Review: OSPREY Kestrel 38 The impeccable all-purpose backpack for mountain climbing has been "complete" to "mature".
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
table of contents
There's a reason why it's a long-selling product
In rare cases, we are asked, "Where is your best (or favorite) outdoor manufacturer?"
At such times, the name of the backpack brand, "Osprey." For over 40 years since its founding, it has continued to provide excellent products for all kinds of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, climbing, backpacking, travel, and skiing, and is one of the world's leading backpack specialists, supported by many fans.
What captures my heart? This is simply the creator's passion and spirit of challenge that remains the same no matter how big a brand becomes, and the strength that can be achieved (despite its mass products) can be made straight. As I have mentioned before about Mike Pfortenhauer, founder and CEO and still a vigorously active designer, his insatiable curiosity for practicality, his passion for craftsmanship, and his spirit of challenging himself to jump into new ventures, feel the concept or the creator's message. Trying out Osprey's new backpacks is always like communication to receive the creator's message, and it's something you'll enjoy every time.
This time we will introduce the Kestrel (female model is Kite) series, a long-selling model that can be used widely in all seasons, from hiking to full-scale mountain climbing, which has been updated three years since 2016. The previous model was an extremely excellent model with the three characteristics of weight, durability and ease of use, giving the impression that it was almost complete as a mountain climbing backpack, but how has it changed after three years? We'll be bringing you a detailed review of what we were trying to deliver to us in 2019.
Main features
The Kestrel (Kite) series is a multi-purpose, lightweight backpack that can be used all year round, from low mountain hiking to rough, rocky alpine traverses, bushes, snowy ridges, and all other terrain and climates.
The adjustable back panel gives the perfect fit. The airscape back panel on the back ensures high ventilation. It supports comfort even on hot days. It features a large front pocket with increased strength, side mesh pockets, dual ice tool attachment points, and a trekking pole carry on the right side, as well as a variety of external attachment pockets. The storage is thought to be very practical, with a main access zipper on the side and bottom, a removable rain cover on the bottom, and a hydration sleeve on the exterior for easy access. The lightweight yet durable nylon fabric meets Osprey's quality standards that have been cultivated over the years.
This is ◎
- Adjustable back length
- An exquisite balance of comfort and cushioning, hips and shoulder pads
- A number of carefully calculated external pocket attachments
- Easy to use and convenient features for beginners
I'm curious about this
- The top lid is fixed on the back, so it is less flexible to a large capacity
Main Specifications and ratings
| item | Specifications and ratings |
|---|---|
| material | Main = 210Dx630D Nylon Dobby Accent = 420HD Nylon Oxford Bottom = 500D Nylon Pack Cloth |
| color |
|
| Size/Length of the back | S/M=40.5-51cm, M/L=48-58.5cm |
| capacity | S/M=36 liters, M/L=38 liters |
| weight | S/M=1.46kg, M/L=1.54kg |
| Variations |
|
| Models for women |
|
| Main Access | Top Side Bottoms |
| Hydration sleeve | ◯ |
| Rain cover | ◯ |
| Pocket attachment |
|
| Comfort | ★★★★★ |
| Stability | ★★★★★ |
| Storageability | ★★★★★ |
| Ease of use | ★★★★★ |
| Durability | ★★★★☆ |
| weight | ★★★☆☆ |
| Overall score | ★★★★★ |
Item appearance
Main changes from previous model
Logo mark
The logo mark makes it look more neat and stylish.
The bird's logo, which is a symbol of Osprey, has finally been changed. Of course, there are people who like it and don't like it. This may be unfortunate news for those who like the classic atmosphere of the previous version, but once again, this one looks more sophisticated and modern.
More comfortable back, shoulder and hip belt pads
Although the rear panel is almost unchanged, the new model (left) hits the back of the waist more softly.
Although the material itself of the back panel "Airscape Back Panel", which is based on breathability and cushioning, has not changed much, there are slight adjustments to the angle and width of the groove . In particular, the part where the waist hits the body is more fully exposed, resulting in a slightly more comfortable fit.
Furthermore, the mesh material used in shoulder and hip belts is also important for breathability and quick drying, while the latest model has a thicker, cushioning effect, and softer to the touch.
Compared to the previous model (bottom), the cushioning and feel are softer and more comfortable (bottom).
The large front pocket has an easy to use yet improved durability
A large front pocket (right) made of nylon fabric that is less likely to tear.
The large front stretch pocket has also changed. The pocket itself remains the same as the previous model, and the front, which is prone to rubbing, has been made from mesh fabric to durable nylon fabric. This improves durability, while still maintaining ease of use due to the stretchy mesh fabric on both sides that stretch. It is true that holes will quickly be made in the mesh part, so it can be said to be a simple improvement.
Top lid pocket for easier access
Canopy pocket. The previous model (right) has a narrow opening and closing range of the zipper making it difficult to put in and take out, but this time (left) has been significantly improved.
There was also a clear improvement in the fact that the canopy pocket entrance, which I had complained about in my review of the previous film, is too small. Although it is not particularly large and easy to use compared to other models, this canopy pocket doesn't seem particularly dissatisfied. Finish the finest details. As expected.
Weight increased by 100 grams
The weight increased by about 100 grams, from 1.42kg to 1.54kg. The reasons for this include the thick 510D fabric on the bottom, and the reinforcement of the cushion part mentioned above. Compared to the previous model, it has the impression that durability and convenience are emphasized, which allows you to carry it safely and securely, rather than being lightweight. I feel deeply moved by the sensitivity of being able to fine-tune it to the needs of the times, and from around 2015 to 2018, I have a strong sense of emotion that the ultralight boomed.
There are other minor changes, but I first looked at all the big ones. For me, it's all about improvement and evolution. There's no more reason to buy it. From here, we'll look at the features of the Kestrel series again. However, to be honest, this backpack is packed with a variety of detailed ideas, so it could take a whole day if you start talking about the details. We will select and introduce the points as carefully as possible.
Detailed review
Adjustable back length
The length of the back can be finely adjusted by peeling off the Velcro on the back of the back panel.
I say it every time, but I will emphasize it again and again. It's amazing that the rear adjustment function is implemented in this class (about 30L) model. It is now seen in several other models, but that has also happened in the last few years. It has been implemented in Kestrel for nearly 10 years. It feels like the times have finally caught up. After all, the back length adjustment function is essential to ensure that it fits firmly into the back of individuals with different body types.
The backpack sucks on your waist! Hip belt straps are too detailed to convey
By tightening the straps, the load not only rests firmly on your waist, but also leads to compression of the pack, making it less likely to shake.
He did it again. This season's Kestrel update is an update that makes it difficult to see any major changes at first glance, but in this case, he threw a surprising system into it with no thought.
In the photo above, the strap that pulls the waist and the backpack itself is also used as the side compression strap of the backpack.
First of all, this pack is basically breathable, yet fits perfectly on your back, making it a backpack that is easy to carry even with heavy luggage. This was superior to a so-called mesh backpack with a back mesh, and a trampoline-shaped backpack. This time, the strap that pulls the waist area firmly into the backpack gives it a more stable feel, with the impression that it has been less shaking.
What's surprising is that instead of adding new parts to improve stability, we have made improvements without adding any previously existing side strap mechanisms. It's so simple, yet so groundbreakingly designed, so stunning, I was left speechless. It seemed easy, but I've never seen it before. It is once again clear that these detailed ideas and ingenuity have led to the unparalleled quality of this backpack.
As always, there are plenty of external pocket attachments that are necessary and sufficient
As for pocket attachments, it has already been almost entirely completed with the previous Kestrels, and there have not been much changes this time either. Of course, there is a complete set of things you want to have, and it is versatile enough to fit in a variety of situations depending on your ingenuity, making it easy to use for beginners and veterans.
A bottom strap (top left) where you can attach the mat, a loop (top right) where you can also use the strap to pass through the top lid (canopy), a large front pocket can store bulky items such as outerwear (bottom left), and a small accessory storage on the hip belt (bottom right)
Easy to use and convenient features for beginners
The entrance to the main storage is a drawcord that can be opened and closed with one action, allowing for smart packing (photo below).
You can also tighten the main storage with just one action by pulling the strap, and when you open it, you can simply open the mouth with both hands.
Additionally, zippers that allow direct access to the main storage luggage without opening the canopy are located in two places, on the side and on the bottom (photo below). The side zippers are larger (longer) than the previous model, making them easier to put in and take out. I can only see improvements here too...
The main storage can be stored in two air chambers. The zipper on the bottom makes it easy to remove sleeping bags, tents, etc., and there is also a large zipper on the right side, allowing you to quickly remove what's inside.
The mesh pockets on the side can be inserted and removed from two directions, up and side, taking into account the water bottle being inserted (photo below). Water can be supplied without having to remove the backpack while you are on the move. This is another feature that is familiar to convenient hiking backpacks, but it holds it in place.
Side stretch pockets that can be stored from the top and sides have finally been implemented from this season's model. Perfect for a drink holder.
The hydration sleeve is located on the outside (photo below). This is taken into consideration in the sense that the sleeves in the main storage will make the inside uneven and interfere with packing.
The hydration sleeve is external. It's simple to pack.
The included rain cover is in the bottom pocket (photo below). This is also a sign of careful consideration so that it does not interfere with packing.
The rain cover is standard equipment on the bottom where it is not noticeable.
Of course, the "Stow on the Gotrekking Pole Attachment," an original Osprey attachment that allows you to store your trekking poles without lowering your backpack while you are on the move (photo below).
There is also a loop for attaching trekking poles and axes on the front, but this pole holder can be used to hold the backpack without having to lower its backpack every time, such as in small rocky areas.
Finally, I'm curious about this
The backpack and top lid are sewn and connected to the back, so the capacity of 38 liters must be strictly adhered to. If this is a removable or designed to be stretched with a strap, the capacity tolerance will be slightly wider, leading to even greater usability.
Summary: What kind of activities do you recommend?
Continuing from the previous model, the Kestrel 38 is a backpack filled with high quality and surprising ingenuity, which is hard to imagine because of its seemingly plain and inconspicuous look. The many details that have been carefully thought out are not something that each of them is in a casual way, but rather that they appear to be there with the original intention of being a "tool" that is thought up from the perspective of the user. What happened to be "finished" in the previous model was a more detailed evolution than what could be called a mature one. I realized that this new product is a masterpiece that allows you to enjoy such professional work.
This all-around backpack is an all-season and all-around item that allows you to enjoy a variety of mountain activities, including mountain climbing, all year round. The capacity is 38 liters, which is the perfect size for a day hike with plenty of room to stay in a hut for 1-2 nights. If you're staying in a tent, we recommend 48 liters. It has a wide range of easy-to-use features that are easy for beginners to use, so everyone from beginners to veterans will definitely be satisfied.
