As you most of you know I've been talking about Osprey backpacks a lot for years now (see full post list at the bottom), and get this question asked a lot. So here you go.
Atmos AG 65. Hands down the best backpacking backpack in my opinion.
You can think of Osprey's Atmos as their main multi-day backpacking backpack line, whereas the Exos as their main light multi-day backpacking backpack line.
In summary, I think that in many cases; unbeatable comfort, organization and adjustability benefits of Atmos AG 50 and 65 outweigh the price and weight reductions you get with Exos 48 and 58.
Atmos is also considered prettier. This Abyss Grey color is especially liked by many - including me.
- #A sidenote here: REI's backpack capacity chart is GOLD. Highly recommend you to check it out before you read any further.
- Atmos line is ridiculously more comfortable (especially the AG 65), much more adjustable, more durable and offers more compartments, accesses & pockets
- Exos line is MUCH (around 2 lbs) lighter (depending on the size)
Most of you probably read this post to see if it's worth the price reduction you get with the Exos. As you'll see, I believe that it doesn't (at least for most of us).
This is why I recommend the Atmos AG 65 to almost anyone looking for a multi-day backpacking backpack. You can see this in my best Osprey multi-day backpacking backpack as well as best overall hiking backpack posts.
...then you should not check out the Osprey Exos, but the Volt.
I've selected it as the top alternative to Atmos in my Best Osprey Backpacking Backpacks post.
If you're torn between getting the 50 liter option or the 65 liter option, I also published a post comparing Atmos/Aura's 50 and 65 liter options, so you can check that out.
In summary, I'd recommend you the 65 L.
If you think you'd be just fine with a 50 liter pack, then I think Atmos AG 50 can be an overkill more often than not. You'd be perfectly fine with Stratos 50.
- Incredibly comfortable and ventilated tensioned...
- Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment
- Integrated raincover
- Internal hydration reservoir sleeve
- Removable top-lid with zippered slash pocket
If you're reading this post looking for a budget multi-day backpacking pack alternative to Atmos, then I'd recommend you to check out Volt (NOT EXOS).
If you're shorter than, say, 5'1"; or taller than, say, 6'6"; then Volt would even feel more comfortable than the Atmos AG 65 thanks to its incredible adjustability.
Now let's get to the bolts and nuts of these packs.
Comfort
As you some of you might already know, I'm a huge fan of Atmos line - especially the AG 65.
Atmos AG 50.
AG stands for "Anti Gravity" here - the most recent suspension mesh technology of Osprey.
It helps the backpanel of the backpack float away from your back rather than leaning to it.
This does not only boost the comfort significantly, but it also keeps you much more ventilated and hence less sweaty along the trail.
This is kind of ridiculous if you ask me. I remember being blown away the first time I’ve heard about it. Osprey took the game to a whole another level in today's world.
This is why it's called Anti-Gravity.
The Exos line, on the other hand, is also pretty comfortable when you compare it to the other packs in the market, but definitely not as much as the Atmos.
Actually, nowhere even near.
Because, in addition to AG technology, the shoulder straps and hipbelt of Atmos Series are generously padded without worrying about weight too much.
Sleeping Bag Compartments and Accesses
Another shortcoming you should take into consideration with the Exos 48/58 is that they don't offer a sleeping bag compartment at the bottom.
Stretch mesh side pockets available in all Exos and Atmos models offer side access as well - which enables the access on the go. This is a shared feature.
Storing your sleeping bag at the bottom of your pack doesn't require a separate compartment or zipper at the bottom.
This is why some people feel like this is all gimmicks - although I disagree.
I still find it worthwhile, especially for, say, 40-45+ L packs. I have two reasons for this:
- Digging through (or worse, emptying out) your entire inventory in order to get to the bottom of your sleeping bag (or any other item for that matter) to reach an item that is stuck at the very bottom of your pack is far from ideal.
- Having a separate compartment at the bottom isn't the only objective advantage you get with Atmos packs. The divider between main and sleeping bag compartments is removable and floating, so it also grants you an additional, easy access to the main compartment from the other side (bottom) as well.
In the end, for these two reasons, a sleeping bag compartment is likely to spare you a fair amount of time and frustration.
A sleeping bag compartment & extra access wouldn't come equally useful for packs with lower volumes, such as Exos 38.
You can dig through your stuff with ease and hence you're less likely to wish having an extra access.
Pockets
My another beef with Exos line is the lack of hipbelt pockets.
The main advantage of Exos 58 is its ultralight construction.
This implicitly forces you to use the pockets of your clothing for all the items you'd like to have readily available such as snacks, smartphones, wallets, or hand warmers etc.
Becomes a real problem during winter, trips with kids and/or pets, extended trips, etc.
Atmos packs, on the other hand, do offer more storage via hipbelt pockets.
Adjustability
Two adjustments Atmos provides and Exos doesn't:
- So called "fit on the fly" hipbelt allows dialing in the right hipbelt fit when you're wearing the pack. It offers up to 6 inches of adjustment.
- Shoulder straps are also adjustable for 4 inches.
These take the already superior comfort of Atmos and bring it somewhere unbeatable.
Conclusion
Most of you probably read this post to see if it's worth the price reduction you get with the Exos. As you'll see, I believe that it doesn't (at least for most of us).
This is why I recommend the Atmos AG 65 to almost anyone looking for a multi-day backpacking backpack.
If you tend to pack lighter and/or go on shorter trips, then I'd surprise you and recommend Stratos 50.
- Incredibly comfortable and ventilated tensioned...
- Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment
- Integrated raincover
- Internal hydration reservoir sleeve
- Removable top-lid with zippered slash pocket
If you're an ultralighter, then Exos is a better choice for you. You can check out my Osprey Exos 48 vs 58 post to decide the volume.
The best alternative to Exos would probably be Levity - its even lighter cousin (lightest in Osprey's entire backpacking backpack product line).
- Lightweight 45 liter backpacking pack built for...
- Fixed top lid with zippered pockets for organizing...
- Bellowed front fabric stores rain gear for easy...
- Internal main compartment compression strap and...
- 3.5mm Lightwire internal frame and 3D-tensioned...
I’m planning on doing a thru hike of the PCT next 2022, I have the Atmos AG 50. Thoughts on if I should consider a lighter pack?