View Full Version : Osprey Exos/Atmos Question
Hey everyone,
I'm in the market for a new pack, I'm between the Osprey exos/atmos and am not sure which one to chose. I know they are popular bags so I'm sure there are people on here with advice. Also, I am 6 foot tall and weigh 167 lbs- I think that makes me a medium for their bags? Let me know your size/measurements as well if you are willing to!
AlyontheAT2016
02-18-2016, 01:50
depends on your gear. the Atmos will carry a heavier load more comfortably than the Exos, but the Exos is great if you're leaning towards lightweight to ultralight. look at their specs. and go to a local store and try on packs with weight. you will never know how a pack will fit you until you actually wear it.
daddytwosticks
02-18-2016, 08:11
Love my Exos. I'm also 6 foot but use a large. You gotta get it fit for you. Go to someplace like an REI and try both (Exos/Atmos) and see what feels best for you. :)
colorado_rob
02-18-2016, 09:28
I had been an Osprey man for years, owned the Atmos, then the Exos, finally "discovered" ULA packs and never looked back.
Here is the problem with Osprey packs: I'm 6'1" and about 175-180 (180 right now, usually drop a few starting in the spring) sounds very much like your build. I need the large torso sized packs. Trouble is, in the case of the Ospreys I've owned, that means they come with a large hip belt. To get my Osprey packs to hold significant weight on my skinny hips, I had to cinch the hip belt all the way down, in fact, even then the large hipbelts didn't quite hold much pack weight.
Maybe the newer Exos/Atmos have this fixed somehow? My large expedition pack, the Aether, sold small/medium hip belts with the large torso pack, so that pack works great for me. I bought the Exos when it came out and thought wow, nice and light, and I loved the ventilated back and all, and used it for a couple years, but was never really comfortable with it. I gave my heavier Atmos away to my son's GF. My Exos hangs on a hook mostly unused, though I do use it for single overnights a lot to save wear/tear on my beloved ULA OHM 2.0.
Bottom line: try one out extensively before you commit to it. I suggest, as others have, going to an REI and trying the large (or medium) on and loading it up to full weight in the store and making sure the hip belt supports a good part of the pack weight. Wear it around a lot. In fact, buy it, take it home, leave the tags on and wear it fully loaded around for a couple/few hours. you can always return it.
TexasBob
02-18-2016, 09:38
.... Also, I am 6 foot tall and weigh 167 lbs- I think that makes me a medium for their bags? Let me know your size/measurements as well if you are willing to!
I am 6 ft and weigh 169 and I have an Atmos 50 medium (2008 version). Go to the store and try one on.
Water Rat
02-18-2016, 10:12
I have never tried the Atmos - I didn't have the chance after I discovered my Exos. :) Many people like many different packs - If you ask 20 random people, you will most likely get 20 random answers. The trick is to find the one that works for you AND carries all your stuff down the trail.
Here are some questions to help you narrow things down to what you are looking for in a pack.
Have you narrowed things down to these two backpacks, or were these just two popular names you want to know more about?
Do you care how much your pack weighs, or is comfort more important?
Do you have all your gear for your trips? (If not, I would consider waiting on the pack so you know you get a pack that will hold all your stuff)
The best advice is to go to an REI, or other outfitter, and try on both packs. See how they fit you. Then add weight to the packs and wander around the store. Add a little extra weight on purpose to get the "worst case scenario" results. While this is not a true test on the trail, it will likely give you a better idea of which pack you prefer and which pack might better suit your overall needs.
Good luck with your search! Finding the right pack that fits is a truly awesome moment!
Have you narrowed things down to these two backpacks, or were these just two popular names you want to know more about?
Do you care how much your pack weighs, or is comfort more important?
Do you have all your gear for your trips? (If not, I would consider waiting on the pack so you know you get a pack that will hold all your stuff)
I like the idea of these two packs. Since I don't have all the gear I ultimately will end up with before doing extended hikes, I am trying to get a bag that is fairly straight forward. For instance the reviews of the ULA Circuit make it seem like a great bag, but the way that it is packed in several different areas worries me about not having my gear already. I'd like to keep the weight low but not forfeit too much comfortability.
TexasBob
02-18-2016, 18:51
........The best advice is to go to an REI, or other outfitter, and try on both packs. See how they fit you. Then add weight to the packs and wander around the store. Add a little extra weight on purpose to get the "worst case scenario" results. While this is not a true test on the trail, it will likely give you a better idea of which pack you prefer and which pack might better suit your overall needs...................
1+, they are kinda like shoes, you have to try them on to know which fits you best and is most comfortable.
1+, they are kinda like shoes, you have to try them on to know which fits you best and is most comfortable.
which is how we end up with 6 or 7 packs
colorado_rob
02-18-2016, 19:12
which is how we end up with 6 or 7 packs6 or 7? I wish. Try about 20+. Here are our favorite 12 or so, used for this particular time of year (non-winter) the rest stacked in a nearby closet (winter/expedition packs and canyoneering packs).
That's an Atmos and an Exos surrounding the ULA in the upper row. Lots of other Ospreys on the lower rows.
Definitely get it sized if you can. They have a little tool at the shop to size up your Osprey packs
Great White Buffalo
02-18-2016, 21:35
I bought an Exos 48 for my thru-hike this year. Base weight is just under 12 pounds with about 22 total and it feels pretty good. I went into REI and got it sized and tried it on with some weight, then went online and found one for a lot cheaper than REI had them for. But, REI's return policy is rock solid so that might work better for you if you end up not liking the pack.
NJdreamer
02-18-2016, 22:19
6 or 7? I wish. Try about 20+. Here are our favorite 12 or so, used for this particular time of year (non-winter) the rest stacked in a nearby closet (winter/expedition packs and canyoneering packs).
That's an Atmos and an Exos surrounding the ULA in the upper row. Lots of other Ospreys on the lower rows.
wow. I am so jealous of your packs and your space for them. I have 3 packs, including an Exos 48 that I love.
JumpMaster Blaster
02-21-2016, 11:18
which is how we end up with 6 or 7 packs
You say that like it's a bad thing...