Osprey make a lot of packs: these are from their 'Superlite Ventilated' range. Sadly, we have to report that all the other models were just too heavy to be included in this survey. But these Exos packs are quite radical in their harness design. I will quote Osprey here first: "AirSpeedSuspension, which teams a 6061-T6 Aluminum frame with a 3D tensioned mesh backpanel and side crescent ventilation. The AirSpeed suspension works in tandem with the supportive and ventilated Bio-Stretch harness and hipbelt..."
What does this mean? Imagine a rim of white aluminium tubing (Easton tent pole type) twisted into a very fat inverted T shape, like distorting a large bicycle tyre. The vertical part of the T goes to the top of the harness, while the cross-bar at the bottom forms part of the hip-belt wings. Add a couple of thin reinforcing wires across the middle. Now stretch tough non-stretch nylon mesh over that frame. That's what Osprey have done: you can see the taut mesh in the middle photos, with bits of the white tubing at the edges.
ARTICLE OUTLINE
- Osprey Exos 46 Pack
- Osprey Exos 58 Pack
# WORDS: 1090
# PHOTOS: 2
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James,
I should have added that the Aarn Pockets do have built in stays that rest on the hipbelt and that is why you can transfer all of the weight to the hip belt.
This is me about 10 years ago striking an Aarnpack pose :
I have had 18kg (40lbs) inside that combo with around 5-6 kg in those pockets. (mostly water)
BTW :
I tried a prototype made from a couple thermorest bags about ten years ago
do you mean an Aarn made prototype or something you put together yourself ?
"This is me about 10 years ago striking an Aarnpack pose :
aarn pack pose"
Good taste in pants. ;0)
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