Thanks Abbie. I have the Mariposa, and use the large side pocket for my tent. Then if it rains overnight I don't have to put a wet tent inside the main compartment when I pack up in the morning, and if it clears up later it is really easy to take the tent out of the pocket (rather than from deep inside the pack) to dry it out.
That huge side pocket on the Maraposa is for your tent . I think it’s brilliant . I have that pack and it just makes sense ❤ Thank you for your review .
I have an exos 38 and 58. 38 will do me three days in the summer, 58 will carry gear for two (daughter and I) or full winter kit. Pros: - light - comfy - flexibility (removable lid) - the space behind the mesh back is great for storing a folded map, or a laminated a4 map folded lengthways. - often available for cheap, I paid about £70 for each of mine Cons- - shape means it doesn't have a flat base that will stand up. I strap my chair zero on the base and that gives me a pack that will stand up - no way to conver the lid into a bumbag or a cheat pouch (this would be awesome) - shape means the bottom needs thought to pack effectively or you lose space in the corners. - no hip belt pockets and some inginuity would be needed to fit some aftermarket ones. - also not easy to fit shoulder strap pockets if that is your thing. - not super robust, I wouldn't want to climb in it. - design means you can't fold the hipbelt out the way fully, it's not a narrow pack at the base
The large side pocket is specifically designed for your tent or tarp. Since the pack is so large it is used for late shoulder season or winter use. During those seasons your tent is going to be wet and it a great place to put it to keep it from going in your pack or strapped on the top or bottom. It makes it easy to get it out to dry during the day or dry all day in the side pocket. You can put your roll mat or other pads in that pocket and keep your pack tidy so nothing catches on anything as you hike. I also slide my umbrella in that pocket as well.
I’ve had an Osprey Ariel (65l I think) but I really didn’t get on with it so sold it. I’ve had a Mariposa for four years and I love it. I get a sweaty back sometimes but have got used to it. The removable sit pad is a good idea. My sleeping pad of choice is a Nemo Switchback and I put the sit pad under my shoulder at night. The quiver pocket is intended for storing a (wet) tent.
I'd love to know your thoughts on how they each carry. Back when I have been looking at packs like these a lot when I wanted something lighter then my old fortress from Radical Design, and ended up buying the kestrel over the exos. It seemed a tad more comfortable to me then the exos and comfort is important Yet I found it lacking with any total weight over 13 kg. The exos should carry that about as well as the kestrel, the mariposa should be able to carry more. When I look at the suspension design I can see what I consider mistakes in both. The exos has a frame but half a hipbelt (it's just two flaps attached to the side of the pack), the mariposa has a true hipbelt if Im correct (never had my hands on one) but not a frame. A couple of years ago Gregory released the Optic 48/58, which many mistook for an exos copy. Which it definitely looks like but with one huge difference. It has an actual hipbelt that goes all around your hips and the pack is riding that belt through that internal frame. Just like bigger heavier packs do. This allowed me to carry heavier weights with (relative) comfort then the kestrel and as such do longer trips before I have to whip out my heavier pack. Now the trade-off is durability. It weighs the same as an exos, so the weight of that robust suspension system is compensated somewhere. Al the straps and such are dainty and kinda fragile. Not a pack to thoughtlessly toss about. But I do like how Gregory prioritised the suspension system over the rest, trying to compete in a certain weight and priceclass. That seems to me to be the heart of any pack which brings me back to my initial question (sorry for the long intro) how do you think these packs function in that regard. Different design choice, same net result?
Thank you Abbie. I have been comparing the two and could not decide. I ended up with the Exos 48. Its comfortable as can be. I think I may pick up the Gossamer pack for the summer time.
What about a comparison with the Osprey Levity, which is a very similar lightweight concept and is perhaps more comparable than the Exos? I’ve had my Levity since June and have found it to be very strong and light and it has a proper frame/mesh back panel which works well.
Useful overview. I've been using an Exos 58 for a couple of years it's a great pack and, for the money, pretty much unbeatable. If you are looking on spending £250ish on a pack Atompacks seem well worth a look - loads of custom options and British to boot.
Great review. Very helpful. I've been eyeballing the Mariposa for a bit. Long time Osprey fanatic, but need to cut weight. However, I am not willing to cut comfort. I know everyone is different, but which pack do you think distributes the weight better - Mariposa or Exos? I really like all of my backpacks with the trampoline style back panels for airflow, but they can be a bit heavier than those without.....
Ha ha like a boulder on the back! The long pocket is useful for stowing the tent. On my exos I added some thin memory foam to the inside of the shoulder straps to add some structure to them, my partner prefers squishy. The new 2022 exos looks like they finally got it right? Your 👍
I've done a few multi-day hikes with the Mariposa and just can't get comfortable with it for some reason. Love the design and all that, but I'm finding the Exos to be a bit more comfortable than the Mariposa. Maybe I'm adjusting the straps wrong?
@@apmde When I first got the pack it was uncomfortable. I could not get it a good, comfortable fit no matter how I adjusted the shoulder straps and belt or packed the pack. Trying to troubleshoot, I replaced the sit pad with a closed foam pad I cut the same size as the one that come with the pack. It was a great improvement. I tried several other sit pads and finally settled on the Gossamer Gear air flow sit pad. It completely changed the feel of the pack and I was able to carry is on my AT thru-hike. It is possible that the Mariposa just is not for you.
Love my Exos 48 but, I've been shedding kit weight and size so my bag looks half full now! Been looking at a Montane Trailblazer 30 for solo overnight wild camps. Great channel x
The Trailblazer does not hold weight too comfortably. The 44 version, for example, has an official comfortable weight carrying capacity around 15 kg. In reality, though, even 7 kilos felt uncomfortable for me on my lower back. I suggest you take that into consideration if you still haven't bought one. Cheers.
I did get the Trailblazer 30 and with my kit(base weight is just touching 6kg) it was awful. Struggle to get a 1 litre water bottle in the side pocket when the bag was full. Returned it. I may look for an ultralight 35l import. Will keep looking for the time being. Cheers for the heads-up.
Thanks Abbie. I have the Mariposa, and use the large side pocket for my tent. Then if it rains overnight I don't have to put a wet tent inside the main compartment when I pack up in the morning, and if it clears up later it is really easy to take the tent out of the pocket (rather than from deep inside the pack) to dry it out.
Ditto!
That’s exactly what I use the big big pocket on my mariposa for. Tent poles & uL umbrella. I ❤️ my Mariposa !!!
thank you so much for this input+
That huge side pocket on the Maraposa is for your tent . I think it’s brilliant . I have that pack and it just makes sense ❤ Thank you for your review .
I have an exos 38 and 58. 38 will do me three days in the summer, 58 will carry gear for two (daughter and I) or full winter kit.
Pros:
- light
- comfy
- flexibility (removable lid)
- the space behind the mesh back is great for storing a folded map, or a laminated a4 map folded lengthways.
- often available for cheap, I paid about £70 for each of mine
Cons-
- shape means it doesn't have a flat base that will stand up. I strap my chair zero on the base and that gives me a pack that will stand up
- no way to conver the lid into a bumbag or a cheat pouch (this would be awesome)
- shape means the bottom needs thought to pack effectively or you lose space in the corners.
- no hip belt pockets and some inginuity would be needed to fit some aftermarket ones.
- also not easy to fit shoulder strap pockets if that is your thing.
- not super robust, I wouldn't want to climb in it.
- design means you can't fold the hipbelt out the way fully, it's not a narrow pack at the base
Good extra info. Thanks. Interesting that you found them for £70. Was that Amazon?
The large side pocket is specifically designed for your tent or tarp. Since the pack is so large it is used for late shoulder season or winter use. During those seasons your tent is going to be wet and it a great place to put it to keep it from going in your pack or strapped on the top or bottom. It makes it easy to get it out to dry during the day or dry all day in the side pocket. You can put your roll mat or other pads in that pocket and keep your pack tidy so nothing catches on anything as you hike. I also slide my umbrella in that pocket as well.
I’ve had an Osprey Ariel (65l I think) but I really didn’t get on with it so sold it. I’ve had a Mariposa for four years and I love it. I get a sweaty back sometimes but have got used to it. The removable sit pad is a good idea. My sleeping pad of choice is a Nemo Switchback and I put the sit pad under my shoulder at night. The quiver pocket is intended for storing a (wet) tent.
I'd love to know your thoughts on how they each carry. Back when I have been looking at packs like these a lot when I wanted something lighter then my old fortress from Radical Design, and ended up buying the kestrel over the exos. It seemed a tad more comfortable to me then the exos and comfort is important Yet I found it lacking with any total weight over 13 kg. The exos should carry that about as well as the kestrel, the mariposa should be able to carry more.
When I look at the suspension design I can see what I consider mistakes in both. The exos has a frame but half a hipbelt (it's just two flaps attached to the side of the pack), the mariposa has a true hipbelt if Im correct (never had my hands on one) but not a frame.
A couple of years ago Gregory released the Optic 48/58, which many mistook for an exos copy. Which it definitely looks like but with one huge difference. It has an actual hipbelt that goes all around your hips and the pack is riding that belt through that internal frame. Just like bigger heavier packs do. This allowed me to carry heavier weights with (relative) comfort then the kestrel and as such do longer trips before I have to whip out my heavier pack.
Now the trade-off is durability. It weighs the same as an exos, so the weight of that robust suspension system is compensated somewhere. Al the straps and such are dainty and kinda fragile. Not a pack to thoughtlessly toss about.
But I do like how Gregory prioritised the suspension system over the rest, trying to compete in a certain weight and priceclass. That seems to me to be the heart of any pack which brings me back to my initial question (sorry for the long intro) how do you think these packs function in that regard. Different design choice, same net result?
Thank you for the great comparison review, Abbie.
Morning Abbey hope you're OK and well and Anna nice to hear from you again today lovely video as all ways take care both off you till next time xx
Thank you Abbie. I have been comparing the two and could not decide. I ended up with the Exos 48. Its comfortable as can be. I think I may pick up the Gossamer pack for the summer time.
What about a comparison with the Osprey Levity, which is a very similar lightweight concept and is perhaps more comparable than the Exos? I’ve had my Levity since June and have found it to be very strong and light and it has a proper frame/mesh back panel which works well.
Useful overview. I've been using an Exos 58 for a couple of years it's a great pack and, for the money, pretty much unbeatable. If you are looking on spending £250ish on a pack Atompacks seem well worth a look - loads of custom options and British to boot.
Great review. Very helpful. I've been eyeballing the Mariposa for a bit. Long time Osprey fanatic, but need to cut weight. However, I am not willing to cut comfort. I know everyone is different, but which pack do you think distributes the weight better - Mariposa or Exos? I really like all of my backpacks with the trampoline style back panels for airflow, but they can be a bit heavier than those without.....
Ha ha like a boulder on the back!
The long pocket is useful for stowing the tent.
On my exos I added some thin memory foam to the inside of the shoulder straps to add some structure to them, my partner prefers squishy.
The new 2022 exos looks like they finally got it right?
Your 👍
Thanks again, Abbie. 👍🙂
Hey Abbie! Great comparison :) the Osprey Exos is actually also an American design, but it is more widely available in Europe.
I love my Mariposa. It did the AT with it and several 100-500 hikes with it. Great pack IMO.
I've done a few multi-day hikes with the Mariposa and just can't get comfortable with it for some reason. Love the design and all that, but I'm finding the Exos to be a bit more comfortable than the Mariposa. Maybe I'm adjusting the straps wrong?
@@apmde When I first got the pack it was uncomfortable. I could not get it a good, comfortable fit no matter how I adjusted the shoulder straps and belt or packed the pack. Trying to troubleshoot, I replaced the sit pad with a closed foam pad I cut the same size as the one that come with the pack. It was a great improvement. I tried several other sit pads and finally settled on the Gossamer Gear air flow sit pad. It completely changed the feel of the pack and I was able to carry is on my AT thru-hike. It is possible that the Mariposa just is not for you.
@@fuimus5755 Thanks, I'll give that a try. If that doesn't work, I'll just use the Exos on my AT hike next year.
I love an Osprey pack. They just seem such high quality.
Love my Exos 48 but, I've been shedding kit weight and size so my bag looks half full now!
Been looking at a Montane Trailblazer 30 for solo overnight wild camps.
Great channel x
The Trailblazer does not hold weight too comfortably. The 44 version, for example, has an official comfortable weight carrying capacity around 15 kg. In reality, though, even 7 kilos felt uncomfortable for me on my lower back. I suggest you take that into consideration if you still haven't bought one. Cheers.
I did get the Trailblazer 30 and with my kit(base weight is just touching 6kg) it was awful. Struggle to get a 1 litre water bottle in the side pocket when the bag was full. Returned it.
I may look for an ultralight 35l import. Will keep looking for the time being. Cheers for the heads-up.
Good comparison. I prefer the Osprey.
Hi Abbie , I’m thinking of a opsrey 48 for the west highland way next year
Yes Aldi rucksack is much better than the Lidle ☝🏾
:-)