"Load lifters should be set just to the point where they get tight and create 45 degrees without causing your shoulder straps to pickup and away from your shoulders."

Not exactly. Depends on the size of the pack and how tall the frame is.

my exos 58 is nice for really anything from a dayhike to a week between resupplies. i don't have that bouncing issue nor the belts cutting into me. the only concern i have is that sometimes the clip at the waistbelt sticks when i try to unhook it.

i'm glad i went with the 58. i'd have trouble getting a week's resupply of food into the 46

"i'm glad i went with the 58. i'd have trouble getting a week's resupply of food into the 46"

+1 The volume you will need is entirely individual. I carry too many bulky items to fit it all into the Exos 46 without having junk hanging off the outside (which I wish to avoid like the plague).

Henry I am much like you. I am tall and have worn my body out. I don't have a dog though...

I do have an Exos 58 and really like it a lot. As it does not allow for torso adjustment make sure you get the right size though. I use a large, I am 6' 3" with a 20" torso.

http://tinyurl.com/yca9ren

Edited by rayestrella on 03/09/2010 05:00:41 MST.

I've used the Exos 34 for trips up to 4 days with room to spare. It would easily carry more food for longer trips with a summer gear set. I could see that a winter gear set would push its limits not in weight but perhaps in volume. Paul's advice for packing technique is "spot on" to give a comfortable carry. Take a look at the 46 & 34. You will be surprised at how much they can carry & how comfortably they can do so.

agree- I have a 46 and hindsight being 20:20, I should have gotten a 34

most of my trips are 2-3 days, when they get at the week mark the 46 is fine, but most trips I wish I went smaller

Henry,

It all comes down to YOUR anticipated volume. Take your (realistic) gear and food for the longest trip you expect this pack to carry you. Do stuff your sleeping bag in the bottom of the pack instead of in a stuff sack. Try the 34 first and work your way up.

I've scanned my gear list to give you an idea of what I can squeeze in for a week (it's a pretty shoddy scan, but legible). YMMV, especially with food choices so bring your typical food along to pack in.

Who needs the 58? Winter hikers, family hikers carrying for others, hikers with large volume gear, long distance hikers with minimal re-supply. If you are in those groups buy accordingly.

Let us know how you go and good luck.

Henry,
If you're near an REI, take all your gear--both your 3 season and winter kit--and bring it to the store and start packing. Be sure to leave room for food and water. Then you'll know for sure which one works best for you.

Or, like Nia said earlier, buy one, and try it at home. With REI's return policy, you can safely do this without fear of losing any money.

Edited by T.L. on 03/09/2010 07:03:03 MST.