Chris Lininger: the American dude with the heart of gold, beard of stainless steel, and penchant for all things Pakistan. As a bonafide expert in all things adventure tourism, he is a proud advocate for sustainable offbeat travel and the preservation of the world's wild places. Exos 58 features ultralight design materials plus the ability to strip weight by removing sleeping pad straps, compression straps and the top lid.

Osprey Kestrel 68 Backpack Review - Outdoorguru Osprey Kestrel 68 Backpack Review - Outdoorguru

Instead, you simply pass the poles through two elasticated loops for a hands-free solution. There is even an ice axe loop that may prove useful in winter conditions. The biggest compartment of the Osprey Kestrel 68 is of course the main compartment. This compartment is accessible from the top but also from the bottom and from the front. The top opening is large so getting my gear in – in different coloured dry bags – is easy. A cord with a pulling tab closes this entrance. The main compartment has a large red compression strap to take the pressure of the cord. The Kestrel has a large opening on the top. U-Zip suitcase opening For the perfect fit for your body shape, you just need to adjust the sternum strap and hip belt. Depending on exactly where you want the sternum strap to be placed, you can slide the sternum strap up or down the rail it is attached to. Did I leave anything out? Do you have something to add to this review from your own experience? Taking your Osprey Kestrel 48 for a test hike? Then let us know by leaving a comment below! Humans are destroying the world faster than it can heal itself. Don’t be one of them! If you love exploring wild places, do your part to keep that place beautiful and thriving!If trekking poles aren’t your thing, the Osprey Kestrel 48 has plenty of ice axe storage as well. Using the Sternum Straps and Hip Belt Adjustments The light wire alloy frame offers great support even when carrying loads up to 40 pounds. It is still possible to carrymore than that of course, but that is where the comfort zone limit is. You might say, “Well I want to be able to carry 50 or 60 pounds!” Unless you are doing some serious mountaineering, there is simply no need for you to carry that much!

Osprey Kestrel 48 Review • Honest Review for 2023 MUST READ: Osprey Kestrel 48 Review • Honest Review for 2023

This is another essential feature. Having a rain cover is absolutely crucial for most hiking or travel adventures and you should not set off without one ( OK granted, there are some places on earth where it never rains, but not many!).To set the standard of a modern, all outdoor bag, the Kestrel comes equipped with an integrated/detachable rain cover for those sudden showers on the trail. Stow-on-the-Go allows you to stash walking poles without needing to remove the bag, for those times when you need both hands for a scramble. You should also be aware that the Osprey Kestrel comes in a smaller 38l version. When you pit the Osprey Kestrel 38 vs 48 there’s not much difference besides the sizes of the bag… obviously! So when it comes to choosing whether to opt for the Kestrel 38 vs 48, it’s all about which size of bag works best for the type of trip you’re heading off on and how much gear you think you’ll need. Cons of the Osprey Kestrel 48 Side tension straps are linked to the hipbelt. By tightening these straps you can stabilise the load but reduce the hipbelt flexibility. Where balance is critical tightening them can help you feel more secure. However, if you are striding out over easy terrain it’s better to loosen these straps to allow full hip flexibility. Osprey’s lifetime warranty ( dubbed the All Mighty Guarantee!) is pretty unique in the industry and is definitely one of the best things about the Osprey brand.