Finally got an Osprey EXOS 58 backpack

I have carryed 26lbs in my pack a few times now and it carrys it great. I wouldn't want to go much heavyer.

Eric, I just picked up an Exos on a good deal too. A 48 at about 25% of plus some Back country edge points. I agree, I find it a dream on my lower back that still suffers some from a car accident years ago. Not much I don't like about it accept the compression straps and maybe it could have used slightly wider shoulder straps for me. Not sure what is different from earlier Osprey packs but I found previous packs very uncomfortable on my lower back, not this one :)

jimmyb

I have the Exos 38, and having sold my older 46 and 58, will get the new 48 or 58 when the need arises for a bigger pack.
Loving the new Exos overall, but be careful of the mesh side pockets. They don't hold up to abrasion like the older version did. I have 2 tears in one side pocket, and 1 in the other from forcing my way through gaps between boulders with 1L Smartwater bottles in the pockets.
Shouldn't be a problem on-trail, just sayin'.

Owen,

I'm going to use light silnylon detachable side pockets that will end up protecting the mesh side pockets and add 400 cu.in. to the pack. I like side pockets for storing stuff I need in a hurry or want to segregate from the main pack. i.e. 1st aid kit, Steripen, stove and fuel, potty kit, etc.

I may cut down the side pockets to make them "side pouches" B/C I feel that with add-on side pockets they will be as useless as t!ts on a boar. :o)

Today I used the EXOS 58 for the first time on a 5 mile training hike. I had about 25 lbs. in it and I can say it was THE most comfortable pack I've ever used.

Looking forward to many good trips with this pack.