i can't say enough good things about this pack. it is the ONLY one of it's size that i was able to find with all the options i wanted. in a pack i want lots of straps both on the body of the pack and on the bottom, two lid compression straps, loops to add straps--especially on top, double ice axe loops (one for poles, one for a snow shovel), solid (not mesh) waistband pockets, outer pocket of some kind for my poncho, and small internal pockets for littler items.

this pack is the perfect size for all my essentials and it keeps them organized. all the straps on the outside make it versitile. if i'm going on a short camping trip i can fit everything inside. if i go on a longer trip i can simply strap my tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad on the outside.

not only does this pack satisfy me with it's organization, but it also is comfortable to wear. when i have everything cinched down, it rides easily and doesn't create any hot spots. the "washboard" backplate is comfortable and keeps the sweat evaporation at an acceptable level.

now, for the sizing, i'm a 5'2" girl and if the waistband was any larger, i wouldn't be able to wear this pack. i keep it cinched tight on my waist as tight as it'll go (when i'm wearing a t-shirt) and it fits me perfect. if you are any smaller than me though, unfortunately this pack will be too loose on you.

in conclusion: osprey makes quality stuff and this pack is no exception. buy it and you will not regret it.

Boughta a Kestrel 38 a while back. It is everything Osprey says it is and more!! I have the medium/large and it has 2300 cu. in. For me it is a bit too large for a short to mid day pack, but if you are going to use it in the summer time and you have all of the lightweight other small gear, it is a wonderful 2-3 night backpack. Or a great "off season" day pack? I loaded it up past the recomended weight capacity and it did not know the difference one bit. I expect this pack will keep on impressing me each time I use it? Very well thought out with the options Osprey added, and probably the best well made pack I have ever owned? including a couple of older Osprey's that I have!! This Kestrel 38 pack amazes me with the options it has and the quality of the materials and functionality compared to it's price? I would easily pay twice what they are priced at to get a pack this good. Absolutely no regrets.

Buy One.

This is by far the best backcountry-adventure / overnight pack I have ever owned. I actually bought it for school. As a medical school student, I routinely carry about 30 pounds worth of textbooks, notepads, and a laptop on my back. Other backpacks would hurt my shoulders and my neck. This pack is designed to carry weight. You can perfectly adjust the sternum strap, shoulder straps, and waist straps to distribute the weight evenly across your back and hips. Since I've been using this, my back and neck have not hurt once.

I have also taken this camping in the Utah desert in and around Moab multiple times. The Airscape back panel keeps you from sweating profusely in that region, as other packs are prone to cause. In addition, the hydration pocket area is a godsend, freeing your hands from searching for water bottles.

Also looks great!
A good pack! Great job Osprey!

A great pack! Well suited for hut to hut hiking in New Hampshire and also work well on European hut trips.

I'm very impressed with this pack. Osprey pays attention to the details (like a whistle built into the clip on the sternum strap) and the build quality is fantastic. Lots of places to stash gear: hip pockets, side stash pockets, front mesh pocket, gear lashes, etc.

Top and bottom access to the main compartment rocks!

Only complaint is that the lower side compression strap goes over the side stash pocket. Not a big deal to me.

I highly recommend this pack.

I've used this pack for multi-day treks. It's a useful size and generally well designed. Things I would improve are a better strap management system to contain the multitude of adjustment straps especially the waist strap which requires adjustment every time you add or take off a layer; use a stronger back and side web material which has already started to stretch; and add a panel to separate the lower sleeping bag area from the main compartment. Overall still a very good and versatile pack.

This is one fine pack. Lite in weight,very comfortable to shoulder,and can really hold some serious weight. Bought it after trying The North face Terra-the Terra fit poorly, although it's made well.One gripe for the Kestrel though, no internal pockets for small items.Other than that, a good deal.One more thing, the service I had recieved from this site was probably the best service I had ever come across,even tops Cabelas, keep it up guys,you got my vote.

I've had this pack for almost 6 months and I absolutely love it. It's compartments are conviently located and the suspension system makes the pack incredibly comfortable. I've used this pack on several overnight trips and have not been disapointed yet. It is somewhat small is you are looking to venture out for more than 1 night or if you are looking for a pack for winter camping.

I have used this pack on 5 trips so far. Ranging from 10 mile hikes to 3 day camp trips. This pack does it all. It is durable, fits a lot, and is very flexible to your size. I had to pack a tent, pad, bag, food, dishes, clothes, and a tarp in this pack and didn't notice at all. It even comes with its own rainfly and on one hike it was a downpour and this kep my camera and everything dry.
Best pack for the size and price. GET ONE!

I absolutely love this pack. I used it for a week of hiking in Colorado. It helped me make it to the top of Mt Elbert, the highest peak in CO. I especially like the trekking pole tie downs and the stuff sacks for removing layers.

This pack is awesome. It has all of the features of a much larger pack but in 38L size. I can't tell you how valuable the bottom access zipper is for reaching stuff way down in the pack. If you don't have a bottom zipper on your pack, you know what I'm talking about. Very comfortable. The shoulder strap is contoured perfectly, the hip belt is wide and slim. (Even has hip belt pockets for keys, camera, phone, etc) I went for a 5 mile hike recently with a moderate load, and I forgot the pack was on most of the time. If you want to get into lightweight weekending or even overnight trips, you can't go wrong with this pack. Excellent travel pack too. If I only had to have one pack, this would be the one. I expect I'll use it more than my $500 Arc'teryx. Oh, and Backcountry's service is excellent.

I just took this pack canyoneering in Zions this last weekend and it held up so well! It withstood the rubbing against the rock walls with a 200 ft rope in it. And it didn't soak up the stink of the potholes we had to swim through. It has all the features I was looking for and it is very comfortable.

Great pack. This is my first Kestrel. It is more comfy than past dakine and docore packs. Fair price offered by back country, and good service. Small down side-it lacks small outside pockets.

Just took the pack to Death Valley and Zion Nat. Parks-- for some serious trekking. The pack is comfortable and breathes easy. The built in rain cover is awesome and I always had enough room for my gear--plus some. Couple design flaws that you need to get used to--
-if you use a water bladder it sits right behind the air escape back panel and changes its contour...I agree it provides incentive to drink water through your trek but what they hey--it shouldn't! place the bladder elsewhere if this bothers you.
-the cinch straps go over the water bottle sleeves on the side of the pack. initially I found this annoying and counterproductive as it wouldn't allow for the water bottles to sit correctly--- BUT- the material stretches and it eventually works just fine.

All in All-- a good sturdy day pack and could be used for a 2-3 day trek if you pack it right. holds the weight well. highly recommend it--

Man this pack is great. Very comfy and I would recommend it to everyone. At least to everyone looking for a great day pack. It would work for a short overnighter, but perfect for day stuff.

This pack was great during my trek through the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. It was light and super comfortable and the integrated rain cover was a lifesaver during rain forest downpours. I highly recommend this pack, thanks Osprey!