osprey backpacking backpacks

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 the volume. 

Now let's get to the bolts and nuts. 

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.

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. 

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? 

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. 

What you'll learn from this post: Whether you should get an Aether 60, 70, 85 or PRO 70; or an Ariel AG 55, 65, 75 or PRO 65 (women's counterparts). 

As you know, besides Arc'teryx Jackets, I review and admire Osprey Backpacks (full list at the bottom) the most here in this site, so I'm usually asked a lot of questions. 

Osprey backpacks, especially Aether/Ariel AG Line, are far from cheap, so I'd encourage you to read this short (3-4 min) post entirely.

But if you desperately want a short answer:

I'd recommend the Aether AG 70 (or Ariel AG 65) over the 55/60/75/85 to most of you. It's also quite pretty, and this Adirondack Green is really liked by many - including me. PRO would be an overkill unless either used for thru-hikes or alpine expeditions.

We'll get to the optimal volume you should pick, but in order to be able to compare them, I think you really need to understand their stance first in Osprey's entire product line, which hints their design intentions.

This will boost your chances of choosing the right volume for your own needs and desires.

But, if you don't want to hear this part out (although I think you should), navigate to "What is the perfect volume" heading from here:

Do you really need an Aether/Ariel?

As you can also (maybe) see in this chart I've put together:

Aether/Ariel AG Line isn't designed to perform very well in every backpacking activity (although it still does much better than average), but to excel in one thing: Extended trips and/or hauling heavy loads.

...which is why Osprey advertises them as mountaineering backpacks as well, in addition to as backpacking backpacks. They make an incredible job in both.

So, generally speaking, there are some specific conditions where an Aether/Ariel pack would pay off the most. These include but are not limited to:

1. Thru-hikes,
2. Alpine expeditions,
3. Backpacking in winter, 
4. 4-5+ day backpacking trips,
5. Backpacking with kids/pets.

Typically, the first two items are better dealt with Aether/Ariel PRO 70/65, whereas the remaining three are handled by Aether AG 60/70/85 and Ariel AG 55/65/75.

So what makes Aether/Ariel AG Line a perfect match for these activities? 

• Bulkier suspension that makes heavy hauling noticeably more comfortable,
• Convertible top lid daypack (IMPORTANT: Available in US & Canada ONLY, but you can order this one),
• A central access (through a side panel zip for 55/60 and a front J-zip for 65/70/75/85) to main compartment (Not available in PRO configurations).

As you can see in almost all my other posts, I'm a HUGE fan of Atmos/Aura AG 65 and I recommend it to anyone who's looking for the best backpacking backpack for basically everything.

However, these 3 features Aether/Ariel AG Line offers (which, by the way, Atmos/Aura AG Line doesn't) are crucial for extended trips and/or hauling heavy loads, as you can also see in my Osprey Atmos vs Aether and Osprey Aura vs Ariel comparisons.

They'll save tons of time and frustration.

Now if you've read up to this point, you should know whether an Aether/Ariel AG would be a good option for your own needs and desires. 

And if you think you do, now it's time for you to make a decision for the volume.

So what is the perfect volume?

Some say the more space you have, the more you'll pack, but I don't think this is necessarily true for most of us.

Remember, not needing the extra volume but having it is always better than wishing some extra volume but not having it.

This is why I always recommend going for 10-15 L more than what you think you'll need. You never know what comes up.

As a rule of thumb, this corresponds to:

• Aether AG 70 or Ariel AG 65 for up to 5 days of backpacking trips,
• Aether AG 85 or Ariel AG 75 for more than 5 days of backpacking trips. It's HUGE.

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Yes, I didn't list Aether AG 60 and Ariel AG 55 here because I think they're somehow misplaced in Osprey's entire backpacking backpack line.

Aether AG 60 and Ariel AG 55 are still fantastic packs and the reason I don't recommend them stems from the superiority of the alternative option, Atmos/Aura Line; NOT from the inferiority of Aether AG 60 and Ariel AG 55.

Because, when you think about it, if you think you'd be able to get away with relatively small volume, then you probably wouldn't benefit aforementioned 3 unique features of Aether/Ariel AG that much anyway.

In that case, you'd probably be better getting an Osprey Atmos/Aura AG 65.

The only scenario I can think of where it'd make sense getting an Aether AG 60 or Ariel AG 55 over the Atmos/Aura AG 65 would probably be carrying lots of heavy items {more than, say, 50 lbs (23 kg) at total} and/or desperately needing a convertible daypack & central access to the main compartment.

In that heavy hauling case, relatively weak suspension of Atmos/Aura AG 65 might not cut it. So you might see a noticeable extra benefit with Aether AG 60 or Ariel AG 55.

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What about PRO?

Like I said, you must have a solid reason to get a PRO.

Which is either thru-hikes, alpine expeditions, or falling love with its design. Otherwise it's most likely an overkill.

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As most of you know, I'm a huge fan of Osprey backpacks and talk about them a lot (full list at the bottom of this post). 

...especially about the Atmos/Aura line. 

...and especially about the AG 65. This is why I recommend it as the best multi-day Osprey backpacking backpack out there. 

Recently I get asked about Atmos AG 50 vs 65 and Aura AG 50 vs 65 (women's counterpart) a lot. So there we go. 

In summary: 

If you'll be doing a fair amount of backpacking trips longer than 2 nights, then I'd recommend the 65 liters (bonus: 2 extra front pockets). 

What's more, to be honest; top-notch construction of Atmos/Aura Series would probably be an overkill at 50 liters for most of us. This is why, even if you're convinced you need 50 liters, then I'd recommend Stratos 50 for men and Kyte 46 for women. 

You'll love 2 extra front pockets as much as you love the additional 15 liters of volume.

You must have a GOOD reason to get the 50 L option. Some say the more space you have, the more you'll pack. But I don't think this is necessarily true for most of us.

This is why I'd only recommend the 50 L option over the 65 L option to those who won't be backpacking for anything longer than a night.

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What are the differences between Atmos/Aura AG 50 and 65?

Yes, the most important difference between them is the volume difference: 50 vs 65 - but this isn't the only difference as I mentioned above.

As you can also see in their manual here [PDF], you also get 2 extra front pockets with the AG 65 options of both Atmos and Aura - which in the end make more of your items readily available.

This is a life saver on longer trips.

Volume: How to decide?

Here's the way it's looked at:

• 50 liters is considered as the sweet spot for backpacking trips up to 2-3 days.
• 65 liters is sufficient up to a 5-6 days, or almost a week if you tend to pack very little. Then again, if you're an ultralighter, you'd probably better check out my Atmos vs Exos comparison rather than this post.

Now, putting this rule of thumb aside, I always recommend opting for a backpack with around 10-15 liters of more volume than you think you'll need.

Because not needing the extra volume but having it is always better than wishing extra volume but not having it.

Two front pockets: How important are they?

Granted, the these pockets become more important when you're on a longer backpacking trip (or pack more stuff for any reason: Trips with kids or pets, winter hikes, etc.). Just like the volume.

After all, the entire point of these front pockets is to make more of your items readily available.

If you think you might need a pack with an even better organization, then check out Aether AG 70 and how it compares to the Atmos AG 65 (or Aura vs Ariel for women's).

At the end of the day, not having to dig through your entire inventory when you need an item stuck somewhere in the middle of your pack will save you a lot of time and frustration.

So the more you pack, the more you'll benefit from these front pockets. Another thing makes the AG 65 option a better suited alternative for long lasting trips.

Is anything else any different?

No. Comfort, adjustability and ventilation are all the same and top-notch.

Here's a good review of Atmos AG 65:

That of Aura AG 65:

Atmos AG 50:

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.

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.

• 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. 

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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.

Pockets

My another beef with Exos line is the lack of hipbelt pockets. 

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.

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If you tend to pack lighter and/or go on shorter trips, then I'd surprise you and recommend Stratos 50. 

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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. 

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The best alternative to Exos would probably be Levity - its even lighter cousin (lightest in Osprey's entire backpacking backpack product line). 

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