review: osprey kestrel 38 backpack.

[JV3]

Great pictorial review as usual JV3! I've had the older green one for a few years and I love for a day pack. The hydration slot is nice...especially in the humid summers here in the South. As much as I like this size of pack, the lack of a rigid frame (like you mentioned regarding the Manta) really limits the amount of weight it can carry comfortably. I really can't load it up for a short over-nighter or weekend if I plan to hike any significant amount of distance. As a day pack or "emergency 72-hour" kit, it works fine if I keep the weight down. I use it often in colder weather where I carry bulky layers that just take of space, but don't add that much weight.

ROCK6

thanks!

I am interested in the Kestrel 32. How well does the Airscape actually work on a warm day???

not as well as the airspeed - the manta and atmos series have it. i'm not sure off the top of my head if other models have it. my ideal day hike backpack now though is an atmos in the 20-30 liter range that's a top load & drawstring closure setup but sadly that exact design doesn't exist yet. i think they make an atmos in the 30-liter range but only as a panel loader and not sold here in the states.

 

[LikeHike]

I have an older Atmos 35. The air flow is xlnt but the space between the mess and the pack is too exaggerated. It puts the weight away from your back and creates a more crowded interior for packing. My other concern is I use water bottles and I cannot reach the bottles in the side pocket. I have tried on the Kestrel 32 and I can reach the pockets. The Exos has an even better pocket system.