Osprey Packs Kestrel 48 Backpack

This is a great bag for a one or two night trip, and with space saving in mind.INTERNALLY:The space is adequate when you're packing light. My sleeping bag didn't fit well in the bottom, but it's a cheap bag, so it doesn't pack down well. It was in a compression bag, but I could feel it in my lower back when the pack was on, so I just strapped it on the outside. Like many others said, the bladder compartment is too much work and more than half full and you start feeling it in your back. All the zippered pockets on the top were very useful, allowing me to have plenty of room for easy access to first aid, phone and wallet, snacks, etc, without needing to open the main compartment. The side pockets were nice for tall water bottles being accessed with ease, but took a lot of internal space to do so.EXTERNALLY:I liked the amount of loops provided to secure stuff to on the back. They seemed strong, and I attached my compression bag to them on our hike back and they worked well. The mesh pocket on the back was useful for maps, a small towel, and a few snacks. I'm not sure about sandals or a rain coat like stated. The water bottle pocket on the side works well, but I ended up using it to stuff my compact tripod legs into and using a side strap to secure the upper half. I clipped my Camelbak bottle to the shoulder strap and used the useful little band below it to secure the bottom so that my bottle wouldn't flop around with every stride. My big gripe with the externals is the lack of proper mounts to secure a tent, sleeping pad, etc, to the bottom. There were the two small loop straps, but those looked like they won't hold up over time. They're just sewn into the seam, and having a downward pull on them over time look like they'll fail. The other issue I had with them was I strapped my tent to it, but then it flops around as I walk because it's just hanging from two little straps. I looked around for a better way to secure it, but didn't look like it. I ended up using a long 60in strap to pull it in tight, wrapping it around the back section of the bag, securing it, but for the price, there could be a few more loops on the bottom so I don't need to buy more straps just to secure essentials.LOADED:The pack feels good. I'm 6'0, 190lbs (mostly legs and upper body), 33in waist. Initially I had the shoulder strap section height wrong, so hiking in I was bearing too much weight on my shoulders, but once adjusted, the weight shifted well to the hips. The waist strap needed to be pulled all the way in for it to be secure, but considering I was only wearing pants and a short sleeve shirt, it leaves room for layers. I feel this pack carries the weight well, even when I had my sleeping bag strapped to the outside on the back, never did I feel off balance.The reason for three stars? The lack of proper secure loops on the bottom that everyone would appreciate. Yes, some pack it different, and yes, I made it work, but two more loops near the back of the bottom would have made more sense and made strapping things way easier and prevent the bottom load from flopping as you walk. The other star is because the pockets on the waist strap are too small compared to other bags I looked at and own, the mesh outer compartment on the back was pretty useless and seemed like one snag and it's ruined, and it would be nice if the bottom was enforced with stronger material. We'll see how it holds up over time.I do enjoy the pack, I just hope it don't fall apart on the few weak points.

This a great backpack for those that pack light. The space fills up quick if you're not careful. The sleeping bag compartment easily fits my XL down sleeping bag and a fleece pullover. The main compartment is a little short for most average two person tents put you can make due if the tent is completely broken down. Tents and other equipment can also be attached to the loops on the bottom of the pack. Side pockets are great for storing a small hatchet. Backpack is very comfortable and adjustable but only tested on 3-4 day trips. I would consider getting the 58 kestrel just for a little more space.

Nice light weight pack well built About 3000 cu.. One thing though this pack looks black but its not its dark brown.A lot of backpackers say that kestrel 48 is only big enough for a overnighter i find that this is not true at all.I pack my Hammock / top and bottom quilts / Tarp / cloths bag / cook system / booty bag / first aid / rain gear /water filter / two smart water bottles / 8oz. fuel bottle / and a week of food [ mountian house pro-packs ] oatmeal /pop tarts / gorp / and other stuff. I guess it depends on the gear you have.

I used YouTube videos to figure out how to fit this thing to my small frame (I backpacked once before with miserable results) and it worked! Loaded with 5 liters of water, sleeping bag, pad, tent and all the other junk, I had a full pack that weighed in somewhere around 30+ pounds (it's somewhat small for anything more than a night or three). I could definitely feel the extra weight (and so did my feet at the end of the hike) but it was comfortable, well-balanced, and though not especially cool on the back, seemed to become a part of me so that I was able to complete a 12 mile out and back. The pack is very well made--lots of pockets and straps to tighten up the load and keep stuff from shifting. And, though light-weight, it seems quite durable. As mentioned above, the best part is the fit--I'm 65 years old, 5 ' 11", 150 lbs--I don't have good upper body strength, but this pack fits me like a glove and with a pair of trek poles I am confident that I can handle a minimalist "commando" hike of 3 or more nights!

Amazing bag for carrying anything an outdoors person needs. It can hold enough supplies for a few days of camping. I take it on all of the fishing trips and for transporting things around the city. I love the way that it comfortable when it is packed to capacity and it still remains comfortable and not too bulky when only carry a few items. It is very durable and I expect many years of reliable use out of it. Furthermore, it comes with a lifetime warranty and I have heard that Osprey has excellent customer service

This is a very comfortable pack and is the right size. I can use it for an over-nighter or say a 4 nighter. light and good quality as with all Osprey packs. I have the talon 33 and it was kinda small for more than an over-nighter and winter gear, but any thing around 50L will due you up to 3 days like most people do.I also think this pack will hold up for a good while. It will carry 30 to 35 LBS great and comfortably, I only carry 20 and it feels great on my back.

This pack is perfect for the kind of backpacking that i'm into. For me its just the right size to carry what I need and nothing more.

Seriously?! This pack shipped(Free prime shipping) Apr 7th from Tokyo and arrived at my door in Chicago 3 days later!!! Amazon needs to change its name to AMAZING!!!

I hate to sound ridiculous but this pack is truly amazing for a 48 liter so much storage inside and out.

Great pack. Fit in overhead bins on a plane, and can haul a large amount of gear in the bush. I will keep and use this weekend pack for many ears to come.

Great backpack. You can feel the quality in the materials, also it has great airflow for the back and very good support overall. This backpack is totally worth the cost!

Sad to see they stopped making this model because I love it. I hope it lasts for a long time I don't want to replace it and it seems so well made it may be my last pack :)

Hands down the best pack available on the market

Took this baby backpacking through Thailand for 2 months, was perfect size and held up great, lots of compartments and straps for ad ons, built in rain cover that was really...

This review is based on my use for the bag, which is for work, not as a bag for hiking or camping. If I rated it on the latter, then I would rate it 5, as it would be excellent...

I've put a bunch of day-hike miles on this pack since I got it... works great. Added the 3L H2o reservoir. I carry the pack for myself, kids and wife.