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UOG TOP PICK - Osprey Exos rucksacks - newly updated and the hipbelt pockets are back! The previous model was let down only by that big omission. It’s now firmly back in our Top Picks list due to being great value, comfortable and ideal for slightly heavier base weights.
The Exos is a great backpacking rucksack that has all the features you would expect to see on a much heavier technical pack. It has a rigid harness with a substantial airflow gap and its weight can be reduced further by removing the floating lid.
Osprey says
A supportive backpack shouldn't mean compromising weight, and the Exos is here to prove it. The Exos 38, made with 100% recycled materials is a formidable featherweight for overnight expeditions, with a minimal capacity and the same capable feature set as its larger sibling. Highly experienced backpackers will appreciate industry-leading comfort and ventilation—without the weight it often adds—making it the perfect pack for lightweight overnights and slimmed down weekends. Still not svelte enough for you? Drop the removable floating lid and rely on the integrated FlapJacket instead. Plus, our refined AirSpeed suspension keeps you cool with maximum airflow between you and your pack, so each mile stays as comfortable as the last.
Our Verdict
Osprey's Exos Rucksacks have always been the lightweight workhorses of the Osprey range and one of their bestsellers, yet over recent years successive refinements have made them ever lighter while still retaining the rich feature set of the original packs. We love them and believe they now fit the ultralight profile although in the case of the 38Litre version there's a lot of competition at this weight, its when you look at the 58Litre and 48Litre models that the weights really start to look attractive.
We weighed the 38Litre pack in at 1232grams but you can reduce this by 120grams by leaving the lid at home, Osprey expect some people to do this so they've built in a waterproof flap to cover the pack opening when this lid is left off. If you do keep it though you gain two useful pockets for keeping gear organised.
I'm not going to reel off the feature list, just tell you the ones I like, the hipbelt pockets are both zipped and are really quite big, the flaps of the hipbelt are also very wide and due to there being minimal padding they grip the hips well, this is the perfect setup for ultralight backpacking up to perhaps 30lbs (14kgs) or so.
The side mesh pockets have a top opening and a front facing opening so they are accessible while you are wearing the pack without you having to dislocate your elbow. The base is made from more durable fabric, a design detail often overlooked by ultralight pack designers.
We also love the clearance of the vented back panel, it's not simply a half hearted attempt to get some airflow round there it's a substantial gap that will make a real difference. The Exos 38 is a great backpacking rucksack that has all the features you would expect to see on a much heavier technical pack.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- Top pocket web loop attachment points
- Removable floating lid with top- and under-lid zipped pockets
- Integrated FlapJacket cover for lidless use
- Internal hydration sleeve with center back hose port
- Front stretch mesh pocket for stashing gear
- Dual-access stretch mesh side pockets
- Dual strippable side compression straps
- Web lash points for attaching overloads
- Removable sleeping pad straps
- Dual ice axe loops with bungee tie-off
- Dual zipped hipbelt pockets to keep essentials handy
- Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment
- Sternum strap with integrated safety whistle
Specifications
Small/Medium
- Weight: 1232g - can be redued to 1116g by removing the lid and using the waterproof flap.
- Litres: 38
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 75 x 33 x 30cm
- Fit range minimum: 43cm
- Fit range maximum: 52cm
Large/XLarge
- Weight: 1283g - can be redued to 1167g by removing the lid and using the waterproof flap.
- Litres: 41
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 80 x 33 x 30cm
- Fit range minimum: 49cm
- Fit range maximum: 59cm
Material
- Main fabric: 100D High Tenacity Nylon Ripstop Recy BSAPP C0
- Accent Fabric: 400D High Tenacity Nylon Recycled BSAPP C0
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