Review: OSPREY Kestrel 38 This impeccable, all-purpose mountaineering backpack goes from "perfect" to "mature."

There's a reason it's a long-selling product

Occasionally, I am asked questions such as, "What do you think is the best (or your favorite) outdoor manufacturer?"

At such times, the name of the backpack brand that naturally comes to mind is "Osprey." Since its founding more than 40 years ago, Osprey has been one of the world's leading backpack manufacturers, providing excellent products for all kinds of outdoor activities, from hiking to cycling, climbing, backpacking, traveling, and skiing, and is supported by many fans in North America and around the world

What captures my heart? It's simply the passion and challenging spirit of the makers that remain unchanged no matter how big the brand becomes, and the strength to put their products into shape (despite being mass-produced). As I've mentioned before, founder and CEO Mike Pfotenhauer, who is still an active designer, has an insatiable quest for practicality, a commitment and passion for artisanal manufacturing, and a challenging spirit that allows him to be the first to take on new challenges . You can feel these concepts and the message of the makers in every single Osprey backpack. Trying out a new Osprey backpack is always like communicating with the maker, and it's always a pleasure.

This time, we'll be introducing the Kestrel (Kite for women) series, a long-selling model that has undergone further updates over the three years since 2016 and is suitable for a wide range of activities, from hiking to serious mountain climbing, all year round. The previous model was an excellent model that almost achieved the perfect balance of weight, durability, and ease of use as a mountain climbing backpack, but how has it changed in the three years since? We'll be providing a detailed review to find out what it's trying to bring us in 2019

Key Features

The Kestrel (Kite) series is a versatile, lightweight backpack that can be used all year round and allows you to safely carry your luggage in any terrain or climate, from low mountain hikes to rugged, rocky alpine traverses, bush-filled streams, snow-covered ridgelines, and more

The adjustable back panel ensures a perfect fit. The Airscape back panel ensures excellent ventilation, supporting comfort even on hot days. It features a large, reinforced front pocket, side mesh pockets, dual ice tool attachment points, a trekking pole carrier on the right side, and various external attachment pockets. Storage has been thoroughly considered, with main access zippers at the bottom of the side, a removable rain cover at the base, and an easily accessible hydration sleeve on the exterior. The lightweight yet durable nylon fabric meets Osprey's long-standing quality standards

Here is ◎

• Adjustable back length
• Back, hip, and shoulder pads provide the perfect balance of comfort and cushioning
• A variety of carefully designed external pockets and attachments
• Beginner-friendly and extremely easy-to-use convenient functions

This is what I'm curious about

• The top lid is fixed at the back, so flexibility to accommodate larger volumes is low

Main specifications and evaluation

Item Appearance

Main changes from the previous model

logo mark

The logo is now cleaner and more stylish

Osprey's iconic bird logo has finally been changed. Of course, some people will love it and some will hate it. This may be disappointing news for those who liked the classic look of the previous logo, but looking back at the new one, I think it's more sophisticated and modern

Improved back, shoulder and hipbelt padding for added comfort

Although the back panel remains almost unchanged, the new model (left) feels softer on the back of the waist

While the Airscape Back Panel, which is designed for breathability and cushioning, remains the same, the groove angle and width have been slightly adjusted . The foam in the area where the waist rests now covers the entire surface, providing a subtle improvement in comfort.

Furthermore, while the previous model focused on breathability and quick-drying, the mesh material used in the shoulder and hip belts of the latest model is thicker, more cushioned, and softer to the touch.

Compared to the previous model (below), the cushioning and feel have been improved, making it softer and more comfortable (top)

The large front pocket is easy to use and more durable

Large front pocket (right) made of tear-resistant nylon fabric

There have also been changes to the large stretch pocket on the front. The size of the pocket itself remains the same as the previous model, but the front, which is prone to rubbing, has been changed from mesh fabric to durable nylon. This improves durability, while the stretch mesh fabric on both sides remains easy to use. It's true that the mesh part tends to get holes easily, so this is a simple improvement

Top lid pocket for easier access

The canopy pocket. The previous model (right) had a narrow zipper opening range, making it difficult to put things in and take them out, but this has been greatly improved in the new model (left)

The issue of the canopy pocket opening being too small, which was a complaint raised in the review of the previous model, has been clearly improved. It's not particularly large or easy to use compared to other models, but there's nothing particularly dissatisfying about this canopy pocket. It's well-made down to the smallest details. As expected

Weight increased by 100 grams

The weight has increased by about 100 grams, from 1.42kg to 1.54kg. This is likely due to the thicker, reinforced 510D fabric on the bottom and the aforementioned reinforced cushioning. Compared to the previous model, it seems like they've prioritized durability and convenience over lightness, allowing you to carry it safely and securely. It's impressive how they've fine-tuned it to meet the needs of the times, and when you think about it, the ultralight boom from 2015 to 2018 is a time of deep emotion

There are other minor changes, but I've looked at the major ones first. To me, they're all improvements and evolutions. It makes me see even less of a reason not to buy it. From here, I'll take another look at the features of the Kestrel series. To be honest, it's a backpack packed with so many intricate innovations that it would probably take a whole day to go over every detail. I'll try to pick out the key points and introduce them to you

Detailed Review

Adjustable back length

The back length can be precisely adjusted by peeling off the Velcro on the back panel

I say this every time, but I'll emphasize it again. I'm amazed that a model in this class (around 30L) has a back adjustment function. Now, you can see it in some other companies' models, but it's only been in the last few years. The Kestrel has had it for nearly 10 years. It feels like the times have finally caught up. After all, back length adjustment is essential to ensure a secure fit for each individual's back, regardless of their body shape

The backpack sticks to your waist! The hip belt straps are too thin to be felt

By tightening the straps, not only is the weight placed firmly on the waist, but the pack is also compressed, making it less likely to shake - a new mechanism that kills two birds with one stone

This season's Kestrel update doesn't have any obvious changes at first glance, but they've casually packed in some surprising features

In the photo above, the straps used to pull the backpack closer to your waist also serve as the backpack's side compression straps

First of all, this pack is basically breathable while fitting snugly to your back, making it stable and easy to carry even when carrying heavy loads. This is superior to trampoline-style backpacks with a hollowed-out back and mesh back. This time, the new model has a strap that pulls your waist tightly to the backpack, which further reduces shaking and gives the impression of increased stability

What's surprising is that, rather than adding new parts to improve stability, they used the existing side strap mechanism to improve it without increasing the weight. It's so simple yet so revolutionary, it's so impressive I'm speechless. It seems simple, but I've never seen anything like it before. It's clear once again that it's the accumulation of these small ideas and ingenuity that leads to the unrivaled quality of this backpack

As always, there are plenty of external pockets and attachments

The pocket attachments were already pretty much perfected for previous Kestrel models, so there aren't any major changes this time around. It has all the essentials you'd expect, and is versatile enough to fit a variety of situations with a little ingenuity, making it easy to use for everyone from beginners to veterans.

Bottom strap for attaching a mat (top left), loop for passing a strap through the top lid (top right), large front pocket for storing bulky items such as outerwear (bottom left), small item storage in the hip belt (bottom right)

Beginner-friendly and convenient functions

The entrance to the main storage compartment has a drawstring that can be opened and closed with one action, allowing for smart packing (see photo below)

The main storage compartment can be tightened with a single action by pulling the strap, and to open it, simply open the opening with both hands

In addition, there are two zippers located on the side and bottom, allowing direct access to the main compartment without opening the top cover (see photo below). The side zipper is larger (longer) than the previous model, making it easier to put things in and take them out. Here too, there are only improvements to be made..

The main compartment can be split into two compartments. The zipper on the bottom makes it easy to take out sleeping bags and tents, and there is also a large zipper on the right side for quick access to items inside

The mesh pockets on the sides are designed to fit water bottles and can be accessed from both the top and the side (see photo below). This allows you to refill your water bottle without having to take the backpack off. This is a convenient feature that's common on hiking backpacks, and it's well-maintained

This season's model finally features side stretch pockets that can be accessed from the top and sides. They're perfect as drink holders

The hydration sleeve is located on the outside (see photo below). This is because having a sleeve inside the main compartment would make the inside uneven, which would hinder packing

The hydration sleeve is on the outside, which makes packing a lot easier

The included rain cover is stored in the pocket at the bottom (see photo below), another thoughtful touch that ensures it doesn't get in the way of packing

A rain cover is included as standard and is located in an inconspicuous place on the bottom

Of course, the backpack also comes with Osprey's original "Stow-on-the-Go Trekking Pole Attachment," which allows you to store your trekking poles without taking off your backpack while on the move (see photo below)

There are loops on the front for attaching trekking poles or axes, but there is also a pole holder that allows you to hang them on small rocky areas without having to take off your backpack every time

Finally, I would like to say that I am concerned about this

The backpack and top lid are sewn together at the back, so the 38-liter capacity must be strictly adhered to. If this could be removed or extended with a strap, the capacity range would be wider, leading to greater usability

Summary: What activities is it recommended for?

Following on from its predecessor, the Kestrel 38 is a backpack packed with amazing ingenuity and high quality that belies its seemingly unassuming appearance. Each and every detail has been meticulously thought out, and it's not just there for no apparent reason; it's designed with the user in mind, with the intention of being a true "tool." While the previous model seemed "complete," there has been a more refined evolution that could be described as maturity. This latest release truly demonstrates the craftsmanship of this masterful product

This is an all-season, all-around backpack that allows you to enjoy mountain climbing and other mountain activities all year round. The 38-liter capacity is just the right size for a spacious day hike or a one- or two-night stay in a hut. If you're camping in a tent, we recommend the 48-liter size. It's packed with user-friendly features that make it easy for beginners to use, so it's sure to satisfy everyone from beginners to veterans

OSPREY Kestrel 38 OS50141 Black M/L

created by Rinker

OSPREY

• Amazon
• Rakuten Market
• Yahoo Shopping

   

Related reading

Review: OSPREY Kestrel 38: A refined classic backpack with a new model

Review: If you don't use the OSPREY Stratos 36 now, when will you use it? (2016 model)

Review: OSPREY Atmos AG 65: Finally a wearable backpack

Review: OSPREY VARIANT 37: A masterpiece crafted by the unknown "Jobs of the pack world"