For everyone still looking for a roomy backpack for long day hikes or weekend trips, today we present the Osprey Kestrel 38. If you like to set off with little gear, you will certainly also find room in and on this versatile pack for a multi-day trekking tour. The pack is not as light as the Osprey Exos 46 we recently presented here, but in return it offers a few additional features and leaves a more robust impression.
Functions and features of the Osprey Kestrel 38 backpack
There is top and front access to the main compartment. The lid is sewn to the pack and has an inner and an outer pocket, each with a zip. There is a stretch stash pocket on the front of the pack. Individually adjustable trekking pole holders are located there as well.
Four compression straps with quick-release buckles are located on the sides of the pack, and two more compression straps are at the bottom on the sleeping bag compartment. The pack has easily reachable mesh pockets on both sides. There are also two easily accessible zipped pockets on the hip belt.
The AirScape back panel is designed to provide good ventilation on the back together with a good fit; behind it, by the way, a hydration system of up to 3 L can also be stowed. A second option for attaching the hydration system is in the main compartment. The corresponding opening for routing the drinking tube is of course provided as well.
To keep the contents of the pack dry in any weather, a rain cover is sewn in centrally in a small zipped pocket on the front. Osprey’s “Stow on the Go” system makes it quick and easy to attach trekking poles to the side of the pack. The shoulder straps are anatomically shaped, padded and fitted with load-lifter straps. A chest strap and grab handle complete the features.
Technical details of the Osprey Kestrel 38
from ospreypacks.com
- Volume: 36 L (S/M), 38 L (M/L)
- Weight: 1570 g (S/M), 1680 g (M/L)
- Load range:
Photos of the Osprey Kestrel 38 backpack
Test and verdict on the Osprey Kestrel 38
The shape of the Kestrel is rather slim. The Kestrel comes in two sizes, S/M and M/L. The sturdy back panel with a frame and AirScape construction, together with a hip belt that is robust for a pack of this size, ensures good transfer of weight to the hip belt. The shoulder straps are comfortably padded and likewise more on the robust side. The hip belt can be adjusted in circumference very easily and quickly with the “ErgoPull system”. The chest strap and the grab handle do their job. With the right fit, the carrying comfort is beyond reproach.
Osprey’s “Stow on the Go” system makes it possible to attach your trekking poles to the pack quickly in order to have your hands free. With a little practice, attaching the poles to this holder and taking them out again works very easily even while walking and certainly saves the odd “break in the march”.
The stretch side pockets are ideal for stowing water bottles or other small items, for example. The water bottles are quite easy to reach. But if that is still too inconvenient for you, you should take a look at the add-on we have presented, the Osprey Aqua Stow, a bottle holder that can be carried in front of the body.
The lid is sewn on, so unfortunately it cannot be removed. It is, however, practically equipped with an inner and an outer pocket (including a key clip). There are also four loops on top of the lid pocket for attaching gear. The main compartment of the pack can be loaded and unloaded conveniently both via the opened lid and via the very practical front opening, which is fitted with a zip. The sleeve and exit port for the hydration system are standard by now and well executed.
The stretch stash pocket on the front can be used in many different ways. The compression straps are sensibly placed and make it possible to adapt the pack well to the load.
The integrated rain cover is housed in a small zipped pocket on the front of the Osprey Kestrel. It can be pulled out quickly and easily to protect the pack reliably against water getting in during heavy rain. Otherwise the contents of the pack are also quite well protected in short showers or drizzle.
Verdict:
The Kestrel is a robust, practical and comfortable backpack with many features. It is better suited to heavier loads. You are then happy to forgive the Osprey for being somewhat heavier itself than some models of similar size. For lightweight fanatics travelling with a payload of less than 12 kg, the Osprey Exos 46 is the logical alternative from Osprey anyway. The quick attachment for trekking poles is a feature we would like to see on other backpacks too.
Where to buy
- Globetrotter
