"Great Pack" - Review of Osprey Packs Exposure 50 Backpack - 2800-3200 cu in

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...).
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