Osprey Exos 48 Review
Brand: Osprey · Category: backpack · Price: $220 - $260
Buy this if you want a comfortable, well-ventilated pack for multi-day trips with moderate loads of 25-30 lbs. Skip it if you're a minimalist counting every gram or need to haul heavy, bulky gear for basecamp-style trips.
Specs
| Volume | 48 L |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.7 lb |
| Pockets | Floating lid pockets, front stretch mesh pocket, dual-access stretch side pockets, dual zippered hipbelt pockets, internal hydration sleeve |
| Rain Cover | Integrated FlapJacket cover |
| Fabric Denier | 100D high-tenacity nylon |
| Hipbelt Range | Not clearly specified in the provided results |
| Load Capacity | 25-30 lb recommended; some sources cite 20-40 lb or 30-40 lb |
| Frame Material | 6065 aluminum / Lightwire peripheral frame |
| Torso Fit Range | Adjustable; S/M 15-19 in, L/XL 18-22 in (varies by size) |
Strengths
- Very good ventilation from the AirSpeed suspended mesh backpanel
- Light weight for a framed backpacking pack
- Adjustable torso fit with a wide range of fit tuning
- Useful storage organization, including hipbelt pockets and stretch side pockets
- Removable lid and FlapJacket let users shave weight when desired
- Good carry comfort for moderate loads
- Thoughtful trail features like trekking pole attachment and hydration sleeve
Complaints
- Load range is limited compared with heavier framed packs
- Suspended mesh design can make the pack feel less stable with heavier loads
- Some reviewers mention the removable lid can be awkward or unnecessary for ultralight users
- Not the best choice for carrying very heavy or bulky basecamp-style loads
- Price is relatively high for an ultralight pack
- Feature set may be more than minimalists want
Unique Features
The Exos 48 includes an integrated FlapJacket cover, which is essentially a fabric flap that covers the top opening when you remove the lid to save weight. This is a clever feature for those who want to go lidless but still need weather protection. It also features practical elements like external lash points for a sleeping pad and a trekking pole attachment system, which lets you stow your poles without removing the pack.
Weight And Capacity
At 2.7 lbs for a framed pack, the Exos 48 is on the lighter side, making it a good choice for those who want to shed some weight without going full ultralight. Its 48-liter volume is perfect for 3-season overnight or multi-day trips, fitting a few days' worth of gear. However, don't confuse its light weight with a heavy-hauling capacity; this pack really shines when kept to a recommended load of 25-30 lbs.
Fit And Adjustability
Unlike many fixed-torso ultralight packs, the Exos 48 offers an adjustable torso fit, ranging from 15-19 inches for S/M and 18-22 inches for L/XL, which means you can dial in a precise fit. This adjustability, combined with the Lightwire peripheral frame (a sturdy aluminum frame), helps transfer the load effectively to your hips, ensuring better comfort over long distances.
Comfort And Ventilation
The Exos 48 is built around Osprey's AirSpeed suspended mesh backpanel, which means a trampoline-like mesh creates a gap between your back and the pack. This design is fantastic for airflow, especially in hot weather, keeping sweat to a minimum. While this setup delivers top-tier breathability, the tradeoff is that the pack might feel less stable or "planted" than packs with a foam-backed design when you load it up toward its upper limit.
Durability And Materials
The pack uses 100D high-tenacity nylon for its main body. The '100D' refers to denier, which is a measure of fiber thickness and density; 100D is relatively light but durable enough for the trail. This fabric choice helps keep the pack's weight down while still offering decent tear and abrasion resistance for typical backpacking use, though it's not designed to be thrashed through granite scrambles like some heavier packs.
Storage And Organization
Osprey packed a lot of useful features into the Exos 48. You get dual zippered hipbelt pockets for snacks and essentials, easily accessible stretch side pockets that can hold water bottles, and a large front stretch mesh pocket for quickly stashing a rain jacket. The floating lid, which can be removed to save weight, also has pockets for smaller items, making it far more organized than many minimalist packs in its class.