Size and Appearance

Osprey Exos 48

The Exos backpacks are similar in many ways including design and appearance. Their difference lies in the size and price of each pack. They both come in small, medium, and large and vary by dimension in each individual unit size. The Exos 48 is slightly smaller than the 58 in length and height. The 48 measures 26 inches (small), 28 (medium), and 30 (large) in length compared to the 58 that measures in at 28 (small), 30 (medium), and 32 (large) inches. The width is comparable with these two brands but the heath is another small dimensional difference with the 48 being 12 inches in all sizes (small, medium, and large) and the 58 being 14 inches in all sizes.

Volume capacity and weight are also smaller amounts in the 48 by about 10 liters in each pack. 45 liters for the small, 48 in the medium, and 51 in the large. The 58 is 10 liters more than each of those measurements.

The 58 is designed to hold more a bit more in liters than the 48 and stands 2 inches taller and deeper than the 48 as well. This difference in size affects the position it holds on the backside of the person and also might hang a bit lower. This might mean a more difficult or awkward position to carry, depending on the height of the person carrying it. They are both curve shaped and fitted to provide the most optimal hiking and/or backpacking experience. The back mesh helps keep sweat at bay and they both come in a dark forest green color. This color is most heat resistant so that the sun will not be attracted and the pack will not be absorbing more heat than necessary. The 48 and 58 are also designed so that they remain in an upright position to ease strain on the back and help make packing it less frustrating.

Features/Accessories

As stated above, both of these packs are equal in what they offer (other than size and weight). Each pack has a stretchy front mesh panel. They are both made in the same design and material and customers are happy about the amount of space provided to fit items that may not have room in the main compartment.

Exo’s packs are also equipped with their ExoForm harness. Unfortunately the straps are not adjustable in either pack so consumers need to be weary of which size they are buying and how it fits their particular body type. Small, medium, and large sizes are available in both models. They may not be adjustable but they do have an AirSpeed suspension along the harness that transfers weight to the hip, helping to relieve the back from taking on the entire weight of the pack.

They also provide a removable top lid that is a high plus amongst many buyers. This is especially helpful when using the Exo flak jacket, which allows the items to be compressed further into the pack making more room inside the main compartment and can also serve as a rain poncho. The lid can be removed and replaced with this device as needed. Both products have attachment points for other loose material that does not fill well in the main storage area. This ranges from bungees, ice axe, poles, and other attachable devices.

Compression straps on the top can be used to ensure these items are more secure. There are no sleeping bag compartments on either backpack but they do provide straps for you to roll up a sleeping bag and fit snugly along the bottom of the pack. Some customers have not been confident in this method however, and opted to put a smaller sleeping bag in the bottom of the main compartment.

Click here to get more details on the Osprey Exos 48

Click here to get more details on the Osprey Exos 58

Warranty

The customer service and warranty on Osprey is magnificent. The manufacturer promises an, “all mighty guarantee”. This means that they will repair any damaged or defected packs free of charge no matter when it was purchased. They are that confident in their products longevity and durability. If the company is unable to repair current damage on the product then they will replace it altogether for free and if that model is discontinued, Osprey will discuss replacement options with you.  All you need to do is go to their main website and fill out a brief form and Osprey will email within the week with shipping instructions. This warranty is free of charge and does not require an additional purchase.

Pros/Cons

Osprey Exos 58

There are hardly any cons when it comes to these two packs. Customers were beyond satisfied with the backpacks and both the 48 and 58 are comparable in satisfaction. A con presented in the 58, which would most likely apply to the 48 as well since they are constructed identically, was the waist zippered pockets. They are placed a bit more towards the back and smaller which makes them less accessible.

Some customers were also slightly apprehensive about the mesh water bottle pockets located on the side. They did not seem abrasion-resistant and customers were afraid of them tearing or breaking easily. The 48 also had a few complaints about the suspension mechanism squeaking. WD 40 or silicone could ease this issue but that could become annoying over time!

The most repetitive complaint that we came across was the belt. It was either too long or too short when purchased. The belt is not adjustable so if it does not fit properly you may need to purchase an additional adjustable one to use. Even with these very few cons, customers were overall satisfied with this backpack brand. The Osprey has lived up to the backpacking expectations and now it is just a matter of finding the right size to fit your backpacking needs.