Osprey Packs Kestrel 48 Backpack

The Kestrel Series provides great looking forward thinking design in a multi-user technical pack. Designed for the outdoor enthusiast looking for a "quiver-of-one" the Osprey Kestrel 48 Daypack pack offers all the features needed for everything from a long trek to quick peak assault. Features include a HDPE foam framesheet, AirScape backpanel with tri-section - ridged foam - central air chimney, along with spacer mesh covered EVA foam torso with adjustable harness. Additional details for this top loading backpack include hipbelt sewn on zippered pockets. ice/gear loops, and front/side stretch woven pockets.

• Top loading
• Fixed top pocket
• Front and side stretch woven pockets
• Zippered side and hipbelt pockets
• Sleeping bag access zipper
• Integrated raincover
• Stow-on-the-go trekking pole attachment
• Internal 4mm. powder coated spring steel rod peripheral frame
• Hydration compatible
• Front daisies with bungee tie offs
• 5mm. HDPE foam framesheet
• AirScape backpanel with tri-section 5mm, ridged foam and central air chimney
• 210 x 330 and spacer mesh covered EVA foam torso adjustable harness
• Mesh covered diecut slotted EVA foam hipbelt with sewn on zippered 210d pockets
• Ice/gear loops
• Designed for ligthweight multi-day hiking
• Volume: S/M 2800 cu. in. / 46 L., M/L 2900 cu. in. / 48 L.
• Weight: S/M 3.5 lbs. / 1.50 kg., M/L 3.7 lbs. / 1.56 kg.

Reviews - Osprey Packs Kestrel 48 Backpack

Manny - 07/30/2009

Well equipped
My first Osprey was the best pack I've ever used and the Kestrel has just topped it: an abundance of top hatch, side and hip belt pockets, quick stow hiking pole system, built-in rainfly with drainage pocket, side compression straps. My only gripe would be a slightly firmer hip belt similar to the Isoform on the Ather series, however it's not a deal breaker. A versatile pack that can handle large loads comfortably.

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John - 06/21/2009

Awesome pac
This pack has really proven itself worth every cent! It expands to hold a suprizingly large amount of gear while still remaining very comfortable. Excellent construction and workmanship. I would definitely suggest this pack to anyone. It has also worked out as a great carry-on for airplanes as you can pack for 5+ days without checking a bag! Also Altrec was wonderful to work with.

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Jerry Harber - 05/08/2009

The best pack I have ever seen!
Recieved my Osprey Kestrel 48, and it was much more than I expected. After everything from a GI Alice Pack to a Kelty external frame, I was prepared to "settle for whatever". The quality of this pack can't be duplicated. Just returned from 5 days in Virginia on the Appalachian Trail. I carried everything for the trip-48 lbs when we started- without a sore spot at the end of the day. The suspension system is great, and quick to adjust. I had no complaint about the hip belt-it is the most comfortable I have ever seen. Going to Ireland late summer and I think that this is going to be my main piece of luggage. There is not a single stitch out of place, and the lifetime guarantee can't be beaten. This is the one to buy.

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Jonathan Carreon - 03/11/2009

very good
i have use the backpack during my camping and hiking trips and provides me with comfort and ease.the straps are good and fits to my body and the rain cover provides addtional protection.there is enough space to place additional gadgets and things.A very good product from osprey.

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Sizing Chart

All Osprey packs, save the transit bags, are available in multiple sizes to fit a range of torso lengths. To find your torso length, have a friend measure your back along the spine from the level of your iliac crest (the top of your hipbones) to your C7 (the knobby bone at the base of your neck).

To determine your hipbelt size measure around your hips, not your waist. A properly fitted hipbelt rides centered over the hipbones and needs to be very snug; after all it will be carrying the bulk of the pack's weight. The padded portion should wrap well around your hips, leaving a gap of 3 to 6 inches between the tips of the pads when securely tightened.

Nearly all Osprey hipbelts use an exclusive ErgoPull design. It creates mechanical advantage to provide extra leverage in cinching down the hipbelt. The ErgoPull design also draws tension along the top and bottom of the belt, not through the center, so it distributes pressure more evenly over the padding and relieves direct pressure on the hipbones.

Step 3 - Harness

Osprey Crescent & Luna, Aether & Ariel and Waypoint packs offer interchangeable shoulder harnesses. Harness sizing usually corresponds to pack size, but your best bet is to try one on. A properly fit harness should terminate 2 to 3" beneath the armpit. Webbing should not touch the body. By breaking the hook and loop connection and sliding the harness up and down the backpanel the torso length can be adjusted up to 3". (see illustration).

Once you have the correct size pack, harness and hipbelt, and the torso length set properly, it's time to put some weight in the pack (20 to 30 pounds of well distributed weight will do) and dial in the fit. First, snug down the hipbelt and harness. Connect the sternum strap (A) - position it about 2 inches below your collarbones and snug it down lightly. Finally, tighten the load lifter straps to draw the load solidly against your back. The lift straps (B) should come off your shoulders at a 45 to 60 degree angle in Osprey's ReCurve and Ethereal Suspension packs. In other models these straps serve more as compression straps and ride flatter; they may even angle downwards.

In a good fit, there should be no pressure points and no gaps between your body and the pack. With Osprey's ReCurve packs, final tweaking may involve custom fitting the aluminum stays to your back.