Osprey Men's Exos 38 Lightweight Hiking Pack

Product Information

There are several significantly cheaper packs in this review, but none performed well enough to recommend them over the Exos. However, you should also know that both of these backpacks can carry a lot more; in fact, their maximum load capacity is about 40 lbs. If you are not planning to do any serious hiking trips, then you could go without the Osprey rain cover. Definitely recommend for lightweight packing, for those who are not into ultralight backpacking and comfort is still important. 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.

Osprey Exos 48 Rucksack | UK | Ultralight Outdoor Gear Osprey Exos 48 Rucksack | UK | Ultralight Outdoor Gear

This helps keep the shoulder straps from catching in your shoulder joints and keeps the stability of the pack when moving over rough ground. Top Tip:If you keep your stuff compartmentalized in different dry sacks and have a rain cover on your pack, the combination guarantees you will keep your stuff dry even in the most heinous of weather down pours. UOG TOP PICK - Gossamer Gear's G4-20 Ultralight 42L Backpack - amazingly lightweight for the 42L capacity.

Or simply when you want to carry along just a few items with you, and not your entire 20+lb backpack. And you do have the option to strip down the pack by removing the lid (there’s a flap underneath that secures over the main compartment) and compression and sleeping bag straps, which shaves around 5 ounces total. This means that if you have a bottle, the bottle is compressed into the pack for a secure fit, whereas the other side compresses the bag normally.

Exos 38 | Backpacking | Osprey Europe

But we do use services by third parties that either use cookies or may be doing so, yet we do not have any control of it. And while I’ve heard reports of people using it on the Appalachian Trail for casual hikers and weekend warriors I’d suggest something slightly bigger for those longer than 1-2 night trips. For those who really need a svelte carry, the removable floating lid makes way for an integrated FlapJacket that keeps your minimal gear contained in its stead.To get the harness to fit perfectly, you need to adjust it so that there are no gaps between it and your back. 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. The removable lid weighs around 285g and you can shave another 20-50g extra grams off by removing the excess straps. There are mesh pockets on the sides for water bottles and there's a hydration slot for water bladder if you prefer that. On the other hand, if you are of larger build and can carry the added weight, then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t get the Exos 48.

MUST READ: Osprey Exos 58 REVIEW (2023) - The Broke Backpacker MUST READ: Osprey Exos 58 REVIEW (2023) - The Broke Backpacker

Nearly all of Osprey backpacks offer an internal sleeve into which you can slip a hydration reservoir plus 1 or 2 “hose portals” through, which you can slip the sip tube. In my opinion, a backpacking poncho is a simple, inexpensive solution because it provides excellent rain cover to the hiker and the pack at the same time…and if the poncho is well positioned, you can take it out of the lid pocket and put the poncho on without even having to take the pack off. The suspension system Exos 38 suspension system with the trampoline style tensioned mesh and great ventilation.Both water bottle pockets have a lower opening behind your elbows that can be accessed without removing the pack, which is great for on-the-go hydration. The competition has grown significantly in recent years, but the latest Exos (updated in mid 2022) offers a very strong mix of carrying comfort, ventilation, and organization. We weighed the 48Litre pack in at 1296grams 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. Both of the Exos backpacks have an internal hydration sleeve, which is compatible with Osprey’s hydraulics reservoirs. Often in the world of outdoor gear, the more something is labeled ultralight, the more expensive it is.

Osprey | Exos 38 | Basalt Black Osprey | Exos 38 | Basalt Black

The shoulder harness and hip belt are with very pleasant and breathable Osprey’s ExoForm spacer mesh, and they are reasonably well padded. That is because I don’t usually tend to carry a lot of gear on my hiking trips, and I don’t really need the larger capacity of the Exos 48.But it’s hard to beat the durability and waterproofing of Dyneema, making the Southwest a reasonable choice if you’re planning on thru-hiking for months at a time.