Revisiting the osprey exos pack series: 2014 osprey exos 48 (size medium)
My first introduction to an Exos pack was back in 2011 when I was trying out packs at my local EMS and REI before my thru-hike of the AT. At the time, I was not impressed with the way the pack rubbed uncomfortably on my hips, and seemed to dig in awkwardly to my shoulders.
Here is what the OSPREY website has to say about the newly redesigned Exos series of packs. For me, all the goodness of this year's redesign is shown in RED below:
Since its introduction in 2008, the Exos Series has become a standard on the Appalachian Trail and with ultralight enthusiasts not willing to sacrifice comfort. Our AirSpeed™ suspension, torso-specific sizing and ergonomic design all contribute to bridge the gap between comfort, fit and light weight. The Spring 2014 redesign benefits from Osprey’s never-ending search for the latest technology in materials and hardware as well as innovative design. The comfort and support of the harness and hipbelt are drastically improved. Updated materials and hardware provide a lighter weight pack, and the lid, key straps and attachment points are all removable.
Shared Features
1 Removable floating lid with top and under-lid zippered pockets
2 Superlight YKK® buckles
3 Removable superlight, 7mm side compression straps
4 Mesh side pockets with InsideOut™ compression
5 Zippered hipbelt pockets
6 Cross functional and removable sleeping pad straps
7 Integrated FlapJacket™ for weather protected lidless use
8 Cord tie-off points
9 Front stretch mesh pocket
10 Ice tool attachment loop
Key Fabrics
+ 100D high tenacity nylon
+ 100D high tenacity ripstop nylon
Here is what the OSPREY website has to say about the newly redesigned Exos series of packs. For me, all the goodness of this year's redesign is shown in RED below:
Since its introduction in 2008, the Exos Series has become a standard on the Appalachian Trail and with ultralight enthusiasts not willing to sacrifice comfort. Our AirSpeed™ suspension, torso-specific sizing and ergonomic design all contribute to bridge the gap between comfort, fit and light weight. The Spring 2014 redesign benefits from Osprey’s never-ending search for the latest technology in materials and hardware as well as innovative design. The comfort and support of the harness and hipbelt are drastically improved. Updated materials and hardware provide a lighter weight pack, and the lid, key straps and attachment points are all removable.
Shared Features
1 Removable floating lid with top and under-lid zippered pockets
2 Superlight YKK® buckles
3 Removable superlight, 7mm side compression straps
4 Mesh side pockets with InsideOut™ compression
5 Zippered hipbelt pockets
6 Cross functional and removable sleeping pad straps
7 Integrated FlapJacket™ for weather protected lidless use
8 Cord tie-off points
9 Front stretch mesh pocket
10 Ice tool attachment loop
Key Fabrics
+ 100D high tenacity nylon
+ 100D high tenacity ripstop nylon
Though the 2013 EXOS 46 in medium came in at 2 lbs 6 oz., their new EXOS 48 model in medium came in at 2 lbs 5 oz.!
Not bad for making a larger bag with more padding, more comfortable hip-belt and shoulder straps, an industry leading warranty, removable top lid, and without really going up in price!
I tested this pack out on a day trip to take a rock climbing trip at Pinnacle Rock here in Connecticut, and also used it on an overnight camping near the CT/MA border on the Appalachian Trail. Though 3 days use may seem to not be a lot of early testing for me to be praising this pack - it took me less than 3 hours to totally hate the design and feel of the last design model of this pack (so much so that I never tried another EXOS pack on since 2011). With what seems like hundreds of backpacks having been hoisted upon my shoulders, the solid feel - comfortable ride - excellent feature set and light weight, make this an easy choice for hikers looking for a great, easily available pack for lightweight backpacking.
I had this bag carrying up to 30 lbs very comfortably, and think that would be a great choice for anyone looking for a good internal-framed lightweight pack under 2.5 lbs !
I hiked without the top lid, and instead utilized the ingeniously designed cinch-top cover flap. Providing excellent load compression when not using the top lid, I really like this new feature, and plan on using it in this set-up.
Not bad for making a larger bag with more padding, more comfortable hip-belt and shoulder straps, an industry leading warranty, removable top lid, and without really going up in price!
I tested this pack out on a day trip to take a rock climbing trip at Pinnacle Rock here in Connecticut, and also used it on an overnight camping near the CT/MA border on the Appalachian Trail. Though 3 days use may seem to not be a lot of early testing for me to be praising this pack - it took me less than 3 hours to totally hate the design and feel of the last design model of this pack (so much so that I never tried another EXOS pack on since 2011). With what seems like hundreds of backpacks having been hoisted upon my shoulders, the solid feel - comfortable ride - excellent feature set and light weight, make this an easy choice for hikers looking for a great, easily available pack for lightweight backpacking.
I had this bag carrying up to 30 lbs very comfortably, and think that would be a great choice for anyone looking for a good internal-framed lightweight pack under 2.5 lbs !
I hiked without the top lid, and instead utilized the ingeniously designed cinch-top cover flap. Providing excellent load compression when not using the top lid, I really like this new feature, and plan on using it in this set-up.
WATER BOTTLES THAT YOU CAN ACTUALLY REACH WITH THE PACK ON !! A key feature for any backpack that I look at using, as I don't like to waste time having to take the pack on and off everytime I want a drink.
SUMMARY: How a pack fits you trumps all else - so don't be afraid to try one on and find that it just may not be right for your particular style of hiking, and your particular body. BE SURE TO HAVE A PACK PROPERLY FIT TO YOU - as that will make a world of difference in comfort. Overall I think that this is an excellent redesign of this already popular pack, and it's brought at least one naysayer over to its side.
PRICE: EXOS 48 - $189
WEIGHT: EXOS 48 - 2 lbs 5 oz.
SUMMARY: How a pack fits you trumps all else - so don't be afraid to try one on and find that it just may not be right for your particular style of hiking, and your particular body. BE SURE TO HAVE A PACK PROPERLY FIT TO YOU - as that will make a world of difference in comfort. Overall I think that this is an excellent redesign of this already popular pack, and it's brought at least one naysayer over to its side.
PRICE: EXOS 48 - $189
WEIGHT: EXOS 48 - 2 lbs 5 oz.