Exos vs Vapor Trail

Meridian? I thought we were talking about the Ozone? Do you mean the Meridian Vapor or the Nimbus Meridian? The Ozone has the same fully adjustable suspension as the Nimbus Meridian and can carry (easily) 40 pounds. It is rated to 62L and it is a big pack. Tested here: http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/granite_gear_nimbus_meridian_backpack_review.html

If you are talking about the Meridian Vapor, which shares the Vapor Trail suspension then, low and behold, I agree. It really doesn't have a suspension per se.

Signed,

confused

I was talking about the Nimbus Meridian as that's the pack I have experience with…given that it has the same suspension system and volume rating as the Ozone, the comfort and carrying capacity should be the same. I have no experience with the Vapor trail, but since it's rated to 30lb loads compared to the Ozone/Meridian's 40lb rating, I would think it might be even less comfortable with heavier loads.

Thanks for the clarification.

…and I respectfully disagree….;)

Mostly, I was addressing the OP's observation…"I tried a few other GG packs, but the solid foam backs just didn't seem up to par compared to the Airscape. Any thoughts from users of both?"… and agreeing, as a user of both, that we find the airscape to be much more comfy with heavy loads than the solid foam GG pack (Nimbus Meridian), though we haven't tried the less supportive Vapor Trail. Alos pointing out that the *58* litre Exos size large has considerably more carrying capacity than the *60* litre Nimbus Meridian.

Never used the VT, but being in the desert, I really liked the mesh back on my 58. I just couldn't make the hipbelt work with 25#. It works fine for my buddy with the 31" waist, so I'm sure there is some kind of a fat joke in there about me. I think it's a shame that the Exos series packs don't have swappable hip belts, I sure I's still be using mine, instead of a ULA.

Joe, what about finding a gear repair place to do it, or even asking Osprey's help (or sewing yourself)? I think you could make it work. If you need a gear place to help with this, check out Narains (spelling?) in Berkeley (their on Yelp I believe) and Rainy Pass Repairs.

My wife and I love how the 46 carries and really enjoy the cooling mesh trampoline back, but the 58 would be more versatile and allow us to carry a Bearikade Weekender.

I spoke to Osprey about modding the belt, and when I hung up, I decided I didn't need to own their products any more. Especially when I can buy from ULA, and have owners calling and offering to help solve issues and answer questions.

Wow it was that bad an experience? I've never dealt with Osprey customer service. I have no doubt ULA is excellent, and their packs look very well designed, though I've never tried one yet.

I second the fact that Ospery is not the kind of company that will go above and beyond for their customers. In fact, even when their products malfunction or prove to be defective by no fault of the customer's own, they do quite a lousy job on correcting matters. Please read the following example which I have provided at the bottom of the page…and trust me there are many comments such as these floating around…it is not a coincidence that I remembered exactly where I read this comment. Truth be told, you will find many people reviewing their products in a similar way. But hey, then again some people never have any problems with their merchandise and will therefore never get a taste of what i am talking about. Although, I will be sure to pray for the people that do have to go to Ospery on their hands and knees when trouble brews. Just read on and youll see where I am coming from:

http://www.trailspace.com/gear/osprey/atmos-50/review/14384/

My experience with Osprey customer service was the opposite, i called them for a problem with my exos 58 ( the "0" metal ring holding the back panel went out of its place and i couldnt get it back in place )
i was redirected to my country Osprey customer service , even if i bought the pack in the US ( moontrail , i couldnt wait for the France release).
all mail exchanges were fast and very cordial and i ended with a new pack.