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
A ventilated back and comfortable carry unite the Exos 58 and the Gregory Zulu 55, and owners of both accept some extra weight for that comfort. Exos 58 owners value its light weight for a framed pack, its carry of moderate loads up to about 35 lbs, and its bear-canister capacity, but flag discomfort above that load, fabric and frame that can tear or squeak, and a fit that's hit-or-miss. Zulu 55 owners praise an effortless carry, an adjustable torso and shoulder fit that works across body types, and how much it holds, while noting it's heavier than ultralight packs, has too many buckles guarding few compartments, and that newer models dropped the rain cover. A backpacker chasing the lightest framed option for moderate loads leans Exos 58, while one who wants adjustable comfort and generous capacity for heavier loads leans Zulu 55. The decision hinges on minimizing pack weight versus maximizing fit range and haul comfort.
“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
“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
A ventilated back and comfortable carry unite the Exos 58 and the Gregory Zulu 55, and owners of both accept some extra weight for that comfort. Exos 58 owners value its light weight for a framed pack, its carry of moderate loads up to about 35 lbs, and its bear-canister capacity, but flag discomfort above that load, fabric and frame that can tear or squeak, and a fit that's hit-or-miss. Zulu 55 owners praise an effortless carry, an adjustable torso and shoulder fit that works across body types, and how much it holds, while noting it's heavier than ultralight packs, has too many buckles guarding few compartments, and that newer models dropped the rain cover. A backpacker chasing the lightest framed option for moderate loads leans Exos 58, while one who wants adjustable comfort and generous capacity for heavier loads leans Zulu 55. The decision hinges on minimizing pack weight versus maximizing fit range and haul comfort.
Owners point the Gregory Zulu 55 at backpackers who prioritize load comfort over minimal weight, and multi-day and overnight trips with heavier loads.
Owners point the Osprey Exos 58 at multiday and thru-hikers wanting a light framed pack, and hikers who sweat and want a ventilated mesh back.
The most-cited downside of the Gregory Zulu 55 is heavier than ultralight packs. For the Osprey Exos 58, it's uncomfortable above roughly 35 lbs.