Hiking Backpacks · owner-verdict comparison

Osprey Exos 58 vs Rook 65: what real owners say

Real owners rate these about evenly: 77% of 311 Osprey Exos 58 owners recommend it, vs 73% of 11 for the Rook 65.

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

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 →

Rook 65

73%of 11 owners recommend

73% recommend · 27% neutral · 0% don't

Owners praise

Praised as a reliable, well-made bag overall, owners repeatedly say it works great and they like it
Comfortable to carry, including on short and multi-day hikes

Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

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

Get the Rook 65 if

✓Short-to-multi-day hikers wanting a simple, comfy, bomb-proof bucket pack
✓Hot-climate backpackers who value the ventilated mesh back panel
✓Budget-conscious buyers who want a reliable, no-frills hauler

Skip it if

Long-distance or thru-hikers wanting more organized, easy-access pockets
Anyone needing a more water-resistant fabric than the stock material

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

What Rook 65 owners say

“I find it a great bag in general but the squeaking can be very annoying.”
— randomcheesecake555 on Reddit

“I do like the simplicity of the bag and the air vent mesh against your back is really nice for the hot days.”
— DiscountJunior6884 on Reddit

Osprey Exos 58 vs Rook 65: frequently asked questions

Is the Osprey Exos 58 or the Rook 65 better?

Real owners rate these about evenly: 77% of 311 Osprey Exos 58 owners recommend it, vs 73% of 11 for the Rook 65.

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.

Who should get the Rook 65?

Owners point the Rook 65 at short-to-multi-day hikers wanting a simple, comfy, bomb-proof bucket pack, and hot-climate backpackers who value the ventilated mesh back panel.