I am technically an outdoor professional but for skiing (part-time). So not anything that would involve this pack. Not a crazy ultralightweight guy but I definitely think about it. Currently the Atmos was my all-time favorite. I really wanted to like the older Exos but never could enjoy carrying it. Just got this new one yesterday. Got it loaded up and wore around for a bit last night. Haven't had it out yet but I wanted to comment how happy and impressed I am that you seem to have identified and fixed all the flaws of the older one. May update this post if I think about it after I've had a chance to actually use the pack. The main problem before was that it just didn't say on my hips without making it uncomfortably tight. And even then I couldn't get the shoulders to wrap around properly. If you put anything in the hip belt pockets that problem got even worse. So the pockets were useless anyway. It looks like you've gotten rid of those and come up with a better hip belt that is designed to rest on your hip bones. Will see how well it works but so far I'm feeling good. On the old one it was very difficult to get a water bottle out of the side pockets. The new thing with the loop seems awesome. Also the side pockets weren't great for tall things because the lack of structure on the lightweight pack generally. Making them taller seems like it will have solved that problem. Last thing, which I know a lot of people mentioned, was that on the old one the mesh on the main outside pocket would tear easily. Adding the reinforced fabric there was a good move. Plus since this is a lightweight pack it's good to have a little extra there. Only thing on my wish list would be if you could figure out how to have an adjustable harness. I realize that might not be feasible at this weight, though, and I can't think of anything else I would want to trade for adjustability. Anyway thank you, looking forward to getting out there and seeing how this one works.

jaybirdfive

Steamboat Springs, CO

I have the last model and absolutely love it. I'm wearing it out, so I bought the new model and it was different in bad ways. I returned it. I am a K9 Search and Rescue handler and need to shoulder pocket for my GPS and radio. The hip pockets are for energy bars and sunscreen. I can't be taking my pack off every time I need a small item. Please consider returning the pockets for the next upgrade and I will purchase again.

Payette

Utah

I own a previous version of this pack bought around 2010. Has been a stellar acquisition for me and I have hiked thousands of kilometers with it with no issues. I love it. Was very disapointed yesterday when I saw this new version in the store. In many ways, they made it worse, not better. Notably: 1) Osprey removed the hip pockets. Typically, people buy a light pack to move fast, and the best way to move fast is to not stop. Therefore, the hip pockets are an absolute must for me because they allow me to quickly grab a bite to eat or my lip-balm without having to stop. I would never buy a pack that does not have have them. 2) Osprey added a bizarre "flap" that covers the main pouch. after looking at it for a few minutes, I still do not understand what is its purpose. Add weight? 3) Osprey added a bunch of necessary padding on the shoulder straps. Why? 4) the side pockets on the original version had nice holes in them that allowed to quickly pull a water bottle in and out of the pocket. Now they replaced it by a different long opening. I am curious to see if it is actually possible to pull a water bottle out of the pocket now. I am not sure. Again why? Luckily my current pack shows no sign of wear and will likely last me until they fix all these issues. Osprey, you had it right the first time. Why did you change it? if it ain't broke ....

DomDrouin

Calgary AB

The Exos 48 is the perfect pack for those working towards an ultralight set up but either wishing to maintain a high level of comfort or needing to carry a few extra pounds. Whether loaded with 10 or 30+ lbs. this pack barely feels like it's on my back. The large front and side stretch pockets can hold a tonne of gear and water bottles and the detachable lid makes it easy to bring items into my tent or around camp. Alternately, when I don't need the space, I can remove the lid all together. The 48L has loads of room for a multi-day set-up provided a minimalist approach is taken. That being said, I'm sure I could easily find a way for a few luxury items such as a lightweight chair if I really wanted to. I know there's mixed reviews on this point, but I find the lack of hipbelt pockets worth it for the comfortable hipbelt. It does a great job of hugging my hips and transferring the load. I find hipbelt pockets difficult to use at times so I picked up an Osprey Grab Bag and it's the perfect addition to this pack. All in all, this pack is an excellent choice for the weight conscious, comfort seeking backpacker and I highly recommend it.

Steve

Calgary Area, Alberta

I've been trying to get the right pack for myself for some time and I think I've finally found it. I've tried the Aether, Atmos, Stratos, last Exos, and the Levity but the new Exos is just about perfect. I started off with the Aether but it was way too much bag for me, the Atmos was better but still too much, the original Exos just didn't feel right (probably because it was unisex), the Stratos was an improvement but it had more pockets then I needed and the stuff pocket doesn't stretch. I've gotten to be pretty minimalist so I thought I would settle on the Levity but I found the hip belt very uncomfortable, the stuff pocket also didn't stretch and the frame is curved which felt really strange to me. But the Exos is just about perfect, I removed the lid which saves 5.4oz and it's incredibly comfortable and light. But not having shoulder or hip belt pockets is annoying, for snacks you either have to have cargo pockets, a fanny pack, buy shoulder strap pockets or take the pack off. The side pockets are arguably too tall, making it tough to reach back and grab things. The tightening straps are a bit of a maze but I'm blaming that on my lack of experience with it for now.

Mckillio

Denver

So I sent my old Exos in to have a bent frame replaced and they sent a new release Exos as a replacement. This isn't as good as it sounds. Here are some of the changes I've noticed at a first look Good: improved durability of the front and side pockets the side pockets are now much larger and easier to access on-the-go the frame seems to extend around the hips more, giving a closer to body feel the frame appears to be much thinner than before, this may mean its steel instead of aluminium Bad: first and foremost, no hip belt pockets or shoulder strap pockets - why? the hip belt is now so flimsy it constantly goes between your back and the lumbar support when putting the pack on - who wants to pull this out multiple times a day every time you put your pack on? I think they have replaced some of the buckles with lighter ones that are harder and more fidgetty to click open - again, not something you want to deal with multiple times a day the added durability to the side and front pocket result in less stretchy material, resulting in possibly less usable space - more of an issue for the front pocket

D

Toronto, ON

First of all, I must say that I too am very disappointed that Osprey did not manage to put hip belt pockets on this bag. But it is definitely no reason to rate it only one star without having tried it. Pros: The side pockets are huge and their partially clothed surface makes them way more abrasion resistant than before. To me, this is a much underrated improvement over the last model. The suspension system fits well and is comfortable at least up to 30 pounds. Considering the small hip belt, I was surprised of how well the weight was transferred to my hips. Cons: As I mentioned before, it is a shame that Osprey did not put some pockets on the Exo's hipbelt. How come do they find that it is a worthy feature on a lightweight daypack like the Talon, but not on a multi-day backpack like the Exo? They could have put just small stretch mesh pockets over the hip belt, it would have added virtually no weight and everybody would have been happy. A big fail there. The old shoulder straps pockets, which again added almost no weight, would have still been very welcomed. Another fail to have removed them. Osprey should at least put some kind of daisy chain or more attach points on the strap to compensate for the lack of pockets. I find the fixed flapjacket to be annoying and always in the way when to top lid is on. This feature should be removable, like it is on Gregory's new Optic. The sleeping pad straps are kind of awkward. The upper and lower points of attach are too close to each other. The straps are however removable so I'll probably end up replacing them with two short shock cords. Other: The "blaze black" color differs noticeably from the picture. The black is more like dark grey and the orange brighter than shown. Note that the sizing is a little off. The bag is too small for the advertised torso ranges. If you're anywhere in between two sizes, choose the larger one. Overall, even if it lacks useful pockets, this is, without a doubt, a very, very good bag.

David

Québec, Canada

Ok I am confused here. Why in the world would they take a perfect pack and take away the hip pockets and shoulder pockets? The weight is the same?????

HikeEatRepeat

Warner Robins, GA

Honestly I rarely use my hip belt pockets except to hold stuff I don't really use in the first place and/or garbage. I can appreciate that they removed them especially since I have pockets on my pants.

Doesn't use hip belt pockets

Some Town In New York