Osprey  Kestrel 38 Pack

I've used this pack on my canyoneering trips in Zions and that means carrying 200 feet of wet rope in it, sliding down rocks, using it as a brace between me and two rock walls, throwing it off cliffs, etc. It has been everything I wanted in a pack for just that sort of activity. It's got some great gear loops so I can hang my rappelling gear on it, a 200 foot rope fits in it just fine. And it's got a ton of pockets for stashing cameras, snacks and everything else. It is so comfortable too! Even with the heavy weight in it I can adjust it perfectly to the point where I don't feel like I've got any weight in it. Sweet pack and no complaints!

I'm currently using my Osprey as my main pack for traveling throughout Europe. Its great for that purpose. Lightweight, fits me fantastically (5'5 girl), and isn't so big that I pack it with unnecessary items. I can fit surprisingly a lot more than I thought. One downside is the lack of many pockets and compartments that other packs might have. Also the zipper doesn't go all the way around so, if I have something in the middle of my pack, its a bit of a hassle to get to. But that problem doesn't exist if the item is at the bottom of my pack because there's a zipper there. Awesome! Honestly, quality product. I'm abusing it and its holding up great.

This is my first "real" backpack I've bought. I got sick of using my chincy north face bag for my go to backpack. I took this thing with me for a three day paddle/hiking trip to Miles Glacier. It performed flawlessly as we were bushwacking our way through thick brush and devils club on a 5 hr 1700ft hike into a mountain valley. The bottom access is key, I was able to shove my DSLR camera bag inside this bag and still have quick access to it from the bottom.

I did my research before buying this pack. I looked at Gregory, Kelty, REI, and other brands, but settled with Osprey. I have used it twice, one in Ape Caves in Washington and once on a weekend backpack/camping trip. This back not only held my tent, pad, sleeping bag, hydration bag, food, clothes, and cooking material, BUT I couldn't event tell. It fits great around the waist, and is VERY easy to adjust. There are so many places to put stuff that I didn't know what to do. Also it comes with its own rain fly, and my camping trip was in a downpour and everything remained dry, even my camera. This is great back, and it is the best value at the price. I highly reccommend this product!!!

Picked up this pack as a "day-pack". I already owned the Aether 85L. This is really just a smaller version of that. It can hold everything I would need to a weekend trip but works equally as well as a day-pack. The built in rain cover and trekking pole loops are excellent features.

I bought this pack to haul my gear for and stuff for my kids. We hike Belles Island and up and down the James we scramble over rocks and the pack stays in place. My last daypack was comfortable but would shift. I haul the food, including my jetboil, the water and changes of clothing and shoes and socks for the my boys, its a river and boys and water are like iron and magnets. I also carry my camera gear and can strap my tripod to the outside of the pack. I have used it for a few solo day hikes of my own and have enjoyed it immensely.

I absolutely love this pack. You cannot get a better buy. This pack is very comfortable in every realm. I use it for everything from traveling across the country and day hikes to weekend backpacking. It has enough space for everything you would need for a comfortable bivy, with room to spare for extra clothing and food. The only thing that i do not like about my kestrel is that the stow on the go trekking pole loops can get caught on sticks. great pack.

Great weekend pack that serves a lot of purposes. I've used it for everything from day ski tours around Berthoud Pass, long day ski tours in the San Juans, spring 2-3 day weekends in the Sangres and then general travel. Carries 25-30 pounds very well, have loaded it up to 35-40 and it didn't have any issues. Shoulder strap foam is the key to this whole piece of equipment and makes life a lot easier on those long slog descents back to the car.

Was looking to replace my Gregory Reality with a smaller pack for traveling abroad. The features of the Osprey seemed ideal- excellent location of compartments, comfortable and adjustable fit, sits well on the hips, built in rainfly and so on. Was going to use it as a school backpack as well and planned to break it in this semester. Note on the Gregory: I've had it for 6 years and it's been tossed off busses, thrown down stairs, used as a chair, a pillow, stepped on, shoved through tight spaces, skidded down rocks, dragged, swung, kicked and otherwise ridden hard and put away wet. It is still in awesome condition. I've had the Osprey 2 days and it already has a hole. It fell off the back of my bike and the slight skid opened it up already. Excellent backpack if you are careful with your gear. Not a great choice if you're wreckless like me. Returning it for something tougher.

I use this for day hikes in all sorts of climates. The two best features (other than fit and comfort) are the trekking pole attachment and the way the OSPREY hydration pack works in conjunction with the pack (I've since thrown away my Camelbak bladders in my other Osprey packs). Lifetime guaranty - superb fit and finish - thoughtful little details - Osprey is the Apple of packs.