17.2.2019

If you've ever owned an Osprey pack, you know the quality to expect, along with useful features and good ergonomics. But here's the thing to note with this pack:Its a "tweener"What I mean is that this is not really a "day pack" and it's not really a traditional "backpack"; at 38 liters in volume, it is right smack in the middle of those two categories. Usually day packs are under 30 liters and overnight/overland packs are between 45 and 85 liters depending on trip duration.What this means is that you have to carefully consider your usage scenario(s) before you buy this pack. Unless you are looking for a small, compact bag for ultralight overnight or weekend trips, it is probably too small for typical backpacking trips,and unless you are doing "expedition" type day trips, it is too big for a day pack. So think carefully about your intended use - this might be perfect, or you might want to size up or down depending on what you need.That being said, the frame is rated for 30 lbs, and I am able to stuff enough clothing and gear for an overnight trip pretty easily, as long as the weather is fair and I can get by with a 40º ultralight down bag and uninsulated Static V UL pad along with a tarp and twig stove, NOT a full 1P tent and Jetboil stove. Loaded with 19 lbs of gear & food for a weekend trip, it is very svelte and easy to hike with, and rides and adjusts just like one of Osprey's higher end large overland packs - nice and low and close to the back. Speaking of adjustments, it features a lot of adjustments to get the fit just right, including the ability to move the yoke up and down inside the frame to tailor to your body type. I'm 5' 10 with a 31" waist and a long torso (but short legs) and the Med/Lg pack size was almost right out of the box. A few tweaks and I had it set up perfectly for carrying a load.Other features:The hip belt is wide enough to be very comfortable and tightens by pulling out away from the center (a feature that doesn't sound that important, but I really prefer). There are roomy pockets on both hip belts for stowing snacks and a GPS, and the "stow & go" trekking pole feature is really handy when you're in a situation where you need both hands to scrabble up some scree or use both hands to deal with something. In a pack this small, it is really nice to have a side entry zipper to be able to access the contents of the bag without having to dig in through the top (I make sure to put something I'm likely to need first on that side). The other feature common to higher-end packs is the "lid" which allows you to stow things like a rain jacket, puffy vest, or hat that you might need in a hurry, along with a mesh pouch with key lanyard on the inside. The lid is sewn to the pack, so it is not removable and usable separately, but it does have a roomy space and will allow you to over-stuff the back and still lash it down to the pack.The separate lower pocket divider is adjustable so that it can occupy the bottom third, or up to half of the bag, or you can remove the adjustment straps and just let it hang free to create one continuous space in the bag.I love the "Picholine Green" color - Its a very neutral dark forest green - almost a charcoal color. it is nice to see pack companies making things in colors that blend in with nature rather than obnoxious neon colors. That being said, the rain cover comes in a bright green color, which could be good in situations where you want to be more visible.Ideal uses for this bag (in my opinion):- Light load weened trips in fair weather- "Epic" day trips where you need to carry a lot of gear and might want to have some emergency supplies in case you end up spending a night.- Winter sports such as snowshoeing or cross-country skiing day trips- Climbing trips where you need to carry a lot of gear and want a solid frame and hip belt to carry the extra weight- Day hunting/scouting trips where you don't need the ability to haul a lot of meat out (there's no good way to carry weight on this pack other than in the main compartment and its rated to 30 lbs. I assume it would probably be OK up to about 50 lbs for a pack-out

16.11.2020

I purchased this as an intermediate sized pack when my talon 22 didn't have enough room and when my atmos 65 was overkill. This was a perfect balance for weight, size and features. I am about 5'6", 135lbs with an athletic build and I got the s/m. I almost purchased the women's Kyte model for the smaller torso but the pack doesn't feel as big as it looks. On that note, the pack does look more like a traditional backpacking pack and had similar dimensions to my old Paragon 68 which makes it feel bigger then it actually is. Once you load the pack and put it on, you realize that it can hold a lot of gear in a small size. I am also short so I always keep that in mind when I say a pack is to big.From a feature standpoint,this backpack is on par with most high end packs. Let's start with my favorite feature and why I chose this pack...an external reservoir sleeve. Now many hikers and backpackers will tell me I am neurotic for focusing on this small detail but when you find out you have a defective bladder after it soaks all your gear 10 miles into your hike, you will 100 percent care about this feature. So compared to many packs that have a sleeve inside the pack, like the osprey talon series there is a dedicated sleeve for your bladder separating it from the contents of your pack. Enough said there. The main compartment of the pack is very roomy and has a NON REMOVEABLE sleeping bag divider at the bottom. You can unloop two of the clips for the sleeping bag divider if you don't want the separation but you can't remove the flap entirely. The sleeping bag compartment isn't huge as this is a 38L pack but I can get my 2lb down sleeping bag into the bottom if the straps are pulled tight. I primary use a down quilt if I am backpacking with this pack as it fits better. For day hiking, this compartment is nice to squeeze an extra layer or two. As I mentioned, the main compartment is very roomy and for a long day hike, I can fit all my essentials, extra layers, extra food and water, and even have space to spare. There is also a zippered compartment on the brain too which I use to carry essentials I will need on the go like snacks, headlamp, first aid kid, water filter, charger, etc. There are 2 side water bottle pockets although they aren't very stretchy when the bag is filled to capacity. Will elaborate more on this shortly. There are 2 sleeping pad straps which are surprisingly long that can fit around a nemo switchback or thermarest Z lite. There are no trekking pole attachments but rather you finagle the poles into the compression strap system at the top. It is what it is. There are also 4 daisy chain loops on the brain for hanging extra necessities.As you can see, for a day hike this is a really roomy bag. The one annoying gripe about this bag that mainly impacts me while backpacking, is that the fabric isn't very stretchy. Compared to packs where you can really stretch the fabric to capacity by shoving things in every nook and cranny, even after month of use, this pack hasn't expanded much. This is great from a durability standpoint, but can get annoying if your trying to load this thing to brim. I have been able to use this pack for overnights without much trouble as long as I leave a few items like my stove and bear canister home. Items I have shoved in this pack for an overnight in addition to the gear I would take on a long day hike include.....2 person big agnes fly creek, fly creek footprint, rei magma trail quilt, klymit insulated static V sleeping pad, ursack minor, thermal underwear and socks, and extra food and water. With those items and my usually long day hiking gear, I can pack this bag for a quick overnight.Overall, this is a great midsize pack for the features and space it offers. The bag does weight 3.5 pounds which is on par with 70L backpacking bags so keep that in mind if you are trying to go ultralight. 5/5 stars for me and I probably use this bag more then my talon and atmos so very happy with the purchase.

24.2.2019

Osprey makes some great packs, and the Kestrel 38 oozes high quality and thoughtfulness. The most important thing to note is its size and capacity. At 38L, it's somewhat large for a day pack and small for a weekend trip with lots of gear. I think it may be ideal for situations like the following:- Extended day trip where you're packing more than just food, water, and a jacket or two.- An overnight trip, since it has room for a small sleeping bag and ties for a sleeping mat.- A short weekend trip where you won't be bringing too much gear.The pack has outside attachments for trekking poles, ice axes, cups with handles, etc, so clearly it is designed for outdoor activities. That having been said,

1.12.2020

I've had two previous generation Kestrels (both a 38 and a 48), and have loved them!! This new version of the 38 pack (2020) has a number of small, but important improvements:- First, the new version DOES still include the vertical side access zipper into the main pocket (I've read elsewhere that it doesn't).- The zippers have been improved -- with bigger pulls (that now you actually can get your finger thru!) and one size larger sliders on: sleeping bag compartment; main compartment side access; top outside pocket; both waist belt pockets.- The two waist belt pockets, in addition to having the bigger zippers, have been redesigned.

11.4.2019

The Osprey Kestrel 38 backpack is a really nice backpack for weekend outings! It gives you a bit more room than your typical day pack, but is not so large that your hauling more than you need. The back panel is nice so you don't sweat to death, and the detachable rain cover is a really nice feature. This pack is super comfy to wear! I like the size zipper access and the trekking pole stow, too! This backpack also has hip straps and pouches for carrying stuff you may want to access more frequently like your phone, trail mix, gps, etc. It will also accommodate a hydration bladder, which is cool because I have one that I use that came with an older Camelbak that I no longer use for cycling.I like to kayak and some traditional backpacks are simply too large.

6.3.2019

This is a review of the Osprey Packs Kestrel 38 Backpack in M/L size.It's no secret that I love Osprey as a company. They have superbly made backpacks with the features you need and the quality you desire.This Kestrel 38 is perfect for weekend hiking trips, XC skiing or other winter sports since it is possible to easily attach ice tools, hiking poles are even snowshoes to the pack through the use of attachment points built-in to the pack.This pack has a removable rain cover which completelly covers the entire pack when needed. Or you can remove it if you don't want to carry it. The hip belt has zippered pocket on each side and there is a large mesh pocket on each side of the pack.

25.2.2019

I hike light. Probably because I've never had a true hiking backpack before. Either way, this ended up working fantastic for me. It's the hands-down most comfortable and practical hiking pack I've had in ages. Plenty of room for everything needed for a 14er here in Colorado. Probably a little too much room actually, but I can carry everything for my wife and I, leaving her unencumbered. It's not enough for both of us for an over night stay though - but if she brings her own pack then we're all set.Lots of great straps, compartments, excellent fit and adjustability. Very high quality materials all around and a wonderful hiking pack for years and years to come I'm sure.

19.9.2019

Currently walking the Camino de Santiago from St Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela. Arrived in Burgos today Sep 19th. This backpack is amazing. It’s the perfect size for what I need on a long walk like this where you are not carrying camping gear. It is super comfortable, rugged and more than up to the task. The rain cover works well and kept my stuff dry throughout 3 days of heavy rain enroute. Will follow up with a full review once I have completed the Camino. (I’m a male and 60 years of age).

9.2.2021

I used my Osprey Kestrel 38 for my 860 kilometre walk on the Camino de Santiago and beyond to the coast and it was ideal.I was able to carry everything I needed for my month away. The rucksack is sturdy with great features.I intend using it for a second walk of the Camino this year, pandemic permitting.The bag is also fine for hiking here in the Scottish highlands and Islands.Sure if you spend the money you can get a lighter bag but I'll bet it wont last as long as the Kestrel.

5.5.2021

Absolute quality, brought as a medium between a day pack and a hiking pack, for days out and lightweight overnight wild camps. Its comfortable, highly adjustable and has loads of features. In about 177cm and brought the M/L fits very well and you can cinch it close you your back. Side pockets for water bottles could be a bit bigger but still 5 stars.

19.10.2020

Outstanding bag, have done around 100 miles in it over bad conditions and is very sturdy. A little in the heavy side for the size pack but flexibility is great. Would recommend for anyone looking for a over night camp bag or multi day trek.

10.6.2020

I love this back pack I use it for my day walks and for packing my hammock. It sits so comfortable on your back you don't notice that it s there. Its my third Osprey backpack and I really like the quality that Osprey offers..

4.8.2019

A really well made pack. It is very adjustable and I find it comfortable even with heavy loads. It is a relatively heavy pack but seems very bombproof and I expect it will give me years of hard use.

28.12.2019

My brother loves this pack. He goes hiking for a few days at a time and finds that it carries all his gear. Keep in mind it is not an ultralight pack, but will suit your needs well.

9.5.2019

Carries a decent amount and seems well made. It can take a while to get into some of the pockets with all of the buckles and straps. The pack could also use more pockets.

Osprey Kestrel 38 S/M (2019) - Reviews

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