The Exos is an extremely lightweight yet eminently comfortable and capable pack for long days out and minimalist travel. Exos is one of the lightest and most supportive packs available from Osprey... or pretty much anyone! Weighing just 1.14kg, you're carrying less fabric and more gear, allowing more kit to be added when dealing with tight luggage allowances. Just to put it into perspective how light this pack is, it's around a third the weight of the original multi-day packs of this size, or about the same weight as a pineapple.
Although super lightweight and minimalist, the Exos doesn't lack features or comfort and features one of the most comfortable back systems available. Ospreu's AirSpeed backsystem suspends an almost trampoline-like layer of mesh away from the rest of the pack to allow air to pass through and moisture to escape easily. This method is also far more comfortable as it forms around the shape of your back and moulds to fit you, rather than you adjusting to fit the pack. Moving further down, the hipbelt employs similar techniques, with the same mesh layered over a lightweight section of foam to take the weight off your bag and onto your hips. The hipbelt is also pre-curved and features sections of foam cut out to reduce weight and improve flexibility.
A unique and brilliant feature on many of Osprey's packs is their FlapJacket system. Put simply, you can remove the lid entirely which reveals a lightweight fabric cover to replace it. This reduces weight even further and allows you to strip the bag back to just the bare essentials. Another unique Osprey feature is their InsideOut compression system. On either side of the Exos, you have mesh stretch pockets for a bottle, jacket or other small items; on the one side the compression straps overlap the pocket and on the other they internally tighten. This means that if you have a bottle, the bottle is compressed into the pack for a secure fit, whereas the other side compresses the bag normally.
Perhaps one of Trekitt's favourite features of this bag is the Stow-on-the-go system; this ingenious pole attachment system allows walking poles to be stowed away without the need to remove the pack. Simply slide the poles into the two rubberised loops and tighten with the elastic drawcords, it's as easy as that. Ice axes can also be stored on the outer of the bag if you fancy a little winter mountaineering.
The Exos is the perfect balance of comfort, light-weight and support, all within a package which isn't too hard on the eyes either.
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AirSpeed trampoline suspended mesh backsystem
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ExoForm mesh hipbelt
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FlapJacket top cover
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Dual access stretch side pockets
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7mm side compression straps
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Removable sleeping pad straps
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Stow on the go pole attachment
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Top lid access
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Front stretch mesh pocket
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Internal hydration sleeve
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Cord tie-off points and single ice axe loop
Getting the correct fit for your rucksack is as important as getting the fit right for your boots. A badly fitting pack can inflict misery and discomfort and completely ruin your adventure. This guide is designed to help you get the best fit and comfort from your chosen pack so that carrying all your kit becomes a pleasure and not a chore.
ADJUSTING THE BACK LENGTH
If the pack has an adjustable back length, adjust this to your correct level. Your back length is not related to your height but your torso length. Many packs, and specifically the bigger and more technical packs are available in different back lengths or feature adjustable back systems. Contrary to popular belief, your torso length and not your overall height is the key to getting a well fitted pack. Tall people don’t necessarily have long torsos, just as shorter people don’t always have a short torso length.
Your torso length can be found by measuring from your C7 vertebra (the bony protrusion at the back of your neck when looking down) to the height of your iliac crest (top of your hip bones, where you put your hands on your hips). This measurement will give you an idea of which pack back length to choose.
Once you've got the back length sorted, either by selecting the correct size pack or adjusting the back system, you can begin to follow these simple steps to help achieve a comfortable carry.
LOOSEN OFF ALL STRAPS
Before you start fitting the pack, loosen off all the straps as this will make it easier to get the correct tension later.
TIGHTENING THE HIPBELT
Fasten the backpack hipbelt, the general position is the same as where you’d put your ‘hands on hips’ This area is called the pelvic girdle, and what you can feel when you rest your hand on the area is the bony protuberance, the iliac crest. The iliac crest can support the weight from a pack comfortably, and for sustained periods. The padded section of the hipbelt should encompass this and fit securely.
Tighten the straps so the hipbelt feels secure and held firmly around your body. Ensure that the lumbar pad is centered to your lower back to give you maximum support. Remember that your hips carry most of the weight of the pack, so this should be firm but comfortable.
ADJUSTING THE SHOULDER STRAPS
Next, adjust the shoulder straps, pull them until they start to become snug, but ensure that they are not too tight as to lift the pack off your hips. Remember tightening them will stabilise the pack but will increase pressure over the shoulders. If the back length of the pack is correct the shoulder straps will be flush to your shoulders whilst the hipbelt sits in place comfortably. The point where the shoulder straps attach to the main body of the pack should be roughly half way down your shoulder blades; this ensures that the shoulder straps rolls evenly over the top of your shoulders to distribute the weight correctly.
FASTENING THE CHEST STRAP
Fasten the chest strap and pull until taut but not tight, the elastic section should not be extended. This helps keep the shoulder straps from catching in your shoulder joints and keeps the stability of the pack when moving over rough ground.
ADJUSTING THE TOP TENSIONERS
Top tensioner straps link the shoulder straps to the top of the pack. When tightened, their main function is to stabilise the top part of the pack. The optimum angle for these straps in 45º, but they will stabilise the load even when horizontal or at a more obtuse angle. Tighten them until you feel the top part of the pack rest against your pack, over tightening them will create excessive pressure on the front of your shoulders.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE TENSIONERS
Side tension straps are linked to the hipbelt. By tightening these straps you can stabilise the load but reduce the hipbelt flexibility. Where balance is critical tightening them can help you feel more secure. However, if you are striding out over easy terrain it’s better to loosen these straps to allow full hip flexibility.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE COMPRESSION STRAPS
Side compression straps come next, pulling these tight does two things: firstly, it stabilises the load, secondly it can lift the lower part of the pack, repositioning the load closer to your back.
ADJUSTMENTS ON THE GO
Following these steps should give you a comfortable but secure fit on your pack. Sometimes adjustments will need to be made on the go depending on the terrain or the load you are carrying. The perfect fit is very much a personal preference so experiment with different tensions on the pack to find what suits you best.