Kestrel 48

I'm a long-backed woman, so the women's rucksacks are too short for me. This is excellent, weight balances well on the hips. The storage is well thought out and pack really balanced - far enough off the back to give airflow but close enough not to unbalance you.

Got the new version a few weeks ago. It appears more stable and with the different covers of the front and sidepockets more rugged. Compared to the previous version I tested in the local shops, its more comfortable with heavier loads (not yet tested on a longer tour). The small pockets on the hipbelt definitely close much easier and the additional acces to both side-pockets help. On the other side, the side pocket with the zipper seems to be just a bit smaller, at least my ferrata set doesn't fit as easy as when tested in the shop. Minor points are that, although there are now two loops for e.g. Icepicks, no upper elastics loops are included to fix them at the top. Neither are there any belt-loops to secure the lusciously long belts. I will see how to fix them myself.

Lo zaino è molto spazionso e allo stesso tempo abbastanza contenuto. Le varie tasche il divisorio interno permettono di organizzare bene il carico. La qualità dei materiali con cui è fatto è ottima e non ho riscontrato alcuna imperfezione di fabbricazione. Si addatta molto bene alla schiena.

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

The quality of the materials and the features are remarkable. This backpack is also really versatile. As the back system does not represent a big part of the overall volume, you can reduce the size of the backpack a lot by using the compression straps, if you want to go small and lightweight. I used it as a carry on pack with many low cost European airlines and I didn't have any problems. But you still have plenty of room if you don't mind about the size and you want to carry as much as you can.
If you load it too much, I loaded up to 13kg. Is not as comfortable as other backpacks with more advance back system when you go for long walks/hike.But I guess that's not the aim of this pack.

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

Been testing my Kestrel 48 on many different hikes. I'm living in northern Norway where both weather and terrain can be demanding, so I used a good deal of time to decide what backpack I wanted. The choice landed on the Kestrel, and it has never let me down on a trip yet.

The backpack gives a good comfort when walking, and it feels balanced. I like the detail with two pockets in the top lid (on the outside), since I usually end up having a mess in my other packs where it's only one. I haven't experienced any problems regarding heavy packing, although I see the possibility. I've carried my sleeping bag, tent and other heavy equipment but cannot say it has been a problem. The rain cover is big enough, but it failed me once during heavy rain (rain+strong wind), but the internal of the pack was dry although the outside was soaked. There's one thing I would like to change on this pack, and that's the color of the rain cover. It should be in at bright color so it is easy to see, but it is red so it's not so hard either. The materials are good and strong. I've used it at bit rough some times, but the only scratch I've got on it was a broken clip to one of the tightening straps.

So to summarize: Nice backpack who works winter and summer. You can easily carry your "must have" gear ++ in this pack, but if you need a lot more I suggest a bigger pack. I have used it on mountains and highland, and the rain cover can handle it. I've used it rough, and the materials are dealing with it. So all in all it is a nice pack!
Will definitely consider Osprey next time I need a new backpack.

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