I bought this pack as an all around adventure pack after I heard about Exo mountain from Jesse at Geartrade and has it ever performed! I took it on a thru hike of 165km over 7 days carrying 45lbs all day and did not dread putting on the pack. Done many day hikes with it and it packs down nice.
After a forgotten sleeping bag left me to pack a huge synthetic one I found the 5000 bag too small and borrowed a 7200 bag from a friend. Using the 7200 on my EXS frame did not seam to phase it. The total pack weight was 70lbs and it felt just as stable as if I had my 5000 bag on. Took a second to get used to the slight differences in bags but once changed I might be ordering a 7200 bag for my frame. Normally 7200 is big for me but it packs down to the same size at the 5000 and I enjoy having the extra fabric to be able to roll it down and feel I can cinch it down better with the extra room. With the 2oz difference between bags having that extra room is a nice option. The exterior pockets on the 7200 are also bigger which is a bonus. I enjoyed the large lid on the pack and the ease of changing out of the bags.
The only thing to note is the EXS frame does not have MOLLE on the shoulder life the men’s do. I got the inreach case as a gift and can’t really use it as the EXS from has slightly different shoulder straps.
Overall the frame, lid, water bottle holder, dry bag and hip belt pockets have exactly as advertised. Easy to assemble, customizable fit, secure, comfortable, durable, great pockets, great customer service and performance in harsh, wet and cold conditions. Could not ask for much more in a pack. I would recommend.