REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Comfortable
Breathable back panel
REASONS TO AVOID
Hip belt pockets are small
Osprey Exos 58 Review
This lightweight pack is still super comfortable, thanks to a breathable back panel
Testing the Exos 58 on the Colorado Trail in early summer, where its all-day comfort was welcome.
Credit: Sam Schild
By Sam Schild ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ May 13, 2026
Our Verdict
The Osprey Exos 58 is one of the most comfortable and breathable packs available, especially compared to similarly lightweight packs we tested. It's half the weight of many traditional backpacking packs, approaching the weight of some frameless or minimally framed backpacks. Despite its low weight, this pack has a surprisingly supportive frame and more features than most other ultralight packs. Osprey's AirMesh back panel allows air to flow between the pack and your back, keeping you cooler. If you're looking for a lightweight pack with a comfortable, breathable back panel, this is the one.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Considering all the features you get, the Exos 58 is surprisingly light. Credit: Sam Schild
Likes
The Exos 58 balances weight savings and comfort better than most backpacking packs. It's almost as lightweight as packs with a simple rigid frame, and it has a greater volume capacity than most ultralight packs.
It makes some sacrifices to save weight, most notably the size of the hip belt pockets. However, previous versions of the Exos didn't have hip-belt pockets at all, so we're happy about this upgrade. Despite the low weight, this pack still features a relatively robust suspension system.
The suspended mesh back panel keeps the pack off your back, and the shoulder harness is easy to adjust. Credit: Sam Schild
The suspended mesh back panel allows air to flow between the pack and your back. This prevents your back from getting as sweaty. The floating back panel is much more comfortable than other lightweight packs that rest directly on your back. The Exos 58 comfortably carries loads up to 35 pounds, but beyond that, most of our testers found it less comfortable than some other packs we tested.
Compared to many ultralight packs, the Exos is also quite adjustable. You can move the shoulder harness up or down by 4 inches with the easy-to-use adjustment system. This allows you to dial in an ideal fit for your body, making the pack that much more comfortable.
Dislikes
The Exos 58 sacrifices on-trail access for weight savings. As we mentioned above, this pack hasn't always had hip belt pockets. While the newest version does have these very useful pockets, they're pretty small – we can't even fit a modern smartphone inside.
The side compression straps zigzag along the sides, making it difficult to use the water bottle pockets. Normally, we would simply remove those straps, but they also attach to the hip belt and double as hip-belt load lifters, so we're more hesitant to take them off.
While there are packs with better pockets, you'd be hard-pressed to find a lighter pack with as many features as the Osprey Exos 58. Credit: Sam Schild
Should You Buy the Osprey Exos 58?
The Exos 58 carries weight better than many other lightweight backpacking packs we tested. It's certainly the lightest-weight pack with a suspended mesh back. It's not the most fully featured pack, but it comfortably carries weight well.
What Other Backpacking Backpacks You Consider?
The REI Co-op Flash 55 is the most comparable pack to the Exos 58. It's simple, lightweight, and even more affordable. The Osprey Atmos LT 65 costs a bit more than either of these packs, but it's more comfortable and easier to use, especially thanks to easy-access pockets. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55 is our favorite ultralight option, though you'll pay significantly more for this specialty pack.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Osprey Exos 58 versus top competing products:
| Awards | |
|---|---|
| Price | $285 List Check Price at REI |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | This lightweight pack is still super comfortable, thanks to a breathable back panel |
| Pros | Lightweight, comfortable, breathable back panel |
| Cons | Hip belt pockets are small |
| Rating Categories | Osprey Exos 58 |
| Comfort (40%) | |
| Ease of Use (25%) | |
| Weight-to-Volume Ratio (20%) | |
| Adjustability (15%) | |
| Specifications | Osprey Exos 58 |
| Measured Weight | 2.8 lb |
| Weight per Liter | 0.77 oz/L |
| Advertised Volume | 58 L |
| Measured Volume (main compartment) | 47 L |
| Organization Compartments | Lid with interior and exterior zipper pockets, front mesh pocket, side water bottle pockets, hip belt pockets |
| Access | Top |
| Hydration Compatible | Yes |
| Sleeping Bag Compartment | No |
| Materials | Recycled 100D high tenacity nylon ripstop with PFC/PFAS-free DWR |
—Sam Schild
You Might Also Like
