Exos 58.
We will get to compare Exos 48 vs 58.
But before we do that, in order for you to be able to compare and then choose between them correctly, you must first understand how Exos/Eja packs are positioned in Osprey's entire ocean of backpacks.
That said, if you'd like to hear a short answer from me, then here it is:
I'd recommend you to make your decision around trip length. Get the Exos 48 for backpacking trips of 3 days tops and the 58 for 5 days tops. There's no difference between them rather than volume.
Now let's get to the bolts and nuts.
Exos 48.
Is Exos really the line you're looking for?
I want you to read this because Exos appeals to a rather narrower percentage of audience.
Along with Levity/Lumina, Exos/Eja line is Osprey's one of two light backpacking backpack lines.
The former is lighter (and hence, the lightest), whereas the latter is equipped with more organizational features and is more durable; at the expense of some weight (around 0.6 lbs (270 grams), depending on selected size). So, Exos/Eja is positioned closer to a typical backpack anatomy.
Bold are my top picks for each group (based on trip length).
If you're planning to get either one of them, I'd also highly recommend you to check out Osprey's own PackFinder tool as well.
To see the full table and my top picks, visit my post Best Osprey Hiking Backpacks.
Rotate your phone sideways for a better table display.
| Comfort | Features & Organization | Weight (M Size) |
|---|---|---|---|
​ | Trip Length: 7+ nights [>90 L] | ||
Xenith 105 (Men's) | 10/10 | 10/10 | 5.78 lbs |
Cell | Trip Length: 5-7 nights [75 - 90 L] | ||
10/10 | 10/10 | 5.61 lbs | |
8/10 | 9/10 | 5.37 lbs | |
Cell | Trip Length: 2-5 nights [55 - 75 L] Sweet spot. Versatile picks. | ||
10/10 | 8/10 | 4.56 lbs | |
9/10 | 10/10 | 5.56 lbs | |
8/10 | 6/10 | 4.3 lbs | |
10/10 | 4/10 | 3.94 lbs | |
9/10 | 9/10 | 5.21 lbs | |
9/10 | 9/10 | 5.15 lbs | |
Volt 60 (Men's) | 8/10 | 6/10 | 4.3 lbs |
6/10 | 5/10 | 3.52 lbs | |
8/10 | 4/10 | 1.95 lbs | |
7/10 | 4/10 | 2.58 lbs | |
Cell | Trip Length: 1-3 nights [45 - 55 L] | ||
9/10 | 7/10 | 4.21 lbs | |
8/10 | 8/10 | 3.59 lbs | |
8/10 | 8/10 | 3.68 lbs | |
8/10 | 4/10 | 1.85 lbs | |
7/10 | 4/10 | 2.57 lbs | |
6/10 | 6/10 | 3.49 lbs | |
Viva 50 (Women's) | 8/10 | 6/10 | 4.02 lbs |
Cell | Trip Length: 0-1 nights [<45 L] | ||
8/10 | 8/10 | 3.40 lbs | |
8/10 | 8/10 | 3.30 lbs | |
8/10 | 6/10 | 2.44 lbs | |
9/10 | 5/10 | 2.02 lbs | |
8/10 | 4/10 | 2.48 lbs | |
If you tend to pack more or less than the average person, then shift the trip lengths accordingly.
If this design intention doesn't really respond to your own needs and desires, or in other words, if you don't pack ultralight gear but typical stuff; then you should probably stop reading and forget about getting either of Exos/Eja 48 and 58.
Because I'm 100% sure there's another Osprey Backpack out there that responds perfectly even to the narrowest type of audience. They niche down to so many purposes it might actually freak you out.
So if you aren't an ultralighter, I'd recommend you to check out my Osprey Exos vs Atmos post.
If you are an ultralighter, though; then keep reading.
Volume: Should you get the 48 or 58?
Exos 58.
38 is too small for backpacking anyway - only day hiking.
Exos is rather a streamlined piece:
- Consists of main compartment only (no sleeping compartment),
- Offers top access only (no bottom or mid access),
- Only 3 exterior pockets,
- Lid can be removed to save some weight.
There's no difference between 48 and 58 rather than volume.
And most of that volume is carried out within the main compartments of each pack.
Which means that they aren't one of those packs trying to trick you into believing they're actually larger than they really are by putting their large pockets into play to exaggerate their technical specs section.
Load capability ranges of these packs are also the same: 20-40 lbs. If you try to push this further, you will notice better results with the 58 due to its larger frame, though.
Like I said earlier into the post, get the Exos 48 for backpacking trips of 3 days tops and the 58 for 5 days tops.
If you aren't an ultralighter, I wouldn't recommend you to get either of them and instead to check out my Osprey Exos vs Atmos post.
I hope this post was helpful for you to learn more about the backpack(s) in your mind.
Feel free to ask me any questions or provide feedback and I'll be happy to respond in the comment section below.
- Osprey Atmos AG 50
- Osprey Atmos AG 65
- Osprey Aura AG 50
- Osprey Aura AG 65
- Osprey Aether AG 60
- Osprey Aether AG 70
- Osprey Aether AG 85
- Osprey Aether PRO 70
- Osprey Ariel AG 55
- Osprey Ariel AG 65
- Osprey Ariel AG 75
- Osprey Ariel PRO 65
- Osprey Kestrel 38
- Osprey Kestrel 48
- Osprey Kyte 36
- Osprey Kyte 46
- Kelty Redwing 50
- Teton Sports Scout 3400
Thank you for reading.
