Osprey Eja 58 vs Eja pro 55 | first look at Ospreys NEW Eja/exos Pro!

Osprey recently dropped their new Eja / Exos Pro 55 backpacks, that are a whole 20% lighter than the original Eja/Exos! In my quest to find the perfect pack for the PCT this year I decided to try out the pro. This video is more of a comparison rather than a full gear review as I've only had it out a few times.
#pacificcresttrail #osprey #pct2023

[@donpardo1]

Thanks 🙏🏻 so much for your honest and sensible comparison. I was going to buy the exos 55 pro but instead ordered the exos 58 because of your review 😇greetings from Oz.

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

Thanks for watching, glad it was useful :) can’t go wrong with the exos 58! Happy hiking 🥾 Ash

[@o.brygier2364]

Hello Ash, I was also considering to change from my Exos 58 (2022 model) to the new Exos Pro. But no zippered left hand hip belt pocket, missing the 2nd pocket underneath the lid and the stow on the go loops, as well as the separate straps for the tent and slightly less comfort convinced me to stick with my actual Exos. Also, the weight capacity is rated 2 kgs higher. To me, all this is not worth losing just to save 350 grams. Your comparison is absolutely complete and helped me really to make my decision! All the best from Germany!

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

Hey there! Yea I think you absolutely right. It was nice for me to see them side by side and try it out otherwise I may have always wondered 😅 still think it’s a great pack but like you say it doesn’t seem worth the 300g weight save to change :) All the best, Ash

[@gregoryoutdoors]

I got standard 2022 Exos 58 with hip belt pockets and after watching this videos im glad I have this one. I think its much better actually and from experience on the trails. The things they removed are a massive deal breaker to me. I like to use my front left loops to put away my trekking poles when not in use or in towns or back loops for my folding foam mat/tent. Also I prefer extra padding on straps etc to feel more comfortable when carrying more water/food and for long days just hiking. Ohh well they missed mark on this Pro version, maybe they will fix it in the next one. Cheers for video.

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

Hey there :) yea I totally get you with the extra padding etc, over all I found the standard Eja to be more comfy. I must say though I’ve never actually used the front loops for the trekking poles but I feel inspired to try them now haha! I often stop to take photos and film so I’ll give them a go next time :) Ash

[@gaylewalker4239]

Thank you for sharing this info. I would want to know how they felt on my back. Going as light as I can will be my goal. Keep trekking. 😀

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

For me I’m sticking with the original but defo worth checking out the Pro! Im gutted to send it back but the original for me felt like a better fit :)

[@DartmoorPaul]

Liked this one as my wife is looking for a pack. Great comparison. Thank you 👍 just a note & maybe me with my concentration but I’m happy when you are talking not to have any music in the background 😊

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

Noted, thankyou! Seeing as your in the UK, keep and eye on go outdoors as they often have the osprey packs on sale :)

[@DartmoorPaul]

@@ashobrienoutdoors thanks 😊

[@thelab2982]

Thanks for your video !

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

Thanks for watching :)

[@millerhoo]

I just ordered the Exos Pro. Thanks for the video. There is nothing out there in it. Thanks for making this.

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

Nice! Hope it serves you well :)

[@Johann-4354]

They are both beautifully engineered. I'm sure you'll make a good choice.

[@elisaadams2292]

I have the regular EJA 58L and really like it. I’ve not tried the PRO but, imo, comfort is key over long distances and the fact that the PRO has less padding would probably be a deal breaker for me. Whatever you decide to stick with thank you for sharing.

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

Thanks 😊 I agree! I decided to stick with the standard Eja in the end ✨

[@trexinvert]

A few things that are common on the PCT are the following: a.) Carrying a wet tent and quilt/sleeping bag will happen a dozen times or so during the trail. So, your pack should be able to accomodate extra volume. b.) Crawling over and under a few hundred downed trees will happen through burn areas. So, your pack should be able to really be secure on your body. c.) Also, for some reason hikers end up putting their bear cans in their pack. So, again need space.

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

Thanks 😊 the pack I’ve decided to keep is 58 so should be plenty of space and fits a bear can horizontally so hopefully should be all good size wise :) Ash

[@tracyzhou3846]

Thank you. Very helpful. Will go with the new pro

[@sarahlikescanoes]

Thank you for the video! I checked out the pro at a store a few days ago and wasn't totally convinced. All the Ejas are on sale from a local retailer right now so I'm ready to shop. I already have an Eja 48 (love it!) in an xs/s size which is actually only 45L so the thought of going up to the Eja 55 Pro in an xs/s and only getting 52L or 7L additional space for all that money worries me. If I go with the Eja 58L in an xs/s, I will get 55L so 3L more than the pro model but, yes, with that extra near-pound in bag weight. That's basically at least 2 days of extra food and I always have the option of leaving the brain at home to downsize. I've done the Pyrenees and Alps camping with the 45L capacity (tent on the outside) just fine because I could resupply every 4 days or so but with longer backcountry trips at home in Canada where there are few/no resupply options and I like to bring the dog and all her food, I need something bigger. Plus, I could use it for snow camping. If I start a 6 or 7-day trip with 27 lbs instead of 26 lbs does this really make or break my trip and aren't comfort and durability more important in the short and long run? I think I've talked myself into buying the 55L option (Eja 58 xs/s)! Justin Outdoors did a review of the Exos 55 which is the men's version of this pack if anyone is interested. Again, thanks, your video and people's comments have been really helpful!

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

Thanks for watching! Hope it helped in your decision making, i faffed a lot over it as well. Personally I’m happy I took the standard Eja on the PCT , though I did see a few of the Pro’s on trail and I always asked how the person was liking it and in general most people seemed pleased with the pro :)

[@МалоВремени-м3у]

Was very usefull, Thx!

[@robertkosulic4122]

Thanks it really heped. I think comfort in wearing is more important than weight.

[@DartmoorPaul]

Found an Eja 48 for my wife after watching your video and now selling her Aura 65AG. But now I’m jealous 😂

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

Oh niceee!! They are wonderful bags. I got mine for a great price on go outdoors website so worth keeping an eye there too if you want one yourself! Ash

[@nightrock4713]

I am currently debating between the Eja 48 (xs/s so actually 45L) and the Eja pro to replace my Aura 50 AG, which is a heavy extremely padded pack. I was lucky enough to try both in a shop (without as much weight as I would’ve liked though), and the regular Eja felt much more comfortable with a wider hipbelt strap (I’m way too much on the chunky side so need to use quite a lot of the strap). I also like the possibility to get my tent on the outside (although you showed it was possible too with the pro). I wasn’t convinced by the non zippered hipbelt pocket, thinking it was the same on both sides, but now I quite like the idea of having one zippered and one not. I don’t care about not having loops and the internal lid pocket, but having a buckle on the front pocket was really handy to strap things there. In the end, I will probably go for the Eja as it’s gonna be more comfortable than the pro, and that’s really important on long trips. I just have to make sure I’ll be able to fit all my gear inside 😆

[@TheAdventureGeek]

That hip belt pocket is weird! Another great video. I think I’d prefer the original for comfort reasons. Osprey are great packs.

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

Thanks Julia! Yea the hip pockets were an odd one though I was willing to put up with the compromise for the weight save though but I just couldn’t let go of the comfort of the standard Eja. I reckon if the pro was the first Osprey I tried I would have 100% been down for it but I’m spoiled by the original 😂 I did some tinkering yesterday removing some straps and buckles etc and managed to get it down to just over 1.1kg so really only 200g heavier, worth it I reckon :)

[@TheAdventureGeek]

@@ashobrienoutdoors good call. And did you decide on the Hubba Hubba?

[@Eikosiepta_]

I’m on the skinny side and concerned that the less padding wouldn’t be as comfortable BUT I would also prefer the lighter weight… Still confused but thanks for the comparison! Much needed.

[@NikhilShahi]

5:55 - you say the Eja Pro can carry about 39.6 lbs, but the website says it only carries upto 30 lbs which makes sense.

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

Hey there :) That's odd, on here it says 18kg (39.6lbs) ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/womens-eja-pro-55-rucksack/and I was cross referencing this website with Osprey Europe, although now I am on their website (the Europe one) it looks like they have taken the weight capacity limit off which is bizarre. Anywho, I wouldn't have fancied carrying near 40lbs in it :)

[@Ingo-n8u]

I've been looking at the same 2 bags and noticed on the Osprey website that the load limits are different for metric and imperial for the pro. 30lbs isn't 18kg. Maybe thats why the weight feels better in the 58.

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

Oh how strange!! I also noticed the weight limit was different on two different websites. Still happy with my choice of sticking with the non pro version :)

[@michelleingel3721]

I use the old version of the original Eja which had no pockets on belt and almost no padding so the pro has added features by comparison but, looking at your video, it looks like the front pocket has no/almost no strech? I stuff my wet gear in there so I really want it to be able to expend a good it. Do you confirm there is little strech compared with the original? Enjoy your PCT!

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

Hey there :) it actually stretches pretty well, it’s connected to the side straps which allows you to tighten and loosen slightly to allow for more room in the pouch. Over all the standard Eja probably has a bit more room and stretch in the pouch I reckon , but the pro one still is decent and I was able to fit my rain gear and a few other things in there :) hope that helps!

[@michelleingel3721]

@@ashobrienoutdoors Thank you. I'll go for it then. And, I love the idea of the no zip pocket for my hanky.and glasses.

[@KevinCromley]

Thx for the review. I'm so conflicted! Narrowed it down to Exos 58, 55 Pro and Zpacs Arc Blast 55. Help!! :)

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

I am the definition of analysis paralysis when it comes to choosing gear so I’m no help lol but I hope you manage to come to a decision :) in the end for me I had to be able to see both packs and try them on, even though it sucked to have to pay to send one back it was worthwhile. Goodluck!

[@Xhadp]

Personally, the loss of ice axe loops is the biggest drawback I see. I used them on my Atmos to secure both trekking poles and an ice axe. Not much, but enough. The bottom straps, that is how I already use the straps on my Atmos and I don't use the front shoulder loops. I wouldn't say dealbreaker territory though. The others changes, not so much. I wonder if it is truly lighter to use a ladder system on the Exos instead of a sliding pole system on my Atmos. Because that is one of the sticking points for me about these packs even though I likely know I'd never touch it after setting it the first time. I'm seeing people say that the overall weight difference is not worth the loss in padding and other stuff but I'm personally excited at the prospect of a sub 2lb pack with the trampoline back without stripping virtually everything else (only other pack on the market is the arc haul w/the dealbreaker of no hip belt pockets).

[@texmexia49]

Not having a rolltop is a deal breaker for me, but just over 2# wow. Let us know how it works!

[@VelekaGeorgieva]

Does anyone know the height of the Eja 58 without the top lid? Or what height it can compress down to? Trying to figure out if there is any way to squeeze this onto an airplane as a carry on :D

[@sarahlikescanoes]

My Eja 48 is 70cm tall and according to the internet, the Eja 58 xs/s is 71 cm while the m/L is 76. It doesn't compress down in size other than taking the brain off. The frame is solid. You can only compress the width and depth. I have travelled with my XS/S Eja 48 (which is actually 45L at that size) on multiple international flights and it barely meets the carry on restrictions and only just fits under the seat in front of me. I remove the brain, have only my most valuable items, and cinch down all the straps. I have to check in another bag with my gear.

[@vel719]

Thank you!

[@robertkosulic4122]

I think comfort in wearing is more important than weight.

[@TheTrailDancer]

❤

[@billhansen9100]

Osprey make very good dags weight is a big thing to. When you get into central California you will need a bear can for food.