Osprey Packs Exposure 50 Backpack - 2800-3200 cu in - 2007 BCS

Let me just start by saying this pack is the most comfortable pack EVER. I have serious problems with my hipbones getting bruised by the belts on a lot of packs (to the point where I have to cut trips short b/c I can't actually carry a pack anymore). This belt doesn't cause any of that. On the technical side, there are lots of places to attach an axe, crampons, helmet, snowshoes, whatever on the outside of the pack which is great. I will say that I agree with other reviews that this pack is definitely not bomb-proof. The fabric is pretty thin and I feel like I have to baby it a little bit to keep it from getting ripped up. But that is a minor thing, overall I haven't found a better pack for quick and light alpine trips.

I have a tenuous, passionate love-hate relationship with this pack. I’m mainly a climber, so the pack usually has a rack and a rope in it, or the rope strapped to the outside if the inside is too full. I haven’t had a chance to use it on a big wall yet, but I’m pretty confident that it would do a good job, the hipbelt has gearloops, there are burly haul loops stitched to the top, etc. For more alpine adventures, the back of the pack is reinforced with a tough rubbery material for crampons, and the bottom of the back looks like it could easily hold icetools or a shovel.

As for the fit, that is what made me fall in love with the pack. It is simply, hands down, the most comfortable pack I’ve ever worn. The weight just seems to disappear, and the cool shaping makes wearing this pack nearly as comfortable as wearing a t-shirt. Make sure the hipbelt is heat molded to fit you, and once it is, it is perfect. In fact, right on the hips is where this pack will put all the weight - don’t worry about it pulling on your back or shoulders. Sometimes I feel like the shoulder straps are there just for looks, since the pack is so good at putting the weight on your hips. Other neat features include the built in bungee on the back, well designed compression straps, and a built in whistle on the chest strap that’s great for annoying your companions and frightening the wildlife.

But sadly, I do resent this pack. After just a couple months of use, I discovered a finger-sized hole all the way through the yellow material towards the bottom. Did I put something metal in there? Did it rub against a rock? I don’t know, but other packs I’ve owned certainly didn’t get holes in them without some sort of epic and obvious mishap. I took it back and exchanged it for the same one: great lovers deserve a second chance. I’ve been much more careful with this second one, and we’re approaching our one-year anniversary, but I fear that it just won’t last. I already see scuffs and a couple tiny perforations on that yellow fabric. Whenever I’m stuffing the pack with irregular shaped objects, I watch in terror as they bulge up against the fabric, just waiting for it to rip. Despite the great fit and features of the pack, the yellow material just appears to be weak. Since this is targeted at climbers, this seems like a pretty gross oversight.

I originally bought this pack for ice climbing and mountaineering, but it has replaced my summer pack for long backpacking trips as well. I cannot say enough about the hip belt--it really makes this pack comfortable for a long day (even for someone with back problems like me). I have had the pack for 3 years, and it does show a little wear, but there are no visible holes or tears. There are ample tie down spots, and the built in haul loops are awesome. This pack does have a few cons though. First, the opening is a little tight for me to fit my rope in while wearing gloves. The long straps on the back also tend to get caught on things more that I would expect them to. Overall though, I am completely willing to overlook the shortfalls because of the awesome comfortable fit and light weight.

Good news: Decent weight (versus competing alpine / climbing backpacks); Decent fit (for climbing / hiking / traveling); Handles a lot of gear. Bad news: Experienced durability issues (had to return to store); Color is subjective. As a rock climber / alpinist / traveler, I research gear before purchasing. I thought the Osprey Exposure 50 might be a wise pick for my new alpine / climbing / travel pack, even though (at the time) there were no internet product reviews. I didn’t think the lack of reviews would matter, seeing how Osprey has a great reputation, the pack’s feature-to-weight ratio, and the categorization as a climbing pack. This pack treated me well for a climbing trip to Indian Creek, UT (this Osprey 50L pack handled the biggest rack of gear a trad-climber will most likely ever require) plus a trip to Costa Rica. HOWEVER, after only a few months, I experienced three different flaws (top pull-string blew out; beginning of a major hole in the bottom stitching, and tears/punctures in the bottom). I returned this pack, seeing how my previous pack (Gregory Reality) put up with years (not months) of weekly abuse. In Osprey’s defense, I am considering buying it again, based on the feature-to-weight ratio and Osprey’s overall reputation. We shall see.

I purchased this pack in April '06 and have since used it on a number of trips in the Blue Ridge Mountains and Lake Superior Hiking Trail. It handled heavy loads with ease, and was balanced enough to handle some impromptu but necessary bouldering. One downside is the base of the framesheet is curved towards your back and so there is some friction there that is not to comfortable when you are wearing one shirt. A high note, the covering by the tool straps protects your pack and stuff inside it from any sharp objects or blunt tools that you may carry. Plus you can load this pack down with tools, ice axes, rope, helmet, rock hammers, saws, coffee mugs in such a way that they aren't clanging around or getting caught on branches. Sweet! With some ingenuity you could pack this thing for a 3 nighter but I found that 2 nighters are what this pack is designed for. The suspension is almost too good, it has more rigidity than the other Osprey suspension systems, but it helps for hauling heavy items. Plus the top compartment is HUGE and you can easily open it with one hand while you are wearing the pack! Allowing you to retrieve items quickly (camera, field notes, bird guide, map, snacks, etc...).

This pack is perfect for the 3-4 day alpine trip. If you like to pack light and go fast; if you have to climb with your pack, or if your daily itinerary includes, an alpine ascent and a ski descent, this pack will haul the load comfortably, and effectively, allowing you to keep your mind focused on more important things, like the next powder-turn or your next hand-jam.

I got the backpack to use about 4 times a year for trips lasting 1 to 3 days.

On the pos side: It is pretty well built and feels good on the back.
On the neg side: It wasn't as big as I thought and there was no obvious place to hook a sleeping bag to.

Overall, I recommend the backpack.