Are you looking for more information about the Osprey Kestrel 58 backpack? If so, welcome to Trad Climbers. Osprey is one of the most famous brands for backpacks. Today we will be reviewing one of them.

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This large backpack is suitable for multi-day hiking trips. If you're climbing or cycling, volume and waist belt bother you, but as long as both feet are on the ground the Osprey Kestrel 58 can really show what it's capable of. The carrying system is capable of transporting up to 25 kg close to the body, primarily on the hip belt.

With dozens of useful extras, the backpack should hep in the organization of your equipment, even if it appears a little heavy to you. Of course, the weight reflects all of the features, albeit the backpack is not unduly heavy for its size at 1.8 kg.

Carrying System

The carrying mechanism is sturdy and firm, and it is also well padded. The lower compression straps, which connect to the waistbelt via the waistbelt pockets, do, however, change the position of the waistbelt. Even if the fins do not cover the hips excessively, it is not a problem to tighten the belt around the hips and so remove the major burden off the shoulders.

The shoulder straps are equally effective. Even if the load control strap buckles prefer to conceal inside the lid compartment. That's at best inconvenient. In any case, the signal whistle built inside the chest strap buckle comes in handy.

The mesh-covered grooved architecture in the very sturdy and comfy back plate appeals to me. It achieves a nice balance between the main compartment, which is located near the back, and excellent ventilation of the back section.

Using a Velcro construction with two ample Velcro surfaces, the position of the shoulder straps can be infinitely modified in height and so fitted to the length of the back and attached totally securely.

Osprey Kestrel 58 Pack Review

To prevent chafing at this highly strained position, the lowest section of the back plate is significantly strengthened. There are also two rivets here to allow water to flow from the rear plate region as well as the compartment of the rain cover hidden in the floor.

The interior architecture, which provides the backpack's stability and transfers the weight to the carrying system and distributes it, is made up of 3 mm thin spring steel rods that do an exceptional job.

But what can the transport system do now?

In terms of load, I have faith in the backpack's ability to withstand a significant amount of weight. However, the limiting element here is how much weight you can carry while still feeling comfortable with the carrying system. And, based on my initial observations, 15 kilogramme is utter luxury, up to 20 kg is no problem at all, 25 kg is only conditionally pleasant, and I would not want to carry 30 kg or more with this backpack.

Pockets, type, and size in the backpack

The Osprey Kestrel 58 backpack features ten pockets in total. There are two in the head portion, up to two in the main section, three hand pockets, two on the hip belt, and one for the hydration system.

Because the height of the head part can be altered, the backpack might occasionally be a little overloaded. The elastic sides guarantee that it fits securely around the main compartment opening. It has a larger externally accessible compartment and a small mesh pocket on the inside. Because it is simply attached to the backpack with small straps, it occasionally gets in the way of packing and can block the buckles of the load control straps, which is very inconvenient. It can, however, be totally disconnected from the backpack if necessary.

The pockets on the sides are particularly well-executed. They don't have any compression straps going across them, but they're elastic and keep everything in place with a good level of tension. The side pockets, on the other hand, are somewhat small. A 1 L Nalgene bottle will no longer fit in the backpack if it is bulging. Furthermore, when the backpack is attached, the side pockets are inaccessible.

Side-Pockets

The front of the backpack's slide-in pocket is not that simple. It includes little elastic side sections, but it also serves as the connecting cross between the four compression straps. These must consequently be loosened first, but they also aid in properly securing the contents of the compartment. This compartment is ideal for connecting wet equipment to the backpack, such as rainwear or crampons.

The belt pockets on the hips are fantastic. They can be opened and closed with one hand, and if a mobile phone, latch, or similar item is placed within, it cannot easily fall out before closing.

In summary, the head compartment, main compartment, and hip belt pockets are excellent, the side pockets and separated lower main compartment area are excellent, and the front pocket is quite tough to utilise.

Additional Attachment Options for the Backpack

There are four little loops on the already rather flexible head compartment that can be utilised to tie light equipment such as a rain jacket or similar.

There are two daisy chains on the front of the backpack, each with four loops into which carabiners can be linked. But you won't be able to fit your entire rack here.

I can't seem to find the top equivalent for the bottom loops of the ice axe holders. The upper compression straps keep the handles in place, albeit they are more difficult to get over the handle. They must be opened and lengthened, or even fiddled out of the top loop of the daisy chain, and then fitted over the handle, closed, and lashed down. Ice axes and pickaxes adhere well to the backpack, although fastening them with the compression straps is cumbersome.

Trekking Pole Pockets

On the other hand, the hiking pole holder on the left side appeals to me. It allows you to attach the trekking poles to the backpack and keep them within easy reach without having to remove it off your back and without their getting in the way of the holder.

There are two removable very lengthy straps in front of the lower access to the main compartment. This can be used to secure a sleeping mat to the backpack so that it does not dangle beneath the bag but rather in front of it. It sits fairly firmly and shouldn't disturb you when you put the bag down, however it causes the parked backpack to easily tip over to the side using the carrying system.

The side compression straps are not ideal for attaching equipment in this situation. However, the two vertical straps that close the main compartment of the Osprey Kestrel 58 by securing the head compartment are long enough for this. Although the upper compression strap can be closed at the front, this eliminates the ability to compress the main compartment.

Overall, not a good viewpoint if you want to overburden the backpack with various items attached from the outside. However, the straps are also intended to make better use of the main and slip pockets rather than to attach additional gear. This means that the backpack is not ideal for me on journeys that require a lot of kit, such as multi-day winter high-altitude treks.

Warranty

The warranty appears to be comprehensive. Osprey calls it the “All MightyGarantee,” and it covers their items for life, similar to Deuter or Patagonia. Osprey also provides spare parts and repairs. As a UK resident, you must register the relevant product online in order to utilise this guarantee more quickly and simply. Receiving newsletters may or may not be part of this. There is a website for Europeans living outside the UK, as well as an email address for persons living outside the EU, where warranty inquiries can be submitted. Furthermore, Osprey supplies spare parts and pledges to complete repairs within 24 hours. This means one week within the UK and two weeks from mainland Europe following posting.

Materials

The backpack is fully constructed of 210D x 630D Nylon Dobby. This makes a strong impression, repels water, and dries quickly. It was not, however, PU coated. This improves breathability and facilitates drying. However, in the rain, the rain cover stowed in the bag is required. This appears to be constructed of PU-coated ripstop nylon.

The zippers are made by YKK, a market leader, and have exceptionally easy-to-grip plastic handles. They flow easily and are not clogged. The same may be said for ITW's high-quality plastic buckles. They do exactly what is expected of them.

Pros:

• The length of the torso can be changed.
• The inside of the sleeve has a water bottle.
• When you open up the top lid, there is a zippered pocket.
• From the top of the lid, you can get in.
• Material that can be stretched to fit in the front of the pocket
• The Stow-on-the-Go system comes with a trekking pole adapter.
• A sternum strap with an emergency whistle comes with the package.
• Straps for a sleeping pad that can be taken off.
• Compression strap for the upper load is on the inside of the bag.
• Side compression straps that are 15mm wide.

Cons:

• Quality and excellence come at a price, as they should. There are less expensive packets available, but the majority of them are of worse quality. The backpack is responsible for spreading the weight of your hefty load across your body. Finding an excellent one is an investment that is well worth your time. Both Gregory and Deuter manufacture high-quality backpacks that are occasionally less expensive depending on the model.
• Weight: While they are not the heaviest trekking backpacks on the market, Osprey trekking backpacks are also not the lightest. Their material, features, and frame make them extremely comfortable, although their weight is on the average side of the comfort spectrum.

Learn more About the Back Pack on Amazon