
$129.00
Item qualifies for annual
REI Member Refund (typically 10%)
Specifications for Small/Medium: torso / base volume (cu. in. and liters) / weight are as follows:
Imported.
Item 764216
Specification | Description |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Frame type | Internal |
| Approximate volume | 2,000 cubic inches |
| Approximate volume - metric | 32 liters |
| Average weight | 2 lbs. 10 oz. |
| Average weight - metric | 1.19 kilograms |
| Adjustable torso | Yes |
| Fits torso | 19 or greater inches |
| Dimensions | 23 x 13 x 10 inches |
| Material | Nylon |
| Number of pockets | 5 + main compartment |
| Hydration compatible | Yes |
| Access / Loading | Panel |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Reviewed by 6 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-6
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Osprey Kestrel 32 Pack:
This is the 3rd day pack I've bought in the past 40-plus years. I still have the 1st one, an Alp Sport "Eiger," a European style tour pack with a leather bottom and leather shoulder straps padded with felt. Pack #2 was a 1500 cubic inch Lowe with a great hipload suspension and ventilated back panel.
This time I was looking for a panel-load pack with a bit more capacity and hydration-compatible. I had checked out the Kestrel 38, so I knew what the important features of this series were. I bought the Kestrel 32 sight-unseen because of an REI discount coupon.
I have over a dozen mountain trailheads within 1/2 hour's drive from my home. I hike 20-30 miles a week, sometimes with 2,000 vertical feet of elevation gain. I normally carry 20-25 pounds for both comfort and the little bit more exercise the load affords. My vocation requires the practice of "contemplative disciplines," so part of my hiking load as I escape the office will often include a book or two and materials for writing.
As far as accomplishing the essential tasks that a day pack is supposed to accomplish, this is a great pack. The Kestrel 32 rides amazingly light and close. There's no sway at all. Wherever I move, the pack moves, even with only 10-15% of the load on the shoulder straps. Just from looking at it I had my doubts about how functional the hip suspension would be, but the very trim belt system works just fine. The surprise was the lack of stiff padding allows the hipbelt to move with me when I'm scrambling up 3rd and 4th class terrain.
Summer hiking can be very hot where I live and this pack is 'way cool.
The hydration compartment holds a full .750-liter bladder with no bulge into the suspension back panel. The unlisted "bonus" feature was the tiny whistle built into the sternum strap buckle. It makes a nice toot and even my two Yellow Labrador Retriever girls will respond to whistle commands from it.
Since I sometimes use a pack for urban gallivants. Shoulder strap pockets like the Talon 33 for electronics and an organizer pocket like the Cypher would have made the pack perfect for me. A slick accessory would be a separate organizer you could drop into the front pocket.
All and all, this is the best day pack I've owned since the mid-1960s.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Osprey Kestrel 32 Pack:
This pack has some great features, such as a large zipper for easy access to contents, lightweight, hydration compatible and a built-in rain cover. But the hipbelt has absolutely no padding. I find this a serious drawback, as that's where 80% of the weight should sit. It was quite uncomfortable after just a couple of miles. A real disappointment!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Osprey Kestrel 32 Pack:
Great pack! Like all Osprey packs, the weight is distributed well and is insanely easy to adjust to your frame. I am a small framed woman and the small size fits me perfectly. The hipbelt is not padded, but it worked great for me and the pockets on the hipbelt are actually large enough to hold essentials . (like a camera, food, wallet, etc). I recently took this pack as a carry on loaded with a ton of books (more weight than I would ever hike with) and once the load was adjusted I barely noticed the excess weight. I cannot rave enough about how comfortable this pack is. You also get a rain cover to boot!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Osprey Kestrel 32 Pack:
The Kestrel 32 has become one of my favorite packs for everything shy of long backpacking trips. I have used this pack for traveling and loaded a weeks worth of clothes in it. Great for day hikes to weekend trips as well as traveling. I have used this pack all over southern California.
I loaded the pack with 25 pounds, hiked 10 miles and felt comfortable. Weight transfer to the hips was great. After the hike neither my shoulders or my hips felt any discomfort. As a 6'1" male 190lbs, I found the straps and hip-belt perfectly comfortable. There are some other nice added features like a rain cover included with the pack a holder for trekking poles and whistle. It holds items more comfortably than the Atmos series packs. Only other complaint would be that the straps on the pack are a little long, but not really a big deal and would probably prove useful in a survival situation. I am impressed with the Osprey products.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Osprey Kestrel 32 Pack:
Kestrel has been with me throughout the winter. Excellent bag, I'm able to carry all I need for a day excursions in the snow. I only wish it held about another 500 cubic inches. I guess i could have gone one model bigger, but I prefer the panel load to the top load for ease of access.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Osprey Kestrel 32 Pack:
I have used this pack for several months of high country mountain hiking. I love the light weight and the capacity of the pack.
The hip belt design is a disappointment. Others have complained about lack of padding on the belt. Because of the structure of the pack and the way it comfortably rides on the back, I find I don't need as much padding but what I dislike about the belt is the small buckle and the slack of the long straps. The buckle is small, difficult to see and fasten over bulky clothes. After cinching the waist belt, I always have to tuck the extra slack in the webbing (which hangs down to my knees), somewhere on the side. This is an inconvenience.
I think the little side pockets on the hip belt are OK but not great. I, too, would rather have padding on the belt.
I do not like the zip pouch on top of the pack. The idea is a good one but it's a tight fit. It doesn't hold much and it is difficult for me to get my small hand inside. Easier access would be an improvement.
I like the outside hooks and loops and the water storage.
Displaying reviews 1-6
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