Osprey’s hydration system is pretty well designed – you will get a few magnets that you attach to the shoulder straps, which allow for completely hands-free hydration. And since the hydration sleeve is an external one, you don’t have to worry about it leaking inside the main compartment and over your clothes. One can easily secure a tent or a sleeping pad on the outside of the sleeping bag compartment using the compression straps. Mesh pouch on the front is useful for any item that you'd like to isolate from the inner, dryer items. It isn't zippered or attached with a velcro, so you're left with relying on the force of mesh compression to keep the items in their place.

Osprey | Mens | Kestrel 48 | Loch Blue - Trekitt Osprey | Mens | Kestrel 48 | Loch Blue - Trekitt

This is another essential feature. Having a rain cover is absolutely crucial for most hiking or travel adventures and you should not set off without one ( OK granted, there are some places on earth where it never rains, but not many!). With top loading compartments, there is always the issue of accessing the stuff at the bottom. But the Kestrel 48 solves this problem with a full-size vertical zipper on the side of the bag,which gives you access to the entire compartment. Just grab what you need and you’re good to go. Zippered Sleeping Bag Compartment You should also be aware that the Osprey Kestrel comes in a smaller 38l version. When you pit the Osprey Kestrel 38 vs 48 there’s not much difference besides the sizes of the bag… obviously! So when it comes to choosing whether to opt for the Kestrel 38 vs 48, it’s all about which size of bag works best for the type of trip you’re heading off on and how much gear you think you’ll need. Cons of the Osprey Kestrel 48However, the Osprey hydration reservoir is not included and is sold separately. If you do buy the hydration reservoir, note that the water is not included. You will have to source this yourself either from the sky, a cactus, or maybe your kitchen sink.

Kestrel 48 | Loch Blue Osprey | Mens | Kestrel 48 | Loch Blue

Something else to think about regarding the price difference....the Talon 44 doesn't come with a raincover whereas the Kestrel 48 has an inbuilt one, so if you get the Talon you may need to buy one. With a weight of almost 3.4 pounds, it is far lighter than my Aether. And 48 litres is plenty for a long journey. In addition you can even add extra clothes and important equipment without any hesitation. There’s always some space in your osprey kestrel 48!Distinctive side zipper that opens to main compartment makes accessing the items in the middle very easy.

Osprey Kestrel 48 Review: Who is it for? (Oct 2023) Osprey Kestrel 48 Review: Who is it for? (Oct 2023)

Instead, you simply pass the poles through two elasticated loops for a hands-free solution. There is even an ice axe loop that may prove useful in winter conditions.

With the 2019 model they updated the materials used in this pouch, and now nylon is also used besides mesh & the pouch is adjustable with compression straps! You can also use the straps to have the pouch apply more force. Front pouchnow uses nylon at the front instead of mesh, so it's more adjustable and easily stretched Now let’s talk about all the features that it does have, that really help you stay organized on the trail. Top-Loading Main Compartment