User Review: Osprey Stratos 40

Osprey Stratos 40
Above: The current Stratos 40, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed December 6, 2007 by Lewchoo

Rating:
Design: Top loading internal
Size: 2400 ci
Number of Pockets: 5
Max. Load Carried: 25-20lbs
Height of Owner: 5'11"
Price Paid: $120

I have been looking for this pack for 2 years. I own an Arc'teryx Bora 80 that I absolutely love, and was waiting for them to come out with a pack that I could take to the crags and pack rock rack +gear for the day/overnight, plus a pack to take on overnight alpine trips, and finally, the same pack needed to function as my backcountry snowboard pack.

This has it all. Even though the compression straps are not designed for it, they hold a snowboard as well as (if not better than, because of their distance apart) than a pack by Burton or the like that has rubber reinforced board loops. Having two options for tightening down (for either a full pack or a not-so-full load) is a huge plus, so you're not left with a board flopping around when hiking up with minimal gear.

This pack is great medium sized pack with all the bells and whistles (literally, a rescue whistle in the sternum strap). Pockets on the hipbelt are nice, but not incredibly practical for winter as they are made from mesh. Still will work for things you don't mind getting wet.