Osprey Exposure 50

GOOD news: Decent weight (versus competing alpine/climbing backpacks); Decent fit (for climbing/hiking/traveling); Handles a lot of gear. BAD news: Experienced durability issues (had to return to store); Color is subjective. As a rock climber / alpinist / traveler, I research gear before purchasing. I thought the Osprey Exposure 50 might be a wise pick for my new alpine / climbing / travel pack, even though (at the time) there were no internet product reviews. I didn’t think the lack of reviews would matter, seeing how Osprey has a great reputation, the pack’s feature-to-weight ratio, and the categorization as a climbing pack.

This pack treated me well for a climbing trip to Indian Creek, UT (this Osprey 50L pack handled the biggest rack of gear a trad-climber will most likely ever require) plus a trip to Costa Rica.

HOWEVER, after only a few months, I experienced three different flaws (top pull-string blew out; beginning of a major hole in the bottom stitching, and tears/punctures in the bottom). I returned this pack, seeing how my previous pack (Gregory Reality) put up with years (not months) of weekly abuse. In Osprey’s defense, I am considering buying it again, based on the feature-to-weight ratio and Osprey’s overall reputation.

I bought this bag as my climbing approch backpack. Well it more than serves its purpose. It has great features for my gear and the three lift loops are great for multi pitch climbs with a walk down. The bag is a perfect fit, it makes 45 lbs of gear seam light. It perfectly ergonomic, with a comfy waist belt that forms to your contour and all the adjustable straps.

I personnally found the lack of compartments to be a drawback which is made up for with the dayback expansion you can buy. It is more money but I find this bag to be perfect for a backpacking/ climbing trip. I can hold a full rack of trad and sport gear with ease. All the cross sraps are nice for holding gear which the 36L lacks.

An excellent backpack!!!