Got this pack because of the weight … and the suspension system is leaps and bounds ahead of the ultralight packs. I agree about the toggle adjusters. I put a small piece of gorilla tape on each, at the back where the toggles feed through. Works good to hold them in place.
Recent 5 day hike: I’m very careful with my equipment but …. replaced duct tape on toggles with Leukotape. Worked better. Side water bottle pouch grey stretchy material developed small abrasion hole. Sit pad in front pouch caused rub abrasion with very small holes. I share your concern about the durability of outer material. Will see how it goes on next hike in a couple of weeks 👍🏻
I bought this pack recently- I was impressed with my Aether Pro 70, and wanted something lighter to compliment it. Initial impressions are good- time will tell. I do agree with your critique- there's room for improvement.
Thanks for posting the review, Matty. I love my Atmos 65, but am seriously looking at getting the Exos 55 Pro and reducing some weight. Great videos, keep it going. Cheers.
I got rid of my Exos a couple of years ago because it squeaked too much. I hope they fixed that. I have no problem modifying my packs so I may keep this in mind for my future or to recommend a look at.
Thanks for the review! We have a hiking trip on the JMT in August and I am up in the air on this pack. I know a lot of people lean towards the ultralight packs on this trail, but my full load will be around 15-18 pounds, so I am at a crossroads as to which route to go (ultralight or this pack). Comfort is honestly the most important thing to me, and that might sway me towards this pack. Just wanted to know your thoughts on this. Thanks for the video man!
I really liked this pack but I could not get the shoulder harness to fit me properly no matter what I adjusted or tried. That rock plate type thing with the hexagon cut-outs in it they added to the top of the straps stiffened them far too much for them to properly conform to my shoulders. If it had more flexible shoulder straps like my Kestrel and Stratos packs, I'd likely still be using it. I do believe that Osprey is truly on the right track with this pack though.
Been using the exos 45 for awhile. Big fan of most things (love the side pockets) but have the same gripes as you… Useless hipbelt pockets and useless side compression straps (I removed all of mine). I also wish osprey would adopt the roll-top buckle closure lol🙏
rolltop would be nice, but Osprey still insists on making packs with a lid, so i get why they keep with the cinch top. having the flap jacket cover is ingenious, i do love that with the cinch top
Does it have a way of attaching a Hilltop Packs fanny pack to the waist belt? I’ve been looking for something around 55L to replace my Zpacks Arc Haul but the fanny pack has to attach. 🦑
I had an Osprey Rook 65 and it actually wasn’t all that comfortable. Where the shoulder straps met the bag would just dig into my shoulders despite adjusting it multiple times. I know that’s their budget bag and I’m sure this Exos is much better. Have you ever used any Mountainsmith packs?
my dog uses a mountainsmith pack, but ive never used one for myself. If the shoulder straps dug in, I'd bet your packs torso length was too short. If a pack is fit properly, with the hip belt done up, the shoulder straps should barely touch your shoulders
@@MattyOutdoors it said it fir my torso length and I tried it at every adjustment. It’s not that it was sitting heavy on my shoulder there was just a spot where it didn’t fit right. The bag also squeaked like crazy. Nothing against Osprey, I think they make great packs. Just didn’t love that one.
@@natlovell122 same here that bar runs across the back top straps and I can feel it too much for my liking. The Exos does not have this. I will take the Rook back to return will take it back as I know this will bug me big time. It did have a better tighter mesh back though that holds it off our back more for better venation than the Exos but it feels like it is pulling more off your back than the Exos and the Exos fits better on the shoulder straps and hip belt and doesn't feel like it is doing that pulling you back. The Rook looks a good bag if the waist and shoulder straps fit you, the waist belt padding is very short too so that doesn't suit a larger waist like 36inch like mine.
I'm looking to replace my old MEC backpacking bag. I've only done a couple trips with it, but its heavy now as I'm almost 40 lol could this puppy handle a three night trip? does it have good room for a tent and sleeping pad? I'm fine with spending 350-400 if its worth the money. Thanks for the video
In fairness, there's no DCF pack thats going to be as adjustable, or carry as comfortably as an Exos. Osprey has the most comfortable packs out there, hands down.
@@MattyOutdoors that may be true but I'm not going spend well over $400 taxes incl , on a backpack I don't actually need . Especially considering I do need to get an underquilt for my new hammock
Do you find the back venation mesh system pretty rubbish as once you load the pack and crank the load lifers up the pack becomes basically touching your back like the Talon or Kestrel models they sell with the more traditional foam back like most backs are. The old model Exos from around 2019 to 2022 without the hip pockets the mesh and frame was more stout and more curved so all that combined gave it way more venation I found. If the idea behind the back system with mesh and a frame is to make it more ventilated and springy it seems to be a design flaw to me. I have the Room 65 pack too and this incorporates more of the style of the old Exos with the very taught back mesh, more springy frame and more curvature in the design offering the advantages of the old Exos I had the new Gregory Focal 48 too and this was even worse than the new Exos in its deigns of the mesh frame even less taught and less curved , I hated it! The old model Exos also you could route the side tension straps under the side water bottle mesh storage pockets again a way better system. I think I will look for an old model Exos 58, but then again I found the hip belt much better on the new model, its longer and the padding extends on the waist and hip bones a lot better with the shape of it. This model in Ospreys line up is great but frustrating, with the Atmos they are Ospreys best and most popular packs. It seems like they get someone who never hiked to design the Exos every change of style and its two steps forward and one step back, pretty much like most ultralight tents I question if the designers ever hiked a proper mufti day hike in their lives.
Got this pack because of the weight … and the suspension system is leaps and bounds ahead of the ultralight packs. I agree about the toggle adjusters. I put a small piece of gorilla tape on each, at the back where the toggles feed through. Works good to hold them in place.
Ya, thats what i was likely going to do. Easy enough solution, but overall not the best design feature
Recent 5 day hike: I’m very careful with my equipment but …. replaced duct tape on toggles with Leukotape. Worked better. Side water bottle pouch grey stretchy material developed small abrasion hole. Sit pad in front pouch caused rub abrasion with very small holes. I share your concern about the durability of outer material. Will see how it goes on next hike in a couple of weeks 👍🏻
Must say it’s a “very” comfortable pack.
@@Cary-cgc98 Have you been on any more hikes with this pack? How bad is the abrasion damage now?
I bought this pack recently- I was impressed with my Aether Pro 70, and wanted something lighter to compliment it. Initial impressions are good- time will tell. I do agree with your critique- there's room for improvement.
Yep, so far so good with the new Osprey, as would be expected
Thanks for posting the review, Matty. I love my Atmos 65, but am seriously looking at getting the Exos 55 Pro and reducing some weight. Great videos, keep it going. Cheers.
glad you enjoyed! the weight difference between the 2 is quite substantial, definitely an improvement!
Love your videos, Matty: information focused, well paced, and clearly delivered. Keep it up. Cheers.
Glad you enjoyed!
I got rid of my Exos a couple of years ago because it squeaked too much. I hope they fixed that. I have no problem modifying my packs so I may keep this in mind for my future or to recommend a look at.
haven't had any squeaking with this pack
hello, great presentation. technical advice what is your size and what size backpack did you take, S/M or L/XL. thanks in advance 🙏🙏
the packs are sold based on torso length listed on Ospreys website. I fit into the large torso.
@@MattyOutdoors thank you
Thanks for posting your negatives too. Probably one of the best vids on this pack on the internet right now.
glad you enjoyed and found it helpful
Thanks for the review!
We have a hiking trip on the JMT in August and I am up in the air on this pack.
I know a lot of people lean towards the ultralight packs on this trail, but my full load will be around 15-18 pounds, so I am at a crossroads as to which route to go (ultralight or this pack).
Comfort is honestly the most important thing to me, and that might sway me towards this pack.
Just wanted to know your thoughts on this.
Thanks for the video man!
youll be more than comfortable with that weight
I really liked this pack but I could not get the shoulder harness to fit me properly no matter what I adjusted or tried. That rock plate type thing with the hexagon cut-outs in it they added to the top of the straps stiffened them far too much for them to properly conform to my shoulders. If it had more flexible shoulder straps like my Kestrel and Stratos packs, I'd likely still be using it. I do believe that Osprey is truly on the right track with this pack though.
Thanks for your good review. If I remove the top lid is it suitable as a carry on luggage on a plane? Which is the length of the frame?
im not sure what airline standards are
Been using the exos 45 for awhile. Big fan of most things (love the side pockets) but have the same gripes as you… Useless hipbelt pockets and useless side compression straps (I removed all of mine). I also wish osprey would adopt the roll-top buckle closure lol🙏
rolltop would be nice, but Osprey still insists on making packs with a lid, so i get why they keep with the cinch top. having the flap jacket cover is ingenious, i do love that with the cinch top
Does it have a way of attaching a Hilltop Packs fanny pack to the waist belt? I’ve been looking for something around 55L to replace my Zpacks Arc Haul but the fanny pack has to attach. 🦑
i have no clue, im not a fannypack fan
I had an Osprey Rook 65 and it actually wasn’t all that comfortable. Where the shoulder straps met the bag would just dig into my shoulders despite adjusting it multiple times. I know that’s their budget bag and I’m sure this Exos is much better. Have you ever used any Mountainsmith packs?
my dog uses a mountainsmith pack, but ive never used one for myself.
If the shoulder straps dug in, I'd bet your packs torso length was too short. If a pack is fit properly, with the hip belt done up, the shoulder straps should barely touch your shoulders
@@MattyOutdoors it said it fir my torso length and I tried it at every adjustment. It’s not that it was sitting heavy on my shoulder there was just a spot where it didn’t fit right. The bag also squeaked like crazy. Nothing against Osprey, I think they make great packs. Just didn’t love that one.
@@natlovell122 never used the rook, so i cant comment on the squeaking
@@natlovell122 same here that bar runs across the back top straps and I can feel it too much for my liking. The Exos does not have this. I will take the Rook back to return will take it back as I know this will bug me big time. It did have a better tighter mesh back though that holds it off our back more for better venation than the Exos but it feels like it is pulling more off your back than the Exos and the Exos fits better on the shoulder straps and hip belt and doesn't feel like it is doing that pulling you back. The Rook looks a good bag if the waist and shoulder straps fit you, the waist belt padding is very short too so that doesn't suit a larger waist like 36inch like mine.
I almost missed this video when it drop because I used to seeing your smiling face in the thumbnail. lol
I thought that would actually improve views lol
Why don't they use modern fabrics like Ultra, XPAC or DCF?
no clue, could be supply issues. i know some cottage vendors have a tough time stocking the UL materials
How does it compare to your ohm? I'm in the market for a new pack, but love my ula.
the suspension on the exos can't be beat
I'm looking to replace my old MEC backpacking bag. I've only done a couple trips with it, but its heavy now as I'm almost 40 lol could this puppy handle a three night trip? does it have good room for a tent and sleeping pad? I'm fine with spending 350-400 if its worth the money. Thanks for the video
I should mention I'm rough on things so if it tears easy maybe theres a better option lol
id have no problem with a weeks worth of gear in this pack
How does this compare to Gregory Focal?
never used one
Hipbelt pockets are amazing if they are done well but Osprey's are always really frustrating and worse than nothing.
ive yet to see nice hip belt pockets
Atompacks ones are really nice.
It's a nice pack but at $380 that's custom DCF pack pricing . Maybe if it goes on sale for a good price but not at full retail.
In fairness, there's no DCF pack thats going to be as adjustable, or carry as comfortably as an Exos. Osprey has the most comfortable packs out there, hands down.
@@MattyOutdoors that may be true but I'm not going spend well over $400 taxes incl , on a backpack I don't actually need . Especially considering I do need to get an underquilt for my new hammock
@@shawnr6117 then dont buy it, easy solution
Do you find the back venation mesh system pretty rubbish as once you load the pack and crank the load lifers up the pack becomes basically touching your back like the Talon or Kestrel models they sell with the more traditional foam back like most backs are. The old model Exos from around 2019 to 2022 without the hip pockets the mesh and frame was more stout and more curved so all that combined gave it way more venation I found. If the idea behind the back system with mesh and a frame is to make it more ventilated and springy it seems to be a design flaw to me. I have the Room 65 pack too and this incorporates more of the style of the old Exos with the very taught back mesh, more springy frame and more curvature in the design offering the advantages of the old Exos I had the new Gregory Focal 48 too and this was even worse than the new Exos in its deigns of the mesh frame even less taught and less curved , I hated it! The old model Exos also you could route the side tension straps under the side water bottle mesh storage pockets again a way better system. I think I will look for an old model Exos 58, but then again I found the hip belt much better on the new model, its longer and the padding extends on the waist and hip bones a lot better with the shape of it. This model in Ospreys line up is great but frustrating, with the Atmos they are Ospreys best and most popular packs. It seems like they get someone who never hiked to design the Exos every change of style and its two steps forward and one step back, pretty much like most ultralight tents I question if the designers ever hiked a proper mufti day hike in their lives.
I have the older Exos model you mention, and I don't find the mesh back on this one any different, it vents just as well as the older one.