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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Among Appalachian Trail long-distance hikers surveyed by The Trek, Osprey’s Exos was the most popular backpack model or series in 2018, according to an Osprey press release distributed by Outdoor Sportswire on January 18, 2018. That finding is specific to the survey’s audience; it does not establish a best-selling or most popular backpack among all consumers.
What the 2018 survey reported
The release, “Osprey Tops The Trek’s List of Favorite Packs Once Again”, names the Exos as the leading pack model or series among Appalachian Trail long-distance hikers surveyed by The Trek. It also says Osprey was the favorite pack brand, with the Aura and Atmos rounding out the top four.
The release describes this as the survey’s third annual edition and says Osprey topped it for the third time. Those are company-reported historical details, not a count of votes or respondents. It provides no sample size, vote totals, percentages, or full wording of the survey question, so the result should be read as a reported preference within that particular survey—not as a measured ranking of the entire backpack market.
Why “most popular” needs a clear audience
Popularity can refer to survey preferences, sales, search interest, or an editorial label, and those measures can point to different products. The 2018 Exos finding concerns Appalachian Trail long-distance hikers. It does not answer which backpack sold the most worldwide, which model was favored by everyday commuters, or which pack was most popular across every category.
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Other popularity claims illustrate the difference in scope and date. Black Ember’s brand page calls its Citadel popular and attributes a description to Carryology; a Patagonia 2017 catalog excerpt called the Refugio the company’s most popular backpack; and NielsenIQ’s 2023 seasonal online market analysis described Eastpak’s popularity in its market. None of those establishes a universal 2018 ranking.
What the release says about the packs
The release discusses 2018 updates to the Exos and the introduction of the women’s-specific Eja. It also describes removable straps and a top lid as ways to reduce pack weight. These are product details and claims presented in Osprey’s company release, not independent performance-test results. The survey finding alone does not establish comparative comfort, fit, durability, capacity, or value.
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- Cpmprehensive Upgraded Version - The Loowoko hiking travel backpack has been completely upgraded with better materials, stronger straps and more durable zippers, making it one of the most popular hiking daypack options for consumers.
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- No Internal Frame - This lightweight & comfortable hiker backpack is specially designed for outdoor enthusiasts. Breathable mesh shoulder straps with plentiful sponge padding help relieve the stress from your shoulder. Widened and thickened S-type shoulder straps and high elastic breathable back support for best ventilation and easing burden, gives you more comfortable experience.
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The same release quotes Osprey Senior Marketing Manager Vince Mazzuca: “Long distance hikers are the ultimate testers of our core products.” This is Osprey’s perspective on its audience, not a statement of survey methodology.
What this means if you are choosing a backpack
The Exos is the historically relevant model if you are looking for the backpack named by the survey. Treat the result as one piece of context, not a purchase recommendation: the release does not provide specifications or a head-to-head assessment of Exos, Aura, and Atmos, and it does not establish which product generation is currently available.
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- Check current model specifications, fit and torso sizing, capacity, and carried weight against your expected load and trip length.
- Compare current prices and availability from a retailer or manufacturer listing for the exact generation you are considering.
- Do not assume that Aura or Atmos are current alternatives or equivalent choices solely because the release names them among the survey’s top four.
Warranty context is historical
The January 2018 release said Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee covered damage or defects and offered replacement when a functional repair could not be performed. That is a historical company statement; check Osprey’s current warranty terms before relying on coverage for a purchase made now.
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Best Value
- Comfortable Daypack: This climbing backpack is specially designed for travelling enthusiasts, ergonomic padded shoulder straps and back support, gives you more comfortable feeling. Breathable mesh shoulder straps with plenty of sponge padding help relieve the stress from your shoulder. Widened and thickened S-type shoulder straps and high elastic, breathable back panel for best ventilation and load distribution. And this pack has no internal or external frame.
- Large Capacity & Multiple Compartment: Large capacity with a spacious main compartment and multiple pockets provide enough room for 3 or 4 day trips. Special main compartment drawstring closure design to prevent items from falling out of the backpack. With an inner pouch for a water bladder, two side pockets to carry extra water bottles. Separate shoe storage pouch to prevent items inside the backpack from getting dirty, convenient and practical. Meets most airline size requirements.
- With 8 Adjustable Straps: for tying up your backpack or hanging your sleeping bag, mat, hammock, tripod and other gear, practical for hiking, climbing, camping enthusiasts. Reflective stripes make it easier to identify at night, making it safer to travel.
- Water-resistant: Made of high-quality and safe material, it is durable for long-time use. The nylon fabric material made of High-quality ripstop polyester material, is water-resistant and tear-resistant. There is also an extra rain cover included in the bottom pouch to prevent the water and dust from getting into the backpack, protecting your valuables from heavy rain and keeping everything dry.
- Lightweight backpack for outdoor, Ultralight, only 2.4 lbs for a large 60L capacity, reducing the weight of the backpack so you can carry more other items. The maximum load bearing capacity is 33 lbs. Unfolded size: 68 x 32 x 24 cm / 26.7 x 12.6 x 9.5 inches.
Rank #4
- HUNT QUIET WITH LONETRAIL STEALTHSTALK FABRIC: Unlike noisy nylon hunting backpacks, the SB1 uses silent brush tricot fabric with TPU coating that reduces scraping and crinkling as you move through timber, brush, and bedding areas. Stay quieter while deer hunting, elk hunting, or making slow stalks without alerting game.
- PADDED BOW AND RIFLE CARRY SYSTEM: Securely carries compound bows or hunting rifles while keeping both hands free for climbing, glassing, crossing creeks, or setting up your stand. Adjustable retention straps keep your weapon stable throughout long hikes.
- 25L DAY HUNTING BACKPACK WITH SMART STORAGE: Designed as the ideal hunting day pack with multiple organized compartments for rangefinders, calls, gloves, snacks, rain gear, kit, and extra layers. Large enough for full-day hunts without carrying unnecessary bulk.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
