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Osprey Exos 38 vs Zpacks Nero Classic Backpack

Weight and specs compared for 2026 — and which one to choose.

Zpacks Nero Classic Backpack is the lighter option — 901 g lighter than the Osprey Exos 38 (76% less weight). If grams matter to you, that is the one to beat.
Spec Osprey Exos 38 Zpacks Nero Classic Backpack
Weight 1,190 g · 1.190 kg · 2.62 lb 289 g · 0.289 kg · 0.64 lb
Brand Osprey Zpacks
Category Backpack Backpack
Osprey Exos 38
1,190 g

Ultralight ventilated multi-day pack with AirSpeed suspended mesh backpanel and removable top lid for fast-and-light backpacking.

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Zpacks Nero Classic Backpack
289 g

Ultralight frameless Dyneema Composite backpack, just 289g. Roll-top closure with mesh side pockets. Ideal for SUL hikers carrying under 10 lbs base weight.

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Osprey Exos 38 vs Zpacks Nero Classic Backpack: which should you buy?

If saving weight is your priority, the Zpacks Nero Classic Backpack wins — at 289 g it is 901 g (76%) lighter than the Osprey Exos 38 (1,190 g). That said, the heavier option may justify the extra grams with more capacity, durability or comfort, so weigh the trade-off against how you'll use it.

See where both rank against everything else in this category on the lightest backpack page, or browse the full gear weight database.

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