Osprey Exos 38 Review

The Osprey Exos 38 is my favorite pick for fast and light overnighters or even the odd long weekend bash through the bush.

Its lightweight build make it a joy to carry and its cavern of a main compartment make for quick work of camp setup and breakdown.

The Osprey Exos 38 is the the smallest backpack in the Exos line. And while I’ve heard reports of people using it on the Appalachian Trail for casual hikers and weekend warriors I’d suggest something slightly bigger for those longer than 1-2 night trips.

The Osprey Exos 38

Fit & Comfort

The Osprey Exos series has always fit well, but with the new updated version, holy hell. The Exos 38 can comfortably carry up to around 15kg before you start to feel a strain after a couple of hours walking.

This all comes down to its amazing back panel design which, by the way, keeps your back nice and dry (An underrated bonus.)

Weight

There is lighter options for a 38L pack but they’re mostly made of much more expensive, and much less durable materials. Coming in at around a single Kg the Exos 38 strikes a very nice balance for the majority of hikers out there. If you’re really dialing in your weight you can start to look at lighter packs. Until then, the Exos 38 will last a very long time indeed.

Between lighter options and the Exos 38, you’re stuck with either doubling the price, halfing the weight and halfing the durability. I know which one my cheap ass would pick. And thats not really even that fair because I still consider Osprey a premium quality brand.

Capacity & Volume

The Exos 38 claims to hold 38L of gear. In reality you can still load up about that much after removing the 6 odd litre lid. The front mesh panel also holds a ridiculous amount carry your rain gear, your lunch, your tent fly and whatever other little odds and ends you like.

While the Exos 38 can hold a lot, it can also compress down to quite a neat little package:

Durability

Osprey Durability.. I don’t think I really need to go into this, their lifetime guarantee has you pretty much covered for everything. I will note this backpack will first show signs of wear along the bottom and on the front mesh pocket if you drag it through too many bushes. Sew or patch them early to prevent further fraying.

Osprey Exos 38 vs 48

If you’re tossing up between the 38 and and the Osprey Exos 48 in most cases I recommend going with the 48. Especially if you envision being at or near capacity most of the time.

You can always compress things down as you reduce your load but its impossible to expand the material passed its max capacity.

If you’re starting to look at ultralight gear but don’t have all your kit dialed in, get the 48 now and get something lighter in this volume range later.

Osprey Exos 38 vs Kestrel 38

I personally found the Osprey Kestrel 38 far too heavy for my needs. Vs the old Exos it may have been a contender but with the updated Exos’ backpanel and harness system its not even close.

The Kestrel does have sleeping bag compartment style access but personally I find this only useful for travelers and prefer to avoid unnecessary points of failure when backpacking in the back country.

If you’re looking at backpacks for travel, the Kestrel, with its better organization and slimmer barrel design could come out on top – especially when you think about those tight doorways on trains and how wide the exos is.

Osprey Exos 38 vs Stratos 36

The Osprey Stratos 36 is an absolutely bombproof and rugged backpack with more focus towards cycle touring. If that’s what you’re after the Stratos will give you many good years. If you’re looking at this for hiking, stick with the exos, you don’t really need the features or the thick webbing and you really don’t need the extra weight.

What about Airplane Carry on?

While you may have trouble with some picky airlines most will let you board without any issue. The Exos frame does make it take a bit of extra room but the Exos 38 is small enough to fit easily as carry on while traveling by air. There is usually ample clearance available inside the overhead compartments and the Exos 38 has no problems fitting in as carry on.

Can the pack fit a Bear Vault?

Worried about fitting a BV500 bear vault into the Exos 38?

Don’t be:

The Verdict

The Osprey Exos 38 is perhaps best pre-ultralight backpack in this volume range. The comfort it affords and the carrying capacity is unparalleled even comparing against much more expensive cottage industry packs.

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