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Osprey Exos 58 Buyer’s Guide & Reviews

This is a close-up view of the OSprey Exos 58 backpack in black and orange color.

If you’re after a stylish and ultra-light backpack for your next hiking trip, then the Osprey Exos 58 might be the perfect choice for you. Osprey are well known for their high-quality, effective products and the Exos 58 is definitely no exception.

It can be pretty difficult to find a great backpack that is both lightweight and well-designed with useful features. Luckily though, the Exos 58 manages to combine both of these things which make for a compelling and attractive product.

This article will hopefully provide a comprehensive overview of the Osprey Exos 58 so that you can make an informed buying choice. At the end of the article, we’ll also include our backpack buyer’s guide which we’d recommend consulting before parting with any of your hard-earned cash.

Read on to discover more about this excellent backpack and find out whether it is the one for you.

Osprey Exos 58 Overview:

This is an image of the Osprey Exos 58 backpacking backpack in black and orange color on a white background, buckle straps and zippers are seen.

The Osprey Exos 58 is a backpack that has clearly been designed to be able to cope with some serious outdoor adventuring. It has all the usual features you’d expect from a great backpack, but also has a load of extra features that really make it stand out from the competition.

In this overview, we’ll start by outlining the specification of the Osprey Exos 58, which will include its sizing and general dimensions. After that, we’ll look at its weatherproofing and performance, before finally delving deeper into our favorite features that the pack has to offer.

Specification:

Sizing

The Osprey Exos 58 comes in three different sizes. This is in order to accommodate different torso lengths and to make sure everyone is able to use this backpack comfortably. The sizing doesn’t affect the size of the actual backpack, just the size of the metal frame that it sits on. This means you won’t lose out on any volume by getting a smaller size.

The size of a pack is one of the biggest factors that determines how comfortable it is. Anyone who has worn an ill-fitting pack in the past will know just how much discomfort it can cause, so choosing a pack that is the right size for you is super important. When you start adding weight to the top lid and pockets, you’ll quickly realize that you want a backpack that fits.

Volume

The Osprey Exos 58 has a volume of 58 liters, which is where it gets its name from. This is on the high end for a hiking backpack so you can be sure that you’ll be able to fit plenty of gear inside the main compartment. Having plenty of space is really important if you’re going on a long trip and need to be able to comfortably carry your stuff around.

When you make use of the stretch mesh side pockets, top lid, and removable sleeping pad straps, you’ll be able to carry even more gear around. The bottom line is that you won’t be finding yourself struggling for space if you do decide to pick up an Osprey Exos 58.

Weight Capacity

Having a large volume available means nothing if the pack won’t be able to hold plenty of weight. Thankfully, the Exos 58 does have a high weight capacity, coming in at around 40 pounds. This is again pretty impressive considering the lightweight frame of the pack and you’ll easily be able to carry as much as you need.

You could probably carry much higher weights than that if you had to, but once you start getting around the 50-pound mark most people will probably start to feel some discomfort from the pack. 40 pounds should be more than enough for most people though.

Straps

The main shoulder straps and well padded and extremely comfortable over long periods of time. Anyone who’s carried around a heavy pack before will know that the shoulders usually end up taking a beating. Luckily this pack leaves your shoulders pain-free and comfortable.

The Osprey Exos 58 also makes use of tactically placed side compression straps to maximize comfort and keep the wearer’s posture correct. Having side compression straps is actually one of the most effective ways to improve a backpack’s comfort, and this is definitely the case with the Exos 58.

The materials Osprey has used for the padding have clearly been well thought through. The padding is thick and soft but also feels extremely durable. This means you can rely on the straps holding up for a long time into the future, and not becoming mushy and uncomfortable like a lot of straps tend to.

Extra features

The Osprey Exos 58 actually has a few extra features that you might not typically see on a standard hiking backpack. for example, the “stow-on-the-go” trekking pole attachment allows you to hook your pole onto the pack if you need your hands free. Although doesn’t sound particularly life-changing, it might actually be a feature that you really come to appreciate on the trail.

Another of these bonus features is the integrated FlapJacket top cover. This cover replaces the top lid when you find yourself in bad weather conditions, and fully secures your pack to keep everything inside warm and dry.

These are just two examples of some great innovation that takes place within this backpack and it is the extra features like this that really help the Osprey Exos 58 stand out from the competition.

Performance:

When it comes to performance, the Osprey Exos 58 is pretty unrivaled in its category. You’d struggle to find another backpack that is more versatile and suited to a variety of different weather conditions. The extremely high build quality of the backpack is probably one of the main contributors to this fantastic performance and is what will make it last for years after you buy.

The first thing we’ll be looking at with regards to performance is the backpack’s weatherproofing.

Weatherproofing

Just by taking a glance at the Osprey Exos 58, you can see that it is clearly designed to take on the elements. The sleek design is mainly constructed out of a thick 100 Denier fabric which is extremely rugged and durable. This not only protects your things inside but also means the pack won’t tear or break if your knife or piece of kit is digging into it.

Although the pack material itself is not fully waterproof, the Osprey rain cover definitely is able to keep out the rain. The rain cover is lightweight and small enough to roll up into your pack without taking up any space at all. You can unfurl it and get it around your pack in a matter of seconds if you are unlucky enough to run into an unexpected rainstorm.

Ease of use

The other big factor that will affect how well a pack performs for you is how easy it is to use. A pack that is super fiddly and annoying is likely to slow you down a lot and stop you from enjoying your day hikes as much as you could. On the other hand, a backpack that is user friendly will improve your efficiency on the trail.

Thankfully, the Osprey Exos 58 falls into the user-friendly category. It has a number of cool features that help it achieve this, such as the “stow-on-the-go” trekking pole attachment, the dual access stretch mesh side pockets and the hip belt pockets. The mesh side pockets are particularly great for storing a water bottle or snacks in since you don’t have to take the pack off in order to reach them.

Another feature that helps make the Osprey Exos 58 easy to use is the design of its top lid. The top lid has a traditional “floating design” which means you can store things such as rain gear or a sleeping bag underneath it. This is perfect for a backpacking trip can actually increase your available storage space quite dramatically.

However, this top lid differs from others because it can be folded away and replaced by the included Osprey integrated FlapJacket. This feature lets you batten down the hatches in the case of heavy rain to fully protect anything inside from any moisture.

In-depth look:

Now that we’ve got a good overview of what the Osprey Exos 58 can offer us, it’s time to take a more in-depth look at some of our favorite features. These are the features that we think are the most interesting and impressive and are things that you probably won’t find on many other similar backpacks.

AirSpeed Suspension System

The Osprey Exos 58 has a particularly cool feature which it calls its AirSpeed Suspension System. This system is made up of a trampoline suspended mesh back panel that actually serves a couple of useful and interesting purposes. Firstly, suspending the main body of the backpack away from the user’s back means there is much better airflow. This prevents moisture from building up and can help stop extra rubbing and discomfort.

The other function of the Osprey Exos 58 AirSpeed back panel system is that it helps distribute the weight of the pack more evenly. Spreading the weight out across the whole of the user’s back is essential for long term comfort and helps keep the shoulder straps in a constant position. A backpack that does not evenly distribute weight will start to cause discomfort much more quickly and the shoulder straps are bound to dig in more.

Ultralight Design

It is clear that Osprey has spent a lot of time thinking of ways to make the Exos 58 as light as possible without sacrificing any features or durability. The frame of the backpack is where they’ve managed to save the most weight, going with a metal alloy that is super light but still extremely strong. When it comes to the frame of a backpack, you should always be looking for something that keeps the weight down whilst maximising strength.

Osprey also make a lot of parts of the backpack removable if you need to shed some extra pack weight. For example, the top lid, compression straps, and hip belt pockets can all be removed to give you the lightest pack possible. The materials used to construct the main compartment are also light ad won’t be weighing you down at all.

The build quality

Probably our favorite thing about the Osprey Exos 58 is its incredible build quality across all of its components. There isn’t a single part of the pack that feels poorly constructed or cheap. It’s pretty well known that Osprey are in the business of using top quality materials and craftmanship, which clearly pays off and results in some fantastic products.

Even the extra features such as the front stretch mesh pocket or the “stow-on-the-go” pole attachment are of the highest quality and feel like they are going to last a long time. When you’re making an investment into a new backpack, durability should always be one of your number one concerns. You really don’t want it to be falling apart after the first hike!

Another thing we haven’t mentioned is that the Osprey Exos 58 comes in two colors – Blaze Black and Tunnel Green. Blaze Black is probably our favorite thanks to its sleek look but the Tunnel Green is also pretty cool. Osprey also do some of their smaller backpacks in blaze black as well.

The Verdict

Overall, the Osprey Exos 58 is an excellent backpack that is suitable for a variety of different situations. Whether you’re heading to into a rainstorm or into the desert, you can guarantee that the Exos 58 will be able to keep your sleeping bag and gear safe.

The backpack is also full of impressive features such as the floating top lid that make your hiking experience that little bit more enjoyable. The Osprey Exos 58 manages to stand out in market that is already full of fantastic products.

Backpack Buyer’s Guide:

If you’re trying to choose a new backpack, then there are a few things that should always think about before you decide to pull the trigger on one. There are loads of excellent backpacks on the market today, which is great. However, sometimes this huge amount of choice can get overwhelming and it’s hard to know what to do.

Luckily for you, we’ve prepared a comprehensive backpack buyer’s guide below. This guide will tell you all you need to know about buying a new backpack and will help you get something that is absolutely perfect for you.

For each of the categories below, have a think about what you want to prioritize in each one. Then, when it comes to choosing a product, you’ll have a much better understanding of what you need from a backpack and you can choose one that exactly fits your specification. We can guarantee this will make your buying experience a breeze.

Waterproofing

The first thing to consider when choosing a new backpack is how waterproof it is. Backpacks come with all different levels of waterproofing. Some are fully Gortex and completely waterproof themselves, whilst others require an external rain cover to stay dry.

It really all comes down to whereabouts in the world you are hiking with your backpack. If you’re heading somewhere where it’s pretty unlikely to rain at all, then you’ll probably be fine relying on the rain cover to keep your stuff dry. However, if you know you’ll be getting wet, a fully waterproof backpack could be the way to go.

A waterproof backpack is usually more expensive than a backpack with a rain cover due to the advanced materials used in its construction. Having said that, it is probably a worthwhile investment if you want something that is going to last a long time and be able to stand up to all types of weather conditions.

Volume

Another important factor that determines a great backpack is its size. The “size” of a backpack is actually measured by its volume, in liters. Backpacks come in all shapes and sizes and you can find backpacks that have a volume of 20 liters all the way to 60+ liters.

Bigger is not always better when it comes to backpack size though, and often a smaller pack might be more appropriate for the type of situation that you are using it in. Make sure to think about how much stuff you want to take with you and choose a backpack volume accordingly.

If you’re going on a day hiking trip, then a smaller pack is probably going to be best for you. This means you don’t have to carry around a huge backpack when you don’t have to. On the other hand, if you’re going on a camping trip and need to be able to carry loads of gear, you should obviously choose a much larger pack.

Weight

When you’re carrying something around on your back all day, it needs to be lightweight. There’s nothing worse than nearly falling over backward every time you stand up straight, especially if you’re walking on some uneven terrain.

If you go too lightweight though, then you risk the pack being uncomfortable, which is equally as bad as it being too heavy. The best backpacks will be able to balance a lightweight construction whilst still being comfortable enough to wear for hours.

Look out for materials such as aluminum and titanium since these are very lightweight metals that are also strong enough to give the backpack a solid and comfortable frame. Also, try and shed as much weight as possible from your pack before you set off. Do you really need that Bluetooth speaker and water pistol?

Design

Perhaps the most important aspect that makes a great backpack is its design. A well-designed pack will have maximum comfort, be nice and lightweight, and also keep dry and protect anything you’re carrying inside.

There are quite a few backpack designs out there and some are definitely better than others. Usually, the ones that stick to the classic formula work out the best but there are some companies making unique backpacks that are also very effective.

Something that lots of people tend to tell you not to worry about is how the backpack looks. We disagree though and actually think that the looks of a backpack can greatly impact how often you want to pick it up and head out on a hike. Make sure to choose something that you like looking at but also has a design that you find comfortable and practical.

Features

Every backpack has the standard features that you’d always expect. However, the best backpacks will have a number of extra features that are specifically designed to help them stand out from the crowd. It is often these bonus features that will help you decide which pack is going to be the best one for you.

Things like a trekking pole holder, front stretch mesh pocket, or airflow ventilation system are all features that will come in useful when you’re out in the wild. If you’re going camping then you can find backpacks with sleeping pad straps and specific features designed to make your experience as easy as possible.

Look out for any features that you think will make your hiking experience that bit more enjoyable since this is a good way to narrow down your backpack choices and find the perfect one for you.

Straps

The straps of a backpack are one of the biggest things that can influence how comfortable a pack is going to be. A great pair of straps will take a lot of the strain off your shoulders and back, but a bad pair will most likely cause you discomfort and pain in the long run.

Many people fall into the trap of thinking that the best straps are the ones with the most padding. It is indeed true that extra padding will help prevent them from digging in, but the actual design of the straps is much more important. The straps should be able to help distribute the weight of the pack across the whole of your back.

The best backpack straps will combine padding with design to ensure they remain comfortable over time. The best way to find out whether the straps are comfortable is to read customer reviews. If there’s a problem with the strap design then you can be sure that there will be some comments about it in these reviews.

Adjustability

Closely related to the strap design is adjustability. Everyone is a different shape and size so a backpack should be adjustable for everyone. A highly adjustable backpack will allow you to fine-tune the fit as best you can and ultimately result in more comfort.

The shoulder compression straps should be the first things that are adjustable. You should be able to tighten them enough so that the backpack is snug against your back and not going to move around as you walk. This will take away a lot of the strain and allow you to walk for longer.

Most backpacks will also have side compression straps. These are also designed to keep the pack in place and secure. Waist straps should be just as adjustable as the shoulder straps and allow you to tailor fit the pack to you.

Budget

The final consideration you should be making is also one of the biggest. Knowing what kind of budget you’re working with will make the buying process way easier and help you narrow down your options massively.

There is really little point in spending loads of time browsing the most expensive ranges of backpacks if you know they are out of your budget. Sticking to your budget will let you use your shopping time more efficiently and in the end, you’ll probably find a better product.

Luckily, there are excellent backpack options at nearly every price point, so there’s no need to worry about your budget being too low.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are clearly quite a few things to think about when you’re looking for a new backpack. Since every buyer will be looking for something slightly different, it’s important to consider exactly what you want before buying. This is really the only way to ensure you’ll be buying something that is perfect for you.

If you’re starting from scratch though, having a quick browse around to see what’s on offer is also a pretty useful thing to do. For some inspiration, have a read of our review of the Osprey Exos 58 above. This is a great pack and will give you a good intro in what to look out for in a great backpack.

We’d recommend using our buyer’s guide like a checklist. Before you hand over your hard-earned cash for a new backpack, make sure you’ve gone through each of the categories in our guide and that the pack you’ve chosen suits your needs. This will guarantee you’re buying something that you’ll love for a long time.

FAQ:

Are Osprey backpacks worth it?

Osprey is well known as one of the best backpack manufacturers out there. They make backpacks for businessmen, day hikers, and even hardcore adventurers. Whatever your backpack needs are, you can be sure Osprey has a product that is perfect for you.

As well as offering an impressive amount of products, Osprey takes pride in their workmanship and all their backpacks are built to the highest quality. This means you can rely on them to last for years to come and to provide great comfort and features.

Overall, we’d definitely say that Osprey backpacks are worth it if you’re looking for one of the highest quality hiking packs around.

How do you size an Osprey backpack?

Sizing an Osprey backpack is pretty much the same as sizing a pack from any other company. Most people assume that they should measure their height when choosing a backpack, but this isn’t really the case.

The most important measurement is torso length, and this is the value that backpack manufacturers use to size their packs. You measure torso length from the bottom of your neck to the base of your back.

Some companies might also use a hip-width measurement. In general, the more measurements that are taken into account, the better a backpack will fit. Look out for customer reviews that talk about the comfort of the backpack.

Is Osprey the best backpack?

There are loads of great backpack companies out there, so it’s hard to say which one is the absolute best. However, we do know that Osprey is definitely one of the best manufacturers out there who produce fantastic products at reasonable prices.

Osprey’s popularity has boomed recently as more and more people have started to realize just how great their backpacks are. This rise in fame should tell you all you need to know and we’d definitely recommend picking an Osprey product up for yourself if you get the chance.

What is the lightest Osprey backpack?

A lot of Osprey’s backpacks have a similar lightweight feel that is achieved through clever design and material choice. The Osprey Exos 58 is actually one of their lightest designs though and is a fantastic choice if you want to save some weight when you’re hiking.

It’s a common mistake to forget that a backpack can have quite a lot of weight to it and even if you manage to shed loads of gear to save weight, you’ll still have to carry the backpack itself no matter what. This is why it’s important to get one as lightweight as possible, especially if you’re planning a long hike.

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