User Review: Osprey Stratos 32

Osprey Stratos 32
Above: The current Stratos 32, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed July 8, 2007 by MSC

Rating:
Design: top and panel loading internal daypack
Size: M
Max. Load Carried: 25lbs
Height of Owner: 5'5"
Price Paid: $180 CAD

Been researching different daypacks for longer dayhikes and couldn't take my eyes off this so bought it. Took it to Colorado last week in a heatwave, climbed 3 fourteeners using it; I also had my boyfriend's extra gear stashed in it too plus my usual "just in case" odds and ends; the pack was loaded and felt heavy-ish to lift but once on my back the weight almost disappeared - the distribution exceeded my expectations.

The side mesh pockets fit my larger nalgene bottles; the zippered front panel pockets were handy for storing gear I was likely to need quickly without searching for it; I really liked the easy access pockets on the hipbelt - great for storing tissues, cameras, snack foods etc without having to take the pack off.

The pack seems quite durable and boy am I glad I just went with the impulse and splurged on this pack - well worth it and I'm looking forward to some more dayhikes using it.