The light wire alloy frame offers great support even when carrying loads up to 40 pounds. It is still possible to carrymore than that of course, but that is where the comfort zone limit is. You might say, “Well I want to be able to carry 50 or 60 pounds!” Unless you are doing some serious mountaineering, there is simply no need for you to carry that much! Yes, there are small holes at the places that are used the most, but the holes don’t spread and they don’t affect any functionalities When the weather takes a turn for the wetter, you absolutely need to keep your things dry, especially your sleeping bag! ( I slept in a wet sleeping bag in a cave in Pakistan once. It was not fun)

Osprey Kestrel 58 | Backpacking Backpack | Osprey Europe

Did I leave anything out? Do you have something to add to this review from your own experience? Taking your Osprey Kestrel 48 for a test hike? Then let us know by leaving a comment below! To set the standard of a modern, all outdoor bag, the Kestrel comes equipped with an integrated/detachable rain cover for those sudden showers on the trail. Stow-on-the-Go allows you to stash walking poles without needing to remove the bag, for those times when you need both hands for a scramble. If you actually read all of this, then I think you owe yourself a little treat. How about an Osprey Kestrel 48? You should also be aware that the Osprey Kestrel comes in a smaller 38l version. When you pit the Osprey Kestrel 38 vs 48 there’s not much difference besides the sizes of the bag… obviously! So when it comes to choosing whether to opt for the Kestrel 38 vs 48, it’s all about which size of bag works best for the type of trip you’re heading off on and how much gear you think you’ll need. Cons of the Osprey Kestrel 48 Large items, such as sleeping mats or a tent, can be attached to its external clips. The ingenuity of the Stow-on-the-Go™ pole-carrying system means poles can be attached to the bag without even having to take it off.

Of course, if you are putting in long hours crushing some trail miles, you are bound to sweat. Having a good ventilation system in place allows you to stay as cool and dry as possible, even when you are working hard. Exos 58 features ultralight design materials plus the ability to strip weight by removing sleeping pad straps, compression straps and the top lid. If truth be told, you can’t put a price on Osprey quality or comfort… Does the Osprey Kestrel 48 Come with a Rain Cover?

Osprey Kestrel 58 | Backpacking Backpack | Osprey Europe Osprey Kestrel 58 | Backpacking Backpack | Osprey Europe

This is another essential feature. Having a rain cover is absolutely crucial for most hiking or travel adventures and you should not set off without one ( OK granted, there are some places on earth where it never rains, but not many!). Side tension straps are linked to the hipbelt. By tightening these straps you can stabilise the load but reduce the hipbelt flexibility. Where balance is critical tightening them can help you feel more secure. However, if you are striding out over easy terrain it’s better to loosen these straps to allow full hip flexibility.The Kestrel is also ready for winter duties with twin ice axe loops, an integrated and removable rain cover and multiple lashing points across the front that work well to secure crampons. An array of webbing and compression straps allow for the carry of larger items such as sleeping pads. An ice axe attachment loop too enables you to carry winter hardware for when venturing into the unknown. You also get sleeping pad straps at the base of the Kestrel 58 that, as the name suggest, are really useful for attaching bulky sleep mats, or they can be completely removed to reduce weight if not required. An adjustable sternum strap helps to equalize the load and features a built-in emergency whistle.

Osprey Kestrel 58 Backpack | Review - Outdoors Magic

The biggest compartment of the Osprey Kestrel 68 is of course the main compartment. This compartment is accessible from the top but also from the bottom and from the front. The top opening is large so getting my gear in – in different coloured dry bags – is easy. A cord with a pulling tab closes this entrance. The main compartment has a large red compression strap to take the pressure of the cord. The Kestrel has a large opening on the top. U-Zip suitcase opening Ospreys Customers Service is also pretty awesome and the repair centres’ communication and turnaround times are very commendable. The side compression straps are not ideal for attaching equipment in this situation. However, the two vertical straps that close the main compartment of the Osprey Kestrel 58 by securing the head compartment are long enough for this. Although the upper compression strap can be closed at the front, this eliminates the ability to compress the main compartment.Let us be clear here about the necessity of the rain cover. The average traveler might not need a rain cover. If you are not planning to do any serious hiking trips, then you could go without the Osprey rain cover. Personally, whether I am hiking or not, I like to always have a rain cover. Osprey’s lifetime warranty ( dubbed the All Mighty Guarantee!) is pretty unique in the industry and is definitely one of the best things about the Osprey brand.