Osprey  Kestrel 38 Pack - Men's

I took this pack on a 27 mile 3 day hike over rugged terrain. Pack weight varied between 30 and 40 pounds depending on how much water I was carrying. I liked how the pack felt the same regardless of the load. I read one review who felt the back pad was too stiff. I actually liked this, the straps and torso were adjusted well, so the whole back pad just stuck to me like Velcro and made the pack feel almost unnoticeable even with considerable weight in it. Organization was excellent. I put two water bottles on each side, my sleeping bag, mattress, food, stove, and shelter in the main compartment, and my personal stuff in the brain pocket. Everything stayed where I needed it.

I purchased the Kestral 38 primarily for long day hikes, carrying plenty of water and in the winter, strapping on snowshoes and having room in the pack for the layers I add on or take off. The pack I purchased is a small/medium. It fit well when I tried it on with weight added to the pack. I did not have to adjust the length. The pack felt similar to the size small Aether I used for my Appalachian Trail thru-hike. I could have purchased a lighter pack for day use but I like the feel of the pack. I have used it on one long day hike since purchase. Lots of water and room for clothes as the temperature rose.

Picked this out with the help of an outfit specialist. Perfect pack for this tenderfoot. I’ve been out every weekend. The pack feels and rides great. The top load and side zip are super functional. Open the side zip, my tarp is out and I’m under cover in minutes. Nice pack and I recommend it.

This is a fantastic pack with plenty of bells and whistles. I purchased this for my winter day hikes in the White Mountains but am excited to also use it for overnights in the other 3 seasons when I don't need my Atmos 65L. For reference, I purchased the M/L and am 5'11, 195lb. Lots of pros but these are my favorites: - Pack is VERY comfortable and easy to adjust - The back elastic pocket is large enough to fit my 25" Lightnight Ascents with a little wiggling (just be careful not to rub them against the mesh too much) - Rain cover is included - Very spacious hip belt pockets fit my phone and snacks no problem - This thing has all the straps and daisy chains/loops I could ever need - Easy access trekking pole loops Cons: - The elastic mesh water bottle pockets run a little high in my opinion, which makes it difficult to put water bottles back into the side pockets without taking off the pack. Not a big deal, but in the winter it's a bit of a hassle. - I wish that the brain was removable Excited to put more miles on it.

I have a 48 L Kestrel, the prior version, which I like. I wanted a smaller pack as well, so I purchased the current model of the 38 L Kestrel. I prefer the Kestrel over larger, overbuilt Osprey packs. The size is in the “Goldilocks” zone. It’s not “ultralight” but it definitely facilitates a lighter load while retaining a frame. Both Kestrel packs transfer weight well to my hips, not my shoulders. (I have a flat butt, but it does not slide down like the Aether.) The current model is an improved design. The straps are better thought out, the three back open pockets are much tougher material. The daisy chains are easier to use. The padding on the straps and belt is thicker. The pockets are larger. These were real improvements over the prior model. You can get a better pack for more money, but not for less money. It works well if the load is under about 20 to 25 lbs, and adequately for loads to 35 lbs. (It’s a small pack.) I don’t feel the need to go ultralight. I like having “stuff”. But this pack is perfect for lighter packing.

Excellent pack. Versatile, durable, and comfortable. Travelled to London for 2 weeks. Air India allowed it as a carry on. Fit nicely in the overhead. Pockets easily accessible. Great on week long hiking/camping trips.

I used this pack for a 3-day trip un the Adirondacks. This pack can carry 35 lbs comfortably. The pack is with an internal aluminum frame and this is accompanied with Osprey’s AirScape flexible and breathable back panel with foam ridges for ventilation and a mesh over it. The whole harness is easily adjustable and will fit any torso length. The sternum strap is height-adjustable, and so are the load lifters on the shoulder straps. The access to the main compartment is from the top - I was able to fit my bear canister. The lid has a large zippered external pocket and an internal zippered mesh pocket beneath it. A large stretch pocket is on the front of the pack, and 2 pockets of the same material are on both sides, for water bottle(s), etc. One pocket for the rain cover is below the big pocket on the front. 2 zippered pockets are also on the hip belt for quick access. There are stow-on-the-go attachment loops on the shoulder strap and on the side of the pack, attachment loops on the bottom paired with cords higher up for poles or for ice-axe, daisy chain loops on both sides, some attachment points on the top of the lid, 2 compression straps on the two sides, and detachable straps completely on the bottom for carrying a sleeping pad, etc.

This is a great pack. I'm long waisted so most small daypacks don't fit my frame. Not the case with this one. You can increase or reduce the volume as needed and the shoulder straps and hip belts are really comfortable. Water bottles fit really well in the side pockets too.

Carried a water bladder, extra water, emergency gear, camera and extra clothes on 5 to 6 mile hikes in southern utah. Very happy with comfort for ease of loading and access while on the trail.

I carried this pack 1300 km this summer along the Camino in Spain. The combination of pack with the hydration system was a perfect combination. I used the 2.5 liter and all the equipment was amazing,