Osprey Exos Pro 55 vs Outdoor Vitals CS40 Ultra
Quick take: The Osprey Exos Pro 55 carries more (55 vs 53 liters); the Outdoor Vitals CS40 Ultra is lighter (1.79 vs 2.08 lbs).
| Spec | Osprey Exos Pro 55 | Outdoor Vitals CS40 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $330 | $330 |
| Rating | 4.1★ (37) | — |
| Type | Ultralight Pack | Ultralight Pack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 55 L | 53 L |
| Weight | 2.08 lbs | 1.79 lbs |
| Max Load | 30 lbs | Not specified by the manufacturer |
| Torso Fit | S/M and L/XL | See manufacturer sizing |
| Material | NanoFly 100D nylon x 200D UHMWPE ripstop | Challenge UltraWeave 200 |
| Back Panel | AirSpeed suspended mesh over 3.5 mm LightWire frame | Carbon fibre stays with EVA foam pad |
| Adjustable torso | Yes | No |
| Ventilated back | Yes | No |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | Yes | Yes |
| Removable lid | Yes | No |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | No |
| Fits BV500 bear can | No | No |
| Warranty | Osprey All Mighty Guarantee (lifetime) | Manufacturer warranty; terms not published |
Pros & cons
Osprey Exos Pro 55
- ✓33.2 oz for a framed 55 L pack with suspended mesh is competitive with cottage ultralight packs that offer neither.
- ✓The lid removes to save 2.8 oz, so the pack can be stripped for shorter trips.
- ✓NanoFly's UHMWPE grid gives far better tear resistance than the denier alone suggests.
- ✓A 0.60 oz per litre ratio is excellent for a pack with a real frame and ventilation.
- ✓Side pockets swallow five 700 ml bottles, which is unusually generous.
- ✓Half-litre hipbelt pockets are usable rather than token.
- ✓Nearly a pound lighter than the standard Exos 58 for only 3 L less volume.
- ✓Osprey's All Mighty Guarantee, which almost no cottage ultralight brand matches.
- ✗30 lb is the manufacturer ceiling and the frame is noticeably at its limit there.
- ✗The frame and hipbelt are both non-removable, so the pack cannot be stripped further.
- ✗$330 is more than the standard Exos 58 and than several cottage packs.
- ✗Measured main compartment is 46 L against 55 L advertised.
- ✗Only one volume is offered, unlike the three-size Exos and Eja runs.
- ✗NanoFly is light enough that careless handling on rock will still damage it.
- ✗No rain cover included.
- ✗Bear-canister fit is not stated for this model.
Outdoor Vitals CS40 Ultra
- ✓Carbon fibre stays are stiffer per gram than aluminium, giving good load transfer at low weight.
- ✓Challenge UltraWeave 200 is waterproof and highly tear-resistant.
- ✓$330 undercuts the Bonfus Framus and Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra using comparable fabric.
- ✓53 L is enough for a bear canister and multi-day food.
- ✓Direct-to-consumer sales mean shorter lead times than most cottage brands.
- ✓28.6 oz is competitive with framed packs 5 L smaller.
- ✓EVA foam pad backs the stays for comfort under load.
- ✓Hipbelt pockets included.
- ✗No published maximum load figure.
- ✗Carbon stays can snap rather than bend if badly overloaded, unlike aluminium.
- ✗UltraWeave is hard to field-repair.
- ✗$330 is still a lot next to the Durston Kakwa 55 at $279.
- ✗No adjustable torso.
- ✗Outdoor Vitals has a shorter track record than the established cottage names.
- ✗Warranty terms are not published the way major brands publish them.
- ✗Limited retail presence for in-person fitting.