View Full Version : Osprey Exos 58 Pack vs. REI Flash 65
MDhiker1967
03-02-2009, 11:01
<TABLE class=playlist id=spec_table cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR class=r0><TD>Thoughts on these 2 packs
Exos 58- 2 lbs 3oz
$219.00
REI Flash 65 - 3lbs 2 oz
$149.00
I am looking at these 2 packs.
I tried out the REI pack at the store with
25lbs weight.. felt good..
They did not have an Exos 58 in stock
So I wanted to know if anyone has tried that out
and what are your thoughts.
Keep in mind I will use this pack
For weekend backpacking trips with my girlfriend.
So we will split some of our gear.
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I have the Exos 58 and although I haven't used it yet, I'll be starting a thru on 3/22. It seems very comfortable and is incredibly light. Nice big side pockets (x2) on the outside and it's big. Seems only slightly less room than my old Osprey Aether 70.
Only thing I would caution on is the buckles, they are brittle and a little delicate. I broke on by just standing on it, on carpet.
skinewmexico
03-02-2009, 12:01
Sold my REI Cruise 60 to fund my Exos 58. I think they're all good packs, I just got a chance to save a pound for the same money, so I did. Looks like you can take the framesheet out of the Flash 65 and have a superlight pack, which would be nice. Saw a 20% off coupon on the REI site today too. Sorry, I know that wasn't much help.
freakflyer9999
03-02-2009, 16:19
This past weekend, I tried on an Exos 58 at the local Backwoods store. Had them load it up with 30 lbs. Seemed to carry the weight very well. I climbed the stairs a couple of times with no problems. Of course that doesn't compare to climbing several thousand feet through the mountains.
The only concern I had has been mentioned already, which is the buckles. I would plan on having to repair them on a long hike.
FYI. My current pack weighs more than double what the Exos does, so your mileage may vary.
freakflyer9999
03-02-2009, 16:23
I have the Exos 58 and although I haven't used it yet, I'll be starting a thru on 3/22. It seems very comfortable and is incredibly light. Nice big side pockets (x2) on the outside and it's big. Seems only slightly less room than my old Osprey Aether 70.
Only thing I would caution on is the buckles, they are brittle and a little delicate. I broke on by just standing on it, on carpet.
I've been told (by a salesman) that Osprey packs are designed to better distribute weight and that in spite of being as heavy or heavier than other packs on the market, they make carrying a load much easier. The Exos obviously can't distribute the weight quite like some of it's heavier counterparts in the Osprey line-up.
Would you consider the Exos 58 to be a better choice than the Aether model to carry a 25-30 lb load?
Dental_FlossTycoon
03-02-2009, 17:31
Really like the Exos, will be getting one this summer to test.
Jayboflavin04
03-03-2009, 07:22
Since we are talking bout ospreys..The atmos 65 and exos 58 being my first choice. I was in need of a pack and ended up in a Aether 70.
Alot heavier and more expensive(didnt have my size). It seems comfortable loaded it up with most of my gear minus food and H20, and went and did the stairs at the local stadium.
Pros n cons?????
skinewmexico
03-03-2009, 09:52
You really want pros and cons after you have it?
Jayboflavin04
03-03-2009, 10:22
Kinda is a moot point isnt it! Just wondered what people did and didnt like after they had it out for a tramp or two>
I've been told (by a salesman) that Osprey packs are designed to better distribute weight and that in spite of being as heavy or heavier than other packs on the market, they make carrying a load much easier. The Exos obviously can't distribute the weight quite like some of it's heavier counterparts in the Osprey line-up.
Would you consider the Exos 58 to be a better choice than the Aether model to carry a 25-30 lb load?
I would consider the Exos 58 a breeze to carry 25-30lbs. I'm "thinking" it'll do 35lbs easily as well. The Aether 70 I had is a big heavy duty pack but still not that heavy, all things considered. If you needed to carry 40lbs + the Aether is a superb pack and the hip belt makes a big difference comfort wise.
For the 2lb weight saving (Aether vs Exos) it's a tough call. Ultimately I went for the Exos for it's pockets (side and hip), the trekking pole storage thing and the 2lb's saving. I'm not 100% certain I made the right choice because durability is an issue over a 6 month thru hike and the Exos may need to be treated with kid gloves (well, the buckles anyway).
Oops, forgot something. The other thing I like with the Exos is the mesh suspension for the back. I think this will help with the wet sweaty back on warmer days.