Stratos 34

Great pack that I use for everyday commute to work on a bike. I had Atmos 35 that I had to replace as the frame was pushing against the back of the head (weird design) The frame problem is gone here but I do miss the side access to the side pockets and removable chest strap and for some weird reason one being 35L and this one 34L the difference in actual amount of stuff you can cram into it is around 5l not 1 Otherwise great pack.

After much research and using the Pack sizing App, I opted for the longer version of this pack. It's first trip was on a trek to Everest Base Camp and it performed faultlessly. The walking poles stowage system is excellent and was the envy of all the other members of the group. It is big enough to be able to carry all the paraphernalia needed for a trek in a hostile environment with extremes of weather. The rain cover worked perfectly in both rain and heavy snow keeping the contents completely dry (and it's easy to fit) and the back venting system kept me cool in temps of up o 28 degrees. It looks great too!

(This review was left for a previous version of this product.)

After owning this pack for one year, and using it for many one-day hikes, here is my feedback:
Pros:
- included raincover
- very large hip belt pockets (my iPhone fits easily)
- very comfortable on the hips (width OK)
- body side of the hipbelt is black, hence doesn't show the dirt
- almost stands up without falling down, when put down on a flat ground (but could stand up better, this is annoying and is worth being improved).

Cons:
- The largest of the two top pockets is in fact located in the main compartment, making it difficult to use when the pack is filled to the gills. Moreover, it partly blocks access to the hydration pouch pocket.
- The smallest of the two top pockets is still usable even when the pack is full, but it is tiny.
- Zippered lower compartment with internal divider is not really necessary on such a small pack. I would have much more appreciated a front mesh pocket.
- No front mesh pocket.
- Lower and upper ice axe (and trekking poles) attachment loops too close apart (33cm): a long ice axe, or trekking poles tend to go sideways (they don't stay vertical). The upper attachment loop should be further up. The Stow-on-the-go poles attachment is an excellent feature, which caused me to choose both my Osprey packs, and buy one as a gift for a friend. But when on travel (when you need to often put the pack on and off), it is not ideal, I'd rather have my poles attached to the rear of the pack.
- Too much distance between the trampoline suspended mesh backsystem, and the main compartment: my fist fits in between! The frame is too curved, which makes the pack difficult to fill, and takes the load further away from the hiker. A less curved frame, hence a smaller distance between the mesh trampoline and the pack, would still allow a good ventilation while minimizing the above drawbacks. On my Atmos 50, the trampoline is closer to the back, which is better.

(This review was left for a previous version of this product.)

really nice compartments, well balanced and wonderful colored.

(This review was left for a previous version of this product.)