Hiking Backpacks · owner-verdict comparison

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

Real owners rate these about evenly: 73% of 44 Osprey Aura 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 Aura AG 65

73%of 44 owners recommend
73% recommend · 11% neutral · 16% don't
Owners praise
  • Exceptionally comfortable carry
  • Ventilated suspension, minimal back sweat
  • Excellent adjustability and fit
Owners complain about
  • Heavy at around 5 lbs
  • Hip belt uncomfortable for some
  • Tall frame, head hits it
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

Both the Exos 58 and the Aura AG 65 win owners over with a comfortable carry and a ventilated suspension that cuts back sweat, and each earns durability praise. Exos 58 owners highlight its light weight for a framed pack and its handling of moderate loads up to about 35 lbs with bear-canister room, while noting it turns uncomfortable above that, the fabric and frame can tear or squeak, and fit varies enough that trying it on matters. Aura AG 65 owners point to excellent adjustability and fit, especially for petite and shorter-torso frames, and comfortable carry of heavier 30-40 lb loads, but they call it heavy at around 5 lbs, say the hip belt doesn't suit everyone, and mention a tall frame their head can catch. A hiker prioritizing low pack weight for moderate loads leans Exos 58, while one wanting a dialed, adjustable fit for heavier loads leans Aura AG 65. Both benefit from a try-on, so the choice rests on load weight versus fit adjustability.

Which should you buy?

Get the Osprey Aura AG 65 if
  • Backpackers who prioritize comfort over pack weight
  • Petite and shorter-torso women needing adjustable fit
  • Back-sweaters wanting a ventilated suspension
  • Multiday trips with heavier 30-40 lb loads
Skip it if
  • Ultralight hikers counting every ounce
  • Buyers who can't try on the hip belt and torso fit first
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 Aura AG 65 owners say

I love my pack, it is unbelievably comfortable compared to anything else I’ve used. I’ve become very partial to the brand specifically because of it’s adjustability.
Jessica_Kahlee on Reddit
My wife has the same! She loves it too.
@SiMachiavelli on YouTube
the hip belt felt just awful for me
@karencaskey6210 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

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

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

Both the Exos 58 and the Aura AG 65 win owners over with a comfortable carry and a ventilated suspension that cuts back sweat, and each earns durability praise. Exos 58 owners highlight its light weight for a framed pack and its handling of moderate loads up to about 35 lbs with bear-canister room, while noting it turns uncomfortable above that, the fabric and frame can tear or squeak, and fit varies enough that trying it on matters. Aura AG 65 owners point to excellent adjustability and fit, especially for petite and shorter-torso frames, and comfortable carry of heavier 30-40 lb loads, but they call it heavy at around 5 lbs, say the hip belt doesn't suit everyone, and mention a tall frame their head can catch. A hiker prioritizing low pack weight for moderate loads leans Exos 58, while one wanting a dialed, adjustable fit for heavier loads leans Aura AG 65. Both benefit from a try-on, so the choice rests on load weight versus fit adjustability.

Who should get the Osprey Aura AG 65?

Owners point the Osprey Aura AG 65 at backpackers who prioritize comfort over pack weight, and petite and shorter-torso women needing adjustable fit.

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 Aura AG 65 is heavy at around 5 lbs. For the Osprey Exos 58, it's uncomfortable above roughly 35 lbs.