Help a noob find a pack

Do a search for the ULA Equipment OHM (www.ula-equipment.com). Although it is rated @ 60L, part of that volume is contained in the front and side pockets which do not have to be filled to maximize the load transfer / stability. The main bag is about 40L. It has a frame and is under 1.5lbs.

There are some folks here that have Exos products so will chime in shortly.

i just bought the ohm and cannot agree more. it is the most comfortable pack ive worn.

I tried out 3 packs before choosing one: The Exos 46, the Ohm, and the Gossamer Gear Gorilla. The were all tested only around my apt for two weeks with weights from 18-35 lbs.

I ended up choosing the Gorrilla. 2nd was choice was the Ohm. Shoulder straps and hipbelt were the deciding factors for me. I think the Ohm carried the higher weights better, but I couldn't see a lot of scenarios where I'd be hitting 25+ lbs for trips this summer. Under that, the Gorilla won out.

As far as the Exos is concerned, it is a nice pack. I really liked the mesh back panel, it carried up to 35 lbs comfortably. If I hadn't discovered BPL, I would have bought it and been happy with it.

Reason it was my 3rd choice:

-Heaver than the other two. That's not so much an issue with the 34.

– To many straps. Just a very busy pack. Way too much going on. It felt like if I had to do any off-trail through brush, I'd get so tangled up I'd never get out. After playing with all three, I came to love the simplicity of the Ohm and Gorilla.

– I didn't like the way it packed. I need to have a pack that carries a bear cannister. Despite the 46 having more volume than either the Ohm of Gorilla, I had a much harder time packing it so it carried well.

Specifically, the side pockets and back center pocket were much better on both the Ohm and Gorilla.

– Quality of build. Osprey is no slouch, but with the Ohm and the Gorilla, you are getting 2nd to none.

– A small thing, but I liked buying from an American small business. I'm no jingoist, but other things being equal, I'll buy from the place where I was able to personally correspond via email with the company president regarding fit issues. Grant at Gossamer Gear offered to send me a large pack (on loan, free of charge!) when I wasn't sure if the medium was right for me. Dealing with ULA customer service was a pleasure as well.

As I said, I don't think the Exos is a bad pack, it just wasn't the one for me.

Adding, here is the BPL review of the Exos line.