Gear Review
Osprey Packs Kestrel 28 Backpack - 1600-1700cu in
My Favorite Day/One Night Pack
By Erich Knaak
Ranked #751 - Daypacks - Technical
December 9, 2008
I'm sold. This pack has everything I need in a Winter day pack or light overnighter in the warm months. I pack heavy on day trips. I like to be prepared. Plus, a platypus of Merlot is a nice touch at lunch on a sunny peak.
The hydration pocket holds my 100 oz. CamelBak reservoir just fine and if I don't take that, the mesh pockets will fit a Nalgene bottle on each side.
I live in Seattle so the built in rain cover is worth the weight. The pockets on the hip belt rock! One for camera one for small binoculars or compass.
The trekking pole thing seems ridiculous -- until you use it. It looks a little funny but works very well.
I've used the big top mesh pocket to carry a snow shovel, and with a couple of straps was able to tie down my MSR snowshoes on top of that. Avalanche probe gets strapped on with the side compression straps. And there's room outside the main compartment for even more.
I keep my first aid equipment (I'm a mountaineering first aid instructor) in the bottom of the main compartment and I like the fact that I can access it easily through the lower zipper.
I haven't overnighted with the pack yet but I've packed it up to see that everything fits. I'm sure I could do a Spartan over-night with this pack.
As far as comfort goes, everyone is different. This pack works for me better than the half dozen or so I've used in this size range. I would buy this pack again in an instant! Osprey makes a quality product. I have the Argon 70 as well.
View Details: Osprey Packs Kestrel 28 Backpack - 1600-1700cu in
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
Tech Specs:
- Material:
- nylon packcloth (420D), nylon (210D, double diamond ripstop)
- Support/Suspension:
- HDPE headrail
- Waist-Belt:
- yes
- Hydration Compatible:
- yes
- Reservoir Included:
- no
- Rain Cover:
- yes, integrated
- Access:
- top
- Pockets:
- 1 front stretch, 2 side stretch, 2 hip-belt zippered, 1 top, 1 under-lid zip mesh
- Snowboard Carry:
- no
- Ski Carry:
- no
- Climbing Gear Loops:
- 0
- Ice Axe Loops:
- 2
- Shovel Pocket:
- no
- Weight:
- (small / medium) 2 lb 9 oz, (medium / large) 2 lb 11 oz
- Volume:
- (small / medium) 1587 cu in, (medium / large) 1709 cu in
- Recommended Use:
- hiking, backpacking
- Manufacturer Warranty:
- lifetime
Change me.
1 Comments Last Reply: December 13, 2009 By: Lee
Is this review for the Kestrel 38? I didn't think the 28 had lower zipper access.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes