​Osprey Kestrel 48 is an internal frame, lightweight, rain cover integrated men's backpack with two size options. Distinctive side zipper that opens to main compartment makes accessing the items in the middle very easy. Harness is fully adjustable to correspond different heights with decent padding and stiffness.
If you're looking for a backpack for both traveling and weekend hiking (up to 3 nights) activities, we honestly can't recommend this product enough.
The only downside is that its volume comes insufficient for trips longer than 3-4 nights.
Make sure checking out Kestrel 38 vs 48 comparison before making your final decision.
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 almost always return an unused pack within a certain time frame and you're good. If it doesn't fit quite right after trying it on at home, you can always return!
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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 |
Cons | ​Inadequate for 4+ days of outdoor activities |
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 |
Osprey Kestrel 48 | |
Compartments | Main compartment and sleeping bag compartment with a removable divider |
Access | Top, side |
Pockets | 5 zippered 3 unenclosed pockets |
Compression Straps | 4 at sides (that can be leveraged for front compression as well), 1 internal and top entrance |
PRODUCT SPECS | |
Osprey Kestrel 48 | |
S/M Size | Dimensions: 26H X 15W X 16D IN Weight: 3.51 lbs Volume: 46L |
M/L Size | Dimensions: 28H X 15W X 16D IN Weight: 3.68 lbs Volume: 48L |
#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 counterpart | See women's counterpart Osprey Kyte 46 | from $117.00 |
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 |
Harness
Suspension
As always, I prefer to begin with the suspension and overall feel of the pack.
AirScape back panel is upgraded with new model.
AirScape is the one of the latest suspension technologies of Osprey[1]. It keeps the pack and hence the load closer to your body which eventually provides more comfort. Mesh covered back panel (AirScape) with convenient padding and thickness ensures cushioning. White gaps are meant provide ventilation.
The structure of the pack is made of the cost, weight and flexibility optimized material; aluminum.
Shoulder Straps
Air mesh shoulder straps are edgeless and very well padded. Infinite adjustability without extra length with a velcro panel provides the best snug for your torso.
Ultimately perfect fit and comfort is achieved which isn't very common with medium-large packs like this.
Thick and padded straps of Kestrel 48 don't cut into your shoulders.
Load lifters missing the right angle are corrected with this latest 2016 Osprey Kestrel 48 model and now attach higher in the straps meeting the ideal 45-60 degree angle [2].
Additionally, sternum straps contain a rescue whistle.
Hip Belt
Pockets: There are 2 hip belt pockets on each side
Air mesh and decent padding in shoulder straps and back panel of the pack reach all the way down to the hip belt as well.
Hip belt of 2016 model is 3" shorter than previous model. M/L Size of 2016 model fits waists >29", while previous model fits waists >32".
Even though the hip belt of Kestrel 48 is upgraded to be more adjustable and is fairly stiff, it just isn't equally stiff and doesn't provide an exceptional-cutting-edge-innovator adjustability like Atmos AG or Aether AG series.
The benefit of less stiffness is that it feels more comfortable and wraps your waist completely when walking shorter distances with lighter loads.
The sacrifice made with less stiffness is that you'll probably start to feel the discomfort with relatively higher loads or walking anything longer than 15-20 miles.
This is one of the reasons why I don't regard this pack as a perfect, ideal extended (5+ days) trip pack.
Pockets are much larger than regular size smartphones.
Storage
Compartments
Main compartment
Pockets: No internal pocket
Kestrel 48 is a top loading pack with a decent large entrance.
As you see there is a red compression strap at the entrance to stabilize and press the main compartment content downwards.
One of my favourite things about this pack is that it provides a full length side access to the main and sleeping bag compartments at the right hand side of the pack.
It's a true life saver when you need a confined item in the center and unpacking all the main compartment isn't the best solution - which happens all the time during every activity.
Sleeping bag compartment
Pockets: No internal pocket
Wide mouth access sleeping bag compartment is very large and separated from main compartment with a removable divider.
Sleeping bag compartment.
It's larger than regular size sleeping bag compartments so it's possible to stuff it with more lightweight, puffy camp items like towel, pillow, sleeping pad or nightwears since they help with effective weight distribution, frequency of item usage and shock absorption against instant crashes.
If you'd like extra space inside, you can easily strap your pad outside with useful sleeping pad straps
They're also removable:
Top lid
Pockets: 1 external, 1 internal pocket
Top lid doesn't float. Meaning that you can't remove it or shift it upwards or downwards.
If you're an ultrahiker or for some reason you'd benefit compressing the pack vertically, this can be a gripe for you.
External pocket accessed from behind gives you lots of space. You can attach your keys to the pack with the help of keyclip inside the internal mesh pocket.
On the underside of the external pocket there is a mesh internal compressed pocket which allows smaller room.
Front surface
Pockets: 1 mesh pouch
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.
An enclosed, safe pocket on the front is lacking and would be nice to have with this product in my opinion.
Side
Pockets: 1 ver​tical side pocket
At right side, there is a vertical zippered side entrance to the main compartment to gain access to entire pack content like mentioned previously. It's very useful during any activity.
At left side, there is an innovative quite large vertical side pocket.
End points of side zipper are shown with arrows. It spans all the way backwards to the backpanel.
Mesh water bottle holders at each side are very large and deep as you can see in below picture.
Compression straps work perfectly.
Superior packs like Osprey Kestrel 48 never neglect side compression straps since they're essential especially for outdoor events. They balance the weight, prevent wobbling and shrink the pack into smaller sizes when not filled.
Compression straps don't intersect mesh water bottle pockets. What's more having them above aids secure tool attaching as shown in following chapters.
Front compression straps are lacking but they aren't must have since even 4 compression straps alone are enough to have the pack completely flat against your back.
More, you can use side compression straps at the front:
Size, Volume, Weight and Dimensions
Osprey Kestrel 48 comes with 2 size options. The difference is in their height, therefore smaller size with shorter height offers 2 liters less volume at 46 Liters.
Other specifications are as follows:
Volume | Weight | Dimensions | |
|---|---|---|---|
Kestrel 48 S/M | 46 Liters | 3.51 lbs | 26h x 15w x 16d |
Kestrel 48 M/L | 48 Liters | 3.68 lbs | 28h x 15w x 16d |
#Note: If these dimensions doesn't make sense to you, please see Osprey Kestrel 38 Review - Dimensions section.
48 or 46 Liters of volume isn't ideal for most people hiking/camping for 3+ days.
You can evaluate your torso length at home with the help of Osprey’s very own Size & Fit article [3], and find the recommended size for your torso length according to chart below.
Find Kestrel at 6th row.
Click on image to enlarge.
Durability
At first sight a lightweight pack seems more fragile and hence less durable - but Osprey qualifies its durable and sturdy reputation once again with this pack.
You're not going to have any problems regarding durability of this product.
What's more, Osprey always offers All Mighty Guarantee[4].
Other
Raincover
Rain fly attached to its own pocket under the sleeping bag compartment comes with the pack and included in the sale.
Wet items can ruin your overall traveling or hiking experience a lot. It should be considered strongly especially when the pack isn't completely waterproof resistant like this pack.
I agree that the color is ugly but also necessary. It's supposed to operate as a distinctive color when the user gets lost.
Hydration
Hydration pouch is outside at the rear surface of the pack.
#Note: Previous model of Kestrel 48 is reviewed in this video but the hydration pouches are identical with the updated model.
It's better than having pouch inside the main compartment since you aren't made to unpack completely, replenish and pack completely back again which we all know isn't happening most of the time.
Typically you'd just end up giving up on it - especially when the pack is full up to the brim. Pouch is right behind the straps and back suspension pad - right below the droplet symbol. It offers plenty of space that can fit up to around 2.5 - 3 liters of bladders.
Gear Attachments
Total 10 Gear Loops: 2 ice tool loops on the front, 2 trekking pole loops on the straps, 2 removable sleeping pad straps, 2 daisy chains and 2 compression straps that can be utilized for attaching extra gear
Ice tool loops
You can equip ice tool loops with bungee tie offs and tool loops.
Trekking pole attachments
Stow-on-the-go trekking pole attachments at one side of the pack provide pole stowing without taking off the pack.
Sleeping pad straps
See Storage section above.
Compression straps
Compression straps mentioned earlier can be used to attach especially long gears in collaboration with water bottle mesh pockets.
Daisy chains
Extra gear can be attached using daisy chains[5].
Colors
Jungle Green, Dragon Red and Ash Grey options are available.
Conclusion
Design intent of Osprey Kestrel 48 is a versatile backpack that can be used for both moderate outdoor events and traveling. If this is you, you're looking at one of your best options.
If you're planning extended camping trips (5+ days) with lots of long distances of walking it probably won't fill the bill due to its medium-large size and deficient suspension with heavy loads.
References
- Suspension Technology, Osprey. Retrieved from https://www.osprey.com/sa/en/pack-design-technology/suspension
- The Magazine of Wilderness Travel, Backpacker. 1989, March. Pack Strap Anatomy, p.31. Retrieved from https://books.google.com.tr/books?id=7-IDAAAAMBAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false
- Osprey. Size & Fit. Retrieved from https://www.osprey.com/ca/en/fitting-learning/size-fit
- Osprey: All Might Guarantee. Retrieved from https://www.osprey.com/cl/en/customer-support/all-mighty-guarantee
- Hawbaker, A. (2015, July). TrailTime Tips: Daisy Chain Quick Ties. Retrieved from https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacks-adjusting-fit.html
- Some photos and information from Osprey US Men's Hiking Backpacks: Kestrel 48. Retrieved from https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/kestrel-48-KESTREL48.html
- Some photos and information from Osprey Europe Men's Hiking Backpacks: Kestrel 48. Retrieved from https://www.ospreyeurope.com/shop/eu_en/kestrel-48-a
- Some photos and information from www.desertcart.ae. Retrieved from https://www.desertcart.ae/products/22316004-osprey-packs-kestrel-48-backpack-dragon-red-medium-large
- Some photos and information from www.howa.com. Retrieved from http://www.howa.com.hk/outdoor/gkestrel48-osprey-kestrel-48-urban-outdoor-backpack.html?___store=english&___from_store=tchinese
I just finished a four day Rim to Rim Grand Canyon trip with this pack and it performed magnificently. I wouldn’t try 8+ days on a trail without resupply with it, but for short multi-nighters, this is hands down the best pack I’ve ever used.