Osprey Hornet 2012 (3 sizes!!) $98

I really like this pack. I can fit all my luxury winter/ snow gear in it and it seems like there is room for more. If you can find the right size, this is a great little pack.

I really have my heart set on the Exos 46, should I consider this one instead?

The Exos will have more support as it has a frame. I liked my Exos 58, but as my kit evolved, I didn't need all that volume anymore. I highly suggest going to someplace like REI and trying them on with your expected weights for a few hours.

It is cheaper at DoG and its not the 2012 model, and there are not three sizes, so no idea how prolite.com is doing medium, do they ship you s/m, or m/l?

but like I said, its cheaper on Department of Goods, plus you can use Mr rebates cashback, total price about $91 with 40% off and rebate.

The 2011's s/m m/l thing is why I had moved away from this pack, according to the reviews it's just not big enough for me. Looks like I'm back on the hunt for an Exos 46. Of course I should go try it out first as suggested.

Bobby, the original Hornet was considered too small by most users, even people with short torsos. Probably due to Osprey not accounting for torso collapse with a frameless pack when fully loaded.

In 2012 they redesigned the lengths and created 3 sizes instead of the older 2 hybrid sizes. So the 2012s have been received much better.

Prolite may have a communication error and is accidentally selling the new model as the old (seems likely) or they're trying to clear inventory and going to stop carrying the Hornet due to low sales (also likely since the 2011s were a flop). Either way, the price is cheap and we have confirmation that someone actually received a Large and not a M/L indicating these are the new models.

Sandy, is there any difference between the 2011 and 2012 models? I was hoping Osprey might add a bit more padding to the hipbelt and harness.

I dont see any padding on the hipbelt, but the harness (shoulder straps) seem adequate. I, too, wish there was more padding on the belt, but will see how it works.
sandy

looks like small and medium left, larges are sadly gone

Mine may be for sale as looks like I have too much gear to feasibly use it on the PCT. Or, maybe Ill send it back.
sandy