After 850 kilometers on the GR11 trail across the Pyrenees, I can make a little judgement and review this hiking backpack for women: the Osprey Eja 48. This (almost) ultralight backpack became my trail buddy, carrying me (and all my snacks, gear, and sometimes dog food) from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean without giving me back problems. And I'm about to pack it for the next trail.
The Eja packs are the women’s version of the popular Osprey Exos series. If you’ve been looking at the Exos 48, Exos 58, or the lighter Exos Pro and Eja Pro 55 backpack, which share the same design The Exos is the men version and the Eja is just adjusted for women’s fit.
Why I Chose the Osprey Eja 48 Backpack
Backpacks are a bit like shoes: you only really know if they fit once you’ve walked with them. And after hundreds of kilometers, I can honestly say this one works for me.
At around 1.2 kg with the brain (the lid), the Eja 48 is light for a framed pack. I even ditched the lid (Osprey calls it the FlapJacket and some call it brain), which got me off another 120 grams, and kept me from stuffing unnecessary extras in there. Less space, less temptation.
I considered lighter frameless packs, but for me the comfort and hip support of a framed backpack mattered more, especially when carrying extra food, water, or dog supplies. My partner already used the Exos on his long trails like the PCT and Appalachian trail and he loves it so that was also a reference for me to go for this one.
Comfort and Fit
This is where the Eja and Exos shines in my opionion. The back panel with ventilation keeps the pack off your back, which is a blessing on hot (and uphill;)) climbs. It’s one of those features you may not think about in the shop, but out there on day 17, sweating up a mountain, you’ll be grateful for it.
The hip belt is sturdy and padded, and the hip belt pockets are perfect for trail snacks (though not big enough for a phone). For the phone, I just got an extra shoulder pouch (which i love). The shoulder straps, and adjustable torso length meant I could fine-tune the fit. I was between two sizes (S/M and M/L) and went for the larger one, which turned out quite good, especially when I was wearing a jacket. That said, during the hike I lost some weight so I probably would have been better of with size S. But as you really don't want a torso length too small (I've experienced that before), I went for the bigger size.
With this backpack, I have never had back pain even with big loads carrying all that dog food. That’s rare on a long backpacking trip. My base weight is between 6 and 7 kilo. Here you can find my full packing list for long distance hikes.
Storage and Accessibility
The Osprey Eja 48 backpack has all the basics covered:
• Two hipbelt pockets (for lip balm, snackies, or headphones)
• Mesh side pockets for water bottles (easy to grab without taking the pack off)
• A big stretchy front mesh pocket. I used mine for my water filter, spoon, and trash
• A hydration sleeve inside the main compartment which I never used.
• Plenty (a little too many perhaps) compression straps to cinch down or attach a sleeping bag
It’s a lightweight pack but still versatile. Thanks to the frame and suspension, you don’t need to pack it perfectly to make it carry comfortably. I love that because I'm a little chaotic.
You may like this video: Setting up Camping in the Pyrenees, where you'll see me unpack the Osprey Eja 48.
Sustainability: An Eco-Friendly Backpack
Another big reason I went for the Eja is that Osprey has made it with recycled nylon and it’s PFC-free.
PFCs (perfluorinated compounds) are those nasty “forever chemicals” used to make gear water-resistant. They don’t break down in nature and can harm the environment. So it feels good to know my pack isn’t leaving a toxic trace on the places I hike just my footprints (and sometimes paw prints).
Downsides of the Osprey Eja
Of course, no backpack is perfect. For me:
• The hipbelt pockets are too small for a phone. But that can be solved with a shoulder pocket like this.
• There are lots of straps and adjustment points, which can feel fussy.
• And one personal downside: with the tall suspension, I can’t wear my favourite adventure hat. It just knocks into the back. Adventure problems, right?
Here I wear my favourite adventure hat on the Waitukubuli National Trail, an epic jungle trail across the island of Dominica.
Osprey Eja vs Eja Pro vs Exos: Which Should You Choose
The Osprey Exos is the men’s version of the Eja, with the same suspension, mesh back panel, and (almost) ultralight design. The men’s Exos and the women’s Eja are basically siblings. Whether you go for the Eja 48, Eja 58, or the Pro version (for females: Eja Pro 55), it's kind of the best balance between
If you want more space, the Eja 58 backpack or the lighter Osprey Eja Pro 55 backpack could be a great option. The Eja Pro and Exos Pro keep the comfort of the standard packs but trim the weight even further. To me the 48L seemed like the best size. Also I wanted to be sure I could carry the food load for my dog and the Eja 48 seemed a bit more solid and sturdy for that.
Osprey Eja Backpack Comparison
Osprey Eja Series (Women’s Fit)
| Model | Capacity | Exact Weight (XS/S – M/L) | Best For | Key Features | Downsides |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eja 38 | 38L | ~1.218 kg (2.69 lbs) | Weekend trips, lighter thru-hikes | Compact, lighter, great ventilation, removable lid | Limited space for food/gear, less versatile |
| Eja 48 | 48L | 1.209 – 1.251 kg (2.67–2.76 lbs) | Thru-hikes up to a few weeks/months | Balanced weight & comfort, strong hip belt, removable lid | The least of all, in my opinion |
| Eja 58 | 58L | 1.232 – 1.280 kg (2.72–2.82 lbs) | Longer trips, bulkier gear | Extra capacity, same suspension system as 48 | Slightly heavier, tempting to overpack |
| Eja Pro 55 | 55L | ~1.0 kg (2.2 lbs) | Ultralight thru-hikers, minimalists | Stripped-down Pro version, lighter fabrics, still framed | Less durable, fewer features, higher price, ugly colour |
Frameless vs. Frame Ultralight Hiking BackPacks
The Osprey Eja is a framed ultralight pack, which means more comfort and support than frameless designs.
Framed pros: better load transfer, more comfort with heavy loads, great ventilation.
Framed cons: a little heavier, bulkier, tall frame can get in the way of wide hats.
Frameless pros: super light, minimal design, packs down small.
Frameless cons: less support, tricky to pack, not ideal for heavy resupplies.
I haven't owned a frameless backpack so I can't share my experience. That said, I met many hikers carrying an ultra light frameless backpack, and you'll save a few grams, but many were actually complaining about back pain and the limited possibility for resupply space and weight with at some trails required a few kilos of extra load. Fewer grams don't always outweigh the comfort.
Summary
The Osprey Eja 48 is to my knowledge and experience one of the best ultralight backpacks for long-distance hiking. It’s light, comfortable, adjustable, and eco-friendly, with recycled materials and no PFCs. Downsides are minor like the small hipbelt pockets, a bit strap-heavy, and the fact I can’t wear my favorite hat with it :)
But after trekking from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, I trust this backpack for future trails. The Eja is also a great option if you’re comparing to packs like the Aura AG 65, Facet 55, or Southwest 55. While those are good packs, the Eja and Exos as well as the Eja Pro and Exos Pro versions show how Osprey went for a design that is truly lightweight and ultralight without giving up comfort.
Final Thoughts: Is the Osprey Eja 48 the Best Ultralight Backpack?
If you’re dreaming of a big trail, the Osprey Eja 48 is a backpack I’d happily take again, and again and again:). It carried me across a mountain range without a single backache.
Watch my full review of the Osprey Eja 48 here .
Find the Osprey Eja (Or Exos) near you or second hand here.
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