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Find the best and most popular products and review them.
Our review team always considers durability, price, quality, and value in their reviews.
Where to buy:
Sitting squarely in the middle between simple lightweight packs and the more engineered builds more typically seen from Osprey, the Exos and Eja 58 specialize in compromise. At less than three pounds, these packs toe the line of ultralight territory while retaining many of the design characteristics that make Osprey a leader in comfort across the industry.
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
Bridges the gap between lightweight and supportive packs -
Remain up to Osprey’s standard of comfort despite their trimmed-down design
Things we don't like:
-
Durability is a concern, as it is with most lightweight packs
Specs & Features
- Frame Type: Internal
- Gear Capacity: 58 L
- Weight: 2 lbs. 13 oz. (men’s Exos) 2 lbs. 11 oz. (women’s Eja)
Build
Most notably, Osprey managed to include a full frame and suspension system. In many ways, it seems the singular goal was to make the lightest possible backpack without going the frameless route. Evidence of this is everywhere- the streamlined shape, the simplified weight belt, and strategic tapering of padding show where the fat was trimmed. This also reads in their choice of buckles and hard plastic components.
Design considerations aside, you can’t totally avoid the realities of lightweight backpacks. Hikers can expect to comfortably haul on somewhere between 30-35 lbs. More importantly, the buckles and tapered material use is cause for real durability concerns– particularly if you plan on using the Exos or Eja for extended treks. Osprey’s guarantee policy is great, but that won’t help you much when your buckles are broken in the middle of the woods.
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Do We Recommend It?
With these concerns addressed, the Exos and Eja 58 are still impressive from a technical and practical standpoint. We think they’re a very reasonable choice for backpacks looking to trim down their kits without fully committing to a spartan ultralight approach.
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
Bridges the gap between lightweight and supportive packs
-
Remain up to Osprey’s standard of comfort despite their trimmed-down design
Things we don't like:
-
Durability is a concern, as it is with most lightweight packs
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