Osprey Kestrel 38L L/XL / Atlas Blue

I'm doing an Earthwatch expedition next summer that involves a little hiking in the Pyrénées. I already have a daypack and a 20 litre Osprey, but the packing list calls for a 36 litre backpack plus hiking poles and a waterproof cover for the pack (among other things). So this pack seems perfect - it comes with a cover and trekking pole attachments. And I love the colour: icelake green. I spent some time comparing the kyte and the sirrus, but the kyte won out - partly because, instead of a zipper in front, it has a pouch to easily stash a jacket, for example, without getting anything else wet. Reviewers also like that the external reservoir sleeve to save space. It seems to have lots of bells and whistles and pockets. Now I just have to hit the Y to build up my ... MoreI'm doing an Earthwatch expedition next summer that involves a little hiking in the Pyrénées. I already have a daypack and a 20 litre Osprey, but the packing list calls for a 36 litre backpack plus hiking poles and a waterproof cover for the pack (among other things). So this pack seems perfect - it comes with a cover and trekking pole attachments. And I love the colour: icelake green. I spent some time comparing the kyte and the sirrus, but the kyte won out - partly because, instead of a zipper in front, it has a pouch to easily stash a jacket, for example, without getting anything else wet. Reviewers also like that the external reservoir sleeve to save space. It seems to have lots of bells and whistles and pockets. Now I just have to hit the Y to build up my strength and endurance! (The sirrus is said to perhaps be better if you're on the shorter side, which I'm not.)

I love this backpack as it’s ideal for a single to short multiple day hiking, because it’s huge volume and good support; however, after comparing 46L and 36L, I decided to go for 46L as the width is almost same but 46L is deeper. If you never plan to go for hiking more than 4 days, Kyte 36L is ideal for you! While considering a longer hike, choose 46L. Excellent backpack in general, quality good, worth the money!

I would have awarded that backpack 5 out of 5, 10 out of 5 maybe, it's an excellent piece of engineering. It took me a while to fit it correctly (at some point I was close to giving up and thought it was a waste of money). However, once I did, it fit so well that even when loaded 12-13 kg (and my weight is about 64 kg), I didn't feel it at all, even after many hours on the trail every day for a week. It doesn't shift, no pressure on my back or shoulders whatsoever, no need to periodically adjust the straps (unless I put on/remove a jacket or insert full hydration bladder), nothing chafes or hurts.Having said that. 2 stars down for hydration system. This backpack is 'locked' into having to use a hydration system (like all Osprey backpacks really). And this is where ... MoreI would have awarded that backpack 5 out of 5, 10 out of 5 maybe, it's an excellent piece of engineering. It took me a while to fit it correctly (at some point I was close to giving up and thought it was a waste of money). However, once I did, it fit so well that even when loaded 12-13 kg (and my weight is about 64 kg), I didn't feel it at all, even after many hours on the trail every day for a week. It doesn't shift, no pressure on my back or shoulders whatsoever, no need to periodically adjust the straps (unless I put on/remove a jacket or insert full hydration bladder), nothing chafes or hurts.Having said that. 2 stars down for hydration system. This backpack is 'locked' into having to use a hydration system (like all Osprey backpacks really). And this is where the issues begin. On a multi-day hike in the wilderness it's very difficult to keep hydration bladder and, most critically, the hose, clean. While I managed to keep bladder mould-free (lots of effort every evening), I wasn't so lucky with the hose (with negative consequences for my stomach and the hike itself). Yes, technically that would be a review of a bladder (and I'll add it there too), but as there is really not much option to use water bottles with this design (side pockets are too small and, even if I manage to fit a bottle into them and even if I manage to get it out, I would not be able to get it in without stopping and removing a backpack, unless there is someone else with me to help, but I hike solo). Hence I can't score this backpack separately from a hydration system.But if you don't use hydration system, or can keep your hydration system hose mould-free on the multi-day hike, or don't suffer stomach upsets from mould (or don't mind hiking when any moment the nature might call, big time), then it's 5 out of 5 for this backpack.