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Bend, Oregon
Osprey Kestrel 38 Pack
This product is not available. Good news: we have a newer version.
The sleek Osprey Kestrel 38 pack sports a technical design with an adjustable torso and lightweight materials, making it an ideal pack for long days or quick overnight adventures.
Shop newer version- 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.
View the Osprey Kestrel Product LineView all Osprey Daypacks| Best Use | Backpacking Hiking |
|---|---|
| Bag Style | Backpack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame |
| Adjustable Torso Length | Yes |
| 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 |
| Gender | Unisex |
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
Great for Weekends
aelizabee12 years ago
I've been using this pack for weekend trips while studying abroad and it has been excellent. Many cities have been trekked through with this on my back. It is comfortable and if that changes there are plenty of options to change around how it sits on your back. It's easy to pack and as long as you don't over stuff it, it's allowed on all the airlines I've been on thus far (including Ryanair). It has worn well and was definitely the best thing I bought for the semester. The outside pockets are great and the zipper compartment right behind your head is very useful for you passport and wallet.
aelizabee
Sevilla, Spain
8 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Perfect carry-on with some flaws
MRJBennett11 years ago
The Good:
I purchased this pack for a 3 month trip around Europe, including a 30 day hike along the Camino Frances. I like to travel pretty light but all the same, I managed to pack everything I needed, including a rather bulky DSLR, into this pack with minimal fuss. I was then able to strap down the pack to still fit in the overhead compartments on all airlines I flew with, including some ridiculously undersized overheads on smaller airlines. Setting up the pack for daily hiking was a breeze and I was able to adjust straps on the go, to retain comfort and load balance.
The Bad:
Even with the rain cover, the pack would suck up moisture after 30 minutes or so and depending on the length and heaviness of the rain, often took a few days to dry out naturally.
Halfway into my Camino hike, one of the load lifters frayed and broke, near where it is sewn into the top of the pack, meaning the weight of the pack was pulling down on one shoulder only, for the remainder of the hike. It's quite possible that I didn't have the backpack evenly adjusted, causing movement on the strap but I still don't expect something of this quality to break after a couple of weeks daily use. The heaviest load I had carried was 30lbs but mostly just under 20. The center strap on the top of the pack, used for hanging the back on a hook is also worn halfway through at this point.
The only other very minor criticism I have of the bag is that the material of the shoulder strap seemed to move slightly out of alignment with the padding, so that the seam between the front of the shoulder strap and the part that's supposed to be on my chest, was consistently shifting and rubbing against me. I could keep adjusting it but it's still an annoyance.
I'd definitely buy another of these bags, for the fit in the carry-on alone but I don't recommend for extended hiking.
MRJBennett
Seattle
16 people found this review helpful
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aelizabee
Sevilla, Spain
Great for Weekends
12 years ago
I've been using this pack for weekend trips while studying abroad and it has been excellent. Many cities have been trekked through with this on my back. It is comfortable and if that changes there are plenty of options to change around how it sits on your back. It's easy to pack and as long as you don't over stuff it, it's allowed on all the airlines I've been on thus far (including Ryanair). It has worn well and was definitely the best thing I bought for the semester. The outside pockets are great and the zipper compartment right behind your head is very useful for you passport and wallet.
Yes , I recommend this product
NW
Guanajuato, México
Great for overnights and long hikes
9 years ago
Thanks to osprey for making flawless products. I use this pack for long hikes and overnights, and it performs flawlessly. It is very comfy for loads up to 30 lb, for me that is enough gear for an overnight (ultra light tent included). Only complaint are the side mesh pockets. I mainly use them for 1l water bottles, but I have to take off my pack to reach them. I'd wish they were angled like the ones on other packs. To solve these I use 3l bladder in the specific reservoir compartment, and fill it with my water bottles when is empty. The materials and the overall manufacturing are very high quality. And I think the price is just right for what you get. I almost forget the great rain cover that was included ! Thanks for making these products so good.
Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on ospreypacks.com
rwomalley
Boulder, Colorado
Great fit
12 years ago
Being relatively new to backpacking and snowshoeing, this is the perfect pack. It packs well, but the most important thing is the support. Weight is transferred easily to hips (especially) and shoulders. We hike every weekend including the winter in Rocky Mountain National Park. Although we havent used it for camping, the size is perfect to fit all of my families clothes, food and gear for our outings. If you havent figured it out, I am the pack mule! The salesman at REI took the time to fit me perfectly. I will buy another smaller pack for summer hikes but the 38 liter capacity is perfect for the changing weather conditions in the Rockies during spring, fall and winter hikes.
Yes , I recommend this product
camper man
pittsburgh, pa
solid
12 years ago
This pack has been a great choice for me. I use it for day trips all the way up to 4-5 night trips. Pack is adjustable so fit should not be a problem I took the time to properly fit my pack with different weights loaded into it. Average weight 40 +lbs. At this load I am able to comfortably hike all day, thanks to a well thought out suspension. overall I am pleased with the extras this bag comes with, such as treking pole holders h2o comp+ water bottle holders on the sides. sleeping bag comp, two zipper comp on the lid, both torso straps have compartments, sleeping pad straps, adjustable tie downs on two places from Osprey that are built nicely into the back and side of pack. Osprey thought of every thing while designing this backpack. I have been backpacking for a long time and have never been happier with a backpack especialy for the low $ & the life time guarantee,.
Yes , I recommend this product
MRJBennett
Seattle
Perfect carry-on with some flaws
11 years ago
The Good: I purchased this pack for a 3 month trip around Europe, including a 30 day hike along the Camino Frances. I like to travel pretty light but all the same, I managed to pack everything I needed, including a rather bulky DSLR, into this pack with minimal fuss. I was then able to strap down the pack to still fit in the overhead compartments on all airlines I flew with, including some ridiculously undersized overheads on smaller airlines. Setting up the pack for daily hiking was a breeze and I was able to adjust straps on the go, to retain comfort and load balance. The Bad: Even with the rain cover, the pack would suck up moisture after 30 minutes or so and depending on the length and heaviness of the rain, often took a few days to dry out naturally. Halfway into my Camino hike, one of the load lifters frayed and broke, near where it is sewn into the top of the pack, meaning the weight of the pack was pulling down on one shoulder only, for the remainder of the hike. It's quite possible that I didn't have the backpack evenly adjusted, causing movement on the strap but I still don't expect something of this quality to break after a couple of weeks daily use. The heaviest load I had carried was 30lbs but mostly just under 20. The center strap on the top of the pack, used for hanging the back on a hook is also worn halfway through at this point. The only other very minor criticism I have of the bag is that the material of the shoulder strap seemed to move slightly out of alignment with the padding, so that the seam between the front of the shoulder strap and the part that's supposed to be on my chest, was consistently shifting and rubbing against me. I could keep adjusting it but it's still an annoyance. I'd definitely buy another of these bags, for the fit in the carry-on alone but I don't recommend for extended hiking.
Yes , I recommend this product
JHPB13
NC
PERFECT!
12 years ago
Perfect bag, could not ask for more. Use this everywhere, for everything. Even took it on a month long trip to Europe as my only luggage... stored hiking/camping gear, as well as clothing for the city. Only complaint is that over time the elastic that holds your water bottle in its pocket, stretches out over time, but nothing putting a clip on wouldnt fix. Highly recommend this pack, even for trips you might think a 38L pack would be too small for.
Yes , I recommend this product
Lee
Santa Fel, NM
One Issue
7 years ago
Nice comfortable pack for day hikes. However, since I bought my last Kestrel 38, you removed one of the ice axe loops and the bungee strap above it. I don't know when this happened, but WHY? I took it back to the store thinking it was a defect. I used both ice axe loops and the corresponding bungee cords above them to store my trekking poles away when I knew I was not going to need them for a few miles. Now I have to settle with storing one pole I guess. It was a great alternative to keep them neatly packed away rather than using that gadget on the side (stow & go?), which is good for more temporary storage. Did Osprey do it to cut costs? It's not like these two features were in the way.
Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on ospreypacks.com
Ed in Oregon
Oregon
Great pack if size/fit work for you.
13 years ago
Great pack for 1-2 nights in fair weather for those that have lighter weight (and more compact) gear. Also good for hut to hut backpacking. The sleeping bag compartment perfectly fits a 8L stuff sack (7"x13") with very little extra space. That is sized about right for a summer bag. While I have not carried this pack on a plane, it doesn't look like I'll have a problem unless the pack is bulging at the seams. The ability to carry-on was one reason I choose the Kestrel 38 over the Kestrel 48. Note that the built-in rain cover can be removed - great for when you know you won't need it.
Yes , I recommend this product
Ja mountain man
oregon
Love my Osprey!
13 years ago
just like any thing important i buy, i buy it from rei. i did have to return this pack because the one i got didnt have the trek pole sling on it. but that wasnt really an issue. rei had me with a new one right away. ive put 40+ pounds in this pack and it carries it well. a sleeping bag does take up alot of space in a smaller pack but that is nothing anyother small pack wont suffer. have strapped snow shoes to it, ice ax, trek poles, this was even my hunting pack last fall. ive fallen on it, chassed deer through thick woods with it. sat on it. used it as a gun rest. ive had it for over a year now and everything is still working. no rips. every zipper good. every tool loop good. every compression strap good. and trust me ive beat it up. rain fly is great and keeps the rain out too. if youre thinking about this pack vs another brand STOP NOW AND GET THE OSPREY. there warenty is the best. and its very comfortable to waer. this is like small version of a big pack, has big back features in the smaller package.
Yes , I recommend this product
JAYSON M
spokane, wa
SMALL AND SLEEK
12 years ago
i tend to pack light where everything can fit in a small package and has many different uses. with this bag it works well for a long day pack or a overnight or posible multi day pack if you pack really light in the summer months. im 6'2" and 170lbs so the M/L fits good and can be adjusted easily. i have light weight gear that packs small so i tend to use this for overnight trips in the back country. you do need to be careful about the weight of gear. when getting this pack to the top of its weight restraints it had alot of hot spots that showed up. 3 good things about this product is warrenty, durable, easy to pack and store stuff. its an osprey so thats enough said right there about warrenty. i scramble and have a good fast pace on the trail so hitting branches and other shrubbery are a constant for me. it has held up well on all of my adventures and looks like new everytime i take it out. havent such a small pack that has both top and bottom loading is nice so i can get sleeping bag and gear out from either end. the hip pockets are great for snacks so i can keep my pace and get grub at the same time. the water pouch is great to access without getting gear out. i say get this bag even if you use it on day trips.
Yes , I recommend this product
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