Osprey Stratos 24

Guy Hurst
Reviewed: 13 January 2012

Cracking smallish pack

Very comfortable carry and just about the right capacity for the warmer months. the waste belt adjustment is easy to use and neither this nor the shoulder straps have ever slipped in use. I like the fact it has a good number of pockets, and the hip belt pockets are especially handy for quick access to snacks etc. The trekking pole carrying system on the newer version I have is very handy. It's also quite easy to pack and has a good capacity for trips in the warmer months.

It's not the lightest pack around, although not especially heavy either. Some won't like the zipped top access, although that's only a problem if you try to put too much stuff inside. It does have quite a lot of straps.

A really nice pack with only minor quirks which I can easily forgive because of its comfort and good storage options.

Ashley Steadman
Reviewed: 17 August 2009

WELL DESIGNED ZIP OPENING DAY SACK.

Available in three sizes; Good Carry and adjustment features; "Airflow" back suspension system; Hydration compatable (internal and external)

Zip entry rather than top loading may put some people off; No raincover; Air Core back system can compromise loading and available internal space. Lack of zipped side pockets.

Best Carry of any rucksack I have ever owned, After you have put it on and adjusted it you can forget about it

maporter
Reviewed: 22 November 2007

VERY GOOD INDEED

Great fit with three back sizes.
Higher than average quality.
Vented Back design.
Hydration system options (space for 2 ltr bladder).
Whistle built into chest strap.
Useful stretchy front pocket.
Stable, close fit.
Love the hip pockets.

Curved back shape can make packing a little tricky, but the breathablity due to the design is most welcome.

No rain cover.

Really minor issues in my mind, still the best pack I've used in years.

Great all round daysack for use as intended (out on the hills) - I'm really quite impressed by the intelligent design features of this pack.

dicky bird
Reviewed: 02 May 2007

SUPERB DAYSACK

fit and comfort, useful mesh pockets on the back, side and hipbelt, easy panel-type access. Can hang a bladder in the back space without affecting the pack's capacity. Most features on this pack are normally only found on high-capacity rucksacks. Also comes in different back lengths.

airspeed back panel seems overly concave, thus reducing capacity and slightly restricting access. Slightly overpriced.

As an all-round daysack, I find this difficult to fault. Yes, the back panel can restrict access slightly but with the panel zips fully opened, this isn't a problem. I use it for day walks, cycling and occasional scrambling and it excells in all areas.

Beej
Reviewed: 11 July 2006

FANTASTICALLY COMFY PACK

* Hip belt - comfy and really easy to adjust
* Hydration system options
* Good shoulder strap adjustments
* Stretchy front and side pockets
* Good back ventilation

* Be aware that the small is only 22 litres
* When taking the sack off for lunch etc it is top heavy and can collapse into the mud rather than stay upright ;-)
* Could come with a rucksack cover like my Vaude for the price
* Hip belt could be smaller for girlies on the 'small'size pack

This is a really well-made rucksack. I recently tested it in the jungle of northern Thailand and although I got the small size, which actually had a capacity of 22litres, I managed to pack into it everything I needed (apart from food - that was being carted by the guide)for a 3 day trek into the wilds - and even managed to use the compression straps to attach my sleeping bag.

The bag was supremely comfortable and with the shoulder adjustments could be pulled in really closely to my back for extra stability.

The pack offers the possibility of gaining space inside by allowing the hydration system to be hung between the back of the sack and the mesh back panel which was a real boon.

Fully crammed the pack weighed a fair bit but I never once, despite the humidity and distance, felt its weight as it seemed well balanced. There were no obvious 'pressure points' either.

I really loved the hipbelt pockets too, which were big enough for tissues, asthma inhaler, lipbalm, fold-away hat, etc etc - and on the aeroplane, big enough for my passport too.

All in all I'd have no hesitation on recommending the pack to anyone. I feel the extra few pounds it costs compared to, say, a Berghaus pack I tried on at the same time was well worth it for the extra comfort.