Brian Nastali from United States, MN Public Profile

It's a sponge...that actually works well. I carry my Bob sponge anytime I go car/moto camping, canoe tripping, or bike touring, but generally would not bring it on a backpacking trip. It does seem to be pretty durable, as I have been using the same Bob sponge for a few years now.

I ended up not using the Osprey Exos 38, but did use the Osprey Exos 58 for my 2019 thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. I originally thought I's use the 38L version for a fastpack of the Superior Hiking Trail, but ended up going down to the Osprey Talon 22 for that purpose. There is little difference between the Osprey Exos 38, 48, and 58, except volume and weight, so my review covers all three sizes. Overall the Exos is a great pack. It's light, durable, comfortable, and is in the end, an Osprey. The hip belt and suspension are the winning features of this pack, as the hip belt and suspension are extremely unobtrusive and airy. The pack itself had generous side and back pockets and a lid that has a cavernous main pocket and a mesh inner pocket. The main body of the pack is a single compartment design. The pack does have its cons too. The single compartment does not lend to organization or accessibility. It's missing hip belt pockets!?!? The lightweight construction does show wear easily, especially in the suspensions net backing (both my pack and my wife's pack developed holes where the suspension hit our lumbar area. Finally, while Osprey lists a weight capacity range, when you near the top end of that range, the pack becomes very uncomfortable, but if you stay 2/3rd the max weight capacity, it's an extremely comfortable pack to care for a long duration hike. Overall, I found the pack usable, but is not perfect (what pack is?). In the future, I will personally most like op

The Marmot Essence Jacket is a well designed lightweight, waterproof, breathable, and packable rain jacket. It is ideal for hiking, backpacking, canoeing, and canoe camping. As with most lightweight gear, durability and price are the low points, but that is to be expected and not a problem. For jackets in this price-point and weight class, this jacket is a winner.