We gave our Gear Lovers one job:
Find the best and most popular products and review them.
Our review team always considers durability, price, quality, and value in their reviews.
Where to buy Osprey Exos 58/Eja 58:
Amazon (Men's Exos)
Amazon (Women's Eja)
REI.com (Men's Exos)
REI.com (Women's Eja)
Backcountry.com (Men's Exos)
Backcountry.com (Women's Eja)
Osprey’s answer to ultralight hiking packs, the Exos and women’s Eja, shave off as much weight as possible. To this point, both the Exos and Eja are comfortable, well-appointed with pockets and other storage conveniences, and, most notably, feature a full suspension system despite their modest weight.
When many hikers shave down their carry weight, they’re often confronted with a choice between bringing less gear or being less comfortable. The Exos and Eja cannot carry as much as a burlier, more built-out pack- but they do offer a supportive alternative for hikers trending towards the lighter side of the spectrum.
Notable Features
AirSpeed Suspension: A retooled version of Osprey’s mesh suspension system. This new lightweight version is a little tougher to hold up to the rigors of long-distance hiking
Things we like:
-
Bridges the gap between lightweight and supportive packs -
Remain up to Osprey’s standard of comfort despite their trimmed-down design
Things we don't like:
-
Durability is a concern, as it is with most lightweight packs
Where to buy Osprey Exos 58/Eja 58:
Amazon (Men's Exos)
Amazon (Women's Eja)
REI.com (Men's Exos)
REI.com (Women's Eja)
Backcountry.com (Men's Exos)
Backcountry.com (Women's Eja)
- Frame Type: Internal
- Gear Capacity: 58 L
- Weight: 2 lbs. 13 oz. (men’s Exos) 2 lbs. 11 oz. (women’s Eja)
Build
Most notably, Osprey managed to include a full frame and suspension system. In many ways, it seems the singular goal was to make the lightest possible backpack without going the frameless route. Evidence of this is everywhere- the streamlined shape, the simplified weight belt, and strategic tapering of padding show where the fat was trimmed. This also reads in their choice of buckles and hard plastic components.
Design considerations aside, you can’t totally avoid the realities of lightweight backpacks. Hikers can expect to comfortably haul on somewhere between 30-35 lbs. More importantly, the buckles and tapered material use is cause for real durability concerns– particularly if you plan on using the Exos or Eja for extended treks. Osprey’s guarantee policy is great, but that won’t help you much when your buckles are broken in the middle of the woods.
Do We Recommend It?
With these concerns addressed, the Exos and Eja 58 are still impressive from a technical and practical standpoint. We think they’re a very reasonable choice for backpacks looking to trim down their kits without fully committing to a spartan ultralight approach.
Things we like:
-
Bridges the gap between lightweight and supportive packs
-
Remain up to Osprey’s standard of comfort despite their trimmed-down design
Things we don't like:
-
Durability is a concern, as it is with most lightweight packs
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