Pocket add on suggestions for Ospreys Exos58

The new REI Flash backpack comes with modular, removable, shoulder strap and hip belt pockets, and at least the former can be purchased separately.  Also, check out Z-Pack’s line-up of add-on pockets, which are made of DCF; tough, waterproof, and pricy (but worth every penny).  Other companies that make add-ons: Antigravity Gear, Mystery Ranch, Hill People Gear, Equinox, etc.  Shouldn’t be too hard to find!

I think the problem with the (latest version) Exos is how to add on after market pockets. The hip belt doesn’t seem to have any attachment points, judging from photos.

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David P
<div class=”bbp-author-role”>BPL Member</div>
<p class=”bbp-user-nicename”>@david-paradis</p>

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Hi John, I created this reply for another member earlier this year and duplicated it for you.

I use an exos 58 for winter and “family” trips in summer. I used Superior Wilderness Designs Hipbelt pockets and MLD Shoulder pockets for exos. The SWD hipbelt pockets have plastic clips for an attachment, I couldn’t find a good spot to fasten so had to sew it on. Strangely there is no loops on the new design exos hipbelt. The Zpacks hipbelt pockets and shoulder pocket (which I use on my SWD Superior 40) have a preferable attachment for the exos. It’s just a loop of thin cord with a mini cord lock to cinch. You could easily get that secured maybe through the mesh back panel or a simple sewn on loop so you could still remove pockets easily if needed. The Zpacks Shoulder Pocket I use on my SWD pack would be a good fit for the exos as well, I like the mini mesh storage pouch on the shoulder pocket, i put drink mixes and cough drops in there :)

The pic of string is an adjustable attachment that I’ve made a few of for strapping my snowshoes and skis and whatever else. It’s just a small loop of string on a line loc. Attached to that loop is a mini carabiner, then I string however much string through the line loc and attach another carabiner… figured I’d snap a shot of it while a had the pack out.

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William is right there are no obvious attachment points but a little Yankee ingenuity got the job done and I’m pleased with the pack. It helps to be handy with a needle and dental floss :) I think you could rig the Zpacks hip belts without having to sew on anything… In deep winter I am usually hauling 40lbs + of gear and consumables and the exos is quite comfortable at that weight.

REI has some good hipbelt pockets now: https://www.rei.com/product/162156/rei-co-op-packmod-hipbelt-pocket

They are making a shoulder strap pocket too, but it had magnets in it:

https://www.rei.com/product/162157/rei-co-op-packmod-rainshield-pocket