net that provides more than an inch of ventilation (unless you use a water bladder, in which case it can block the ventilation).  

The pack holds enough for 3-4 days in summer or a weekend in the winter. The pack has one large chamber for gear, and can be cinched down on top and on the sides to ensure a compact profile. The side compression straps are thin, yet strong, typical of the "just enough" approach used by Osprey.  

The pack has a full suite of external pockets and straps to hold your en-route gear. Two ice axe straps with quick-release bungees make for quick release. There is a stretchy front pocket that holds your rain jacket, two net water bottle pockets on the sides, and two vertical pockets on the front. I haven't really found a great use for these pockets, as anything you put in them will compete for room in the main pocket.

There are net zipper pockets on both sides of the hip belt that are great for sunglasses or lip balm, as well as a pocket good for an iPod or phone on the shoulder strap.  There is also a generous pocket on the top of the pack, with a document envelope in the interior.  

The pack has held up very well over two years of rugged use. Nothing has broken to date.