Osprey Exos 38 Men's Ultralight Backpacking Backpack Bluesign Bluesign Bluesign
Best for
Best 35L day-into-overnight
Amazon rating
Amazon aggregate, one input among many in the Verdict Score
Based on 1 trusted source
Current price
$179.95
Updated May 18, 2026 · 1 min read
Sources behind this verdict
10 reviewers weighted by source trust
The consensus
What reviewers found
Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.
Across the reviewers we read, the Osprey Exos 38 occupies a specific niche: a framed, ventilated ultralight pack that's forgiving for users not yet running a sub-10-pound base weight. Multiple r/Ultralight threads, all high-trust, repeatedly call out the frame, mesh back panel, and harness as 'utterly brilliant for a pack in the sub-3 lb category,' with one long-time user saying it's the most comfortable pack they've used despite a small weight penalty over frameless alternatives. The trade-off reviewers consistently name is exactly that: it's heavier than a DCF frameless pack, and at 38L some r/Ultralight posters debate whether it's enough volume for shoulder-season trips or whether the 48L sibling is the safer pick.
What reviewers liked
- Multiple high-trust r/Ultralight threads single out the frame and harness as best-in-class for the weight
- Ventilated mesh back panel repeatedly praised for comfort over long days
- Significantly cheaper than DCF alternatives in this roundup
- Amazon verified-purchase reviewers rate 4.7 average (small sample of 48)
Where it falls short
- Heavier than frameless DCF packs at similar capacity
- r/Ultralight users debate whether 38L is enough volume for cooler-weather trips
- Nylon construction is less waterproof than DCF without a pack liner
- No high-trust expert review in the supplied signals to corroborate community consensus
Across the reviewers we read, the Osprey Exos 38 occupies a specific niche: a framed, ventilated ultralight pack that's forgiving for users not yet running a sub-10-pound base weight. Multiple r/Ultralight threads, all high-trust, repeatedly call out the frame, mesh back panel, and harness as 'utterly brilliant for a pack in the sub-3 lb category,' with one long-time user saying it's the most comfortable pack they've used despite a small weight penalty over frameless alternatives.
The trade-off reviewers consistently name is exactly that: it's heavier than a DCF frameless pack, and at 38L some r/Ultralight posters debate whether it's enough volume for shoulder-season trips or whether the 48L sibling is the safer pick. backcountrypilgrim.com reports a comfortable carry even when sized incorrectly, which corroborates the community line on the suspension.
For buyers stepping into ultralight from a traditional backpacking pack, the trust-weighted picture is that the Exos 38 is the friendliest landing spot in this roundup, more comfort margin than the Hyperlites, at a fraction of the price.
- Hipbelt Pockets - Two hipbelt pockets for easy on-the-go access to necessities
- Adjustable Airspeed Suspension - Injection-molded ladder adjustment system provides 4" of torso adjustability
- Increased Durability - Strong backpanel mesh and durable main body fabrics provide increased reliability
- Internal hydration sleeve with center back hose port
- Removable floating lid with top- and under-lid zippered pockets
- Item Dimensions
- 29.5H x 13W x 11.8D in; Item Weight: 2.69lb
I like the 38L because it's more compact and would push me towards a more “ultralight” use, while the 48L seems like the safer choice, though I'm concerned ...
Excellent pack! I love the features on it. I used the "stow on the go" trekking pole loops a bunch of times to hold them and this worked ...
Trust tier reflects our editorial assessment of the source, not the individual quote. Hover for the rationale. See how we tier sources →
“Osprey Exos 38 Backpack Review” · YouTube
If the consensus convinced you
Check current price on Amazon
Pricing and availability change frequently. Tap through to confirm before buying.