Osprey Packs Kestrel 48 Backpack

Great pack, great price!
August 01, 2012

Just took this bag for a 3 day trip and loved all the storage, different cubbies for holding and separating different things. I really like that most of the different sections expand or contract depending on how much you have in the main compartment. It was very comfortable and has lots of clip points for hanging or strapping items to the outside. Only thing I'd like to see would have been a easy to reach place to put a drink or snack.

Versatile Pack!
November 19, 2010

I am still marveling over the incredible durability and capacity that this Osprey pack offers. I currently own a North Face Catalyst 75, and needed to find a pack smaller for the lighter 3-4 day hikes. I also was looking for a pack that I could take on flights and be able to stow in the overhead compartment. This Osprey pack has achieved all of those requirements, and then some! Incredibly durable material, pockets galore, effective and sleek rain shell that is built-in to the pack, and a suspension system that moves with your every twist and turn! I specifically bought this pack for an upcoming trip to New Zealand and I expect it to hold up to the elements. Could be happier with my purchase. Altrec never lets me down.

Kestrel 48-worth every dime
October 31, 2008

The pack sits like it was custom made. It was just what I wanted size wise: As large as possible without being burdensome. I looked at the weight and decided that, because it was not an ultra light pack, it would be made of heavier, more durable material. It is! The hip belt fits like a dream and carries the load without digging in (however, to be critical, it could be just a bit more dense, weight has never been a concern of mine. If I want it on the trail, I bring it). The pack will expand to hold much more than is advertised. I can hold my gallon of water plus my water pump and 32 oz of Gatoraid no problem before I begin to pack it for a hike. The 48 will sit in an overhead luggage rack provided it is not overflowing at the top. I may very well purchase another one now so that if it is discontinued, or significantly changed, I will have what I want. Only production thing I would change is the thickness/density of the hip belt. I would add a few ounces there. The only personal thing I changed is the tool hangers on the back- I have no need for them. I cut them off and melted the ends as they interfered with my access to the bottom zipper.

Jack of all Trades pack
September 27, 2011

Purchased this pack for a recent trip to Colorado. I liked the different lash points it offered for future use on a variety of adventures. It's just a bit heavier than some other packs out there, but to me it's worth it not to sacrifice any performance. Wore it while climbing Quandary Peak, had it on my back for 6.5 hours, with a small load (4 L of water, 2 rain shells, 2 fleeces, hats and gloves, food, and misc items- I carried all my wife's gear too). No hot spots at the end of the day, and the AirScape back panel breathed well, my back never felt damp. Very comfortable fit- I'm 5'7", and got the S/M frame. Great compression, as I had a small load it cinched down nicely so that it was still stable. I like that the water bladder storage is separate from the main compartment, and the 3 pockets in the lid were nice for keeping the small items we needed to access quickly without digging in the bag- sunglasses, sunscreen, keys, etc. The stretch pocket on the front is a great addition, as my wife was able to stuff our gloves in there on the move without me having to take the pack off. Osprey nailed it on this one!

Great weekend pack!
July 21, 2011

The Osprey Kestrel 48 just maybe the perfect pack. I’m 5’11”, 190lbs, 19” torso, and the M/L fits like a glove. I’ve had it out now for two 3 day hikes and it held all my gear, never felt it shift or sag. At 4lbs, it’s not a light weight pack, but the extra weight adds to its stability and durability, so well worth it.

Well equipped
July 30, 2009

My first Osprey was the best pack I've ever used and the Kestrel has just topped it: an abundance of top hatch, side and hip belt pockets, quick stow hiking pole system, built-in rainfly with drainage pocket, side compression straps. My only gripe would be a slightly firmer hip belt similar to the Isoform on the Ather series, however it's not a deal breaker. A versatile pack that can handle large loads comfortably.

The best pack I have ever seen!
May 08, 2009

Recieved my Osprey Kestrel 48, and it was much more than I expected. After everything from a GI Alice Pack to a Kelty external frame, I was prepared to "settle for whatever". The quality of this pack can't be duplicated. Just returned from 5 days in Virginia on the Appalachian Trail. I carried everything for the trip-48 lbs when we started- without a sore spot at the end of the day. The suspension system is great, and quick to adjust. I had no complaint about the hip belt-it is the most comfortable I have ever seen. Going to Ireland late summer and I think that this is going to be my main piece of luggage. There is not a single stitch out of place, and the lifetime guarantee can't be beaten. This is the one to buy.

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Awesome pac
June 21, 2009

This pack has really proven itself worth every cent! It expands to hold a suprizingly large amount of gear while still remaining very comfortable. Excellent construction and workmanship. I would definitely suggest this pack to anyone. It has also worked out as a great carry-on for airplanes as you can pack for 5+ days without checking a bag! Also Altrec was wonderful to work with.

Osprey Kestrel 48
April 09, 2011

This backpack is great for hiking, and traveling. It is spacious and very light. The Kestrel 48 is very durable and allows for even weight distribution. I would recommend this product for anyone who is a serious back packer or hiker.

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very good
March 11, 2009

i have use the backpack during my camping and hiking trips and provides me with comfort and ease.the straps are good and fits to my body and the rain cover provides addtional protection.there is enough space to place additional gadgets and things.A very good product from osprey.

Great Pack
July 06, 2008

I've had this pack for a couple of months now. Its comfortable and large enough to be used for four or five days during the summer if you pack right, yet compresses down well enough to be used as a day pack. Way more comfortable than my previous packs of similar size. I would recommend without hesitation.

Best Pack I've Owned
February 03, 2011

This pack is hands-down awesome. It has tons of features without weighing a ton. I love Osprey packs and the Kestrel 48 is perfect for all my hiking needs. I normally hike 2-3 days and I can pack all I need and still have room left over. I could very easily take this pack on a week long hike. I'm 5'6" and around 125 lb. and the Small fits perfect. I have a long torso and small waist so I need a small hipbelt but can fit in medium straps but with the adjustable torso I was able to create the perfect fitting pack. I haven't had this pack too long so I can't comment on the durability but from the looks of it and Osprey standards I don't have any doubts that I'll be rocking this pack for a while.

awesome!
March 25, 2008

this is perfect for a weekend trip. could work on the suspension system though.

Good bang for the buck backpack
December 21, 2012

The size and weight of this backpack are perfect for longer days hikes or one-nighters. I generally enjoy the ergonomics and I like that it has many outside pockets but cinches up tight for good weight balance. My biggest complaint is I wish there were more/bigger ways to access the main compartment.

above average
March 01, 2009

Great backpack! Nice for camping and hiking, very convenient to carry unlike other backpacks with the same size.Truly a great product from osprey.

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Perfect Pack
March 09, 2009

A great pack for a great price. The side straps allow it to condense down for a day hike and allow it to fully expand for multi-day camping. Has everything you could want in a pack. Bladder sleeve and built in rain cover are great. So many pockets to store everything you need. (I find a new one everytime I put this thing on!)

Osprey Pack
June 19, 2012

This pack has so many great features that you don't even realize until your third or fourth trip. Every time I think of something this pack could use, it already has it. It feels very comfortable on and seems to be very durable. I recently took it on a 2 day 26 mile hike and it was comfortable and cool the whole trip. It is a good sized pack for a 2-3 day trip. I would recommend a bigger pack if your planning on taking longer trips. Or make sure a buddy has room in his pack for your stuff! :-)

speechless.....what can i say.....
June 04, 2008

Truely the best I have ever used. Durrable and reliable light wieght and is very comfortable!!!!!!

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