Hi, just wondering if anyone has seen any where that stocks the osprey stratos 40 bag(on the internet preferably as I live in Ireland,oh and any bargains or second hand ones are welcome too)! all help is much appreciated, John
I've only seen it at www.ebags.co.uk. They're new so reckon you'll be lucky to get a second hand one. The usual high street/mailorder Osprey stockists (Snow'n'Rock, Cotswolds etc)should be able to order you one (thats how I'm planning on getting mine). If you've managed to get hold of one I'd be interested in your feedback...
I'd like to revive this thread with a few questions concerning the Stratos 40.
I'm (still) looking for a lightish ~40l pack for multiday hiking, scrambling, climbing, via ferrata in the Alps. As I live in Germany, I do not have good access to many of the US and UK packs that are often recommended here. Osprey is an exception, and although I've had a look at several of their packs (Talon, Kestrel, Atmos), I hadn't yet discovered the Stratos. It seems to offer as good a compromise as I might be able to get:
cheaper than the Atmos 50 (I’d be paying around 90£ for the Stratos, 125£ for the Atmos)
with the ventilated back (that Kestrel and Talon don’t have) that can be used for the water pouch or whatever else; I'm hoping this might lessen the problem of pulling the pack away from my back, but still allow for ventilation
several practical features typical for Osprey packs: 2nd access, hip belt pockets, good compression opportunities etc., straps for hardware
more robust materials than the Talon
I realize, the pack has to fit me and have researched other sites for reviews:
Nonetheless, I would appreciate some first hand information before ordering: Does anybody on here use the pack (lil john?)? What for? How does the pack handle loads up to about 12kg? Overall verdict? Any ideas why the Stratos 40 hardly seems prominent here on outdoorsmagic?
hi polo, i actually ended up getting the stratos 32 for cheap(ish) in the end, and I don't think I have anything bad to say about it, honestly the most comfortable pack I have owned, or tried for that matter, it carries like a limpet but moves with you, due to the fact that the support struts bend towards each other midway down the back, and the zip on the back section is dead handy too-I use every feature on it so nothing seems like faff(which is what i felt about the atmos)for what I use it for (pretty much what you've described above) it's perfect and I reckon the 40 would suit you fine.Just try it on and make sure it fits and try different back lengths-hope that helps,
thanks for the feedback. That basically confirms the user reviews I've read on especially US websites. I don't really understand what the bendable struts are good for: I always figured that non-flexible back system would be more effective in transfering the pack weight towards the hips. But it finally comes down to the decision I'm going to have to make, if I prefer a ventilated back or not...
On last question: up to what load do you use the pack? Or: at what load is the pack no longer comfortable?
Thanks for the interest in the Osprey Stratos series.
you are 100% correct that a non-flexible back system would transfer load better, but in the process it would also be less comfortable to wear. Like a stiff shoe, it does support the foot better than one with some flex, but you make a compromise on comfort. Same with cars - stiffer suspension means better handling but you make some compromises on ride quality - same applies in packs. Basically you want to get the balance right, and going on the reviews of the Stratos I think it's a pretty good blend of the two.
Regarding total weight the Aircore suspension in the Stratos can easily cope with 10kg, at 12kg it still feels good but you are starting to reach the limits of the system.
