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Home / Gear / Backpacks

Osprey Kestrel 38 vs 48

Last updated: August 6, 2021 by Canberk Koksal

  • Don't miss out on REI's current sale - shop now and save on all your outdoor gear needs!
    • https://www.rei.com/h/deals

Kestrel 48. Besides its performance, I also like its Picholine Green color which is available with its most recent 2019 version. Loved by many including me. 

As some of you already know, I've been publishing posts around Osprey backpacks for the last 2.5 years now (find full post list at the bottom). 

One of you has asked me about Kestrel 38 vs 48, so I wanted to put together a post around it. 

  • Their difference: Besides extra 10 liters volume, Kestrel 48 has a vertical zippered side pocket and an internal compression strap in addition.

Unless you'll be using your backpack for day hiking only, then I'd recommend you the Kestrel 48 (women's counterpart Kyte 46) because of its higher capacity and extra side zippered pocket. 

As you can also see in my Best Osprey Hiking Backpacks post, 38 liters MIGHT suffice for overnight camping trips, but only if you're packing ultralight gear. 

Remember, having the additional space and not needing it is always better than not having additional space but needing it!

  • #A sidenote here: REI's backpack capacity chart is GOLD. Highly recommend you to check it out before you read any further. 

This is why I generally recommending opting for the higher capacity option when in doubt. 

Quick Comparison

Turn your phone sideways for a much better display.

Osprey Kestrel 48

Read the Review

  • Related Data Set: Osprey's All Backpacking Backpacks
  • Bold are my top picks for each group (based on trip length).
  • If you tend to pack more or less than the average person, then shift the trip length values accordingly.
  • If you're planning to get either one of them, I'd also highly recommend you to check out Osprey's own PackFinder tool as well.

To see the full table and my top picks, visit my post Best Osprey Hiking Backpacks. 

Rotate your phone sideways for a better table display.

 

Comfort

Features & Organization

Weight (M Size)


Trip Length: 7+ nights [>90 L]

Xenith 105 (Men's)

[PDF Manual]

[Read my review]

10/10

10/10

5.78 lbs

Cell

Trip Length: 5-7 nights [75 - 90 L]

Xenith 88 (Men's)

Xena 85 (Women's)

[PDF Manual]

[Read my review]

10/10

10/10

5.61 lbs

Aether AG 85 (Men's)

Ariel AG 75 (Women's)

[PDF Manual]

[Read my review]

8/10

9/10

5.37 lbs

Cell

Trip Length: 2-5 nights [55 - 75 L]

Sweet spot. Versatile picks.

Atmos AG 65 (Men's)

Aura AG 65 (Women's)

[PDF Manual]

[Read my review]

10/10

8/10

4.56 lbs

Xenith 75 (Men's)

Xena 70 (Women's)

[PDF Manual]

[Read my review]

9/10

10/10

5.56 lbs

Volt 75 (Men's)

Viva 65 (Women's)

[PDF Manual]

8/10

6/10

4.3 lbs

Aether PRO 70 (Men's)

Ariel PRO 65 (Women's)

[PDF Manual]

[Read my review]

10/10

4/10

3.94 lbs

Aether AG 70 (Men's)

Ariel AG 65 (Women's)

[PDF Manual]

[Read my review]

9/10

9/10

5.21 lbs

Aether AG 60 (Men's)

Ariel AG 55 (Women's)

[PDF Manual]

[Read my review]

9/10

9/10

5.15 lbs

Volt 60 (Men's)

[PDF Manual]

8/10

6/10

4.3 lbs

Rook 65 (Men's)

Renn 65 (Women's)

[PDF Manual]

6/10

5/10

3.52 lbs

Levity 60 (Men's)

Lumina 60 (Women's)

[PDF Manual]

8/10

4/10

1.95 lbs

Exos 58 (Men's)

Eja 58 (Women's)

[PDF Manual]

[Read my review]

7/10

4/10

2.58 lbs

Cell

Trip Length: 1-3 nights [45 - 55 L]

Atmos AG 50 (Men's)

Aura AG 50 (Women's)

[PDF Manual]

[Read my review]

9/10

7/10

4.21 lbs

Kestrel 48 (Men's)

Kyte 46 (Women's)

[PDF Manual]

[Read my review]

[Read my review]

8/10

8/10

3.59 lbs

Stratos 50 (Men's)

Sirrus 50 (Women's)

[PDF Manual]

[Read my review]

8/10

8/10

3.68 lbs

Levity 45 (Men's)

Lumina 45 (Women's)

[PDF Manual]

8/10

4/10

1.85 lbs

Exos 48 (Men's)

Eja 48 (Women's)

[PDF Manual]

[Read my review]

7/10

4/10

2.57 lbs

Rook 50 (Men's)

Renn 50 (Women's)

[PDF Manual]

6/10

6/10

3.49 lbs

Viva 50 (Women's)

[PDF Manual]

8/10

6/10

4.02 lbs

Cell

Trip Length: 0-1 nights [<45 L]

Kestrel 38 (Men's)

Kyte 36 (Women's)

[PDF Manual]

[Read my review]

[Read my review]

8/10

8/10

3.40 lbs

Stratos 36 (Men's)

Sirrus 36 (Women's)

[PDF Manual]

[Read my review]

8/10

8/10

3.30 lbs

Talon 44 (Men's)

Tempest 40 (Women's)

[PDF Manual]

[Read my review]

8/10

6/10

2.44 lbs

Talon 33 (Men's)

Tempest 30 (Women's)

[PDF Manual]

[Read my review]

9/10

5/10

2.02 lbs

Exos 38 (Men's)

Eja 38 (Women's)

[PDF Manual]

[Read my review]

8/10

4/10

2.48 lbs

If you're interested in getting a travel backpack, check out my Osprey's top travel backpacks post. 

Osprey Kestrel 38

Read the Review

Overall Score

85/100
80/100

Pros

Very comfortable as it fits perfectly because of adjustable harness, generous padding, thick straps and hip belt and two size options,

Lightweight,

Internal compression strap,

Zippered side pocket,

Side access to main compartment,

Integrated raincover

Very comfortable as it fits perfectly because of adjustable harness, generous padding, thick straps and hip belt and two size options,

Lightweight,

Internal compression strap,

Zippered side pocket,

Side access to main compartment,

Integrated raincover

Cons

Inadequate for 4+ days of outdoor activities

Inadequate for 2-3+ days of outdoor activities,

No zippered front or side pockets

Best for

Those who have no problems checking their pack in while travelling and planning to use the pack during a fair amount of multiday outdoor activities

Those who are looking for a very simple, more carry-on friendly pack that will be used mostly for short outdoor activities and travelling

Osprey Kestrel 48

Osprey Kestrel 38

Comfort

Versatility

Organization

Weight

9/10
8/10
8/10
9/10
9/10
7/10
7/10
9/10

Compartments

Main compartment and sleeping bag compartment with a removable divider

Main compartment and sleeping bag compartment with a removable divider

Access

Top, side

Top, side

Pockets

5 zippered 3 unenclosed pockets

4 zippered 3 unenclosed pockets

Compression Straps

4 at sides (that can be leveraged for front compression as well),

1 internal and top entrance

4 at sides (that can be leveraged for front compression as well),

PRODUCT SPECS

Osprey Kestrel 48

Osprey Kestrel 38

S/M Size

Dimensions: 26H X 15W X 16D IN

Weight: 3.51 lbs

Volume: 46L

Dimensions: 26H X 15W X 16D IN

Weight: 3.02 lbs

Volume: 36L

M/L Size

Dimensions: 28H X 15W X 16D IN

Weight: 3.68 lbs

Volume: 48L

Dimensions: 28H X 15W X 16D IN

Weight: 3.13 lbs

Volume: 38L

#Note: As you see, dimensions and volume don't add up. See our post Dimensional Inconsistencies of Osprey Backpacks to learn more.

User manual

Osprey Kestrel/Kyte Series Manual

Women's counterparts

See women's counterpart Osprey Kyte 46

See women's counterpart Osprey Kyte 36

See my women's Osprey Kyte 36 vs 46 comparison.

Volume

  • This post addresses to the latest (2016) models of Osprey Kestrel 38 and 48 products.

10 Liters of difference is important if,

  1. You're traveling with nothing but your backpack.
  2. You're going on a multiday hiking/camping trip.

In both cases I wouldn't recommend a 38 Liters pack for most people.

That said, if you aren't like most people and usually pack few items, 38 liters would perfectly suffice.

Now, you may be thinking:

  • "But I'm not sure if I need that (46-48 liters) much of volume - and I'm worried about ending up not filling the pack completely and having it annoyingly wobble on my back all day long."

Actually it's not a problem. Using the red internal compression strap at the top entrance of main compartment, you can easily cinch the load down and stabilize it vertically.

Available in both products.

What's more, you can shrink the pack from sides as well using dual upper and lower straightjacket compression straps.

  • "And what about carry-on status? Are these packs allowed?"

No-one can guarantee that. Different airlines have different standards. Even the Kestrel 48 can be allowed when the maximum allowable size is supposed to be 22x14x9 inches because it's usually down to individual staff... Just like my 65 liters Deuter pack (yes, I'm serious). 

Other times, though, you'll be made check it in and pay the additional cost. That's why I always recommend you to check the carry-on regulations of your specific airlines.

  • Here is the carry on size chart for 170+ airlines to give you an idea (some airlines might have updated them). 

Organization

Kestrel 48: 2 hip belt pockets, 2 top lid pockets, 1 vertical side pocket

Kestrel 38: 2 hip belt pockets, 2 top lid pockets

Ends of side pocket are shown with arrows.

If you have a fair amount of items that you'd like to have more readily available, you'd make quite a use of this pocket - especially during outdoor activities.

My biggest gripe about Kestrel 38 is that it doesn't offer any front or side pockets.

Colors

Both packs are available in Ash Grey, Dragon Red and Jungle Green colors:

Kestrel 48.

Kestrel 38.

Conclusion

In addition to 10 liters of volume, Osprey Kestrel 48 has a side zipper pocket and an internal compression strap which aren't available in Osprey Kestrel 38. Other than those, they're identical.

Osprey Kestrel 48 Backpack (Prior Season)
148 Reviews
Osprey Kestrel 48 Backpack (Prior Season)
  • Osprey's stow-on-the-go trekking pole attachment...
  • An integrated and removable rain cover protects...
  • An external reservoir sleeve is located behind the...
  • The zippered sleeping bag compartment provides...
  • Side zippered access allows easy accessibility to...
Buy on Amazon

If you don't plan on participating lots of extended outdoor trips (2+ days), you can go for Kestrel 38. If you're looking for a more versatile, do-it-all pack for both outdoor events and traveling, I'd recommend Kestrel 48.

Osprey Kestrel 38 Backpack (Prior Season)
131 Reviews
Osprey Kestrel 38 Backpack (Prior Season)
  • Osprey's stow-on-the-go trekking pole attachment...
  • An integrated and removable rain cover protects...
  • An external reservoir sleeve is located behind the...
  • The zippered sleeping bag compartment provides...
  • Side zippered access allows easy accessibility to...
Buy on Amazon

References

  1. Osprey US Men's Hiking Backpacks: Kestrel 38. Retrieved from https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/kestrel-38-KESTREL38.html
  2. Osprey Europe Men's Hiking Backpacks: Kestrel 38. Retrieved from https://www.ospreyeurope.com/shop/eu_en/kestrel-38-a
  3. Osprey US Men's Hiking Backpacks: Kestrel 48. Retrieved from https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/kestrel-48-KESTREL48.html
  4. Osprey Europe Men's Hiking Backpacks: Kestrel 48. Retrieved from https://www.ospreyeurope.com/shop/eu_en/kestrel-48-a
  5. Osprey Kestrel/Kyte Series Manual. Retrieved from https://www.ospreyeurope.com/shop/media/wysiwyg/UK_OM/OM_KestrelKyte_S16_ENG.pdf

I hope this post was helpful for you to learn more about the backpack(s) in your mind.

Feel free to ask me any questions or provide feedback and I'll be happy to respond in the comment section below.

Guide: Backpacks

Start here:

  • Best Osprey Hiking Backpacks: My Top Picks
  • Best Osprey Travel Backpacks: My Top Picks

Complete list:

Backpacking Backpacks

  • Osprey Atmos AG 50
  • Osprey Atmos AG 65
  • Osprey Aura AG 50
  • Osprey Aura AG 65
  • Osprey Aether AG 60
  • Osprey Aether AG 70
  • Osprey Aether AG 85
  • Osprey Aether PRO 70
  • Osprey Ariel AG 55
  • Osprey Ariel AG 65
  • Osprey Ariel AG 75
  • Osprey Ariel PRO 65
  • Osprey Xenith 75, 88 & 105
  • Gregory Baltoro 65, 75, 85, 95 PRO
  • Osprey Kestrel 38
  • Osprey Kestrel 48
  • Osprey Kyte 36
  • Osprey Kyte 46
  • Kelty Redwing 50
  • Teton Sports Scout 3400

Light Backpacking Backpacks

  • Osprey Talon 22
  • Osprey Talon 33
  • Osprey Talon 44
  • Osprey Exos 48
  • Osprey Exos 58
  • Osprey Stratos 24
  • Osprey Stratos 34
  • Osprey Stratos 36
  • Osprey Stratos 50

Travel Backpacks

  • Osprey Farpoint 40
  • Osprey Farpoint 55
  • Osprey Farpoint 70
  • Osprey Porter 46
  • Osprey Sojourn 45
  • eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible
  • Best Carry-on Backpacks

Hydration Backpacks

  • Osprey Raptor 10
  • Osprey Raptor 14


Thank you for reading.

Filed Under: Backpacks Tagged With: backpacks, hiking, osprey, osprey backpacking backpacks, travel

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Hey, what's up? Canberk here. I try to approach outdoor gear from a scientific point of view. Here's more about me.

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