Osprey Packs Stratos 32 Backpack - 1800-2200 cu in - 2007 BCS

This is a great pack. It is well built and the fabric is sturdy. Unfortunately, it does run true to size and the medium is a bit short for my 20" torso. I had to return the pack and am actively seeking a large now.

I just returned from New Zealand, I had the pack filled to capacity. I’m 6’4” and the large pack fit me well. I liked being able to access my gear through the side pocket, particularly when it started to rain and my rain gear was in the bottom of the pack. The AirCore suspension was comfortable and I liked being able to hang my hydration bag between the AirCore mesh and the pack. I was afraid that the AirCore system my be more gimmick than functional; this wasn’t the case, however, as my back remained cool and dry through heavy use. Finally, the pack is very tightly designed. Tramping through the lush New Zealand forest the pack didn’t get hung up on the vegetation. Now I look forward to trying it out skiing.

I received the Stratos 32 about 6 weeks ago and have since used it for several day hikes and to carry fly fishing and other gear into remote locations. So far I am liking the pack and feel I made the right choice (with your help and great service ). It is light, has lots of versatility with the large main compartment and external small and not-so-small side pockets. And it's easy to lash gear and/or clothing to the outside or stuff items in the external pockets. The fit and weight of the pack are perhaps the most impressive features. It's easy to adjust both when first putting the pack on and while moving down the trail when little adjustments can shift things a bit and relieve some body tensions. The frame gives the pack good shape and helps distribute load but prevents one from stuffing it into small places for storage or transport. We'll see how the material and zippers hold up with time. It's seems to be a quality pack so don't think that will be an issue. I'm looking forward to strapping my skis and snowshoes to it this winter. Seems the large capacity and good access will be just right for winter day treks when easy removing and adding clothing is key for comfort and safety. The narrow profile should be great when using poles. I would highly recommend this pack for winter trekking and during other seasons when quite a bit of gear is carried. If you don't need that much gear the compression straps effectively reduce the size.

The Osprey Stratos is a very good pack. The AirCore Suspension really does what it's designed to do: ventilate and keep you cool. However, the necessary curve required for the AirCore Suspension limits easy access to the bottom portion of the pack's main compartment. And as someone else has already mentioned, if you also use your pack for school or work in addition to hiking, it is difficult to carry a notebook computer. I returned the pack and replaced it with the Osprey Kestrel 28. I purchased two: one for my wife, who describes the lichen color as very fashionable, and one for me, who prefers the twilight. One other item: The Stratos has "O" rings on the zipper pulls; the Kestrel has a more simple pull. I prefer the "O" rings so I purchased a dozen from Osprey ($0.50 each) and replaced the pulls on both of our Kestrels. Nice.

Took this pack for an all night half dome hike and it was great. I had it loaded with 27 pounds of gear and it did just fine.

I have used this pack to climb over a dozen 10,000' plus volcanoes. It has come with me up Cotopaxi, Orizaba, and Chimborazo. The Stratos has carried my sport climbing gear on countless crags throughout Guatemala. On expeditions I can cram it into my North Face duffel. This pack is tough, fits like a glove, keeps me dry, and holds everything I need to reach the top. I love the simplicity of the design, the side access, and the dual gear loops Ice ax on one side and poles on the other. Everything about this pack was designed for folks love to climb above the clouds.

My admiration for this pack is ever growing. I say that, because I have had it for almost two months, and just got to actually hike with it. The detailing makes it obvious that it was designed by folks that used it and tweaked it. The AirCore suspension ensures a comfortable fit with lots of air space between you and the pack. The ErgoPull hip belt is ingenious; you buckle, then tighten two straps toward your center, comfortably cinching the pack to your waist. The support rods and shoulder harness effectively move the load from your upper body to you hips, where the mass belongs. The detailing and thought put into this pack are astounding. I heartily recommend it, and include it with those few products that are just simply a pleasure to own. Get one!