Osprey  Kestrel 38 Pack - 2018 - Men's

Great design and layout of the pack, from the pad straps and sleeping bag compartment to the compression straps and the semi-hidden daisy chain, quality materials, extremely comfortable and balanced, much better than previous model. I peak bag in the Whites during the winter time and at times have attached poles, crampons, micros and snowshoes to the pack and it holds up better than expected. Could easily become a winter overnight pack or a summer/fall weekend pack. Have even cinched it down to just carry a nalgene and a clif bar for real quick day hikes and for a 38L pack, its just awesome. Only complaint is i wish the hip belt pockets were a little larger, but coming from a pack that didn't even have them i appreciate just having something. Im 6'1" and 200lbs and the M/L is perfect thanks to the adjustable torso length.

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.

I've had the older style of this pack for almost 4 years now, and use it at least once a week. Hiking through scrub oak, cactus, juniper, pine, and no problems there. I was wearing it trying to swim across a river in Belize when the current pushed me into a submerged tree and that's what finally tore a small 1-inch hole in it, but that was kind of extreme. Water resistant in light rain without the rain cover. Comfortable and light. Love the external water bladder pouch. And it's the perfect size to have as a carry-on when traveling, it's usually the only bag I bring.

Really a first-class product. It's well-made and fits me well. Lots of great features, like the pockets in the hip belt that are generously sized and easily accessed while you're hiking, and the loops for stowing trekking poles. Everything works just as it should. Osprey's fit system is second to none; the pack adjusted easily to make it fit me better than any pack I've used before. I upgraded to the Kestrel 48 after a shake-down hike because the Kestrel 38 was just not big enough for solo backpacking for more than one night. Even for backpacking with someone else for a couple of nights, this pack was just not quite big enough for my needs.

Got it as an addition to my other packs, Currently own Atmos 65, Aether 70 and now this 38, pack is perfect for a weekend outing. I've read some reviews on different sites complaining about space inside the pack. Well, for starters, this is NOT a 5-7 day pack for those extended backpacking trips. I use this for those 2-3 day outings. I've been able to stuff quite a bit of stuff in this little pack with the help of the Osprey straightjacket compression sacks. The integrated rain cover is awesome - I mean who doesn't want a free rain cover? I am 5'9" 180 lbs and went with the M/L size. I highly recommend this pack. The only downfall that water bladder section is a bit cramped but is easily worked around if you used one of the 1.5L Osprey hydraulics bag. I personally did away with carrying hydration bags because I always seem to get bad ones. Now I just use my Nalgene bottles, But to each their own. Hope my review helps out. Happy Hiking.

Excellent pack for day hikes with plenty of space for all the gear necessary "just in case" you have to spend the night. The only downside for me is I am not able to reach my water bottles without taking the pack off. Other than that I would highly recommend the Kestrel 38!

Osprey has definitely proven lately to be committed to the functioning designs of their packs while looking great and even feeling even better. The Kestral 38 is a great example of a proven backpacking design built into a modern midsize classic. It's for sure the best so far. We could all pick a quibble with a design issue we don't agree with, I know this. but for the most part this pack is freakin bad! From lightweight 3 season weekenders to a spoiled daypack this pack will put out. Comfy yet aggressive. Smooth but hard as heck! Word. I should buy a backup.. You should def try it out

Had a great time using this bag while traveling through Europe for 16 days. The larger version of the bag is a bit tight in some overhead bins when it is packed but most people should have no problems. Although some people want to be able to access their gear easily via a bag that opens more than this one, I found the overtop access and side zipper to work perfectly.

Purchased for a 3 day trip to Supai and the falls. Worked perfectly. Just the right size for a few days. I did not need to pack camping gear, just clothes and personal items, but had room to spare. The pack was very comfortable in terms of fit and function. There were 4 ways to access the main compartment. Accessory straps for poles was awesome, used the under the arm mount at times for the vertical section, and stowed away in the back for the flats. Stretch compartments held all my accouterments nicely. Plenty of straps for carabiners. I added a 3L hydration system, little snug with 3 liters, but fine with 2.5L. The tops of the pack had lots of room for storing smaller items, zippered securely. The ventilation system worked great on the my back. I would highly recommend this backpack.

Recently purchased this backpack for day hikes in the winter. I work an odd schedule and do most of these hikes solo. I have found the storage capacity just right for my essential equipment for the backcountry. I carry a sleeping pad, bivy sack, down sleeping bag, a change of clothing, first aid kit, microspikes and food. So far, I have 4 hikes in January, 42 miles with 12,450 ft elevation gain, most of it on snow and ice in the Central Cascades. No hot spots and comfortable.