Gear Review
Osprey Packs Kestrel 28 Backpack - 1587-1709cu in
One major complaint
By drwdog31444536
Ranked #762 - Daypacks - Technical
October 21, 2008
I've had the Kestrel 28, for 9 months or so and have used it quite a bit for for weekend trips and some technical scrambling. My only complaint is that when the pack is only partially loaded the back panel will sometimes form a roll creating a nasty pressure point on my back. It potentially could be fixed by inserting a longitudinally stiff plastic sheet behind the existing back panel. Other than the pack being uncomfortable at times I think its great.
View Details: Osprey Packs Kestrel 28 Backpack - 1587-1709cu in
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
Tech Specs:
- Material:
- nylon packcloth (420D), nylon (210D, double diamond ripstop)
- Volume:
- (S/M) 1587 cu in, (M/L) 1709 cu in
- 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
- Ice Axe Loops:
- 2
- Weight:
- (S/M) 2 lb 9 oz, (M/L) 2 lb 11 oz
- Recommended Use:
- hiking, backpacking
- Manufacturer Warranty:
- lifetime
Change me.
4 Comments Last Reply: May 29, 2010 By: Clayton
I re-purchased the Kestrel 28 after reading here that the "roll" at the back had been fixed and then contacting Osprey to hear the same thing directly from them. I recently took it out for a first hike and had the same problem as before with the supposedly "fixed" backpanel. I will be promptly returning this pack and replacing it with something else on Monday.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
I actually had the same problem with the pack. The third time I took it out on a long day hike, about 7 miles in, my back was in desperate pain. I've spent the last two years looking for a replacement--something top-loading, in the 25L range--and haven't been impressed with anything I've found. Then I saw this review and Andy's comment. I called Osprey this morning, and they confirmed the in-line change. Now I'm thinking about re-purchasing a 2010 model, as it had everything else I wanted in a pack.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
This has actually been fixed on this pack. I saw a new version of this pack (2010) and the back does not bend in half like it used to. I called Osprey and they confirmed they made an in-line change to this pack to correct this problem. Great improvement!
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
I have the same issue with the pack. The "roll" you speak of forms at the point where the back panel material narrows near the bottom of the pack. It rolls forward, right nto the small of my back. Other than that, the pack is nearly perfect. However, I will return it because I ddon't want to be uncomfortable.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes