Thank you for the review. I've had the Osprey Kestrel 38 since 2013, and I agree with many of your observations. It's been perfect for hikes between hostels, where I don't have to bring a tent and cook kit. I've removed some of the straps, to solve the "dangly strap" problem, and those I can't remove I tie down in some way. One way of dealing with the water bladder pressing into your back, is to buy a large one then only half filling it. Before closing the bladder, remove all the air. In that way you have the water distributed over a larger area and it stays flatter. I've covered thousands of miles with this pack, mainly on the Camino de Santiago routes and England's shorter hiking routes, where the size works well. I've tried some other brands to save weight, but I've not found anything quite as comfortable to wear.
I considered removing some of the dangly straps, but decided against it for if I ever wanted to sell it. Interesting idea on the water bladder as well - I’ve never been entirely happy with any pack I’ve had, but good to know it works well for some people. Very jealous about the Camino de Santiago! It’s a bucket list hike for me. Thank you for the feedback.
@@GideonSmit Hi Gideon. Question for you on the Kestrel 38L. I'll soon be doing the Camino Frances and I'm trying to decide between the 38L and 48L Kestrel. Were you happy with the 38L, or did you wish you have a larger bag? I suppose that since you've had your Kestrel since 2013, you're happy with the size, but I would like your opinion. Thanks in advance, Gideon.
@@jjquinn2004 Hi John. I'm totally happy with the 38L size for the Camino de Santiago. I lived from my 38-litre bag for 2 months on my very first Camino and that was before I dialled down my hiking list. On top of the usual list, I also have to pack a CPAP machine weighing 1 kg. The 38-litre size packs are more likely to fit into aeroplane overhead lockers, which generally means you don't have to check in your bag (unless you pack trekking poles). Regarding Osprey bags like the Kestrel, and other more robust backpacks. If you're using public transport, in particular a coach or bus, you nearly always have to put the bag in the luggage compartment where it will be squashed by other luggage. Finally, the more capacity you have the greater the temptation to overpack. There are many lists, and if you're like me you may have read them all, but perhaps you could benefit from Nadine's youtube video. She's a very experienced Camino hiker and world traveller and I found her advice spot-on. ua-cam.com/video/GNoyHkPeAcs/v-deo.html
I use my kestrel 48 freight hopping it’s handled quite a lot of extreme conditions being tossed of freight trains at a speed of about 3 to 5 mph and been hundreds of miles Canada,USA, and Mexico it’s amazing backpack thanks for the inspiration
Good review, I can't wait for the next one on your new pack. I think the deal-breaker for me is that the top compartment is sewn onto the pack. I like having the option to raise that compartment to stack a sweatshirt or whatever between it and the main compartment. Thank you for saving me $180 by mentioning what other reviews have overlooked. Subscribed.
Glad you found it useful! That’s an interesting use that I hadn’t considered, but it’s a good idea. I just finished a 45 mile trip along pictured rocks in Michigan with the HMG southwest and really enjoyed it, but will probably wait until I can really see the durability before reviewing it.
I've gone for the 68 as I carry for more than me. However, the latest models there doesnt seem to be much in it size/weight wise for the potential extra capacity. 1.6 v 1.8kg 75L 34W 32D v 78L 37W 37D
I agree, that is a pretty small trade-off. Although the weight of the pack may not be much, one thing to think about is the weight of 20 liters of extra gear
Хороший обзор. Только не плохо было бы показать укладку вещей ( спальник, палатка, коврик, одежда, посуда, еда, вода) так было бы нагляднее показан полезный объём рюкзака.
The Southwest 3400 has been excellent. I used it to complete the PCT in 2022, and although the shoulder straps started to come unthreaded at the end, Hyperlite sent me a brand new bag in the mail. 10/10 recommend if your pack weight is consistently less than 20-25lb all in.
@@mikecanavan599 thank you for the input. Right now im leaning on getting the Kakwa 55 by durstongear. Because of the new material. That's the top of my list. But im expanding may horizon maybe i will find a new product that i am still not aware exist.
I just bought an Osprey Kestrel 48, then saw this video. But I bought it for 1,500,000 VND (about $61), probably because it was made in Vietnam. At that price I'd probably complain less about it.
I’ve never owned the stratos, so I can’t say which one I like better. That being said, the biggest difference looks to be the trampoline suspension system on the stratos allows for more airflow. You also get an internal water bladder compartment, which I don’t like since you have to take all of your gear out to put the bladder back in place once you refill it (although I basically had to do that with the kestrel as well...). For the improved suspension, the stratos has a slight weight penalty. As I mentioned, the trampoline suspensions don’t really make a difference to me in terms of back sweat, and I prefer to have the load of my pack closer to my body, as I feel I have more control when shifting/ leaning/ or twisting with the pack on. Either way, it’s hard to go wrong with Osprey! Hope that helps!
Thank you for the review. I've had the Osprey Kestrel 38 since 2013, and I agree with many of your observations. It's been perfect for hikes between hostels, where I don't have to bring a tent and cook kit. I've removed some of the straps, to solve the "dangly strap" problem, and those I can't remove I tie down in some way. One way of dealing with the water bladder pressing into your back, is to buy a large one then only half filling it. Before closing the bladder, remove all the air. In that way you have the water distributed over a larger area and it stays flatter. I've covered thousands of miles with this pack, mainly on the Camino de Santiago routes and England's shorter hiking routes, where the size works well. I've tried some other brands to save weight, but I've not found anything quite as comfortable to wear.
I considered removing some of the dangly straps, but decided against it for if I ever wanted to sell it. Interesting idea on the water bladder as well - I’ve never been entirely happy with any pack I’ve had, but good to know it works well for some people. Very jealous about the Camino de Santiago! It’s a bucket list hike for me.
Thank you for the feedback.
@@mikecanavan599 Just do it!
@@GideonSmit Hi Gideon. Question for you on the Kestrel 38L. I'll soon be doing the Camino Frances and I'm trying to decide between the 38L and 48L Kestrel. Were you happy with the 38L, or did you wish you have a larger bag? I suppose that since you've had your Kestrel since 2013, you're happy with the size, but I would like your opinion. Thanks in advance, Gideon.
@@jjquinn2004 Hi John. I'm totally happy with the 38L size for the Camino de Santiago. I lived from my 38-litre bag for 2 months on my very first Camino and that was before I dialled down my hiking list. On top of the usual list, I also have to pack a CPAP machine weighing 1 kg. The 38-litre size packs are more likely to fit into aeroplane overhead lockers, which generally means you don't have to check in your bag (unless you pack trekking poles).
Regarding Osprey bags like the Kestrel, and other more robust backpacks. If you're using public transport, in particular a coach or bus, you nearly always have to put the bag in the luggage compartment where it will be squashed by other luggage.
Finally, the more capacity you have the greater the temptation to overpack.
There are many lists, and if you're like me you may have read them all, but perhaps you could benefit from Nadine's youtube video. She's a very experienced Camino hiker and world traveller and I found her advice spot-on.
ua-cam.com/video/GNoyHkPeAcs/v-deo.html
@@GideonSmit Thanks for the timely and very helpful reply, Gideon.
Appreciate your honesty and I agree with many of your points. Cheers!
I use my kestrel 48 freight hopping it’s handled quite a lot of extreme conditions being tossed of freight trains at a speed of about 3 to 5 mph and been hundreds of miles Canada,USA, and Mexico it’s amazing backpack thanks for the inspiration
Bet you have some great stories! It definitely seems like a durable pack. Good to know it’s held up for you! Thank you for sharing
Good review, I can't wait for the next one on your new pack. I think the deal-breaker for me is that the top compartment is sewn onto the pack. I like having the option to raise that compartment to stack a sweatshirt or whatever between it and the main compartment. Thank you for saving me $180 by mentioning what other reviews have overlooked. Subscribed.
Glad you found it useful! That’s an interesting use that I hadn’t considered, but it’s a good idea. I just finished a 45 mile trip along pictured rocks in Michigan with the HMG southwest and really enjoyed it, but will probably wait until I can really see the durability before reviewing it.
I've gone for the 68 as I carry for more than me. However, the latest models there doesnt seem to be much in it size/weight wise for the potential extra capacity. 1.6 v 1.8kg
75L 34W 32D v 78L 37W 37D
I agree, that is a pretty small trade-off. Although the weight of the pack may not be much, one thing to think about is the weight of 20 liters of extra gear
Хороший обзор. Только не плохо было бы показать укладку вещей ( спальник, палатка, коврик, одежда, посуда, еда, вода) так было бы нагляднее показан полезный объём рюкзака.
Thank you, I appreciate your feedback!
Хороший обзор
Спасибо!
Thanks for the review.
Which bag have you bought instead?
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 3400! It’s been great so far. Plan on doing a review once I’ve had some time to test it more thoroughly.
@@mikecanavan599 Can't wait for the review! Cheers
Hello is this the loch blue color? Or navy blue?
Loch Blue
So how was the HMG backpack?
The Southwest 3400 has been excellent. I used it to complete the PCT in 2022, and although the shoulder straps started to come unthreaded at the end, Hyperlite sent me a brand new bag in the mail. 10/10 recommend if your pack weight is consistently less than 20-25lb all in.
@@mikecanavan599 thank you for the input. Right now im leaning on getting the Kakwa 55 by durstongear. Because of the new material. That's the top of my list. But im expanding may horizon maybe i will find a new product that i am still not aware exist.
Do you want to sell it
I’ve actually already sold it.
I just bought an Osprey Kestrel 48, then saw this video. But I bought it for 1,500,000 VND (about $61), probably because it was made in Vietnam. At that price I'd probably complain less about it.
Any reason to pick that instead of stratos?
I’ve never owned the stratos, so I can’t say which one I like better. That being said, the biggest difference looks to be the trampoline suspension system on the stratos allows for more airflow. You also get an internal water bladder compartment, which I don’t like since you have to take all of your gear out to put the bladder back in place once you refill it (although I basically had to do that with the kestrel as well...). For the improved suspension, the stratos has a slight weight penalty. As I mentioned, the trampoline suspensions don’t really make a difference to me in terms of back sweat, and I prefer to have the load of my pack closer to my body, as I feel I have more control when shifting/ leaning/ or twisting with the pack on. Either way, it’s hard to go wrong with Osprey! Hope that helps!