I bought a small Osprey about ten years ago and was blown away by its durability and performance. So when it came time to upgrade my big pack I knew I would give Osprey serious consideration. This pack has been a winter camping CHAMP! It takes it all and still looks like new. I have been very happy with the fit and how it can handle a load. I was in the Trinty Alps when anothe hiker got hurt and I close to doubled my pack weight, the pack had plaenty of room to spare and the ride was smooth.

Customer Service

Osprey'd customer service cares about their fit! They are very concerned with their product and willing to help in any way they can.

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I spent time with several packs before buying the Osprey, from Dana to Mntsmith and Gregory. I went with a product I trusted.

I've had my Xenith for about 3 1/2 years. I actually drove to Kansas City to try one on because noone in St. Louis carried them at the time. Well worth 9 hours on the road! It will hold everything including the kitchen sink and still be stable enough to scramble around in canyons in UT or weasle your way through rododendrons on the AT. Iit will also cinch down a partial load to allow for a flop free weekend on the trail. The fit is superb and the only other pack that came close to the Osprey in comfort was a Dana Designs Terraplane. My only complaint is a creak that develops when I put more than 40 #'s in it. Other than that, I have thouroughly enjoyed this pack. It is well worth the price. The vector day is great for all sorts of one day adventures.

Customer Service

They helped me locate the nearest dealer to St. Louis to go for a fit.

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Dana Terraplane

I've owned my Xenith for almost 4 years now. I've carried it on Rainier with me for the past 3 summers and it carries exceptionally well. Be careful not to pack too much because this pack will hold more than you should carry. The Vector Day attachment is a nice extra that makes these packs very versatile. To learn more about Osprey packs visit http://www.ospreypacks.com/.

In all fairness I have not tried a Dana Designs or a Gregory of similar value to compare it against, but I can't imagine they would be any better.

Customer Service

I bought the Xenith after trying a Mountainsmith Frostfire and a North Face Renegade. The Xenith cost WAY more than either of these two packs but it also fit and carried better.

I needed a pack for the Long Trail (LT) last year for my end-to-end trip. (I purchased the Zenith Pro - their top of the line expedition pack); the pack performed exceptionally in *all* areas (fit & durability); second to none. Adjustments on the fly, without a hitch! The heavy duty 800 denier fabric bottom resists tearing when dragged on granite, sand, and forest floors stuffing gear in it while breaking camp or diggin out the rain gear. And yes, the vector system (copied by many now) is the balls. I'm sad they changed their complete product line for 2001; for the not so better IMO. As I write this I'm loading it up yet again for a short stay in the Mt. Whitney high country (High Sierra trail). It will be close to my back again on the JMT. I love this pack as much as the trails and mountains I walk & climb.

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Arc'teryx

I purchased a Xenith last summer and have never looked back since. This is definately one of the best packs on the market. It can be loaded with everything including the kitchen sink and carry it like a dream. The suspension system with the vector makes this a pack monster.

Customer Service

I haven't had any problems but my dealer tells me that osprey wants any and all problems sent to them because they hardly ever get any outside feedback on problems to fix either in design or manufacturing.

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dana designs
mountainsmith
gregory

I actually bought the Motherloadin '94, the last year it was built. This is a huge pack, approx. 7500ci. But this works well since I carry most of the gear when I go hiking with my family. This is a very comfy pack even when fully loaded and also packs down easly when summitting 14ers. Unfortunately my pack is made for the 'Speedy Clips'(?) and now Osprey uses the 'Vector' system. So I am unable to go to the store and buy attachments. Luckily Osprey will still make attachments for my pack if I custom order them. A good pack and has stood up very well.

I've used this pack for the last two years on Rainier. It will hold way more than you care to carry, but given that is as comfortalbe as anything else. Great workmanship. What I really like about this pack is the 'vector' compressiomn system. You can purchase a variety of attachments that also serve as part of the pack's compression system. I purchased the 'Vector Day'. The Vecotr Day is actually a small day pack/ hydration pack. IT's wonderful. I did find the pack on sale from some place that was closing down, but it was expensive just the same. I've always believed you get what you pay for.

Customer Service

I've had no need to use Osprey's customer service... and based on the pack's performance I probably never will.

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Before I purchased this pack I tried a mountainsmith frostfire, a North Face Renegade, and a Quest Eclipse

I purchased this pack last spring after checking out pretty much every pack I could get my hands on. I actually bought the Xenith Pro, which can expand from 6000 to 7500 cubic inches, I don't really need that much space, but its kinda nice to know its there. The suspension on this pack is sweet, whether its loaded for a 4-5 day trip or just an overnighter, it feels solid and comfortable on and off trail. I also got the vector day, it's handy for the hydration as well as for day hikes after base camp has been set up (14er's, etc.) Combining that with the detachable top lid/fanny pack gives a guy plenty of space to bring everything along on a long hike. Yeah, its expensive, but its a killer pack and should be around for many years to come.

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Old school Camp Trails external frame, McKinley I think (the Xenith is a bit of a step-up from that...)