DO OSPREY BACKPACKS SUCK NOW? // Osprey Exos Pro 55 Pack Review

[@GearPriority]

PACKWIZARD COMPARISON: bit.ly/3rmZTW8 👇 GEAR FROM THE VIDEO 👇 Osprey Exos Pro: geni.us/ExosPro Gossamer Gear Mariposa: geni.us/MariposaPack ULA Ohm: geni.us/ULA-Ohm REI Flash 55: geni.us/Flash55 Gregory Focal: geni.us/GregoryFocal

[@jadenm]

Very good review. I did have a different experience with the pack. I really like this pack. None of the contents got wet while raining, though the zippered belt pocket isnt treated for that which is a bummer. Load lifters always stay tight for me. I agree with the poor strap design. I was able to carry 34 pounds before noticing issues with load transfer. I stick around 30 pounds which, for me, has carried well. No issues with the adjustable height. Those pegs have always stayed in for me. I think its a good transition pack into ultralight backpack but for less money. If you have the money, skip over this pack.

[@daviddunn3894]

I agree with your review. And as far as a pack with back ventilation, there aren't many other options in the weight range right now

[@sidneymoon8586]

I used an Osprey Eja Pro 55 this summer (the woman’s version) and I loved it. I use .5 liter soft bottles which are easy to access from the side pockets and had no trouble also fitting my tent poles, water filter, and/or a sit pad in them as well. The top pocket is really spacious and holds a lot. The pack was roomy and easy to pack. The front pocket held everything I needed. The pack carried very well up to 25 pounds. I have had lot of trouble finding packs that are comfortable for my small torso and wide hips. The torso adjustment system on this pack worked fine for me. The only ding I would give the pack is that it lacks bottom lash straps. I think it is important to recognize that pack fit and organization is very individual. For me, the Eja Pro 55 was a winner.

[@Legionnaire7777]

I have the mems version and I agree with you it's a pack that works and concerning the weight its all about getting it packed right etc 👍🏻

[@bjbeck11]

Love my Gregory Focal 48. Been using it all summer and helped me get my base weight down. Great synch and release system for the main compartment (other manufacturers take note, that’s how it should be done). Thought the Free Float system was just marketing hype but can feel a difference, hips are less sore (although also carrying less weight), and had good mobility when doing some lite scrambling. Back ventilation and side pockets for Smart water bottles are excellent. Highly recommended.

[@LMay64]

Great practical information in this review. Osprey and others keep designing packs without real life experience. It's sad because people will purchase it based on brand reputation.

[@vincentlam3786]

Not all Osprey packs though…. It’s hard to please everyone that’s why there’s other brands to choose from.

[@mflacke]

Thanks you for this. I've never understood not having the option to run compression straps under the side pockets. It makes no sense at all. To hear their reasoning that it "confuses people" is crazy. How can that confuse people? Gregory gives you the option on a lot of their packs.

[@billb5732]

It appears, in the vid, that the pack you tested might be short for your torso length. Could that be part of why it didn't carry well for you? Agreed that a framed pack should be able to carry 30+ pounds comfortably. Exos 58 has a better hip belt. It would be interesting to see whether that works better? Other reviewers have complained about the Exos Pro, but Exos 58 users appear to like it. I haven't tried either, so I'm just a (curious) spectator on this pack.

[@SoleilNoir7]

I agree, i was an Osprey addict unti now. I own the new version of the nebula and it is so weird... The news packs look great, the olders were great. Sorry for my english, i'm french. Thanks for your review.

[@roastbeefy0weefy]

I also went into an existential crisis after buying the new 32L Nebula. Coming from a Radial 26 that is 7 years old, I can see where they're possibly cutting corners and losing their sense for ergonomics... It's still an amazing pack, but not quite the same as what first got me to fall in love with Ospreys. That said, they're still the most comfortable harness systems I know of.

[@nunyabiznes32]

Great review. No reason to switch over the Osprey Exos 48. Thanks for saving me money!

[@back40firstaidtraining53]

Thank you for the honest review - and I TOTALLY agree. Osprey failed on this one and now I am stuck with a pack I can hardly bring myself to sell bc I am so disappointed in these failed features. I have felt it carried my 30+ lb weight load ok which is why I keep using it - but the whole bag could have been cut/designed better. Every time I pack it I just hate the awkward spacing and way less than advertised volume (58l s/m Womens is less than 53l in comparable packing into my Gregory Jade). Totally agree about the compression and size of the outside compartments. And what IS up with that top cover!? This disappointment is surprising bc Osprey usually makes good packs and improves their newer renditions from the previous versions. So if anyone wants a Womens S/M - I have one for sale! 😂

[@lelandivy2207]

I can't imagine a pack being more comfortable than the Osprey. I love mine!

[@leeanderson5955]

My choice for large pack came down to Gregory Baltoro or Osprey Aether. I liked the Osprey but it just wasn’t going to fit my longer torso even fully extended, the Baltoro 65 fits my 6’ 3” 240 frame comfortably.

[@kylestokley91]

The regular exos 38 is a nice alternative for “ultralight” packs. They just need to take a couple small design ideas from others, bring the weight down and they could dominate the market again

[@chasel1305]

Just in terms of gear reviews I would love to see on on the SWD long haul, the seek outside flight 2, and the durston kakwa 55

[@PrybarCommando]

You’ll never see a swd, they won’t pay him 😂. But absolutely the best pack on the market. Quad stitched and handmade should (just that) put those packs in the top 3. best weight distribution to the hips, no need for adjusters since the pack is custom, -lighter than this osprey thing, waterproof, more comfortable, way more durable, yeah- better in every way

[@christianb8228]

⁠@@PrybarCommandoto be fair I don’t believe REI paid him and he uses and promotes the REI flash 55 backpack

[@gregoryoutdoors]

Had Atmos, Exos and sold them once I tried Gregory Focal 58L its awesome did very well here in UK on 300km walk. Was gonna get it for my partner Facet one as well but seems like 55-58L are discontinued now? Only see 38L or 48L sizes. Seriously good all round pack. We dont have REI here in UK so cannot test their bag or stuff. But Decathlon makes one very similar as well Ive seen. Atb

[@MattyOutdoors]

The toggle system is terrible. I've never had them slip off while theres weight in the pack, but its when I take it off, the toggles on mine seem to love sliding out, and I have to reset it every time, which is extremely annoying. And the side compression, absolutely brutal. Terrible placement, and they gave me the same cop out excuse as well. Wanted to be extremely excited for this pack, but quite a few big misses from Osprey

[@GearPriority]

When I mentioned the water in the side pocket, they essentially said "working as intended" 🤦

[@MattyOutdoors]

@@GearPriority BONUS FEATURE!!! EXTRA WATER CARRYING CAPACITY!!

[@northernswedenstories1028]

Never happened to me.

[@ewik939]

LOVE THIS REVIEW, honestly this is why I follow your channel! You’re so attentive to the little details that I spot and wonder about with gear, and actually test the pack out and address those! So sick of other KZbinrs doing “first impression” videos or just repeating specs. In this case I was worried about the hipbelt pockets and front pocket. I’ve had an Osprey Kyte before I went LW and those compression straps attached to the front pocket drove me insane I’m really happy Osprey launched this pack (I have the Eja 58 and absolutely love it, slashed it down with a razor to about 1 kg). I’m definitely keeping my eyes open for updates to the design of the Eja 55 Pro in upcoming seasons, but I’m not gonna be an experimental guinea pig with this first one haha - thanks for taking on that role for us 😁💪🏼

[@natlovell122]

I bought a 1st gen Mountainsmith Scream 55 for $88 on sale and I absolutely love the pack. Love the roll top and the huge U-shaped zipper that makes it easy to unload.

[@optical3448]

I tried the exos 48 and the exos pro and I definitely felt the pro not comfortable and not resistant. I chose the exos 48, but if the Gregory Focal was in sale in New Zealand I think I would have taken the Gregory. It look better and I don’t understand Osprey colours choice for their exos line up.

[@Rigatonispaghettioly]

Hey I was wondering if you could review the HUBBA HUBBA 2p. I just picked one up and used it on an overnighter I’m extremely curious as to how you think it compares to the other 50” tent on the market (HORNET osmo mainly)

[@turkeyphant]

If they made it front load I'd buy it. I'm desperately looking for a

[@barneybrightbart7080]

Great review! Many thanks for sharing your experience so clearly and concisely.

[@UnlikelyHiker]

I loved my older Exos 38. I sold it when I got my ULA Circuit, which I found to be perfect for me. Osprey needs to rethink design by throwing out what no longer works.

[@Uncle_Fred]

Coming from starting with a 55L Six Moons pack, and now a Durston one, I'm glad I never bought one of these packs. Neither of these packs ever had any issues like this pack. Yikies.

[@MixMeister5000]

I have an older exo 58, which I love, but man did they ever downgrade on this model. I'll be changing to the Durston kakwa 40 or hyperlite 40. I just wanna keep dropping my pack size.

[@AlexisZenios]

The standard Exos seems like a much better option at 300g more. The Pro has too many compromises.

[@pothos9913]

I'd just add some snaps or velcro for the hip pockets. But I get it's a pain to have to customize a bag you spent so much money on.

[@BigDawgCAM]

Sounds like I should stick to my REI Flash for a couple more seasons! Would love the better suspension and ventilation, but it doesn't look like it's worth the trade-offs

[@Rigatonispaghettioly]

I recently picked up a 55 flash, I’m In Love with it. The pack carries the weight great, the pockets are perfect, and the weight of the pack is where it needs to be. Plus the water bottle pockets are awesome. I always end up giving my water out first which means LESS WEIGHT 😂

[@BigDawgCAM]

@@Rigatonispaghettioly Seriously, those water bottle pockets are amazing. Those alone will probably prevent me from buying another pack for years

[@baysword]

Thanks for the review. I have a Exos 48. The older model were they did not use hip pouches. I got it for the suspension system. I hike in Florida and just have to have a pack off my back. The heat and sweat are real. Just did a section of the Florida trail in the panhandle and it was brutal. Think I will wait for December. So maybe I will rethink things. I was thinking of getting a Pro just for the hip belts but maybe not.

[@daitallon]

I think I'll stick with my standard exos, so comfortable

[@katarininipohodniskinasvet5651]

Thank you for review. I have Mariposa 60 and I Love it.

[@Legionnaire7777]

A fix for the toggle slippage tie some rubber bands around the setting you prefer, done 👍🏻

[@millerhoo]

What about kakwa 55. I went with the kakwa 40 over the exos 55 pro and HMG 2400.

[@matus201]

I love my Osprey Exos 48. It's an older generation, but it doesn't have the flaws you're mentioning here. Weird how Osprey went backwards with some designs.

[@craigmorris6306]

Is their a new Yankee pack due out by any chance ?

[@امیر-ظ7ص4ظ]

Hi ' iam 173 cm ,are s/m size right for me ?

[@jasonbear1336]

I bought brand new Osprey AG65 and it's a POS! Three zippers are broke or snagged backpack material before I even used it once! Osprey quoted 12 weeks to repair. I have a smaller 6 year old Osprey pack that still has no issues. The fall from grace is huge! I'm basically throwing away a $340 pack and going elsewhere for replacement. I'd stay away from any Osprey pack at this point. I agree with reviewer on size pockets on my pack you have to remove it just to close the zipper!

[@leeanderson5955]

Pringles? C’mon man, Frito Corn Chip Scoops. I leave a bag in my truck for when I get back to the trail head. Guzzle some Gatoraid and Fritos, usually gets me home from my Alpine Lakes Wilderness hiked.

[@jays7318]

Thanks for the honest review

[@supergrobi8849]

Es gibt überall vor und Nachteile aber ich habe diesen Rucksack gekauft. Und muss sagen einer der besten den ich je gehabt habe für meinen Körper ideal ich kann nur eins sagen ausprobieren

[@jayv.8298]

Excellent review. Thx

[@JesusTheCity]

Yeah wow that bag looks messy :/ Another thing about Osprey, they dont take suggestions from their consumers the way smaller brands do. Like Hyperlite, Zpacks, Durston, etc., they all take reccomendations from their audience to make better gear. For example ppl complained that the Hyoerlite Pack hipbelt pockets were too small, so Hyperlite made it bigger. The people wanted a half way between the Southwest and Windrider, so the Junction was born. Osprey says on their site any suggestions for design will be thrown out. Thats probably why they struggle to do ultralight correctly- they wont listen!

[@jeket5007]

The Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight is another great option. I really like mine a lot. Good price and weight and design.

[@MatthewRMacKinnon]

My partner uses a shadow light and loves everything about it except the frame, and how high it sticks up. She can’t really look up while wearing it. Nice pack otherwise!

[@jeket5007]

@MatthewRMacKinnon I could see that being an issue for some. It hasn't affected me that way, but I could see how that could happen. There is no perfect fitting pack for everyone that's for sure.

[@theoutdoordogandhikinggirl]

For me they actually do suck 😅 They don't fit me at all and I can't walk up straight with them

[@angelobianco73]

Yes, they suck! Had the Kestrel and the Atmos 50, right now! My next is not an Osprey, for sure

[@randyyoungban4021]

a good review! but crazy looking pants!

[@EricChuah]

The old exos is better... none of the issues that you pointed out.

[@needtokeepwalking]

I was looking at the exos pro when looking at my next pack and the flimsy feel turned me off it, I'm in Australia and hike a lot in sandstone country so you rub up alot on it or have to slide your pack down it. I ended up with the exos 58 due to what was available here. I had to do some modifications like replacing the side straps with shock cord, cut out the bladder area and the flap over the brain. Regretting this purchase a bit now.

[@GedDevlin]

So this is the Homer Simpson car that he designed of the bag world .

[@craigmorris6306]

Are I see just got to the end of the vid and see the rei pack yes let’s get one no ! Not in uk unless you want to be laughed AT

[@MADHIKER777]

Exos packs are unwearable for me. The bottom corners of the trampoline frame dig into my hips.

[@martinerhard8447]

osprey became famous for copying deuters mesh back tech?

[@MrA1582000]

Love Osprey. Buy a pack based on its best usage.

[@canadafree2087]

There are so many listed fails you have to say, "WTF Osprey?" Seems like this company has been around too long and needs to be replaced by a company that actually cares.

[@craigmorris6306]

Lol they are not the biggest backpack seller in the world for nothing

[@andrewmacaulay1585]

For someone with a bad back maybe just stick to day hikes in your beetle juice pants and keep your bidet handy…..👎