Head-to-head · Best 50L Hiking Backpacks

Granite Gear Crown3 60 vs Osprey Exos 58

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Osprey Exos 58 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.2 vs 4.4). The gap is mostly about Lightweight-curious backpackers and thru-hikers carrying loads up to about 35 lb who want a ventilated framed pack without the weight of a full comfort pack. — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #5 in Best 50L Hiking Backpacks

Granite Gear Crown3 60

4.2

$130as of Jun 8

The Granite Gear Crown3 60 is the lightweight, modular value pick. At around 2 lb 12 oz for 60 liters it is genuinely ultralight, and its removable frame sheet and optional aluminum stay let you tune it from a stripped-down summer pack to a winter or thru-hiking load-hauler. It is affordable and clever, with great compression and lashing, but its stock frame gets flexible under heavier loads and the side pockets are awkwardly high. For ultralight-curious hikers who want flexibility on a budget, it is a smart choice.

Strengths

— Very light at around 2 lb 12 oz for a 60L pack, with a removable frame to go lighter still
— Modular design adapts from ultralight to thru-hiking to winter use
— Excellent three-sided compression and extensive exterior lashing options

Watch-outs

— Stock frame gets too flexible above its 35 lb base load rating
— Water-bottle side pockets sit too high to reach comfortably on the move
— Best load capacity requires buying the optional aluminum stay separately

$130 · Buy at granitegear.com Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best 50L Hiking Backpacks

Osprey Exos 58

4.4

$285as of Jun 7

The Osprey Exos 58 is the lightweight crossover pick, a longtime favorite that bridges ultralight and traditional backpacking. At roughly 2 lb 13 oz it is light for a framed pack, yet it keeps a ventilated suspended mesh back panel and an adjustable torso, making it a popular choice for thru-hikers and weekend warriors easing into lighter loads. Its 35 lb ceiling and modest feature set are the trade-offs, but for hikers carrying lighter kits who still want a real frame and ventilation, it is excellent.

Strengths

— Light for a framed pack at around 2 lb 13 oz, bridging ultralight and traditional styles
— Ventilated, suspended AirSpeed mesh back panel keeps you cool and dry in heat
— Adjustable torso on the updated version dials in a precise fit

Watch-outs

— 35 lb max load is modest; it strains under heavier carries
— Suspended mesh holds the load slightly off your back, feeling a touch heavier
— CleverHiker noted the frame can cause glute-area pain over consecutive long days

$285 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Granite Gear Crown3 60

The lightest and most modular pack here, lighter even than the Osprey Exos 58 and far lighter than the Osprey Atmos AG 50, Gregory Paragon 60, and gear-hauling Deuter Aircontact Core 50+10. The trade is suspension support: its stock frame is more flexible under load than the Exos 58's, and it lacks the plush carry of the Atmos AG 50 or Paragon 60.

Osprey Exos 58

The lightweight crossover between the comfort packs above and the ultralight Granite Gear Crown3 60. It is far lighter than the Osprey Atmos AG 50 and Gregory Paragon 60 but carries less weight comfortably, while offering more frame and ventilation than the frameless-leaning Crown3 60. It is much lighter than the gear-hauling Deuter Aircontact Core 50+10.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Granite Gear Crown3 60	Osprey Exos 58
Volume	60L	58L
Weight	~2 lb 12 oz	2 lb 13 oz
Max Load	35 lb (43+ with stay)	35 lb
Frame	Removable frame sheet	Lightweight peripheral frame
Compression	Three-sided	—
Lashing	Extensive exterior	—
Lid	Optional removable top	—
Modular	Add aluminum stay for heavy loads	—
Suspension	—	AirSpeed suspended mesh
Adjustability	—	Adjustable torso
Access	—	Top-load + front pocket
Raincover	—	Sold separately

← See the full ranking of best 50l hiking backpacks