The Stratos 36 is a feature-rich hiking pack combining modern materials with traditional design. The tensioned mesh AirSpeed back panel and adjustable torso length ensure a comfortable, breathable carry. Top, side, and base entry to the central compartment aid when packing and accessing kit. With a 36-litre capacity, it's an excellent choice for long day hikes and overnight trips when you're travelling light. Featuring bluesign approved and Global Recycled Standard certified fabrics plus a PFC-free water-repellent treatment, this is Osprey's most sustainable Stratos yet.
The Stratos 36 is a feature-rich hiking pack combining modern materials with traditional design. The tensioned mesh AirSpeed back panel and adjustable torso length ensure a comfortable, breathable carry. Top, side, and base entry to the central compartment aid when packing and accessing kit. With a 36-litre capacity, it's an excellent choice for long day hikes and overnight trips when you're travelling light. Featuring bluesign approved and Global Recycled Standard certified fabrics plus a PFC-free water-repellent treatment, this is Osprey's most sustainable Stratos yet.
in 3 offers
The lowest price for Osprey Stratos 36 - Cetacean Blue right now is $255.94 at Amazon.com.au, compared across 3 retailers.
The all-time low was $218.01 on 5 Mar 2026 — today's price is 17% above the lowest ever. That's a little above the best price we've seen.
Prices last updated 9 June 2026.
Osprey Stratos 36 - Cetacean Blue
The Stratos 36 is a feature-rich hiking pack combining modern materials with traditional design. The tensioned mesh AirSpeed back panel and adjustable torso length ensure a comfortable, breathable carry. Top, side, and base entry to the central compartment aid when packing and accessing kit. With a 36-litre capacity, it's an excellent choice for long day hikes and overnight trips when you're travelling light. Featuring bluesign approved and Global Recycled Standard certified fabrics plus a PFC-free water-repellent treatment, this is Osprey's most sustainable Stratos yet.
The Stratos 36 is a feature-rich hiking pack combining modern materials with traditional design. The tensioned mesh AirSpeed back panel and adjustable torso length ensure a comfortable, breathable carry. Top, side, and base entry to the central compartment aid when packing and accessing kit. With a 36-litre capacity, it's an excellent choice for long day hikes and overnight trips when you're travelling light. Featuring bluesign approved and Global Recycled Standard certified fabrics plus a PFC-free water-repellent treatment, this is Osprey's most sustainable Stratos yet.
Last updated at 09/06/2026 18:54:53
Osprey Men's Stratos Hiking Backpack
Free delivery
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Osprey Stratos 36L - Cetacean Blue
Free delivery
Stratos 36 Men's Backpacking Backpack
Free delivery between 17–23 June
originally posted on REI
New version - NOT as good as the predecessor versions. Osprey changed the side pockets, which now have a difficult time accommodating a Nalgene 1 liter bottle. More importantly, they changed the way the frame height and shoulder straps adjust. They discarded the perfectly functional velcro scheme, which was infinitely adjustable (within the overall limit) and substituted a mickey mouse tabular scheme. This reduces the overall height adjustment available (so if you're 5'11" or more, be careful) and changes the feel of the pack on your shoulders. This change, as well as the side pockets, are detrimental to the overall utility and feel of the pack. Fortunately, I have a few other legacy Osprey 34 and 36 packs, so I'll live, but this is a disappointment.
originally posted on REI
Took this on a trip to Zion and Bryce. We did some long day hikes where we needed enough food and water for the whole day and clothes for changes in temps from morning to night plus a first aid kit for 4 people.The negatives: With a 3L water bladder in it, much of the 24 L space was compressed as the long pocket is narrow (front to back) to begin with. Getting out my puffy from the bottom of the pocket was tough with the water full. The top pocket was useless as it is directly over the water bladder. Mine has a stiff backing, so it is not compress down as it emptied and thus the pocket was never useful. It also has a very tall frame, which carries weight well, but makes it harder to stow under a seat on a plane. It had to go in the overhead. It is very tall on ... MoreTook this on a trip to Zion and Bryce. We did some long day hikes where we needed enough food and water for the whole day and clothes for changes in temps from morning to night plus a first aid kit for 4 people.The negatives: With a 3L water bladder in it, much of the 24 L space was compressed as the long pocket is narrow (front to back) to begin with. Getting out my puffy from the bottom of the pocket was tough with the water full. The top pocket was useless as it is directly over the water bladder. Mine has a stiff backing, so it is not compress down as it emptied and thus the pocket was never useful. It also has a very tall frame, which carries weight well, but makes it harder to stow under a seat on a plane. It had to go in the overhead. It is very tall on your back like a backpack and does not ride low like a day pack. Keep this in mind for hats that come down in the back.The Positives: It was very comfortable. No issues with weight. The hard frame carried all the weight I could fit in it easily. Because the bag fits close to the back, you do not feel the weight pulling backwards, but the limitations of this were noted above. The pack breathes well with a mesh and air space between your body and the pack. The belt pockets were big enough for small snacks and the side pocked each held full size Nalgenes. The pack cover is built in and takes a whole bottom pocket. As prime real estate, I removed the cover and used the pocket for my booboo kit reducing the size of my group first aid kit I had in the pack.Overall This is a good, not great day pack. I felt the shape and layout did not offer more room than a 20L. While my pack was fairly full, my wife carried a talon 18 and the only thing I carried in my bag that she didnt was the first aid and 2 extra nalgenes in the outside pockets.I have mixed feels saying whether I would recommend this or not. With no bladder and 2 Nalgenes in the pockets, this may work great, but you are paying for the option to carry a bladder. It may be that a 2L bladder would work much better. You just need to understand how you will set it up.
originally posted on altitude-sports.com
I bought this backpack (and returned it) to replace my old Stratos 33L.MINOR COMPLAINTS: the upper compression straps are even more dangly than before. The new hip belt pockets are difficult to close and close strangely. The sleeping bag strap anchor points were moved closer together so whatever is strapped in sits out further and swings a little more. BIG COMPLAINT: the new version only comes in one size of frame which is too tall for my torso ( I’m average height at 5’8) - I thought it would be ok but it got dangerous when I went to do a move on a scramble and the frame bumped the back of my head as I lunged upwards. I was over a 30 foot drop and it could have caused me to misplace my foot.LIKES: Bigger hip pockets. More eco friendly material. Suspension system, ... MoreI bought this backpack (and returned it) to replace my old Stratos 33L.MINOR COMPLAINTS: the upper compression straps are even more dangly than before. The new hip belt pockets are difficult to close and close strangely. The sleeping bag strap anchor points were moved closer together so whatever is strapped in sits out further and swings a little more. BIG COMPLAINT: the new version only comes in one size of frame which is too tall for my torso ( I’m average height at 5’8) - I thought it would be ok but it got dangerous when I went to do a move on a scramble and the frame bumped the back of my head as I lunged upwards. I was over a 30 foot drop and it could have caused me to misplace my foot.LIKES: Bigger hip pockets. More eco friendly material. Suspension system, hip belt and shoulder straps are insanely comfortable. Organization. Rain fly.Conclusion, this is a darn good pack if you have the right size of torso. If not for that I would have kept it.
| Load Range | 7 - 14 kg |
| Volume | 2197 IN3 / 36 L |
| Dimensions | 71H X 37W X 27D CM |
Osprey Men's Stratos Hiking Backpack
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Osprey Stratos 36L - Cetacean Blue
Free delivery
Stratos 36 Men's Backpacking Backpack
Free delivery between 17–23 June
New version - NOT as good as the predecessor versions. Osprey changed the side pockets, which now have a difficult time accommodating a Nalgene 1 liter bottle. More importantly, they changed the way the frame height and shoulder straps adjust. They discarded the perfectly functional velcro scheme, which was infinitely adjustable (within the overall limit) and substituted a mickey mouse tabular scheme. This reduces the overall height adjustment available (so if you're 5'11" or more, be careful) and changes the feel of the pack on your shoulders. This change, as well as the side pockets, are detrimental to the overall utility and feel of the pack. Fortunately, I have a few other legacy Osprey 34 and 36 packs, so I'll live, but this is a disappointment.
Took this on a trip to Zion and Bryce. We did some long day hikes where we needed enough food and water for the whole day and clothes for changes in temps from morning to night plus a first aid kit for 4 people.The negatives: With a 3L water bladder in it, much of the 24 L space was compressed as the long pocket is narrow (front to back) to begin with. Getting out my puffy from the bottom of the pocket was tough with the water full. The top pocket was useless as it is directly over the water bladder. Mine has a stiff backing, so it is not compress down as it emptied and thus the pocket was never useful. It also has a very tall frame, which carries weight well, but makes it harder to stow under a seat on a plane. It had to go in the overhead. It is very tall on ... MoreTook this on a trip to Zion and Bryce. We did some long day hikes where we needed enough food and water for the whole day and clothes for changes in temps from morning to night plus a first aid kit for 4 people.The negatives: With a 3L water bladder in it, much of the 24 L space was compressed as the long pocket is narrow (front to back) to begin with. Getting out my puffy from the bottom of the pocket was tough with the water full. The top pocket was useless as it is directly over the water bladder. Mine has a stiff backing, so it is not compress down as it emptied and thus the pocket was never useful. It also has a very tall frame, which carries weight well, but makes it harder to stow under a seat on a plane. It had to go in the overhead. It is very tall on your back like a backpack and does not ride low like a day pack. Keep this in mind for hats that come down in the back.The Positives: It was very comfortable. No issues with weight. The hard frame carried all the weight I could fit in it easily. Because the bag fits close to the back, you do not feel the weight pulling backwards, but the limitations of this were noted above. The pack breathes well with a mesh and air space between your body and the pack. The belt pockets were big enough for small snacks and the side pocked each held full size Nalgenes. The pack cover is built in and takes a whole bottom pocket. As prime real estate, I removed the cover and used the pocket for my booboo kit reducing the size of my group first aid kit I had in the pack.Overall This is a good, not great day pack. I felt the shape and layout did not offer more room than a 20L. While my pack was fairly full, my wife carried a talon 18 and the only thing I carried in my bag that she didnt was the first aid and 2 extra nalgenes in the outside pockets.I have mixed feels saying whether I would recommend this or not. With no bladder and 2 Nalgenes in the pockets, this may work great, but you are paying for the option to carry a bladder. It may be that a 2L bladder would work much better. You just need to understand how you will set it up.
I bought this backpack (and returned it) to replace my old Stratos 33L.MINOR COMPLAINTS: the upper compression straps are even more dangly than before. The new hip belt pockets are difficult to close and close strangely. The sleeping bag strap anchor points were moved closer together so whatever is strapped in sits out further and swings a little more. BIG COMPLAINT: the new version only comes in one size of frame which is too tall for my torso ( I’m average height at 5’8) - I thought it would be ok but it got dangerous when I went to do a move on a scramble and the frame bumped the back of my head as I lunged upwards. I was over a 30 foot drop and it could have caused me to misplace my foot.LIKES: Bigger hip pockets. More eco friendly material. Suspension system, ... MoreI bought this backpack (and returned it) to replace my old Stratos 33L.MINOR COMPLAINTS: the upper compression straps are even more dangly than before. The new hip belt pockets are difficult to close and close strangely. The sleeping bag strap anchor points were moved closer together so whatever is strapped in sits out further and swings a little more. BIG COMPLAINT: the new version only comes in one size of frame which is too tall for my torso ( I’m average height at 5’8) - I thought it would be ok but it got dangerous when I went to do a move on a scramble and the frame bumped the back of my head as I lunged upwards. I was over a 30 foot drop and it could have caused me to misplace my foot.LIKES: Bigger hip pockets. More eco friendly material. Suspension system, hip belt and shoulder straps are insanely comfortable. Organization. Rain fly.Conclusion, this is a darn good pack if you have the right size of torso. If not for that I would have kept it.
I wrote a list of things I needed in a pack and narrowed my decision down to three and ultimately decided on the Stratos 34.Some features that swayed my decision were panel loading and how organized I can keep everything. The adjustability of the ladder airspeed suspension system so I can dial in the right fit. I don’t have a sweaty back with this pack and is very comfortable but is on the heavy side. Seems to be robust and durable but time will tell. I love that a rain cover is included.I will be using this while hiking and it’s large enough for a weekend getaway if I pack lightly.Overall very happy I made this decision.
I originally bought the Mystery Ranch Scree 32 for day hikes, overnighters and as an emergency bag in between, maybe for travel on occasion. It had amazing features like the super accessible Y-zip opening, but it was very uncomfortable. My back was hurting within minutes of wearing it because all the weight just hung against my lower back despite many adjustments in accordance with their instructions.Enter the Stratos 34. Incredibly comfortable, airy and supportive frame thanks to super breathable open-air mesh backing/straps and great adjustability. The comfort difference over the Scree 32 was night and day. I could walk for a long time with this thing loaded up on my back, which was the most important thing I was looking for in a pack.However, everything else ... MoreI originally bought the Mystery Ranch Scree 32 for day hikes, overnighters and as an emergency bag in between, maybe for travel on occasion. It had amazing features like the super accessible Y-zip opening, but it was very uncomfortable. My back was hurting within minutes of wearing it because all the weight just hung against my lower back despite many adjustments in accordance with their instructions.Enter the Stratos 34. Incredibly comfortable, airy and supportive frame thanks to super breathable open-air mesh backing/straps and great adjustability. The comfort difference over the Scree 32 was night and day. I could walk for a long time with this thing loaded up on my back, which was the most important thing I was looking for in a pack.However, everything else about the bag is just pretty good or okay. I really miss the simplicity and rapid accessibility of MR’s Y-zip. You could “rip” open up the whole bag very quickly and get to your gear. This bag is a panel loader which is very run-of-the-mill. Works pretty well but you have to undo straps in multiple places to fully unzip it. It is nowhere near as easy to access my gear as my previous bag, but still easy enough.The storage itself gets eaten up quickly by the harsh curve of the frame (which I actually love since it keeps so much of the pack off of your back) and it also pushes your hydration pack pretty deep into the interior. However, I still think there’s plenty of space for a weekend’s worth of stuff depending on your load out, especially with the straps at the bottom (which I wish more packs in this capacity range had…)The pockets themselves are just fine, I think the extra pockets at the bottom are excessive, just make it one giant pocket. I guess it’s nice to have a designated rain cover compartment but I’d rather just toss it in there. I don’t need a bunch of little compartments. But to each their own. Also I wish it had more attachment points, I wanted to secure my big Grayl bottle in the water bottle pocket and the only sensible place to attach a carabiner was to a little tab on the pocket itself. It works but I’ve seen better from other brands.Everyone complains about the front zip pocket, how it becomes “useless” when the bag is full. However I find it awesome for objects like maps, documents, face masks, things like that. I actually really like this pocket a lot.Ultimately though, I don’t think any of these gripes are deal-breakers for my intended use. This pack delivers on comfort, support and breathability which are the most important aspects of a pack if you ask me. It isn’t the best in other areas but still definitely good enough for what I’d like to use it for.Overall I’d recommend this bag for sure. No one wants a sweaty, aching back whether it’s for recreation or travel or emergencies. It’s pretty big without being too big, offers some nice extras like straps at the bottom, and while several small things could be better it’s definitely an excellent choice in this size range.
This pack was perfect for my needs as a single day trip user. I do geologic fieldwork and carry several pieces of equipment as well as some rock samples. I sometimes pack quite a bit of weight and I am using the pack all day. I was using the 24-liter version, but this 34-liter version is perfect. Much roomier but not too big. The pack is extremely comfortable with its ventilated suspension system, waist and chest straps and shoulder padded straps. Perfect. The pack is also very durable and has many side pouches for my compass, GPS unit, batteries, bug repellent devices and pens and pencils. The REI people were very helpful in helping me choose the pack.
Wow, love the fit. The frame, belt and straps make this the most comfortable pack I've ever worn. No movement and hardly notice it even when fully loaded. And I do love the airspeed suspension system to keep me cool. Room for everything on a long day up into the cold mountain air, or on a cold rainy day. Lots of room for water (bladder in the pack and a bottle or 2 of electrolytes on the side). Pull the dual compression staps tight and it works nicely when not so full. Although I haven't tried it for an overnight, byt I think it will work great for a single night where you're not packing much extra. Tie on a tent, or sleeping pad, lots of room inside. It's very sturdy fabric and straps;] zippers and zipper pulls are strong and functional and I prefer the open back ... MoreWow, love the fit. The frame, belt and straps make this the most comfortable pack I've ever worn. No movement and hardly notice it even when fully loaded. And I do love the airspeed suspension system to keep me cool. Room for everything on a long day up into the cold mountain air, or on a cold rainy day. Lots of room for water (bladder in the pack and a bottle or 2 of electrolytes on the side). Pull the dual compression staps tight and it works nicely when not so full. Although I haven't tried it for an overnight, byt I think it will work great for a single night where you're not packing much extra. Tie on a tent, or sleeping pad, lots of room inside. It's very sturdy fabric and straps;] zippers and zipper pulls are strong and functional and I prefer the open back loading over the top loading for a day pack. Included rain cover works great, needed it on my first day up Golden Ears Mountain. And being a very technical, steep hike, this was the perfect backpack for this type of terrain. Tight to my body and no shifting of the load. Love it!
I bought this as an upgrade and expansion from my Talon 11, which I love, for some longer adventures I have planned. I’m not a minimalist, ultralight hiker, but I like a bag that holds just enough. The suspension and frame of this pack keeps the load well distributed, and even over-packed with 2.5 liters of water in it, I never felt like this was heavy. The pockets are well thought out, and absolutely bombproof. Haven’t had to use the rain cover but it’s great to have on call.Only quibble is the pockets one the hip belt are a bit hard to zip close, but that’s such a minor issue it’s barely worth mentioning.As someone who’s been hiking for 30+ years, this is a really great addition to the gear roster.
I’ve used this pack for three hikes so far: a 12-mile hike when it was 85 degrees with no breeze, and two under 5-mile hikes with my dog when is was 20 degrees cooler. This pack was comfortable at all times, and roomy enough to carry extra water and a big med kit for my dog in addition to my own stuff. I really like the pockets on the waist belt for keeping dog (and human) snacks handy, but as others have pointed out, you need two hands to zip them up. That, and the far reach back for the side pockets give me a good reason to keep my shoulder flexible! (I reach my water bottle by grabbing the cap’s tether, but I can’t put it back in without help or taking off the pack). I also like the side loops to quickly stash my hiking poles on the go. I’m glad I found the ... MoreI’ve used this pack for three hikes so far: a 12-mile hike when it was 85 degrees with no breeze, and two under 5-mile hikes with my dog when is was 20 degrees cooler. This pack was comfortable at all times, and roomy enough to carry extra water and a big med kit for my dog in addition to my own stuff. I really like the pockets on the waist belt for keeping dog (and human) snacks handy, but as others have pointed out, you need two hands to zip them up. That, and the far reach back for the side pockets give me a good reason to keep my shoulder flexible! (I reach my water bottle by grabbing the cap’s tether, but I can’t put it back in without help or taking off the pack). I also like the side loops to quickly stash my hiking poles on the go. I’m glad I found the manual for this pack on the support site. The comfort of this pack is largely due to the employees who helped me try on four different packs before I found the one that fit best. I’m going on a hiking trip to Newfoundland this summer and I can’t wait to hike around the big island with this pack
This pack serves the primary purpose of being able to travel light on my feet and by public transit in Europe and Asia. I needed a pack that was dependable and that I could comfortably carry all day. This meant that I needed a pack with a frame and that offered high ventilation. I did not want to be lugging around lots of gear. Therefore, after considerable research and reading other people's experiences I decided upon a 30 to 40 litre pack. I narrowed it down to a 34 or 36 litre Osprey Stratos pack. I decided upon the 34 litre Osprey pack given I prefer a front loader to a top loading pack. The front loading pack makes it easier to load and find things afterwards. If I need more carrying space for a portion of my trip, I can attach external pouches to increase my ... MoreThis pack serves the primary purpose of being able to travel light on my feet and by public transit in Europe and Asia. I needed a pack that was dependable and that I could comfortably carry all day. This meant that I needed a pack with a frame and that offered high ventilation. I did not want to be lugging around lots of gear. Therefore, after considerable research and reading other people's experiences I decided upon a 30 to 40 litre pack. I narrowed it down to a 34 or 36 litre Osprey Stratos pack. I decided upon the 34 litre Osprey pack given I prefer a front loader to a top loading pack. The front loading pack makes it easier to load and find things afterwards. If I need more carrying space for a portion of my trip, I can attach external pouches to increase my carrying capacity.
| Load Range | 7 - 14 kg |
| Volume | 2197 IN3 / 36 L |
| Dimensions | 71H X 37W X 27D CM |
