It's been a couple of years since I went backpacking and at 72 I decided to upgrade some of my equipment, including the Camp Trails external frame pack (6+ lbs) I bought in the 1990s. I'm looking at the Osprey Exos 58 because of the weight plus I have an Osprey daypack which I like. Like most backpacks now days it doesn't have a side water bottle pocket which I prefer. I don't like the idea of using a bladder for several reasons but I 'm not sure of a good alternative. Most water bottle holders I 've tried over the years tend to bounce around a lot or I have a hard time finding a place to attach it.
Any suggestions ?