User Review: Osprey Kestrel 28

Osprey Kestrel 28
Above: The current Kestrel 28, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed April 20, 2008 by drwdog31

Rating:
Design: top loading internal
Size: 28 liters / about 1700 in^3
Number of Pockets: 2 side, 1 top, 1 kangaroo style front pouch, 1 rain cover
Max. Load Carried: 20 - 25 lbs
Height of Owner: 6'1''
Price Paid: $110-ish

I bought the Kestrel 28 (not the 48) pack for 2-4 day trips. I have three other backpacks that I have used for multi-day trips, but one is too big, one is to small and the other doesn't distribute weight to your hips very well.

I have taken the Kestrel 28 out twice and have had good experiences with it. I probably had 20 lb. of gear and food in it and it was a good fit. I tried to fit my tent inside but that was a little tight, although it fit the poles and a ground tarp on the outside. The pack was pretty comfortable, I didn't notice any pressure points on my back, the waist belt could be a little beefier but overall hugged my waist well. The built-in rain cover and designated pocked is handy if you like that kind of thing.

One of my favorite things about it is that the pouch for the hydration bag is on the outside and you don't have to open your pack to get at it to refill it. My biggest complaint is that when I tighten up the waist-belt I only have about 1 inch of room to tighten it up more. This leaves excess webbing hanging down to my knees that i had to knot up. If you know you can fit everything you need in this pack it's a good back for the price, and it's pretty comfortable.