The Osprey Stratos 36 and the Osprey Kestrel 38 are made for day hiking and camping. Their wide range of colors and sizes means that customization is readily available.
To help you decide if the Osprey Stratos 36 or the Osprey Kestrel 38 is right for you, we’ve compared them in the categories of purpose, capacity, comfort and features, and then follow with a recommendation.
Purpose
The Osprey Stratos 36 and the Osprey Kestrel 38 are both all-service backpacks meant for multiple day hiking trips. Their function is the same and it is the comfort and features that set the two backpacks apart.
Capacity
The Osprey Stratos 36 has an inner capacity of 36 pounds, but this line of packs also comes in 24 litre, 26 litre, 36 litre and 50 litre sizes. The dimensions are 28 inches x 13 inches x 12 inches for height, width and diameter. It weighs 3 pounds.
The Osprey Kestrel 38 has an inner capacity of 38 pounds, but also comes in 28 litre, 32 litre and 48 litre sizes as well. The dimensions are 28 inches x 15 inches x 16 inches and it weighs 3.13 pounds.
Comfort
Both the Osprey Stratos 36 and the Osprey Kestrel 38 are made for comfort and have suspension systems to transfer the weight on your back to your hips. Both backpacks also have a mesh back so that your own back remains dry, even during longer hikes.
Users of the Osprey Stratos 36 did experience slightly more comfort overall than users of the Osprey Kestrel 38.
Features
The Osprey Stratos 36 is able to load from either the top of the bag or from a large zippered front panel, whichever is easiest for you.
Within the pack itself is a host of organizational features including a removable twin-zippered top as well as a zippered sleeping bag compartment. This means that you can safely stow your sleeping bag away from the rest of your gear.
There are also two side pockets on the Osprey Stratos 36 that have mesh compression stability along with easy access for storage. There are an additional two zippered pockets that reside on the hip belt so that if you are carrying a cellphone or snacks they are easily reachable.
If you are planning on using the Osprey Stratos 36 for more extreme hiking, there are removable sleeping pad straps for external attachment options and an ice axe attachment loop.
As for the Kestrel, the main compartment is also accessible via top loading or side access. There are top-lid and under-lid zippered pockets as well as side and front stretch mesh pockets.
Similar to the Osprey Stratos 36, the hip belt on the Osprey Kestrel 38 has two zippered pockets for easy access.
The Osprey Kestrel 38 also has an external hydration sleeve, trekking pole attachments and ice tool loops.
If you think you might hit rain, no worries as both the Osprey Stratos 36 and the Osprey Kestrel 38 have an integrated rain cover.
Recommendation
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The Osprey Stratos 36 and the Osprey Kestrel 38 are very similar backpacks and are even priced in the same bracket. The Osprey Stratos 36, though has the advantage because of its suspension system.
The Osprey Stratos 36 is better able to redistribute weight than the Kestrel, and when you’re out hiking, comfort is key.
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