So, this is my first post. Let me preface my mini-review/glorification of the Naos by mentioning that I just sold my 85L Dana Design Glacier pack and have been obsessing for a couple months over the Osprey Exos reading posts about it on outdoorsmagic and these forums as well. My Dana was nice, but never quite fit me right and was really to big for my usual overnight/2night trips. Enter the Osprey Exos, the sub-kilo wonder that is a great weekend size.
Today, I walked into REI trying to figure out a reason not to like the Exos. I had tried it on once, loaded it with about 25 or so pounds and liked it. It was soo nice and light and it felt solid with around 25 pounds. Today, I loaded it up with 35 pounds, which is near the max load that I've carried since getting the SD hyperlight as my new tent in 2003. I usually hover just under 30 I think. Anyhow, the Exos left a lot to be desired over 30 pounds. It didn't rub me wrong, but it didn't transfer weight to the hips as well as I was hoping. I was glad to get it off of back. I tried on a few more lighter weight packs like the Granite Gear Meridian Vapor and GG Vapor Trail and some beefier Osprey packs (my new job has a pro-deal benefit with them) and they didn't seem much better.
Anyhow, I was looking through the clearance bin and saw the flashy Arcteryx Naos 55. I'd heard about it, but at $450-$500 it was way too expensive to ever consider. The Arcteryx Naos is definitely not "ultralight," but at 4 lbs it is an upgrade from my old Dana. Its waterproof design and stripped down function echo some ideas of ultralight packing: performing multiple functions and the simplest thing that does the job well. I tried it on worried I'd like it because it was as pricey as any of the other packs there. But having heard so many good things I had to give it a shot and man! was I glad I did. The swiveling hipbelt was great! I climbed up and down the stairs with 40 lbs and change, loaded and wiggled my hips. No chafing, no uncomfortable pressure on the front of my hip bones. This thing is great; if you have the cash or find it on sale for $200 like I did, by all means try it on! In summary, It feels like the best pack I've ever tried and I'm hoping it grows from my initial impression.
