45+L Framed Backpack Recommendations
- Thread starter M1K3_W
- Start date
I had an Exos 46 when they came out, carried nicely although I thought the shoulder straps were a bit too stretchy which lead to some bounce with a decent load, it squeaked a lot too. I wasn't massively keen on the scooped back which did pinch some useable volume in the bottom of the main compartment, I'm not sure if the current versions are the same?
The Montane Trailblazer looks like a good buy, I was really impressed with the one @Chiseller bought, if I didn't have similar volume packs I might've contemplated getting one myself.
Not sure how either of the above would work with camera gear though sorry
The Montane Trailblazer looks like a good buy, I was really impressed with the one @Chiseller bought, if I didn't have similar volume packs I might've contemplated getting one myself.
Not sure how either of the above would work with camera gear though sorry
fqjiopjq28fq
Ultralighter
I recently took an Exos 48 on the Via de la Plata. Was great, it's got a proper frame and trampoline. I needed to carry a lot of water some days and i appreciated the trampoline in hot weather. I really like the side entry for the side pockets, can put a couple of water bottles in each side and get at them easily. Nice stretchy pockets. Downsides would be the faffy and pretty feeble compression straps, they do work but not that well, I wouldn't want to be regularly attaching lots of things to the outside. No hip belt pockets. Can't think of anything much else to say negatively about it, lightweight, relatively cheap, good features, comfy for me. It's not really a bag that you're going to pass on to your kids, it's not going to survive that long.
When I got back from Spain I did notice the stitching attaching one of the hip fins was coming out. I've no idea if this was my fault in overtightening (I've ripped hip belts before doing that) or some issue with the bag. I got in touch with Osprey and they ultimately replaced it basically hassle free. I'd put 750 miles on that bag and they gave a me new one for nothing, can't say better than that.
I've no experience with the others on that list.
When I got back from Spain I did notice the stitching attaching one of the hip fins was coming out. I've no idea if this was my fault in overtightening (I've ripped hip belts before doing that) or some issue with the bag. I got in touch with Osprey and they ultimately replaced it basically hassle free. I'd put 750 miles on that bag and they gave a me new one for nothing, can't say better than that.
I've no experience with the others on that list.
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fqjiopjq28fq
Ultralighter
The Berghaus Alpine 45 lis a climbing pack, probably not the best for a long-distance hike.
M1K3_W
Hiker
I *think* I have a camera holster like that already, just need to see if it's compatible with a proper rusckack. Good idea that, hadn't considered it.
M1K3_W
Hiker
I think I'm erring towards the Lightning and the Litewave, with the Exos as well (I own the Stratos 36 [not UL by any stretch] and find it very comfy). But before pulling the trigger I'll try to try them all on, which means waiting a while I fear. Oh well, can always do more research in the meantime.
JRT
Ultralighter
I'd second (and third) the Exos 48 from Osprey. I've got three of them (current gen 38 & 48 and an old 46 in the back of a cupboard) and haven't used a better all-round pack.
The latest version without the hip belt pockets is the best fit yet. Other packs tend to make my back damp, especially on hot days, but the Exos solves that problem with its ventilated back panel. There are a host of other innovative features on the new models, including a removable 'lid' with a second, lighter weight flap underneath and massive side pockets that are accessible while walking. Without the main lid (which is rarely needed outside of winter wild camps), both weigh around a kilo.
The latest version without the hip belt pockets is the best fit yet. Other packs tend to make my back damp, especially on hot days, but the Exos solves that problem with its ventilated back panel. There are a host of other innovative features on the new models, including a removable 'lid' with a second, lighter weight flap underneath and massive side pockets that are accessible while walking. Without the main lid (which is rarely needed outside of winter wild camps), both weigh around a kilo.
Mole
Thru Hiker
I used a first gen Exos 58 for a TGO challenge. It transferred weight to hips well. But I never really filled it, so sold it soon after.
A few years later I got a bargain pre-owned 2nd gen Exos 38. Which was a perfect size for summer backpacking. But it always felt like it was pulling me back. I sold it to my LDP hiking pal, and he loves it. Thinks it's pack perfection.
A few years later I got a bargain pre-owned 2nd gen Exos 38. Which was a perfect size for summer backpacking. But it always felt like it was pulling me back. I sold it to my LDP hiking pal, and he loves it. Thinks it's pack perfection.
