If you need a pack that can haul your gear for weekend backpacking, heavy-duty day hiking or a day of trail work, the men's Osprey Kestrel 48 pack is ready for all your backcountry adventures.
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View the Osprey Kestrel Product LineView all Osprey Backpacking Packs| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Frame Type | Internal Frame |
| Gear Capacity (L) | S/M: 46 liters L/XL: 48 liters |
| Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | S/M: 2,807 cubic inches L/XL: 2,929 cubic inches |
| Weight | S/M: 4 lbs. 7 oz. L/XL: 4 lbs. 9.9 oz. |
| Adjustable Torso Length | Yes |
| Fits Torso Length (in.) | S/M: 17-21 inches L/XL: 19-23 inches |
| Fits Waist/Hips | S/M: 26-45 inches L/XL: 28-50 inches |
| Material(s) | Main: 420-denier recycled nylon (bluesign® approved); bottom: 500-denier recycled high-tenacity nylon (bluesign® approved) |
| Frame Material | 3.5 mm LightWire peripheral frame |
| Number of Stays | 4 |
| Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
| Pack Access | Top/bottom |
| Number of Exterior Pockets | 5 + main compartment |
| Sleeping Bag Compartment | Yes |
| Raincover Included | Yes |
| Hipbelt Pockets | Yes |
| Dimensions | 27 x 14 x 5 inches |
| Gender | Men's |
| Sustainability | Contains recycled materials Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria |
Types of packs
Backpacking packs can be 30 to 70-plus liters. To choose the right capacity, consider trip duration and the gear you’ll bring.
Backpack features
Think about the frame type, location of important pockets, padding and ventilation, among other things.
Backpack fit
Your pack should be correctly sized for your torso length (not overall height) and hip circumference. A fit-expert at an REI store can help.
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Used the Kestrel 48 pack during my 2019 Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, and Annapurna Base Camp Trekking. In addition, I used it in 2022 during my EBC-Gokyo trek, Island Peak Summit, and Mera Peak Summit. I have pics, if you need proof... The Good...it fits great, especially for long treks thru the Himalayas. The padding on the shoulders and hips provided good support...got me thru long, cold, and steep treks up to 5000m-6000meters. I completed EBC, AC, ABC, Island Peak, and Mera Peak treks and summit with Krestel support...The water-pack was well thought out, placed separately from the main inner compartment. The inner compartment has plenty of space to store hiking supplies such as clothes, sleeping bags, shoes, and other hiking materials, and all your goodies. The poles strap was a nice addition as well. Also, the rain cover came in handy when snow turned to rain. The Bad...The zipper system is the worst. The way it is setup makes it difficult to open and close, as the string often catches back and forth...change the zipper system. It is horrible. (I would have definitely taken the Kestrel back for a return because of this reason, but I was on trek) The side zipper that opens to the main compartment...pointless. It should completely open the entire compartment, instead of just letting you peak in to look for your supplies. I found this out when I was on trek... The plastic adjustment chest strap broke to pieces on during my trek thru Annapurna Circuit. Not sure whether it was because of the heat or cold condition, but it was brittle cheap plastic. Backpack material...I thought it was good quality and it felt like good quality material. Until, my backpack took a tumble down a 20 ft slope, which opened a huge gash in the upper compartment... The Ugly...above 5000 meters, in -20 degree snow storm, going thru Thorong La Pass, it is a bwitch to not be able to easily unzip any of the Krestel pockets to get to supplies. And, no one should be fiddling with zippers under any condition. Speaking of severe conditions, it would be nice for backpacks to have some reflexive material so it can be spotted...
731 miles on the Appalachian Trail so far & love this pack, quite literally been through all conditions with Oscar the osprey, highly recommend. On more than one occasion had 45+ pounds either in or strapped on to this pack & never any issues. No worries or complaints with this solid piece of gear.
I really really love this pack. Super comfortable and versatile with a thoughtful design. I have used this for hiking, backpacking and mountaineering. Though I did manage to haul it up the Kautz, I really wouldn’t recommend it for loads over 35 pounds. All in all, it is an excellent pack for nearly any adventure. Plus Osprey will replace or repair any part of your pack for free. How neat is that!
I traded this pack in twice - the first time I just thought I had a defective unit, but I had the same issue with the second one. The pack fits great, has really good and convenient pockets, and is well-adjustable, but the back ventilation “airscape” design seems like it is supposed to be concave so that your back isn’t in contact with the pack, but both units I tried very quickly became convex to the point where it was pushing into my back. This made it so anytime I wore the pack for more than a few hours, my back was the only part getting hot and sweaty. Unless I just happened to get two defective units, I’d say this is a design flaw and you should look at the Atmos or Exos which have much better ventilation designs.
I used this pack for my Camino Portuguese and was absolutely perfect. Walked all 630 kms with this pack and didn’t have a single problem. Was comfy and held everything I needed for my Camino!
Absolute love this bag! Plenty of room for our out and back hikes and multi day trips! Love all the adjustments on the fly!
My son and myself have this pack. We have only used them on weekend trips but so far so good. Seems like a solid piece of gear, love the warranty. It carries everything you need. It seems to be comfortable.
I traded this pack in twice - the first time I just thought I had a defective unit, but I had the same issue with the second one. The pack fits great, has really good and convenient pockets, and is well-adjustable, but the back ventilation ""airscape"" design seems like it is supposed to be concave so that your back isn't in contact with the pack, but both units I tried very quickly became convex to the point where it was pushing into my back. This made it so anytime I wore the pack for more than a few hours, my back was the only part getting hot and sweaty. Unless I just happened to get two defective units, I'd say this is a design flaw and you should look at the Atmos or Exos which have much better ventilation designs.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Always used a Kestrel 38 before this, and am grateful for the extra room I thought I might need. Thanks. My grandson will get good use of the old one.
This pack checked all the box with all the features at a great price. It is a good size pack if you pack minimally.
