>>2621046The latest Exos has the side compression straps run over the side pockets. That’s an automatic failure; nothing else matters, as that renders the entire pack unusable. It’s an inexcusable fuck up.
The side pockets on Osprey bags are designed so a water bottle can be retrieved without removing the pack. It’s become somewhat standard; a lot of manufacturers feature this on hiking packs. If your water bottle is held fast by a compression strap, you have to take your pack off.
You damn near sperged out when I saw this in person. The first and second generation Exos were god tier (as far as their intended use goes). The third was a little lackluster, sacrificing hip belt and shoulder poachers as well as padding to save a tiny amount of weight. This latest one (the fourth iteration of the Exos) has the retard level mistake.
Pic shows what I’m talking about. The pack in the left has the compression strap run over the pocket (wrong and dumb), while the pack on the right is under the pocket (correct and useable).
If my 2014 Exos ever totally takes a shit I’m probably getting a Gregory Focal. There isn’t much in that category (bare bones but not ultralight).
