Using a pack with excess capacity…

Rafi,

What gear are you carrying?

Tent?

Sleeping bag & mattress?

(& stove/kitchen system?)

I looked at all the EXOS series info on the Osprey website and I'm very impressed.
Personally I like the Exos 58 because I do have to carry a bear can occasionally. Plus I can use the extra volume for bulkier colder weather clothing in early spring & late fall. And I love the split hipbelt illiac crest pads.

After all the 58 does have a good compression system for smaller loads. And at 2 lb. 10 oz. (size L) it is still pretty light.

the exos is a cleverly disguised external frame pack. You can carry as little as you want in it with no issues. dont stuff the sleeping bag and you will always have a full pack.

Hi,

Currently this is my setup:

lightheartgear solo tent

katabatic gear quilt

neoair all season mat

solo pot with isobutane stove (may change to alcohol soon)

all are fairly compact

+1 on the above comments. I find the 58 carries well for weekend and extended trips, including winter. You would also be able to remove the top compartment to slightly shrink the capacity. In this case I think the benefit of having the option to comfortably carry a large canister for an extended trip outweighs any marginal weight penalty. I am going to guess its only a matter of time before you get the itch to do an extended trip through an area that requires canisters.

Rafi,

I have been looking at this pack as well. I read a review that mentioned that the frame pushes the load away from your body which was causing at least one reviewer to have to lean forward. Has anyone else had this experience as well? I am trying to decide between the Exos 58, ULA Circuit, and the new MLD Exodus S when it is released. I don't want to add any weight but I will if the pack is more comfortable.

Heath,

I personally have not found the frame to be an issue, and for me, it is the best attribute of the pack. I find that a small tug on the load lifter straps and the trampoline mesh will hug my back as closely as I would want.

A different body type could have a different experience. I think some people with larger waist lines have mentioned issues with the hip straps on the Exos. I have thought about trying out the ULA or MLD packs you mentioned but then I think about my experience with the Exos and I feel that I have found a pack that works well for me. YMMV.

Thank you! I was planning on stopping by REI and trying the pack on to see how it fits me

The 58 is only 3oz more than the 46, so I would go for the 58. I have a 46 that I like a lot, but I have that size because I got a super deal on it. I would get the 58 in a heartbeat. The BPL framed pack state of the market report noted that the 46 seemed small for the rated capacity.

The Exos put me off frameless packs. Having that frame delivers excellent weight transfer and the ventilated "trampoline" back panel means no gear poking me. Packing is done with consideration to balance— you can load things wherever you want. The extra weight of the pack is a trade off for the comfort it delivers.

More to the point, the Exos packs have excellent compression features, so you won't have any problem making it smaller. You can run the lower part of the side compression straps *under* the side pockets too, which I love— no interference with getting stuff out of the pockets and the stuff inside is compressed away from the pockets, helping more. There are loops installed on the sides of the outer panel above the big stretch pocket if you want to add bungee cord and compress that area too. I love that big stretch pocket for my sit pad, rain gear and maps. As others noted, you can remove the top pocket as needed.

BTW, if you ever break the waist belt buckle in the field or need a little more room, a carabiner works great.

NB: IMHO, the weakest point on the Exos is the bottom corners– if you throw it down on rocks and hard ground, they will fray over time– I've seen that on old ones. I'm going to split some clear vinyl hose and make some snap on scuff guards for mine.