Osprey Packs Stratos 36 Hiking Backpack

Firsty, I will start by saying I really like this pack. Having an Osprey Farpoint 40 for travel (which I do like) that I use regulary, I was lead down the Osprey path when looking for a new day sack. Having used only Karrimor packs before in the past, in the days when they were made in Accrington, my new pack had a standard already set high. I still have my Jaguar S75 and Hot Route 55, they came with a life time guarantee and were bought around 1983, and are still good for their age. The trampoline back system does work, I always get a bit sweaty now when wlaking hard but the Airspeed sytem does help keep you a little cooler, especially if a breeze pops up. I have used this pack everyday now for about 5 weeks and carry it for about 5 miles in the mornings before work. It is just filled with 2l bottles of water and a rainshell to make about 8.5kg load, so not had it stuffed yet. This is what I have found so far........ Me: About 5' 10" (1.78m) Around 82kg (12St 13lbs) Waist was 36" now 34-35" Chest: 42" (107cm) Age: work it out from the above Pack: Osprey Stratos 36, Gator Green, M/L Likes: Colour (I didn't want black, like all the commuter bags) Overall weight (1.49kg) Overall fit and back adjustment The waist belt sits nicely on my hips with good sized zipped pockets Shoulder straps, nice width, padding sits on the shoulders and comes forward/down a little past the armpits Vertical Side access zip, to get to everything Vertical zip on the front pocket Top loader, my preference for outdoors use Lower compartment, good if a little small Compression straps Load sits and moves with me, no slack, especially when scrambling Comfortable when tightened up No loose threads in the stitching Straps remain tight and do not come loose Raincover but not used it yet Dislikes: No attachment points on the shoulder straps for stuff I didn't but it sooner It falls over by itself, does not self support (but then again none of my packs do) Not sure about having very light grey on the back and inside of the straps Only one Ice tool loop but the pack is probably not specifically designed for ice work. The bladder hose outlet is very tight, I have an insulated outer on my Camelbak hose and I cannot thread it through the hole. This can only be done by diconnecting the hose and threading through before connecting the the bladder itself. My Hazard 4 pack has a velcro patch to cover the hose as it comes out of the bag. Wish list: Attachment points on the shoulder straps for stuff Slightly larger bladder hose outlet Unknown: If it is rain proof/resistant or not...it's not got wet yet Longevity...if it lasts as long as my old Karrimors do, it may well out live me! How far I can carry it when full (As a comparison: carried my Jaguar S75 with about 55lbs (25kg) for a long Dales Way (80miles) backpacking trip without problems, back pains or malfunction. Corrections: The hydration bladder pocket is internal, the European manual says it is external. Not documented: The lower compartment, below the main part but above the rain cover pocket; the fabric divider is a "half rugby ball" shaped divider that pushes up into the main compartment to create the space, or, down for more space in the upper part. About half way up the divider and on each side there is a small toggle that fits through a small loop to part hold it up in place. You can undo the toggles and drop the divider down. There is still no access from one compartment to the other, other than using the full length side zip. The lower side compression straps come with one outside the mesh pocket and one on the inside, these are designed to be unthreaded like the bottom straps and the hole in the mesh allow the straps to pass through, this gives you a choice of straps inside or outside the mesh pockets, your choice. Overall I like this pack, I realise some things I like are subjective (e.g. colour) but it is comfortable to carry. I have read some reports from others that their packs squeak, mine does not, so far. Just because I find it comfortable you may not. If you want to get one, make sure you check the Osprey web site for advice on back length, then try it on some where. If and when you buy one, take some time to load it up and play around with the adjustments till you get it fitted to you. Cheers, A

Quality is good although I think it is a few litres too big for a day. Works well when I am using poles - it is comfortable and sits at a good height. i cant reach the side pockets without taking it off and I think I am borderline on each of the sizes so went large - without being able to try on it was difficult to tell. There is good adjustments and a cover in the bottom pocket. Not the lightest bag and temptation was to put too much in the top pocket but this is as much getting used to it from my old bag..

Great Rucksack, so comfortable for hikes. Nearly large enough for camping, but you would have to invest in a small sleeping bag. Been on a few hikes now, fits flask, spare clothes maps etc Top of the range rucksack

Always wanted an Osprey rucksack but the price put me off. Saw this Stratos 36 reduced to 97 pounds from 150. Fast delivery and the quality of the bag is everything I expected. Looking forward to using it in "anger".

Absolute quality. Love this pack. Back dosent sweat comfortable strong and looks the bolox

Absolutely brilliant service from Blacks. Ordered on Friday evening delivered Monday morning! The rucksack is everything I hoped it would be, high quality components and extremely comfortable. Convinced this is the best rucksack in today's market.

Great bag! Very comfortable it’s my first osprey I’m now a new fanboy!

Just did Sarria to Santiago with this bad boy. Great brand. Light in weight. Good sturdiness. This bag should last forever. I’m 6 ft so found it a bit difficult to get comfortable. Also a bit small and narrow. Could have had bigger side pockets and top loader 4/5 stars.