Summary: As you know we review backpacks A LOT. Our reviews show that Osprey's Kestrel packs are absolutely the best choice for those who are looking for a mainly hiking backpack that they can also travel with. Also, Kestrel 48 turned out to be slightly superior to Kestrel 38 (see in-depth comparison table below).
If you're looking for a mainly travel backpack that you can also camp/hike with, make sure checking our Osprey Farpoint 40 Review.
Differences: Besides extra 10 liters volume, Kestrel 48 has a vertical zippered side pocket and an internal compression strap in addition.
We've been buying backpacks online for years and never had any problems. Before you buy, do make sure to check the seller's return policy, but you can you can almost always return an unused pack within a certain time frame. If it doesn't fit quite right after trying it on at home, you can always return!
In conclusion, if carry-on compatibility isn't vital for you we recommend Osprey Kestrel 48 | Price not available (women's counterpart Osprey Kyte 46 | Price not available because of its (1) extra zippered side pocket and (2) more capacity since having the additional space and not needing it is always better than not having additional space but needing it!
Quick Comparison
Turn your phone sideways for a much better display.
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Overall Score | ||
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,
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 | ||
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 | ||
Women's counterparts | See women's counterpart Osprey Kyte 46 | Price not available | See women's counterpart Osprey Kyte 36 | Price not available |
See our women's Osprey Kyte 36 vs 46 comparison. | ||
RELATED REVIEW: The 7 Best Backpacking Backpacks
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Overall Score | |||||||
This product is a Crunch Top Pick! | |||||||
Osprey Atmos AG 65 | Gregory Baltoro 65 | Osprey Aether AG 70 | Deuter Act Lite 65+10 | Osprey Kestrel 48 | Kelty Redwing 50 | Teton Sports Scout 3400 | |
Best for | Those who are looking for the best overall backpacking backpack | Those who will be packing heavy and don't need as many features as Osprey Aether 70 | Those who are looking for a very cool, feature rich pack specifically designed for carrying heavy loads | Those who prefer more room and won't be backpacking in too hot/cold weather | Those who are looking for a very comfortable medium capacity trail backpack with a lean towards traveling | Those who are looking for a do it all backpack | Beginner backpackers who don't need a premium pack and would do equally fine with a more balanced item |
Osprey Atmos AG 65 | Gregory Baltoro 65 | Osprey Aether AG 70 | Deuter Act Lite 65+10 | Osprey Kestrel 48 | Kelty Redwing 50 | Teton Sports Scout 3400 | |
Comfort Versatility Organization Suspension Weight | |||||||
Osprey Atmos AG 65 | Gregory Baltoro 65 | Osprey Aether AG 70 | Deuter Act Lite 65+10 | Osprey Kestrel 48 | Kelty Redwing 50 | Teton Sports Scout 3400 | |
User manual | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||
Women's counterpart | N/A |
Volume
10 Liters of difference is important if,
- You're traveling with nothing but your backpack.
- 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.
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.
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.
References
- Osprey US Men's Hiking Backpacks: Kestrel 38. Retrieved from https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/kestrel-38-KESTREL38.html
- Osprey Europe Men's Hiking Backpacks: Kestrel 38. Retrieved from https://www.ospreyeurope.com/shop/eu_en/kestrel-38-a
- Osprey US Men's Hiking Backpacks: Kestrel 48. Retrieved from https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/kestrel-48-KESTREL48.html
- Osprey Europe Men's Hiking Backpacks: Kestrel 48. Retrieved from https://www.ospreyeurope.com/shop/eu_en/kestrel-48-a
- Osprey Kestrel/Kyte Series Manual. Retrieved from https://www.ospreyeurope.com/shop/media/wysiwyg/UK_OM/OM_KestrelKyte_S16_ENG.pdf
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