Reviews > Packs > Internal and External Framed Backpacks > Osprey Exposure 50 Backpack > Owner Review by justin prince

Personal Information:

• Name - Justin Prince
• Age - 34
• Gender - Male
• Height - 5 ft 7 in / 170 cm
• Weight - 160 lbs / 72.5 kg
• Torso length - 17 in / .5 m
• Chest - 40 in / 1 m
• Shoulders - 47 in / 1.2 m
• Email - backpackgeartest at oddlimitations dot com
• Tacoma, Washington USA

Backpacking background -

PRODUCT INFORMATION:

• Manufacturer - Osprey Packs, Inc.
• Year of Manufacture - 2006
• Website - www.ospreypacks.com
• Listed Weight (size Medium) - 3 lb 13 oz / 1.74 kg
• Weight as delivered - 3 lb 13 oz / 1.74 kg
• MSRP - $179 USD

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

• Removable Exposure CM™ Hipbelt
• Foam laminate harness w/ rescue whistle
• Floating top pocket with rope tie-ins
• Hydration and Excessory™ compatible
• StraightJacket™ compression
• Front Hypalon crampon and ice tool buffer with bungee
• Hypalon reinforced side ski carry straps
• Ice Tool Holsters & Shovel wing
• Contoured AL tubing 7075 frame w/ framesheet and 6005 AL headrail
• (The Only) Color available: Solaris Yellow
• Capacity (see below) ~ 3,000 cu in / 50 L

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  The pack reviewed is a size Medium, with a Medium hipbelt. The specifications for the offered sizes are as follows:
                           Torso           |      Waist and hips   |     Base volume   |     Pack weight
Small:     16-18.5 in/41-47 cm | 27-31 in/69-79 cm | 2,800 cu in/47 L | 3 lbs 9 oz/1.6 kg
Medium: 18-20.5 in/47-52 cm | 30-34 in/76-86 cm | 3,000 cu in/50 L | 3 lbs 13 oz/1.7 kg
Large:           20+ in/51+ cm    | 33-37 in/87-94 cm | 3,200 cu in/53 L | 4 lbs 1 oz/1.8 kg

I chose the Medium even though the recommendations pointed to a small for me. It fit a bit better, had a slightly larger capacity, and the hipbelt didn't feel quite so binding.
The recommended load carrying range for this pack is up to 40 lb / 18 kg. My highest packed weight so far has been about 35 lb / 16 kg.

Features from the Owner's Manual: (with my comments)

• Removable floating top pocket with lash points and under-lid rope tie-ins (This pocket is very roomy and manages to cap the top of the pack even when it's crammed full, and it adjusts height to accomodate a filled pack spindrift collar too. The rope tie-ins help keep my rope from sliding around while I'm hiking.)
• Sewn-in rope compression strap on spindrift collar (Pack is designed to carry a coiled rope over the top of the spindrift collar, from shoulder to shoulder with the loose ends, with this strap keeping it secured. There is a lot of room for other gear even with a full rope inside the pack. The compression strap is helpful for keeping any loose items from disappearing if strapped over the top pocket, like jackets.)
• Pixie-P easy release buckle and strap can be adjusted up or down daisy chain
• StraightJacket compression holds tools, pickets, snowboard, etc. securely in place (Does a fantastic job of compressing less than packed loads as well, good for scrambling and boulder hopping and keeping the load centered and snug)
• Side ski straps (Haven't used these yet)
• Side picket, snow wand pocket (Not quite large enough for a 32 oz / 1 L water bottle if the bottom of the pack is full. Approximate dimensions of this pocket are: 7x7 in / 18x18 cm, the outside edges of this pocket that meet with the ski retention strap have Hypalon patches to protect from ski edge wear.)
• Hypalon reinforced crampon patch with bungee cord (I've carried my ice axe on the pack and haven't made a mark on it yet.)   "Hypalon demonstrates excellent durability against UV and Ozone exposure and resistance to a wide variety of organic and inorganic chemicals. Hypalon will retain flexibility in freeze/thaw conditions and will resist the elements better than any known material." - www.coloradolining.com
• Leashless tool holster / shovel wing (Tool holster seems to work just fine with my 25.5 in / 65 cm ice axe, the "shovel wing" is an exterior partial sleeve that provides edge retention for a collapsible snow shovel (the 2 outside edges would fit in the sleeve sections.)
• Gear loops on Exposure CM™ hipbelt (Very useful on rappels so far, and for keeping small items at hand while on the trail.)

FIELD INFORMATION:

Weather Conditions encountered:
  The pack has been used in weather ranging from clear, hot and sunny, to light cold rain. Temperature range has been from 40 F / 4 C to 80 F / 27 C. I have not encountered serious temperature or precipitation extremes as yet. The pack has not had any problems with water entering so far, and I do not use a pack cover or liner. The most precipitation I've been in has been a light drizzling. Osprey does make pack covers available for all of their packs. I've also left the pack out overnight when using my bivy sac, and haven't had problems with dew soaking through the pack. I've used this pack on a couple of somewhat humid days (70-80% in Washington), and didn't have excessive ventilation problems where the pack rests against my back and shoulders.

FIELD COMMENTS:

  Some features that swayed my purchase to this pack were the size of the removable top pocket, which can be used as a light peakbag; the 3 sturdy haul loops placed on the sides and front of the pack at the top edge, very well reinforced for carabiner attachment and hauling; the Hypalon crampon patch; hydration bladder compatibility and top central drinking hose routing; the Osprey whistle/sternum strap buckle which I'm a huge fan of, and the very comfortable Exposure™ suspension system.

  When used for backpacking, the shape of the pack is comfortable enough for lots of trail hiking, but it really does best when I venture off the beaten path. The shape of the pack is such that the largest storage area is centered midback instead of at my hips, and helps to keep pack weight centered and balanced, as long as I pack any bulky compressed items first, such as my tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, etc. For any trip that's going to involve some rock climbing, this will be my first choice.
  I've used this pack with weight ranging from 15-35 lb / 7-16 kg and the pack carries very well for me. Even when stuffed with a rope and climbing gear, there were no sharp or poky edges digging into my back or shoulders.

  There are integrated rope tie-ins beneath the large top pocket along with a compression strap for rope, and I believe the pack is intended for rope to be carried flaked out butterflied beneath the top lid and the body of the pack. I've managed to carry a full 198 ft / 60 m rope both inside the pack on top of my other gear, and coiled and strapped to the pack exterior beneath the side compression straps. The pack carried very well both ways, without affecting my balance too badly.
  This pack is intended for Ice Climbing and Ski/Snowboard Mountaineering. The features included for these sports are useful to a variety of hiking and scrambling though. The tool holsters work fine with my ice axe. I haven't scratched the Hypalon coating yet with my ice axe, or with any other sharp tool edges being dragged over it, like trekking pole carbon tips, etc.
  Having the patch integrated into the pack saves a little extra weight by not needing another stuff sack along for crampons.

  The pack's capacity does get used up pretty quickly when filled with a moderate rack. The straps that hold the top pocket on extend a lot to accomodate the spindrift collar expansion, enabling use of the entire packs' capacity.
  There is a dual set of spindrift collar cinch straps, with approx 7 in / 18 cm of fabric between the two, which I use to keep quickly needed items isolated in a little "bubble" separate from the main pocket, but still safe under the lid.
  Fortunately, all the straps and tie-downs on the outside come in very handy for helping to secure whatever can't be stuffed inside.

  One of my concerns with a pack used for alpine hiking was how well it would carry while I was wearing a rock helmet, and how would it distribute weight or shift during climbs/rappels, etc. This pack allows full clearance for my head with a helmet on at belay stations, while looking up and around, or while hiking or working my way through dense brush and trees. Being able to cinch the pack so tightly to me helps keep my center of balance where I think it should be, instead of where my pack tries to shift to. It's also very comfortable to rappel with, and doesn't seem to impair my visibility or movement on the way down.

  I also love the fact that I can root around in the top pocket while the pack is on while cruising down a trail, and generally manage to find what I need. I don't like having to stop and dig through my pack to find things, so this is a huge plus for me. The zipper pull for the top pouch has a nice large loop on it, making it easy for me to grab with even my winter gloves on.

  The light grey interior of the pack is a nice feature as well, making it a bit easier to find things, even in lower light levels.
The light fabric reflects my 3 LED flashlights and Petzel Tikka headlamp very well, and provides a good color contrast for most of my camping gear.

  The aluminum alloy frame tubing keeps things nice and stable, although the framesheet does have a bit of a curve at the bottom, which angles towards my tailbone slightly. This was a bit disconcerting at first, but when loaded down, this isn't much of an issue. After repeated uses, my body has adjusted to it, and it hasn't ever been a point of soreness or irritation, just a minor annoyance at first.
  The aluminum rods do their job without making contact with my body, and I haven't had to make any adjustments to them. They seem to be holding their original shapes and positions just fine.

  There is an interior zippered pocket on this model that allows access to some of the suspension adjustments. This zipper was missing a pull loop. Unsure of this being intentional or not, I contacted Osprey and was told that was intentional. The only times that area needs access is for warranty work basically, so they leave the zipper pull missing on purpose.

  The hip belt is Osprey's Exposure CM™ custom moldable hipbelt. I haven't felt the need to have this belt heat molded to my hips just yet, as it's a very comfortable system off the shelf. Osprey makes heat moldable belts for a few of their pack lines, that are "cooked" in a specialized oven, and fitted to your body by trained salespeople. There is a list of authorized retailers with this ability available at the Osprey website.

  I really like the 2 gear loops included on the belt, and have used these for attaching bandanas, water bottles, climbing gear, my kitchen kit, climbing shoes, hiking boots, and wet clothes.
  I tend to hang my backpack from an available branch or overhang when setting up camp, to help keep things cleaner and easier for me to reach. Having these loops on the hipbelt add to my organizational space available, and I find myself using them very often.

  Pack adjustments are easily made while on the move, with any of the harness straps. If I need to lock the pack down really tightly due to some boulder hopping or other sketchy balance situations, I know the pack is staying exactly where I put it due to the excellent Exposure suspension system.

  I love the ErgoPull design that Osprey has come up with for adjusting the waist belt. The way the pull straps are connected into the waist suspension does a fantastic job of comfortably adjusting the pack to my comfort level, without even breaking stride in most cases. They're connected via a dual buckle setup on each side.
  The waistbelt slides through a split between the back padding, and the body of the pack, and is secured by a hook-and-loop patch.
  Also works great for trying to vent some excess heat out from under my shirt. The ErgoPull system works by pulling the waistbelt straps toward each other, over my stomach. The waistbelt connections disperse the tensioning pressure very evenly around my waist and lower back.

  I had some concerns about the exterior pack straps getting snagged on sharp branch ends, rock spurs, etc. while hiking and climbing around, but haven't yet gotten hung up on anything. The pack fabric seems to do a good job at deflecting sharp points away from the low profile seams.

  The chest straps of the pack, the sternum strap, and the load lifter adjustments are all very easy and smooth to work with, and are all intended to be worked with gloves on. Although I've tried the straps and adjustments with bulky winter gloves on, I haven't tried this in freezing temperatures yet.
  All these points of adjustment were easily worked with or without gloves on. I have not had problems with any of the straps or seams or reinforcement points wearing on me uncomfortably. The strap system is easy to figure out, and adjustments are easy to make. The hipbelt is removable, and can be replaced with any other Osprey hipbelt.
  The chest strap is adjustable through a 6 in / 15 cm range, via a cupped sliding connector, riding on a rigid piece of sleeved round plastic on both halves, where they connect to the shoulder straps.

  The stitching and fabric have held up very well to a variety of abrasive actions, such as scuffing against rock faces while rappelling and scrambling, sliding between close trees; being dragged over gravel, brush and blown down trees, and helping act as a cushion on grassy glissades.

  Overall, I feel this pack does an excellent job at what it's designed for, hauling my gear comfortably, safely, and securely up whatever terrain I've got in mind.
  This is my first Osprey pack, and I'm quite certain it won't be my last. In my opinion, Osprey has a very comfortable suspension system that works great with my body type and size, and they make gear that stands up to the abuse I put it through. The workmanship, materials, stitching and styling have made me very happy with my purchase.
  I would definitely recommend this pack for hikers looking for a solid pack, reasonably weighted, with a great suspension that does a good job of crossing over into a climbing pack. As a standalone hiking pack, it holds ample gear and supplies for me for a couple of days comfortably. It does well as a trail pack, but really shines offtrail.
  I would not recommend this pack for use strictly as a trail pack. I feel Osprey, and others, offer packs designed for that type of backpacking that would do a much better job. For it's intended uses though, it's a fantastic backpack.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

• Huge top floating pocket that's easy to open and rummage through with the pack on. (Detachable for use as a daypack/peakbag of sorts, compression straps can buckle together.)
• Compression straps allow for securing the load snugly and evenly.
• Excellent and comfortable suspension system, easy to adjust all straps while moving, or without having to take off the pack.
• Bright yellow color provides more visibility in snowy areas.
• Integrated gear loops on the hipbelt are very handy.
• Foam backing on the pack dries quickly, feels comfortable on my back for extended periods of hiking.
• Safety whistle included on sternum strap. (I think this should be standard issue on ALL packs that have a sternum strap!)
• Rope management tie-ins and a retainer compression strap are built into the pack.
• Carries weight extremely well, distributes a load evenly, and doesn't leave me feeling like a pack mule when I'm done hiking.
• Excellent workmanship throughout the pack.
• Hypalon patch lets me carry an ice axe without worrying about puncturing the pack material.
• 3 Haul loops are very sturdy, and don't twist the pack when hauling it up on a rope.
• Comfortable but not excessive padding on the harness and waistbelt.

• Bottom curve of framesheet had a small inward curve that felt a bit annoying at first. This seems to straighten out when the pack is loaded.
• A lot of exterior straps that could get caught on branches if bushwhacking. (They all cinch down securely though.)
• Seems a bit narrow at the base of the main bag compartment.
• Yellow is the only color available.

Reviews > Packs > Internal and External Framed Backpacks > Osprey Exposure 50 Backpack > Owner Review by justin prince