Osprey Kestrel 38 BackPack REVIEW

[@YellowJacket530]

Used this on the Tour du Mont Blanc last year. Worked exceptionally. Perfectly sized for a European trek. Also, fantastic video. Really appreciate your in-depth reviews.

[@basecampchris]

Thank you YellowJacket...Tour DeBlanc sounds amazing! ( I will look that up )

[@orbispictus6127]

I usually see people pack 40L atleast for the tour du Mont Blanc so I thought a 38L would be bit too small. Do you have nice tips to pack more light?

[@donaldhorton7545]

Me and my wife is new to backpacking we are retired and we have bought other Backpacks but I am interested in Ospreys Backpacks and you did a awesome job I going to buy this one for me and we have to see witch one my wife would like to have thanks for explaining so much about this item you have God Bless Rest of this Year.

[@idahomike]

Very helpful and well done. Thanks for taking the time to review this! I've been amazed at how few pictures are available of anything but the outside. This video cleared up a lot of questions I had.

[@basecampchris]

Thanks Mike! Glad that was helpful and Good to know! "Keep Hiking!"

[@Mednis222]

Best Kestrel 38 review yet. Good job.👍 Bought one for myself based on your review and I'm happy with the purchase.

[@basecampchris]

Much appreciated!

[@MichaelCMeyer]

Snowshoeing! You can use the daisy chain loops for attaching straps and webbing. You can strap your snowshoes to your pack. Ideal small pack for a day hike if you do not want to use the large Osprey Aether AG 60. Kamber seems ideal for ice climbing, snowboarding, skiing, and snowshoeing. Aether for winter hiking weekends and snowshoes. Kestrel for short day hikes and snowshoes. Suggested straps are REI Co-op Packmod Accessory Straps Item #162155, Redpoint 1" Webbing Straps with Side-Release Buckles, and Sea to Summit Hook Release 3/4" Accessory Straps.

[@basecampchris]

Excellent- Thank you...I've gone snow shoeing with this pack but not carried them. We just got snow in the Sierra here!

[@johnd2442]

Seriously outstanding review. Thank you for being so thorough!

[@basecampchris]

Your welcome! Appreciate it. "Keep Hiking!"

[@davidhale1568]

Might want to add that are available in s/m and m/l size. The s/m size carries 36 LTRs. As a rough guide I'm 5ft8" the s/m size fits a lot better than the m/l size. I find I can get enough gear into it for five days wilderness camping if out for longer I take the Talon 44.

[@basecampchris]

yes the sizes are different capacity and liter amounts. good thing to mention!

[@robertmarino3341]

Just placed my order for the Kestrel 38 - in large part because of your review.

[@basecampchris]

Thanks , hope you enjoy it!

[@robertmarino3341]

@@basecampchris Actually I did get one but returned it as it was not as comfortable for me as I thought. But I did get the Atmos 50 based largely on your review as well as others and it is as comfortable as you mention!

[@MatasBatas123]

Great review. I got the backpack as a gift and it is lovely. Watched the review to see if I missed any conpartaments or straps, because there are so many 😄

[@basecampchris]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jakeski3142]

Good video. I got one for traveling and it was plenty for 8 days in Ireland.

[@basecampchris]

Awesome - Sounds like a great trip!

[@philsmith2444]

My favorite summer overnight/weekend pack.

[@salsalvio821]

I love that the tags are still on. Is this a Buy, review and return?

[@garethdodgson4282]

nice review. I am taking the kestrel 38 on the camino de santiago. you helped me decide thanks

[@basecampchris]

Have fun! sounds like an amazing trip!

[@cristianchelaru141]

I saw a few other presentations from some websites and I must say yours is more friendly and more in details. Nice one :)

[@basecampchris]

Thank you Cristian! it was a little long, but I wanted to cover all the details on this pack. Next time I'll have a moose walk by the window! "Keep Hiking!"

[@codesurgeon]

I rarely comment on KZbin videos but your review was so helpful that I had to give you some *kudos*. Thank you 👌

[@basecampchris]

Hey Mustafa...Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching. :)

[@robertmarino3341]

Thanks for another great review. Do you find the Kestral -which sits closer on the back to have any advantages in comfort over the trampoline style mesh backs on the Stratos packs?

[@basecampchris]

the Kestral will contour to your back better and provide comfort with a closer fit to you. Where as the Stratos will have more ventilation and air flow between your back and the pack. I prefer more air flow and then the shoulder straps and belt system provide plenty of comfort for me.

[@sanabrca50]

Hi excellent review. Question, does the backpack comes with the water reservoir (bladder)? I received this backpack as a gift for a long hike I am doing in Europe and I don't see one. thanks

[@robingore]

I'm taking mine on the Camino de Santiago in 7 months - thanks for the review

[@basecampchris]

Sounds like a great trip! Thanks for watching!! :)

[@mr.crumbles2557]

Hey me too! Buen Camino :)

[@tdirgins]

Me three! Leaving June 17

[@ascandryland]

nice review...i'm choosing kestrel 38 than talon 44 instead

[@Moonlight.Special]

So hard to decide between the Stratos 36 the Kestrel 38.

[@basecampchris]

Hi Mathieu, If you have an REI store near you and they have both packs you could go check them out and see what works best. That 's what I do! Thanks for watching.

[@pujvari]

Thanks for this! Excellent review and super informative. I just purchased the Kestrel 48 and you touched on every feature it has as well. The only difference that I can tell is the size. I didn't know about the little compartment on the top side, so that was a handy little tidbit. Cheers! :)

[@basecampchris]

Thanks for watching / glad it was helpful. BCC

[@fabiandieterle]

Really nice review. I think i am going to buy one too. Thanks for this review.

[@basecampchris]

Glad I could help

[@albertlee9238]

Hi, how does this compares to the Stratos 36 ? thanks Chris !

[@stevoelmo]

I wish they made the Atom AG at around the 40ltr mark. I was torn between Kestral, Exos, Stratos 38 or possibly Talon 44. But I think I've settled on the Kestral after your review. As much as I'd love the Atom, 50ltrs is overkill for me.

[@baseballfury7756]

i notice when i wore it that it was kinda for small people when i tried the patagonia nine trails 28 felt way nicer and comfortable but lacked pockets and feautures

[@basecampchris]

Yes, its important to try them on and get the feel before you buy...or at least know you can return if it's not right. Thanks for watching!

[@rooftopshootaz8927]

Enjoyed the review. Would you recommend this or the 48 for a 1-2 night hike

[@basecampchris]

I would...you do need to make sure your main items ( tent/ bag and pad ) fit and are light enough for this pack to carry. Definitely a solid pack for shorter outings!

[@twmooney]

Chris!!! I need your help! First time buyer of a true backpacking/hiking pack. Photographer and want to migrate to an Osprey. Primarily day pack use with the option of one night in the woods. I’ve narrowed it down between the Osprey Kestrel 38 and the Stratos 36. I’ve tried both on at REI with weight added. Personally love the Stratos 36 feel. I’m packing my camera gear into a Peak Design medium cube. Side access is important. Can you help?

[@basecampchris]

I'm thinking the Stratos has a better / stronger suspension and would handle photography gear better. Think about all that you want to do with your trips and look at the feature of of both packs and see what you think would serve you best.

[@twmooney]

@@basecampchris Thank you so much Chris! I tried both the Stratos and the Kestrel on with 15lbs of weight at REI and your advice makes so much sense and what I experienced. Thanks so much for taking the time out to respond. I greatly appreciate it!

[@ralphanthonyplanteras6246]

Hello Sir, is the black color made exactly with the same material. Like the front pocket, is it also mesh for the black one?

[@basecampchris]

If your referring to the black over the Airscape backpanel it is a different material that is very heavy duty mesh designed for air flow... where as the back pocket is a much finer mesh with more flexibility for storage.

[@kamarrus8554]

В условиях современной легкоходной "гонки вооружения", за уменьшение веса и размеров снаряжения, этот объём рюкзака становится все более актуальным... Сегодня в 38 литров помещается все что 15 лет назад помещалось в 100 литровый рюк... Качественный рюкзак Osprey Kestrel 38 среднего ценового сегмента, пока еще доступно для бродяг... Отличные ткани и фурнитура... В геометрии есть плюсы и минусы, надо привыкать к пришитому верхнему клапану... На спине сидит удобно и хорошо... Почти не заметен в ходьбе... Этого считаю достаточно для приятного путешествия)))

[@barnabasik]

Hi! What does the back system look like after long-term use please? Has it any color change on the foam? Because on my backpack are beginning to occur a brown spots (on the light gray part of foam). It is not a sweat or dirt.

[@basecampchris]

I haven't noticed any on mine....if it continues to be a problem ( like more of it showing up ) you may want to check with Osprey...they have a pretty solid guarantee and return program...not sure what they would do. FYI..... All Mighty Guarantee: Any Reason, Product, Era. Easy Returns.

[@colford5833]

I have a kestrel 48 and find it too small, it's a tight fit and I barely have any of the straps to adjust it to fit me, it's a shame because I quite like the design of it, seems to be made for small people though.

[@basecampchris]

It does come in a small/ med and a med/ large .... M/L 2929 IN3 / 48 L 29.5H X 13.4W X 12.6D IN. 3.59 LBS. I would contact Osprey if I were you and request the larger if you have the sm/ med

[@colford5833]

@@basecampchris Thanks for the advice, checked it and it is a M/L one, I guess Osprey are not for me, I have a Fjallraven now and it fits perfectly.

[@elijdub]

Would you choose the kestrel 38 over the talon 44 for 1-2 night backpacking trips?

[@basecampchris]

Depends on your gear but the 44 does give you more room.

[@vasudevrameshbabu3427]

Hi sir, can i add hiking shoes outside the bag, please respond

[@basecampchris]

There are daisy chain loops and other loops/ straps that could work to add footwear ...so yes. Thanks for watching.

[@samgrimm5865]

Liked the review but a couple thoughts. Lose the background music. Its louder than you are. Second at least take the tags off. Third maybe load it up with some fluff so you don't have to keep picking it off the table. Last, maybe use the pack on a couple hikes to know where the features are.

[@basecampchris]

I like the music... but too loud does not work...tags are on because I don't keep all packs I review....I do know where the features of the pack are. Thanks for watching...'Keep Hiking!"

[@bobf3874]

Completely agree about the music. Incredibly annoying and distracting. Also, if a reviewer hasn't really used the product as intended, that fact should be stated upfront. Absurd that one would think it appropriate to review something they haven't actually used. This pack was merely casually inspected.

[@madeinvietnamph1202]

I enjoyed the review :) Have a Nice Day

[@basecampchris]

Thanks for watching! "Keep Hiking!"

[@Martell276]

Just bought this pack today in black. Can't wait to take it up Mt. Katahdin next weekend to christen it. *hoping I made the right choice over the kestrel 48. I do want to purchase a 1 person tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad for overnight treks. Could be a tight fit in the 38, but have read that it's doable.

[@basecampchris]

If the 38L is too tight return it and upgrade to the 48L...you'll know if it's working for you after your trip.

[@robertmarino3341]

James, did you take it on that hike? Thoughts on size and comfort?

[@Martell276]

@@robertmarino3341 Yes I did - I have now used it for a handful of day hikes. It's definitely a great pack, but I find it's too big and rather cumbersome for a typical day hike. I wish I had gotten something much much smaller. Honestly the Talon 11 is sufficient for most day hikes. 38L is a lot and you can absolutely pack enough gear into it for overnighters. Depending on how light you go, you could easily live out of it for 2 or 3 days no problem. I think when I do decide to go overnight, this will more than suffice. Edit - comfort wise, it hugs the body nicely, and the weight is distributed well. The hip belt really helps take weight off your back. The straps and suspension system feel great. My only problem is I feel like my upper body and heard are constantly being pushed slightly forward while hiking with this pack. My neck always hurts after hiking with it.

[@robertmarino3341]

@@Martell276 Thanks James for the prompt reply! I currently have an Osprey Stratos 24 - which is very comfortable with the mesh back, but as the weather gets colder (more clothing) and our hikes become more adventurous - possibly doing an overnighter, I'm looking to get a larger pack 35-40L range. Kind of narrowed it down to the Stratos 36 and the Kestrel 38. So that's why I was wondering about the back panels. Also, I was wondering if while using a hydration pack- which is external on the Kestrel, how that effects the balance? Sore neck - ouch! In your particular case, are they any adjustments you can make to improve the comfort? Having a sore neck post hike would be a reason to either return or sell the pack.

[@Martell276]

@@robertmarino3341 the kestrel 38 has an external hydration sleeve. My hydration reservoir fits in there nicely and it stays snuggly put. Doesnt move around at all and it doesnt bulge into my back or affect balance in any way that I can tell. The back panel height can be adjusted up or down via velcro. I have played with this to see if it makes a difference, but doesnt seem to matter, in terms of the neck discomfort I'm experiencing. I am currently trying to sell it locally on Facebook marketplace.

[@homoludens2498]

Very good review! Thank so much!

[@basecampchris]

Very welcome! Thanks for watching. :) "Keep Hiking!"

[@camillelim1925]

is it okay if ill use it? i'm 5'4 in height and a woman.

[@basecampchris]

Hi, I would consider the Osprey Eja 48 designed for woman / probably going to be a better fit. ( or the Osprey Kyte 36 ) Google Osprey.com Thanks for watching. I''l do more packs!

[@whengrapespop5728]

Green screen?

[@basecampchris]

Yes...makes a fun visual! Hey Thanks for watching.

[@sonjamarohn1134]

Ist der extra für kleine Menschen gemacht

[@sonjamarohn1134]

Der Ruk ist ja voll gut

[@tripnivanz4476]

isn't fit for the 5'4 hight person

[@whengrapespop5728]

Jovanie Pichon Packs don’t depend on height, but torso length.

[@trevorturk7473]

They make multiple sizes

[@sonjamarohn1134]

Das Rug hat aber eine schöne fahrbe

[@sturdeehouse]

excellent thanks

[@basecampchris]

Thanks for watching!

[@davidskokan1545]

Na to se nedá dívat jak je týpek nemotorný a ještě mu furt batoh někam padá 🤣

[@Michael9-23-15]

I just ordered it today,and this is the 4th.

[@basecampchris]

Osprey is top quality stuff...Thanks for watching Michael.

[@Ciliyas3D]

why does it not hold long ?