- Mesh-covered, die-cut EVA hipbelt saves weight and enhances breathability
- Pack fits a wide variety of backs thanks to hook-and-loop, torso-length adjustability: just rip it, adjust it and stick it
- Back panel features ridge-molded foam with channels covered in mesh to allow airflow
- Peripheral-hoop alloy frame and HDPE framesheet provide a flexible and light structure
- Top-loading design features a sewn-on lid with a pocket that offers easily accessible gear storage
- Externally accessible lower compartment accommodates a sleeping bag
- Trekking pole attachment lets you stow and remove poles (not included) while wearing pack
- Poles tuck away between your arm and pack; adjustable shockcord on left-hand shoulder strap and a side loop hold poles in tightly
- Front and side stretch-woven pockets are ideal for stashing a jacket and other often-used gear
- Hipbelt features 2 zippered pockets for stashing a digital camera and snacks
- Hydration-compatible design features reservoir sleeve and drink tube exit port for on-the-go hydration (reservoir sold separately)
- 2 ice axe loops with bungee tool tie-offs let you lash extra gear outside
- Dual sleeping pad straps on the pack's base adjust easily to hold a variety of shapes and sizes of pads
- Side compression straps let you cinch down loads for jostle-free carrying
- The Osprey Kestrel 38 pack features an integrated raincover that pulls out in a flash to protect contents from sudden downpours
Imported.
| Best use | Backpacking, Hiking |
|---|---|
| Bag style | Backpack |
| Frame type | Internal |
| Gear capacity (L) | 36 / 38 liter |
| Gear capacity (cu. in.) | 2,197 / 2,319 cubic inches |
| Weight | 3 lbs. 1 oz. / 3 lbs. 3 oz. |
| Adjustable torso | Yes |
| Fits torso | <19 inches / 19+ inches |
| Fits waist/hips | 27 - 32 inches / 32+ inches |
| Material(s) | Nylon packcloth/ripstop nylon |
| Frame material | Aluminum/HDPE framesheet |
| Number of stays | 1 peripheral hoop |
| Pack access | Top / front |
| Number of exterior pockets | 7 + main compartment |
| Hipbelt | Yes |
| Sleeping bag compartment | Yes |
| Raincover included | Yes |
| Dimensions | 25 x 11 x 11 / 28 x 12 x 11 |
| Gender | Unisex |
(30 total reviews)
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Feb 18, 2016Doesn't fit the tall and skinny.
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Jan 11, 2016Good backpackI really love this backpack, and osprey as a company in general, but I have found myself wishing I had bought the 48L pack instead of 38. It carries almost everything I want to take with me ...
Read More I really love this backpack, and osprey as a company in general, but I have found myself wishing I had bought the 48L pack instead of 38. It carries almost everything I want to take with me for a few days (and I brought everything I needed for a trip to Europe for a week), but for actual backpacking, I wish I had a tiny bit more space. I love all of the compartments, the stretchy front one is great for bottles or sandals, the hip straps are very comfortable and the hip pockets hold my phone, keys, a knife, and a snack all at once which is very convenient. There are also a bunch of loops for attaching various tools to the outside of the pack, I'm sure I'll never use them to their full potential. One thing I absolutely do NOT like about this pack is the side pockets. I feel like they are meant to hold water bottles but they're pretty useless for that purpose. A nalgene seems like a pretty standard bottle for hikers but anytime i bend over or the pack gets turned at a slight angle a bottle will fall right out, with little to no resistance. There needs to be an extra strap an inch or two above the stretchy pocket to hold a bottle in place, otherwise it is too stretchy and useless. I don't trust those pockets which is a bummer because then all of my water has to take up even more space inside the main compartment. -
Jan 4, 20162 complaintsCan't fit a full size water bottle in the outside water bottle pockets.Tight fit and they are not deep enough so the bottle falls out. Hip belt pockets are really small and placed too far ba...
Read More Can't fit a full size water bottle in the outside water bottle pockets.Tight fit and they are not deep enough so the bottle falls out. Hip belt pockets are really small and placed too far back for me. -
Dec 22, 2015Great Jack of all TradesI bought this pack to fill the gap between my smaller Camelbaks and my large Gregory backpacking... pack. Not a brand snob, I go with what works best for the needs I have. I wanted a pack th...
Read More I bought this pack to fill the gap between my smaller Camelbaks and my large Gregory backpacking... pack. Not a brand snob, I go with what works best for the needs I have. I wanted a pack that enabled me to carry what I needed for remote day hikes in fickle weather conditions. This delivers. Hydration pack hardly encroaches on the internal space. The pack can be cinched down when mostly empty, or you can jam it full of stuff. Actually, this would work as a short trip backpacking pack if you have good compact gear. Back to the point, I bought this to fill the gap between small and large packs, and it basically took over everything below my largest 80L pack. I've used it for carrying my climbing gear with me while biking to the indoor wall, and I've had it chock full of stuff on a long day hike. I am an amateur photographer, and I've hung my camera bag via quick-draws off the load lifters. No sign of strain and it still carry's the weight well. It does have a waterproof cover you can put on it. It will not get you through a hike in full rain, however. I recommend having ziplocs and waterproof bags for moisture critical stuff. It is helpful though. I only have a couple small complaints. The hip strap pockets are too small to hold today's large phones (Galaxy S5). Also, the hydration sleeve can be a pain sometimes. The bladder slides between the frame and outer mesh at your back, and the gap is extremely narrow. So inserting or removing a full 3L is slightly annoying. But nothing is perfect, so overall, it gets highest marks. -
Oct 13, 2015One pack that does it allI've used this pack for long day hikes and long weekends backpacking in the Sierras. I've had up to 34 pounds in it, and it still feels comfortable, even with a bear canister strapped to the...
Read More I've used this pack for long day hikes and long weekends backpacking in the Sierras. I've had up to 34 pounds in it, and it still feels comfortable, even with a bear canister strapped to the back. It really is the only pack you need. -
Jan 1, 2015Great overall backpackI use this for winter trekking and overnight sheltering while hiking in Korea. This is well made, fully featured and comfortable . The 38 is a bit too big for daily use but just the right si...
Read More I use this for winter trekking and overnight sheltering while hiking in Korea. This is well made, fully featured and comfortable . The 38 is a bit too big for daily use but just the right size for mountain shelters since I do not have to carry a tent or supplies for multiple days. This is my 2nd Osprey pack and I am now completely brand loyal. They make excellent products which fit my sensibilities. -
Oct 29, 2014Excellent PackI had to replace an older pack for a Grand Canyon hike. The weight distribution and feel was absolutely awesome. You're able to easily adjust it for your torso and snug it appropriately. It'...
Read More I had to replace an older pack for a Grand Canyon hike. The weight distribution and feel was absolutely awesome. You're able to easily adjust it for your torso and snug it appropriately. It's also the the right volume for the hikes I typically take on. -
Oct 2, 2014Makes day hiking and overnights a breezeI love this pack. I do a lot of day hikes ( 10 - 20 miles on trails ), and this bag is perfect. It is also big enough to take a sleeping bag and be perfect for overnight. The weight distribu...
Read More I love this pack. I do a lot of day hikes ( 10 - 20 miles on trails ), and this bag is perfect. It is also big enough to take a sleeping bag and be perfect for overnight. The weight distribution is perfect, putting it right on the hips where it belongs.
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Read More I'm 6'1" and have a size 31 waist. The size S/M of this pack is far too short for my torso length, but the hipbelt on the M/L is too big for me. With both straps cinched as far as they will go, it just barely feels snug, and I know that once on the trail, I'm definitely going to want it tighter. I'm returning this pack with disappointment, because otherwise it seems like a really great bag. I love the color, the features, and the feel of it on my back, and the included raincover, which I would otherwise need to spend $30 on, makes this one of the best value backpacks on the market. An Osprey pack that doesn't fit is fairly unusual--usually they are really excellent about this, and many of their other packs even come with removable hipbelts, so you can swap them out for different sizes. The hipbelt on this pack is, sadly, sewn on. What was going on when you designed this pack, Osprey? Were all of the skinny gear testers on vacation? I will be getting an Exos instead. Though the Exos is undoubtedly a superior backpack, I'm concerned that it won't be as durable on rough bushwacks. I wish the Kestrel had worked out.