Hiking Backpacks · owner-verdict comparison

Osprey Atmos AG 65 vs Osprey Exos 58: what real owners say

Real owners rate these about evenly: 78% of 190 Osprey Atmos AG 65 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

Osprey Atmos AG 65

78%of 190 owners recommend
78% recommend · 9% neutral · 13% don't
Owners praise
  • Exceptionally comfortable to carry, even on long multi-day treks
  • Anti-Gravity suspension makes loads feel lighter and shifts weight to the hips
  • Carries heavy loads (35-40 lb) and distributes weight well
Owners complain about
  • Heavy for its class at roughly 4.5-5 lb empty
  • Hip belt isn't rigid enough to support loads above ~40 lb
  • Tends to squeak under heavier loads
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 →

The head-to-head

Comfort and a ventilated mesh back anchor both the Exos 58 and the Atmos AG 65, and owners of each say the pack moves load onto the hips well. Exos 58 owners prize its light weight for a framed pack, its ability to carry moderate loads up to about 35 lbs, and room for a bear canister, but they warn it grows uncomfortable above that weight, the light fabric can tear over time, the fit is hit-or-miss, and the frame can squeak. Atmos AG 65 owners credit the Anti-Gravity suspension for making heavier 35-40 lb loads feel lighter and keeping the back cool, backed by Osprey's warranty, while faulting its near-5 lb weight, a hip belt that softens past about 40 lbs, squeaking under load, and small hip-belt pockets. A backpacker counting ounces who stays under roughly 35 lbs leans to the Exos 58; one who wants maximum comfort under heavier loads leans to the Atmos AG 65. The decision hinges on whether pack weight or heavy-load comfort matters more.

Which should you buy?

Get the Osprey Atmos AG 65 if
  • Multi-day and thru-hikers carrying loads around 30 to 40 lbs
  • Sweaty-backed hikers wanting the ventilated anti-gravity suspension
  • Backpackers who value comfort and weight distribution over pack weight
  • Beginners wanting an adjustable do-it-all pack with lifetime warranty
Skip it if
  • Ultralight hikers counting ounces, since it weighs nearly 5 lbs
  • Anyone loading much past 40 lbs, where the hip belt softens
Get the Osprey Exos 58 if
  • Multiday and thru-hikers wanting a light framed pack
  • Hikers who sweat and want a ventilated mesh back
  • Those carrying moderate loads up to about 35 lbs
  • Backpackers needing bear-canister capacity
Skip it if
  • Hikers regularly hauling loads over 35 lbs
  • Rough users who are hard on their gear

What Osprey Atmos AG 65 owners say

Highly recommended
@LowGearHiker on YouTube
Definitely worth the price they have an unbeatable warranty
@anthonygolden3685 on YouTube
I had the Osprey Atmos AG 65 backpack, Naturehike Cloud Up 2 tent and an REI sleeping bag - all of which were really heavy. I have since started to buy much lighter gear.
The_Light_Explorer on Reddit

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

Osprey Atmos AG 65 vs Osprey Exos 58: frequently asked questions

Is the Osprey Atmos AG 65 or the Osprey Exos 58 better?

Comfort and a ventilated mesh back anchor both the Exos 58 and the Atmos AG 65, and owners of each say the pack moves load onto the hips well. Exos 58 owners prize its light weight for a framed pack, its ability to carry moderate loads up to about 35 lbs, and room for a bear canister, but they warn it grows uncomfortable above that weight, the light fabric can tear over time, the fit is hit-or-miss, and the frame can squeak. Atmos AG 65 owners credit the Anti-Gravity suspension for making heavier 35-40 lb loads feel lighter and keeping the back cool, backed by Osprey's warranty, while faulting its near-5 lb weight, a hip belt that softens past about 40 lbs, squeaking under load, and small hip-belt pockets. A backpacker counting ounces who stays under roughly 35 lbs leans to the Exos 58; one who wants maximum comfort under heavier loads leans to the Atmos AG 65. The decision hinges on whether pack weight or heavy-load comfort matters more.

Who should get the Osprey Atmos AG 65?

Owners point the Osprey Atmos AG 65 at multi-day and thru-hikers carrying loads around 30 to 40 lbs, and sweaty-backed hikers wanting the ventilated anti-gravity suspension.

Who should get the Osprey Exos 58?

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.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Osprey Atmos AG 65 is heavy for its class at roughly 4.5-5 lb empty. For the Osprey Exos 58, it's uncomfortable above roughly 35 lbs.