Hiking Backpacks · owner-verdict comparison

Gregory Zulu 55 vs Osprey Exos 58: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Gregory Zulu 55: 88% of 25 owners recommend it, vs 77% of 311 for the Osprey Exos 58.

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

Gregory Zulu 55

88%of 25 owners recommend
88% recommend · 4% neutral · 8% don't
Owners praise
  • Comfortable, effortless carry
  • Fits a wide range of bodies
  • Holds a lot for its size
Owners complain about
  • Heavier than ultralight packs
  • Too many buckles to open compartments
  • Newer models dropped rain cover
Full owner report →

Osprey Exos 58

77%of 311 owners recommend
77% recommend · 10% neutral · 13% don't
Owners praise
  • Exceptionally comfortable carry
  • Lightweight for a framed pack
  • Ventilated mesh back, less sweat
Owners complain about
  • Uncomfortable above roughly 35 lbs
  • Mesh and fabric tear over time
  • Fit is hit-or-miss, try before buying
Full owner report →

What Gregory Zulu 55 owners say

“Got a Zulu 55 early spring and have taken it on a number of 2-3 day backpack camping adventures.....love the pack!!!!”
— @va3ks on YouTube
“is an excellent pack which I use for almost all of my overnight trips these days”
— WeAreThePizza on Reddit
“Gregory's decision to stop including rain covers is such a dirty shrinkflation move. They took out the bungee sunglasses holder on the shoulder straps too.”
— @GetUpTheMountains on YouTube

What Osprey Exos 58 owners say

“For the past 2 years I've been using an Osprey Exos 58. It's lightweight, but can handle a good sized load.”
— Dr_WolfRyder on Reddit
“If you like Osprey, an Exos 58 L is about 2.5 lbs., has the nice suspension and ride, carries weight well when you have to, and a bear can will fit.”
— see_blue on Reddit
“Yep, Osprey Exos 58 bruised and rubbed raw a half dollar+ size spot on each hip bone. No amount of adjusting stopped this.”
— Rocko9999 on Reddit