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Description

When snow’s on the ground, the Kode is on your back.

Avalanche professionals, ski guides, and backcountry powder freaks flock to the Osprey Kode 38 Backpack for its versatile, comfortable carrying, large capacity, and streamlined design. The Kode features multiple carry options for both boards and skis, as well as plenty of pocket storage for all your essential winter items.
  • Reinforced straps carry skis or a snowboard
  • Backpanel access into a large dry pocket for extra clothes and gear
  • Top-loading access lets you quickly get at your avy gear
  • Insulated hydration sleeve helps you stay well-watered without any freeze-ups

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Osprey Packs Kode 38 Backpack - 2100-2500cu in

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Here's what others have to say...

Bow-tie Arch

ian4791397

Member since 
Posted on

Found this pack to work amazing for canyoneering. Rope fits in perfect and stays separate from rest of pack... Fits well and thicker material for rough sand stone.

5 5

jjqp481301

Member since 
  • Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Love this pack, Great Product help from Backcountry.com!
The ability to open the pack from the side zip without taking the lid off is a huge PLUS.

The Kode 38 LARGE has a backpanel height of 21".
Add the size of the built-in Helmet/Goggle lid and the height of the pack grows to over 27"-- Way to LARGE for airplane carry-on.


The Kode 38 MEDIUM has a backpanel height of 18"
Add the size of the built-in Helmet/Goggle lid and the height of the pack grows to about 24"-- Just right for carry-on.

If you cinch the helmet/goggle lid down across the back of the pack (Like the product picture) you can compress the height of the MEDIUM to 21-22"

4 5

Laura

Member since 
  • Gender: Female
  • Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

I use this every day at work as a lift operator and trail worker and it has held up without a problem. One of the brain zippers busted after about a year, but Osprey fixed it for me no problem. It's got a great amount of cleverly-placed pockets and a variety of ways to cram it full of gear. Hydration sleeve is also excellently designed and works flawlessly in combination with my CamelBak.

I have also used it to carry a snowboard while hiking and it worked surprisingly well for a pack that was designed more for skiers (I would not say that there are multiple options for ways to carry a board, but this is true of skis.).

Carrying for 2

brian bonar

Member since 
Posted on

Not quite the quintessential intended use of this pack but has been great for shepherding gear up and down the mountain with my 3 & 5 year old. We were in Whistler BC this past week and got multiple comments while playing Sherpa dad from mountain to condo. Great pack.

5 5

DragonR

Member since 
  • Gender: Male
  • Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

I have an Osprey Stratos 36 I purchased this summer for hiking so I know how comfortable Osprey packs feel. So I purchased the Kode 38 for snowboarding and hiking into the backcountry to replace my BCA Stash BC and Stash Rider (both purchased from Backcountry.com in years past). I could not be happier. The Kode 38 did not disappoint on my recent 4 day snowboard trip to Madarao Kogen, Niigata Japan. It carried all the water, Cliff bars, energy gel packs, and avalanche gear that I could stuff into it. I have not used my Kode 38 to carry my snowboard yet, but I will soon and will make another report at that time on how it performs. Other than that, it is perfect. You don't even know that you are wearing a backpack as is the case with all Osprey backpacks. I would recommend this to any serious backcountry rider. Some reviews complain about the cost, but you definitely get what you pay for with Osprey..in my opinion. I bought my friend a large Osprey Kode 38 (I have the medium) and he is just as pleased. The attached photo is of my friend on our recent trip to Madarao Kogen.

Awesome Pack
3 5

BergMann

Member since 
  • Gender: Male
  • Familiarity: I returned this product before using it

I loaded up this pack side by side with the Kode 30, and made a disappointing discovery:
My medium Smith Variant helmet wouldn't fit in the "helmet" compartment in the lid of the Kode 38 pack, but the Kode 30's external helmet-carrier holds it with ease.
Sad thing is that even the Kode 30 wouldn't hold my helmet and allow me to A-frame carry my 185cm skis at the same time - the helmet prevents you from strapping your ski tips together to limit movement that can lead to your ski edges cutting the pack fabric.
I like the overall fit & function of these packs, but Osprey needs to rethink their helmet carry designs.
Tip for Osprey: providing a second set of tether points for the helmet carry flap towards the bottom of the Kode 30 pack would allow carrying a helmet on the back of the pack while A-framing skis.

Near mt. Hood...sooo fun!

ajsurfinhb1181916

Member since 
Posted on

Love the Kode 38, it's well made and comfy but I like the design of the 30 better for faster access to avy gear...other than that minor gripe this pack is perfect!

3 5

cou5241777

Member since 

Definitely a sturdy looking pack for an Osprey. However a mix between too many bells and whistles as well as not the correct ones. In order to access the main back compartment, you have to unclip the upper shoulder straps. The only other entry being a super small zipper opening. All the unclipping is no fun in many backcountry situations especially in colder temps. No water bottle pockets. In colder temperatures bladder hoses will freeze up. Finally the criss-crossing straps were annoying to adjust (similar to chaco sandals). It would be a great pack for a relaxing, low angle ski in mild weather conditions.

So it looks good for the snow... how about...

ozw4026356

Member since 
Posted on

So it looks good for the snow... how about the summer when the snow melts? I'm worried about the back panel really heating up in the summer...

Kate Williamson

Member since 
Groups:
Responded on

That is the compromise when using a winter pack for warmer weather pursuits.

Because you don't want a ventilated pack in snow because snow will build up in the mesh backing, the backpanel in a winter pack tend to be hot for summer use. However, if you use a summer pack in snow, you lose backpanel entry, closed backpanel to resist snow build up, and an exposed hydration hose that is more prone to freezing.

So it depends on what you want the pack to function better for--summer use or winter use.

5 5

Richard Mackie

Member since 

Bought this for my summer job last year at Mt. Rainier. It has seen a lot of use since then. Did a lot of back country snowboarding and camping. It's large enough to take on day hikes and small overnight trips, if you can get a little creative with strapping great to the outside. The snowboard straps keep the board really well balanced. The pockets on the waist belt are perfect for a small camera, phone, or avy beacon. I really like the fact that is has a large separate dry pocket to keep your wet gear off your dry warm clothes. (also fits 12pack for those resort days)
I'm 5'11 and 190lbs ~33inch waist this pack fits so well I rarely snowboard without it. The quality of this pack is amazing. I did have a clip on a strap when I ate it with a pair snowshoes strapped in. I sent Osprey an email and had several replacements sent to me free of charge. Really great company and would by this pack over again any day. This is my go to bag for almost everything. You won't be disappointed.

What are your thoughts in using this as...

tmbirdsall1086861

Member since 
Posted on

What are your thoughts in using this as an ice climbing pack?

Kate Williamson

Member since 
Groups:
Responded on

It would work fine, but it is designed for backcountry ski and not for ice tools... My friend is using the Osprey Mutant 38 and that pack is working perfectly for him. It is a little more streamlined and light weight. Two cool features--the hip belt has ice screw holsters built in and the ice tool holders are the cleanest design on the market.

Also the Osprey Variant 37 has been the staple for alpine climbing for years and is a more fully-featured pack whereas the Mutant 38 is the less featured, lighter-weight option.

Skiing the Haute Route later this year,...

ecopedro

Member since 
Posted on

Skiing the Haute Route later this year, and the Black Diamond Revelation pack (which I recently bought based on a recommendation) seems a bit too small. Hoes does this compare in quality and usefulness for ski mountaineering?

Mike Traslin

Member since 
Responded on

This this is a great ski touring, ski mountaineering pack!

This pack looks really good but I'm concerned...

byk3346726

Member since 
Posted on

This pack looks really good but I'm concerned about accessing the avy tools through the top. Anyone have experience with how difficult or slow this is? Pictures of the avy compartment would be really helpful.

Kate Williamson

Member since 
Groups:
Responded on

There are two long pockets inside--one for you probe, and one for your shovel handle. The blade goes in that pocket up against the pockets. It is as difficult as open lid, slide out probe, open/assemble probe. --OR-- If you are on shovel crew, open lid, take out shovel handle and blade, assemble, dig. The separate pockets for the probe/shovel handle are really nice in making it easy to grab exactly what you need.

byk3346726

Member since 
Responded on

Thanks for the reply. So after you unbuckle the top pouch and throw it back, you undo the drawstring and the shovel and probe are right there?

Hi I was wondering if this bag meets the...

Ben Stanley

Member since 
Posted on

Hi I was wondering if this bag meets the airline standard for carry on bags??also can it fit a snowboard??Cheers

knanier

Member since 
Responded on

Yes, it will carry a snowboard. You can get it on a plane, depending on how full you pack it...if its overflowing...it'll be tight

Kim Havell

Member since 
Groups:
Responded on

This pack can definitely pack to the max and fit airplane standards, no problem.

View all contributions... Be patient, it might take a while.