Osprey Exos 48 vs Bridger 45 vs Coulee 40 Backpack Review

Welcome to another showdown between three worthy, mid-tier overnight backpacks. I think comparing apples to apples (to apples) is a helpful way to highlight what will work best for your own adventures. The Osprey Exos 48, the Mystery Ranch Bridger 45, and the Mystery Ranch Coulee 40 have all served me well on zippy overnight backpacking trips. Here's my Osprey Exos vs Bridger vs Coulee review to help the weekend warrior get out in the woods.

I took the Coulee up to the highest point in Rwanda, the Osprey Exos 48 has seen some solid miles in the Southwestern United States, and I have used the Bridger series extensively over the past few years. I'll share my personal pros and cons for each one so that you can have a point of reference to juxtapose with your backpacking needs. Let the battle begin!

Mystery Ranch Coulee 40 Backpack Review

Price: $289 (USD)

Weight: 3.8 LBS (1.7 KG)

Volume: 40 Liters

What makes the Mystery Ranch Coulee backpacks (not just the 40) unique is the central-zipper opening system. This clever design allows the pack to quickly splay fully open. Since this is the smallest of the three backpacks on today's docket, some very strategic packing will be required to make this into a multi-day bag. But once you get everything in there, the Coulee makes it easy to target certain items, without having to pull everything out through the top. 

Bottom Sleeping Bag Compartment

Unlike the Coulee 20 and 30, the 40 has a bottom sleeping bag compartment. I'm not a fan of the curved zipper though. It makes it a little more challenging to actually pack and unpack this part of the bag. You can, however, get at it via the upper section, and I found myself using that approach instead (since my sleeping bag is the first thing I pack, and the last thing I remove at the end of the day). 

Adjustable Yolk on the Coulee 40

The Coulee 40 has an excellent adjustable yoke system that comfortably distributes the pack weight (something that Mystery Ranch always excels at). However, in the absence of a ventilation system, it is a rather warm backpack to wear. 

Side Strap System

Another unique design is the side strap system, but I'm a little unsure about how best to utilize it. Because the pocket compresses quite a lot once the strap is clipped in, I have mostly been sticking my trash and toiletries in there. Also, the low positioning of this compression strap means that longer items, such as trekking poles, fishing rods, camera tripods, etc., end up sitting a little loose. 

It should also be noted that Mystery Ranch doesn't try to make the lightest packs on the market. They focus on comfort and integrity. I'm perfectly pleased with this equation, but if you're on the hunt for an ultralight option, then this is something to be aware of. 

Ultimately, despite a few dings, the main selling feature for this backpack, in terms of my own experience, is that even after long days filled with big miles, my shoulders and hips were always happy. 

Osprey Exos 48 Review

Price: $240 (USD)

Weight: 2.8 LBS (1.2 KG)

Volume: 48 Liters

The Osprey Exos 48 has the largest capacity of these three bags, but is also the lightest and least-expensive of the lot. In my opinion, this is a really nice entry-level backpack that will also appeal to folks who are concerned with shaving ounces. 

Great Ventilation

The area where this pack excels the most is its ventilation system. Osprey is known for their generous air-flow designs, and the Osprey Exos 48 stays true to that trend. From the standpoint of temperature regulation and back-sweat reduction, Osprey has put forward a comfortable bag.

Comfort of Carry

I find both the Coulee and the Bridger by Mystery Ranch to be a much more comfortable carry. But with that said, the final grade has to be calibrated to the price point. And this is an affordable option. No doubt about it. Oh, and the set increment adjustable torso that integrates with the back ventilation system is really straight forward. I had a good experience with this design. 

In terms of weight, the Osprey Exos 48 achieves its sub-3-pound frame by cutting some corners. The buckles are small (or removed entirely) and the straps are a little flimsy. The accordian-style side straps are an example of innovative thinking, but the real-world application falls a bit short if trying to store those longer items that I commonly carry, like trekking poles and tripods. You have to fish it through the byzantine of straps everytime you want to take something out or stow it. To be honest, as a filmmaker, I have found this to be super annoying.

Lacking Quick Release Straps

I experienced a similar frustration with the external, sleeping-pad-storing straps. I really just wanted to be able to freely unbuckle them, rather than fumble with the complex cinch points. Lastly, if you want to strip this pack down even further, then know that it has a detachable lid (though it isn't that easy to get on and off). 

As a seasoned backpacker, I wouldn't be willing to sacrifice some key aspects of comfort and functionality in favor of weight and cost. But if you are someone who puts those pros at the top of your priority list, then the whole evaluation changes in your favor. 

If you want to delve even deeper into my thoughts on this backpack, check out my Osprey Exos 48 Review. 

Mystery Ranch Bridger 45 Review

Price: $375 (USD)

Weight: 4.4 LBS (2 KG)

Volume: 45 Liters

Longtime followers of BackpackingTV know that I'm obsessed with Mystery Ranch's Bridger series of backpacks. In terms of a slick multi-day bag, the Bridger 45 strikes a nice balance between nimble and capable.

The crown jewel design feature (as with all of the Bridger packs) is the super comfortable and widely-adjustable yoke system that has an integrated, double-strap, running-vest-style chest piece. It is hands down the most comfortable yoke system I have ever come across. And unlike the flat yoke on the Coulee 40, the Bridger 45 has a subtle airflow chamber built into the back padding. It's still not as breezy as the Osprey Exos, but it is certainly a step up from its Coulee cousin. 

Hip Belt on the Bridger 45

The other thing I'm drawn to with the Bridger 45 backpack is the articulated hip belt. It moves with my body on the trail better than any belt I've tried. 

Similar to the Osprey Exos, the Bridger 45 has a detachable lid, but this one is much easier to get on and off (thanks to the use of buckles), and it can also convert to a fanny pack!

The flay-style opening makes the Bridger 45 just as pragmatic as the Coulee 40. The only real difference is the double zipper front opening, rather than the center-zipper approach. 

Front Mesh Pocket

Something that the Bridger and Exos have in common that the Coulee lacks is the front mesh pocket. I have come to really appreciate this and actually wish that the larger Bridger packs also adopted this simple feature. 

Bottom Sleeping Bag Compartment

The Bridger, like the Coulee, has a bottom sleeping bag compartment. But, unlike the Coulee, the Bridger uses a straight zipper (yay!). Curved zippers tend to fail quicker over time, and a straight zipper is just easier to use. 

User Friendly

Though the Bridger 45 is by far the heaviest and most expensive backpack out of these 3 contenders, it is also the most comfortable and user-friendly. For me, those two aspects trump everything else. And so…drum roll please…this backpack is my own personal champion. 

I hope this battle royale of the overnight backpacks gave you some insight into which of these three overnight backpacks will work best for you. The only other thing to consider is your existing gear. Because these are all sub-50-liter bags, you will have to be intentional about how you pack, and avoid overly bulky items. 

Until next time, head on over to BackpackingTV for plenty of backpack, hiking, and camping-related videos, and to learn more about larger multi-day trekking bags, check out the original round of Battle of the Backpacks, featuring the Osprey Atmos, Gregory Baltoro, and Mystery Ranch Bridger (65). 

Backpack: Osprey Exos 48, Mystery Ranch Bridger 45, Mystery Ranch Coulee 40
Top: Otero Fleece Full-Zip Hooded Jacket – Men's