I use an Exos 58 and I love it! Comfy to carry, roomy to rummage, but I've never (knowingly) carried more than around 12.5 kg. It certainly has the room and if neatly packed needn't appear bulky, I have no reason to think that if well packed it couldn't take more weight. Not much help I'm afraid!

Hi Judith
I have to say that Robin's advice is worth further investigation.
I will be using a Lightwave Fastpack 50 on The Challenge and have friends that use the Ultrahike 60. They are both water resistant but you still need to protect items such as sleeping bags, just in case. Following a very wet day in Glen Tilt my friend found he had a very soggy night ahead.
The Adventure Centre in Warrington stock Lightwave products: www.cheaptents.com

Thanks for the suggestions and comments so far. The Ultrahike 60 does look good, although it's a shame it doesn't have a large external pocket like the Osprey Exos has.

Kevin - Thanks for the tip about the supplier in Warrington. I reckon the shorter back-length will suit me but I'd rather try it to be certain.

I will always put my sleeping bag in a waterproof bag. A soggy night in the Lairig Ghru convinced me of the need to do that. This was before my Challenge days and I'd set off in bright sunshine in August so had put my sleeping bag in just its compression bag. The heavens opened and the wind struck up. By the time I camped, I realised I was carrying an Ajungilak Kompakt 180 sponge! Never again!

Hi again
The Lads at the Adventure Centre were fantastic when I went to purchase my pack. I took my old Deuteur into the shop fully packed and then transferred everything into the Lightwave. I then spent about an hour wandering around the shop with the loaded pack on my back. There was absolutely no pressure or hassle 10/10 for the service!!

If you want an external pocket you can use an Exped Flash Pocket https://blogpackinglight.wordpress.com/2015/08/21/exped-flash-pack-pocket/

Bob sells them http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/pack-accessories/UA221.html. Good value.

I always use a rucksack liner plus dry bags for critical gear even in the Ultrahike.

Hi,

I have an Opsrey Aura 50 for sale that my sister used for one Swiss hut-to-hut trek. Although only slightly larger in capacity than your current model, Osprey usually underestimate their rucksack capacities. If interested it is on sale on amazon at £82.50. Just search under items sold by thehikingdoctor.

Happy hunting!

The Montane Grand Tour 70 is slightly heavier, stripped down, but it has two, what I call integrated, pockets plus four pouches round the belt, which gives it a slim-line feel - ie no pockets protruding. If the contents of the pack feel loose, the various straps tighten up the load to make it firm on your back. You can bung all your kit in and not worry about lack of space.
The Moroccan blue model is very appealing.

I bought the 'new' Osprey Exos58 earlier this year, it was to replace the older one I still have. It's a long story, briefly Osprey weren't able to tell me where I could try one for size so I bought the Large size - MUCH too big.

The newer model fits me nicely (medium size) and is comfortable. Sadly it's nowhere near as user friendly / ergonomically well thought out than the old version.

If you fancy a beer I can drive over or we can meet up and you can look at both, side by side.

I would love to be able to buy an older model Exos58 of the right size but it ain't going to happen.

Hi John, I have the old exos 58 in medium, if you're interested in a swap deal of some variety ?
Rod.