EXOTI™ 50 BACKPACK

I backpack 3-4 times a year. At 50, I was looking to cut weight, yet maintain the basics. This does that for sure, but the water bottle pockets do not stretch. This is annoying. The lack of a mesh on the back is something I had to fix with a 10 x 10 bike cargo net. If these little things were integrated into this pack, it would be a 5 star winner.
The lumbar plate is great. It is surely comfortable. I have carried up to 31 lbs so far, 4 weekender trips, maybe 100 miles so far.

After a lot of research I bit the bullet and paid up for a quality lightweight external frame pack. I have taken it out three times now, 4 nights, about fifty miles so far. It is surely comfortable, the lumbar plate is a great feature and there is plenty of air space to keep my back cool. The shoulder straps are easily adjustable and there was no fatigue after 14 miles in 80+ degree heat. I was able to fit everything I needed for a weekend, including food and water. Sleeping bag inside, tent under the hood cinched down. My only complaint is the lack of exterior pockets. I wish it had one of two for a rain jacket, first aid kit, snack bars, etc. I will be adding a mesh pocket which should be a remedy. I plan on taking this to Philmont next year. I expect I will be right up to the 35 lb recommendation for max weight.

I previously used a Ti Arc. But I had to whittle down what I took. I added a mesh bag on it with some Dyneema string & add a tie to the top to increase volume a little. Yet what I liked was the way it fit so nicely in the lumbar region of the back. It fit so nicely it was strangely comforting. None of my other packs can hold a candle to this special feel. The Exoti has a similar feel as it nests well in the small of the back. It fits a wee bit closer to the whole of the back than the Ti-Arc. It is a pleasure to wear. I can't say that about the other non-Vargo packs I have gone through. To the Exoti I have also added some attachable Deuter external pockets. They move around a bit but they work. Now I have a pack that I can scale from 50L to 60L. At this point I can't think I'll ever encounter anything better.