$179

by Doug Schnitzspahn

Shana Novak

1. We've tested overnight packs this big and light before, but none as stable as the 2.3-pound, 2,800-cubic-inch Exos 46. The usual ultralight materials and buckles are in play, but it's the suspension system—a superlight aluminum skeleton securing a mesh back panel—that makes the Exos stand out. In addition to keeping the load taut and secure, the system allows for breezy ventilation.

2. Though light, the Exos 46 isn't a spartan sack; it's got side compression, pockets galore for everything from a shovel to snacks, and a smart shoulder mount for stashing trekking poles. There are also additional front compression straps and an adjustable tool attachment that's big enough to carry tent poles. "Considering it's barely there, I can't believe how tricked out this pack is," gushed one tester.

3. It's versatile. The Exos 46 can double as your go-to daypack, but it's also just big enough for overnighters. It was the perfect size for a daylong mountain-bike ride from Boulder up to Winter Park via Rollins Pass. Just don't overload it—no more than 35 pounds—and be gentle with the lightweight buckles and material. It's also available in 2,050-cubic-inch and 3,500-cubic-inch versions.

(2.3 lbs) ospreypacks.com

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2009 Summer Buyer's Guide Backpacks Reviews

Osprey Exos 46 Gear of the Year	$179
Marmot Diva 35 Killer Value	$119
High Sierra Sentinel 65 Killer Value	$110
Arc-teryx Arrakis 65	$499
Gregory Diablo	$59
The North Face El Lobo 65	$239
Mountain Hardwear Koa 35	$170
Gregory Maya	$99
L.L. Bean Mountain Guide	$119
Mountain Hardwear Napali 50	$190
Dakine Project Blue Recon	$70
Kelty Shrike	$80
Merrell Stroll	$45
Lowe Alpine TFX Summit ND 65+15	$330
Crumpler The Bumper Issue	$95
Granite Gear Vapor Flash	$180

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Black Diamond Bandit AvaLung Gear of the Year	$170
Millet Prolight 27 Killer Value	$115
Deuter Cruise 30	$129
Mountain Hardwear Direttissima	$190
Dakine Pro 2	$100
CamelBak Scorpion	$60
Arc'teryx Silo 18	$99

2008 Summer Buyer's Guide Backpacks Reviews

The North Face Primero 60 Gear of the Year	$270
Deuter Futura Pro 42 Killer Value	$130
Lowe Alpine Airzone Centro ND 25Z	$125
Osprey Argon 70	$340
Ergon BA1	$150
Mountainsmith Bike Cube Deluxe	$65
Arc'teryx Cierzo 18	$50
Gregory Deva 85	$330
Black Diamond Instinct	$100
Hydrapak Laguna	$80
Kelty Locus 40	$150
Lafuma Naia 35	$140
Mountainsmith Phoenix	$290
Gregory Triconi 60	$250
Osprey Xenon 70	$340

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The North Face Patrol 35 Gear of the Year	$139
Bakoda Light Speed Killer Value	$60
Backcountry Access Squall Killer Value	$57
Black Diamond Anarchist 32L AvaLung	$270
Burton Audex iPod Boundary Pack	$180
Gregory Drift	$129
Mammut Nirvana 25	$119
Dakine Outtabounds	$160
Deuter Razor 23	$149
Mountain Hardwear Windpack	$220
C.A.M.P. XLP 290	$90

2007 Buyer's Guide Backpacks Reviews

Granite Gear Nimbus Meridian Gear of the Year	$250
Mammut Asana Killer Value	$139
Mountainsmith Needle Killer Value	$99
The North Face Terra 40 Killer Value	$109
MontBell Alpine Pack 50	$199
Source Deuter Streamer	$23
Mammut Direct 28	$89
Deuter Dryshield 30	$179
Marmot Garmsal	$119
CamelBak Helena	$80
Gregory Jade 50	$189
GoLite Lite-Speed	$130
Kelty Nimble	$170
CamelBak Omega HydroTanium Reservoir	$20
GoLite Pursuit	$150
Black Diamond RPM	$100
Nalgene Rapid Fill Tanker	$22
REI Ridgeline	$185
Mountain Hardwear Riff	$65
Osprey Talon 44	$159
Gregory Z 55	$189

2006 Buyer's Guide Backpacks Reviews

Arc'teryx Naos 55 Gear of the Year	$429
Osprey Aether 60 Killer Value	$199
Deuter ACT Lite 45+10 SL	$145
Mountainsmith AT 55	$199
Vaude Accept 55+10	$170
Gregory Arreba	$149
Marmot Bodie	$115
The North Face Catalyst 60	$349
The North Face Dogfish	$65
Jansport Endeavor Summit	$250
Mammut Energise	$89
GoLite Intuition	$170
Camelbak Isis	$80
Gregory Iso	$99
CamelBak M.U.L.E.	$80
Mammut Massif 45+10	$199
Mountain Hardwear Phenom	$119
Gregory Pingora	$199
Deuter Race X Air	$89
The North Face Ray 20	$79
Arc'teryx Razor 15	$125
Osprey Stratos 24	$119
Kelty Tecate	$60
REI UL 60	$130
Granite Gear Vapor Ki	$160

2005 Buyer's Guide Backpacks Reviews

Osprey Atmos 50 Gear of the Year	$199
Deuter Futura 38 AC	$109
Gregory Juxt	$129
Black Diamond Speed	$89

2004 Buyer's Guide Backpacks Reviews

Dana Design Raid Z Gear of the Year	$200
REI Mercury Killer Value	$185
Platypus Big Zip 2	$23
Jansport Body Wrap	$200
Osprey Ceres 50	$179
Eureka! Cilaos	$270
MSR Cloudliner	$21
Liquid Solutions Expedition	$21
Marmot Himalayan	$189
Nalgene Hydration TPE Bladder	$23
GoLite Infinity	$199
Lowe Alpine Mountain Attack 50	$149
Arc'Teryx Needle 65	$299
Granite Gear Nimbus Latitude	$230
Camelbak Omega	$28
Mountainsmith Phantom	$170
Hydrapak Reversible Reservoir	$23
Ultimate Direction SportTank	$24
Kelty Storm	$135
Source Widepak	$23
Gregory Z Pack	$169

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