Have a 68l pack. Fully loaded five days of food and water it weighed 32 lbs. Carried great on a ten mile hike. No weight on shoulders at all. Went with a larger pack so that the load lifter worked better and had a 30 to 45 degree angle over the shoulder. I was measured as a medium for back length but the load lifters were on my shoulders, which meant if my pack slid down on my waist any i would be carring the weight on my shoulders. So went with a large and wow what a difference. It is a good pack but as you pointed out filling the interior full takes up room in the outer pockets and the water blabber pocket also. I like the water bladder and with my setup I can fill the bladder without opening the main compartment to see how much water is in the bladder which is a nice feature. My pack does not have a smaller zipper pocket on the left side as the pack you reviewed. It does have a zipper into the main compartment which is good to get something out of the bottom (oops)but it is a zipper. Hmmmm. Before you ask It does say kestrel on the pack , maybe a newer version. Like the rain cover included. Overall happy with the pack and it's carrying ability, still looking for the PERFECT (I know good luck) pack but till then will use this one after all comfort is the boss. Enjoy your videos. Always learning. Will you and Dan get back out on anymore collaborations?
I have the kestral 48L. It's ok, not bad not great. Side pockets are kind if tight, hip-belt pockets are tough to access but the bag itself does fit everything i need & can also put my bear vault BV475 in the top of the main compartment. Lightweight but not ultralight but is stronger & has more pockets & features than an ultralight.
I have a 58. After some adjusting, it was carrying on the hips comfortably. I would say that it takes some time before you have the right fit. It outclasses the 48 with a big hotel opening zipper for full access to the contents of your bag. No useless side compartment. No problem with the nalgenes because the pack is not so tightly packed. Im sure there are better packs but for me this is the best of both worlds. Good for hiking and can take some abuse. Its really the heavy duty pack from osprey.
I’ve been a user of osprey for 4 years and I don’t backpack but I do hike and I’m a landscape photographer. I currently own the Manta 24 but that’s more a small hiking trip or bag when biking. Upgrading to the Kestrel 58 for more to carry and the bigger space. The kestrel 38 is $200, the 48 is $220 , the 58 is $240 and the 68 is $260 if anyone is curious. REI sells alot of Osprey too if you’re looking to try them on and check them out before purchasing. Osprey packs are very durable and last a long time!
Out of curiosity, do you know of any packs which you can get a small camera bag inside? A bit like the Manfrotto Offroad Hiker 30L where half is a camera bag and the other half if a normal pack.
Kestrel 48 was my starter and now weekend bag. I got it on sale so it was more like 150 dollar. I got talon 33 for everyday and Aether 65 for 3+ days/winter.
I've been using my kestrel 48 for about 7yrs now and anything between 8 to 11,5kgs is the sweet spot anything heavier it gets uncomfortable. Fyi I love mine it's the most comfortable pack I use when packed correctly and not over loaded! 😊
The older version of the kestrel was far lighter and sufficiently robust. I think what osprey did is a step backwards. There is no need for a backpack to be this overbuilt (i'm talking about the weight of materials), i have the previous version in 38L and it is still going strong after years of overcharging it. It was a lot cheaper too
I have an older 48L model which I think have two issues: the back support piece side is less comfortable than what Exos models have and it's a bit heavier than I'd like. However, considering the price, and that I got it heavily discounted, I'm quite happy with what it has to offer. I would not use it to max out its weight rating, which in case of this new model is 35 lb. That new side pocket baffles me. Never in years did I think "oh, I wish there was another pocket here to interfere with getting the water bottle out and adding a bit of weight".
I’m a sucker for overbuilt gear, I love my Kestral 58! But your right about the shoulder straps causing discomfort.. not really sure why that is, apart from carrying a 48lb load 😂
I have a Kestrel 38 and can’t even tell it’s there at 25lb. That was with a 5lb pair of snowshoes strapped to the front, with the weight in the worst place. Over the past 2 years I’ve used it quite a bit and find it to be a great pack. It’s all I need for up to 3 days May-Sept. The only things I don’t like about it are hipbelt pockets you can’t zip back up one-handed, and the non-detachable brain. I actually thought about bringing it to a local seamstress, having her cut it off, sew on buckles so it can be removed, and either make a top flap or convert it to a roll top. Then I thought about the fact that I have a Granite Gear Crown2 38 that’s just as comfortable with the same weight and has a detachable brain. So the Kestrel is going bye bye, but only because it’s redundant.
My last multiday trip was with a Stratos 36: 5 days of food + all the other stuff. Full load (including water and and gas) at 12.8 kg (a little more than 28 pounds)... it takes a little bit of experience in distributing the load inside the pack and needed to synch the hipbelt quite tight but it worked pretty nice. I was walking an average of 30Km per day and went through without any major issue. I do agree on the sleeping bag compartment: it simply isn't well designed
I say: This is a great backpack for 'city hiking' backpacking journeys to foreign lands. I know because I use the Kestrel 58 for just that purpose. I'd never take it on a hike in nature for reasons that you touch in this video.
My atmos ag 65 is the same way with the water bottle pockets. If the bag is full, the pockets can be a pain to get your bottle in. And wish instead of the side entry zippers, they did a front entry like the aether plus and others. All in all nice pack, especially for the price point
My Aura has the same hip pockets. They look not bad. But if you put the pack on, strap everything up, put a bar in the pocket. Now take the bar out, and try to close that pocket again. Count how many times it takes before you actually scream
Hey, Eric- What kind of backpack do your recommend for a couple of nights on a trail fly fishing in the Eastern Sierra? Love watching your videos. So much cool info. Thank you!! Jade
I love my Deuter pack I have 50l aircontact it’s a older pack I’ve had it over 15 years and it’s still going strong. Amazing harness fit so comfortable. I also have a Deuter day pack, great quality bags these are the only ones I have for hiking and they are brilliant 😊 would love to see you review some of their packs
Very interesting video! We more often have singe days tours on the mountains, moving with backpacks which empty weight a third of this Kestrel, but of course if you have to load it with 12+kgs... better of course to have a robust structure! 👍👍
Hi, can you tell me how best to use the walking pole stowage on the Kestrel 48 please. Looks like they’re supposed to attach to the shoulder straps which seems a little strange. Thanks
Osprey is charging the extra buck just to bear their brand logo around. 4 years ago I was in Lukla Nepal and when doing the sherpa hiring to do the trekking all the way to Everest base camp I saw 3 of them using Decathlon Forclaz 70L backpacks among other 8 more sherpas with different backpack brands and none of them were Osprey. Trust me, those guys know how to choose their gear and they do use it intensively on the roughest places on earth, almost every day as they make a living out of it. The Decathlon Forclaz backpack I mentioned is around 100USD so I do not see the need of paying the extra buck just to brag the Osprey logo around the trail. I of course followed the example of those guys, I dumped my previous backpack (I actually gave it to a friend) and got the Forclaz one and I will never go back. Just my 2 centrs. Cheers
Kelty is a better budget friendly option for packs. In fact, the Kelty Coyote 85L is about $140. The Kelty Asher is comparable. And Paria Outdoor Products makes a lot of great and well priced gear.
Kelty Coyote is ok for the price but you will notice the difference in quality. I have an 85 liter Coyote, I like the design overall just. They just need to build a premium line.
Will a large smartphone 6,7" fit in the side pockets on the hip belt? Interested in the 38 liter version. And the sizes of these pockets differ in backpacks with different displacements?
I asked in another video but I thought I’d drop it in here again in case it got lost in the shuffle. I’m between the Osprey Atmos AG 50 and the Atmos AG LT 50. Is it worth the weight savings to lose whatever it is they took off? Are the harnesses and back suspension equally as good? If the air flow and carry comfort is equal and the stuff they took out is minor then I don’t see why I wouldn’t get the LT and the like 5 ounces lighter weight.
Maybe it’s a me thing but wrapping my head around a 48 for entry level is sending me. I have my REI trailbreak 60 and for someone who didn’t splurge on the light/minimalist gear it works wonders. Squeezing into 48 sounds like a challenge depending on the trip I suppose.
I've been able to get an overnight into my 35L Maven. BV 425 Chair included. And I am not into ultralight, small gear. Just smart packing and only taking what I need. Not always pretty and they have never been longer than 4 or 5 miles, but it has worked for me. Sizing up to 45 eventually though.
I can easily fit May-Sept gear and 3 days worth of food in the Kestrel 38 I just sold. Same with my Granite Gear Crown2 38. I’m not UL by a long shot, my total pack weight with 2l water in the GG is 24lb and it all fits easily without the lid on. I do use compression sacks for down gear, which does compress much, much more than just stuffing it into the pack. The extra few ounces haven’t killed me yet, either.
Gonna try the 58L model with 30 lbs load for my next trip to the "Picos de Europa". Nice to have some extra space to bring some beers and spanish delicacies to the top(s). Got it last week for a nice price. Cheers! btw The black version looks much better than this one. The dark green also looks cool.
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@@jamesthornton3339 that’s right, my Deuter 50l definitely made my eyes water when I bought it over 15 years ago. I still use same bag today on my multi day hikes it’s brilliant. Great harness very comfortable and great quality it hasn’t fallen apart…. You get what you pay for
Women's Kestrel is called Kyte btw
Correct, but they have only till 19" torzoe.
Have a 68l pack. Fully loaded five days of food and water it weighed 32 lbs. Carried great on a ten mile hike. No weight on shoulders at all. Went with a larger pack so that the load lifter worked better and had a 30 to 45 degree angle over the shoulder. I was measured as a medium for back length but the load lifters were on my shoulders, which meant if my pack slid down on my waist any i would be carring the weight on my shoulders. So went with a large and wow what a difference. It is a good pack but as you pointed out filling the interior full takes up room in the outer pockets and the water blabber pocket also. I like the water bladder and with my setup I can fill the bladder without opening the main compartment to see how much water is in the bladder which is a nice feature. My pack does not have a smaller zipper pocket on the left side as the pack you reviewed. It does have a zipper into the main compartment which is good to get something out of the bottom (oops)but it is a zipper. Hmmmm. Before you ask It does say kestrel on the pack , maybe a newer version. Like the rain cover included. Overall happy with the pack and it's carrying ability, still looking for the PERFECT (I know good luck) pack but till then will use this one after all comfort is the boss. Enjoy your videos. Always learning. Will you and Dan get back out on anymore collaborations?
I have the kestral 48L. It's ok, not bad not great. Side pockets are kind if tight, hip-belt pockets are tough to access but the bag itself does fit everything i need & can also put my bear vault BV475 in the top of the main compartment. Lightweight but not ultralight but is stronger & has more pockets & features than an ultralight.
I have a 58. After some adjusting, it was carrying on the hips comfortably. I would say that it takes some time before you have the right fit. It outclasses the 48 with a big hotel opening zipper for full access to the contents of your bag. No useless side compartment. No problem with the nalgenes because the pack is not so tightly packed. Im sure there are better packs but for me this is the best of both worlds. Good for hiking and can take some abuse. Its really the heavy duty pack from osprey.
I’ve been a user of osprey for 4 years and I don’t backpack but I do hike and I’m a landscape photographer. I currently own the Manta 24 but that’s more a small hiking trip or bag when biking. Upgrading to the Kestrel 58 for more to carry and the bigger space.
The kestrel 38 is $200, the 48 is $220 , the 58 is $240 and the 68 is $260 if anyone is curious. REI sells alot of Osprey too if you’re looking to try them on and check them out before purchasing. Osprey packs are very durable and last a long time!
Out of curiosity, do you know of any packs which you can get a small camera bag inside? A bit like the Manfrotto Offroad Hiker 30L where half is a camera bag and the other half if a normal pack.
I believe the side pocket is meant for the tent poles
Kestrel 48 was my starter and now weekend bag. I got it on sale so it was more like 150 dollar.
I got talon 33 for everyday and Aether 65 for 3+ days/winter.
I've been using my kestrel 48 for about 7yrs now and anything between 8 to 11,5kgs is the sweet spot anything heavier it gets uncomfortable. Fyi I love mine it's the most comfortable pack I use when packed correctly and not over loaded! 😊
I use the osprey aether 65 it's heavy but very bomb proof. My favorite pack is my kelty trekker 3950 external frame.
Thank you for being honest about your experience. Budget backpacks come with compromises. Yeah, I get it, gear is expensive.
The older version of the kestrel was far lighter and sufficiently robust. I think what osprey did is a step backwards. There is no need for a backpack to be this overbuilt (i'm talking about the weight of materials), i have the previous version in 38L and it is still going strong after years of overcharging it. It was a lot cheaper too
I have an older 48L model which I think have two issues: the back support piece side is less comfortable than what Exos models have and it's a bit heavier than I'd like.
However, considering the price, and that I got it heavily discounted, I'm quite happy with what it has to offer. I would not use it to max out its weight rating, which in case of this new model is 35 lb.
That new side pocket baffles me. Never in years did I think "oh, I wish there was another pocket here to interfere with getting the water bottle out and adding a bit of weight".
I’m a sucker for overbuilt gear, I love my Kestral 58! But your right about the shoulder straps causing discomfort.. not really sure why that is, apart from carrying a 48lb load 😂
I have a Kestrel 38 and can’t even tell it’s there at 25lb. That was with a 5lb pair of snowshoes strapped to the front, with the weight in the worst place. Over the past 2 years I’ve used it quite a bit and find it to be a great pack. It’s all I need for up to 3 days May-Sept. The only things I don’t like about it are hipbelt pockets you can’t zip back up one-handed, and the non-detachable brain. I actually thought about bringing it to a local seamstress, having her cut it off, sew on buckles so it can be removed, and either make a top flap or convert it to a roll top. Then I thought about the fact that I have a Granite Gear Crown2 38 that’s just as comfortable with the same weight and has a detachable brain. So the Kestrel is going bye bye, but only because it’s redundant.
My last multiday trip was with a Stratos 36: 5 days of food + all the other stuff. Full load (including water and and gas) at 12.8 kg (a little more than 28 pounds)... it takes a little bit of experience in distributing the load inside the pack and needed to synch the hipbelt quite tight but it worked pretty nice. I was walking an average of 30Km per day and went through without any major issue.
I do agree on the sleeping bag compartment: it simply isn't well designed
I say: This is a great backpack for 'city hiking' backpacking journeys to foreign lands. I know because I use the Kestrel 58 for just that purpose. I'd never take it on a hike in nature for reasons that you touch in this video.
My atmos ag 65 is the same way with the water bottle pockets. If the bag is full, the pockets can be a pain to get your bottle in. And wish instead of the side entry zippers, they did a front entry like the aether plus and others. All in all nice pack, especially for the price point
My Aura has the same hip pockets. They look not bad. But if you put the pack on, strap everything up, put a bar in the pocket. Now take the bar out, and try to close that pocket again. Count how many times it takes before you actually scream
Hey, Eric- What kind of backpack do your recommend for a couple of nights on a trail fly fishing in the Eastern Sierra? Love watching your videos. So much cool info. Thank you!! Jade
I love my Deuter pack I have 50l aircontact it’s a older pack I’ve had it over 15 years and it’s still going strong. Amazing harness fit so comfortable. I also have a Deuter day pack, great quality bags these are the only ones I have for hiking and they are brilliant 😊 would love to see you review some of their packs
Eric, my wife loves her REI flash 55, a good pack for 199.00 and it goes on sale alot.
The zip pokey is for tent poles it’s great pack 25 lbs for 220 it’s a deal
Eric… what are your thoughts on the Osprey Aether 65 backpack?
Have you checked out the Osprey Aether/Ariel Plus 70?
Very interesting video! We more often have singe days tours on the mountains, moving with backpacks which empty weight a third of this Kestrel, but of course if you have to load it with 12+kgs... better of course to have a robust structure! 👍👍
Can I use this back pack in carry on?
Nice and informative review, thank you.
Hi, can you tell me how best to use the walking pole stowage on the Kestrel 48 please. Looks like they’re supposed to attach to the shoulder straps which seems a little strange. Thanks
Osprey is charging the extra buck just to bear their brand logo around. 4 years ago I was in Lukla Nepal and when doing the sherpa hiring to do the trekking all the way to Everest base camp I saw 3 of them using Decathlon Forclaz 70L backpacks among other 8 more sherpas with different backpack brands and none of them were Osprey. Trust me, those guys know how to choose their gear and they do use it intensively on the roughest places on earth, almost every day as they make a living out of it. The Decathlon Forclaz backpack I mentioned is around 100USD so I do not see the need of paying the extra buck just to brag the Osprey logo around the trail. I of course followed the example of those guys, I dumped my previous backpack (I actually gave it to a friend) and got the Forclaz one and I will never go back. Just my 2 centrs. Cheers
In the same price range - what would be a better 45-50 l bag for dayhikes? I carry a lot of camera gear so opening from the front or side is a must.
Kelty is a better budget friendly option for packs. In fact, the Kelty Coyote 85L is about $140. The Kelty Asher is comparable. And Paria Outdoor Products makes a lot of great and well priced gear.
Kelty Coyote is ok for the price but you will notice the difference in quality. I have an 85 liter Coyote, I like the design overall just. They just need to build a premium line.
How would this compare to a decathlon MT500 Air backpack?
It's way cheaper and seems to be just as good.
Review a Deuter med to large backpack
Doesn’t the water bottle go in the lower hole on the side pocket at around 45 degrees, then you can reasonably easily get it in and out by yourself?
I’m struggling with a question.What’s the choice between Aether 55L and kestrel 48L.Main forever city travel.
I have it on sale for 140 today would you say thats well worth it?
Will a large smartphone 6,7" fit in the side pockets on the hip belt? Interested in the 38 liter version. And the sizes of these pockets differ in backpacks with different displacements?
It is kestrel 48, not "kestral 48". plz correct your headlines of the video. else content is so elaborate and detail. keep it up.
What do you think of the Aether 55L?
I asked in another video but I thought I’d drop it in here again in case it got lost in the shuffle. I’m between the Osprey Atmos AG 50 and the Atmos AG LT 50. Is it worth the weight savings to lose whatever it is they took off? Are the harnesses and back suspension equally as good? If the air flow and carry comfort is equal and the stuff they took out is minor then I don’t see why I wouldn’t get the LT and the like 5 ounces lighter weight.
Maybe it’s a me thing but wrapping my head around a 48 for entry level is sending me. I have my REI trailbreak 60 and for someone who didn’t splurge on the light/minimalist gear it works wonders. Squeezing into 48 sounds like a challenge depending on the trip I suppose.
I've been able to get an overnight into my 35L Maven. BV 425 Chair included. And I am not into ultralight, small gear. Just smart packing and only taking what I need. Not always pretty and they have never been longer than 4 or 5 miles, but it has worked for me. Sizing up to 45 eventually though.
I can easily fit May-Sept gear and 3 days worth of food in the Kestrel 38 I just sold. Same with my Granite Gear Crown2 38. I’m not UL by a long shot, my total pack weight with 2l water in the GG is 24lb and it all fits easily without the lid on. I do use compression sacks for down gear, which does compress much, much more than just stuffing it into the pack. The extra few ounces haven’t killed me yet, either.
How about a video about 4 ppl (family 2+2) tents?
Question... Why does your airflow on the back seem different than the one I have? Is this one customized for you or is it the retail model?
Think he got the newest model. Mine is also different. (3 years old)
Informative review!
That is really really helpful！i will keep my stratos 36 instead of upgrading to this😂😂😂😂
Could you do a tutorial on efficiently packing this bag?
S/m ore l/xl?
Gonna try the 58L model with 30 lbs load for my next trip to the "Picos de Europa". Nice to have some extra space to bring some beers and spanish delicacies to the top(s). Got it last week for a nice price. Cheers!
btw The black version looks much better than this one. The dark green also looks cool.
For 30lb you may want to check Osprey's Exos instead, it's much more lightweight and as long as your load is under 30-35lb it's great
check out my review of the Osprey Exos 48: ua-cam.com/video/cj-m-PqE748/v-deo.html
ive never seen a bag with hip pockets that were actually usuable 😂
I took my Atmos AG 50L out last weekend, loaded up it weighed 35lbs. Hiked 15 miles and spent 2 nights in the back country.
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200 bucks, is budget??? Dude you have too much money!
Buy once, cry once. $200 is on the low end of quality packs, most run $300-$400 for a comfortable pack that carries the weight WELL.
@@jamesthornton3339 that’s right, my Deuter 50l definitely made my eyes water when I bought it over 15 years ago. I still use same bag today on my multi day hikes it’s brilliant. Great harness very comfortable and great quality it hasn’t fallen apart…. You get what you pay for
I got mine on Amazon for $140
Too much bad explanation