Osprey Stratos 24 Backpack

This nice-sized daypack is solidly constructed, with much attention to detail, multiple small pockets, and an excellent ventilated panel that keeps your back from getting sweat-soaked. But, it can be a pain to get things out of the main compartment. I carried it for at least half-a-day, four days in a row.

All the attention to detail tells me this product was designed/tested by people who actually use daypacks. Things like the mini-pocket on the shoulder strap being at the exact right place where I could open it without contorting. The sturdy zippers that all have large pulls. The cinch straps that can be used for attaching lightweight items. The removable rain cover. Openings for the tube of a hydration pack.

And here's a big feature: the pack sits the same way on my back when full and loaded heavily, as when empty. I've never encountered such a balanced design on a small pack before.

More than once I found myself surprised that things worked the way I'd have designed them. "I don't want to carry this rain cover to the desert, I wish I could take it out-oh wait, it detaches!".

But on the negative side: I wish the waist belt would detach too (I usually don't use it, why can't I leave it behind?).

The pack's shape is balanced on my back, but not when it's on the ground -it doesn't stand upright when set down, either empty or full. So unless you carefully balance it (the curved shape puts the weight in a weird off-center spot), the pack may end up falling over into the water, or mud, or whatever else. I expect to take my daypack off regularly, so that's a hassle.

And the big negative: it should be easier to get things out of the main compartment of the pack. Even with the cinch straps loosened all the way, getting items out of the bottom of the pack is tedious-they hang up on the material and on each other, because of the curved inside. Contents as commonplace as small SLR camera, a paperback book, and a bottle of water (with stuff loaded in the outside pockets, bottles in the drink holsters) are enough to make it a brief struggle each time I want to extract one of those items.

So, I dock one star for having to struggle with getting things in/out of the primary compartment, and the pack not standing upright on its own. A daypack implies to me usage during an activity (not through-hiking or backpacking), when you'll be stopping and accessing the pack regularly. Making this process cumbersome seems out of place on an otherwise stellar design.

Recommended.

I am a huge Osprey fan; I bought the Osprey Focus about 4 years ago, and when it finally wore out (after I dragged that thing everywhere), Osprey replaced it with an equally awesome bag, the Quantum. Therefore, when I needed to buy my husband a daypack for our hiking trip, I was sold on getting him an Osprey. The Stratos was a great choice. The contoured, breathable back helped wick sweat off his back and was very comfortable. It holds more than it looks like it holds; we kept it stuffed throughout the trip and it held up well. It has sturdy hip pads, and a smaller pocket that was good for holding wallets, compasses, keys, etc. The side mesh pockets are great, too. They are very deep, so you can toss water bottles in there and they won't fall out, even over rock scrambles and falling in a river. I love my Quantum and it has held up well on day hikes, biking, and everyday use, but after this trip, I'm definitely tempted to get myself a Stratos, too. One thing to note: The Stratos, like most Ospreys and good daypacks, build up, rather than out. For people used to bookbags, this can be surprising and make it seem like the bag doesn't hold as much. It does. It also means that you have to be a bit strategic about how you pack, but the benefit is a much more comfortable hike with less stress on your lower back and better balance. Definitely worth it. It is also worth keeping in mind that the Stratos is really intended to be a hiker's bag. If you are looking for an all-round bag that you can take hiking but will mostly use on a daily basis (groceries, biking, walking, school, work, whatever), then think about the Quantum and other bags in that series--it is a better allround bag. But for a dedicated dayhike bag, the Stratos is great.

I highly recommend the Osprey brand. The bags are quality and the customer service is outstanding--seriously one of the best companies I've ever dealt with.

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I am quite impressed with the fit and finish of this pack. It has one of those "trampoline" air flow systems (a taut mesh suspension that keeps the pack hovering off of your back) which is unbeatable in hot weather. Sure, it pushes the load out a bit, but the comfort advantage is well worth it. I have had problems in the past with packs not being long enough for my spine, but the Large size version of the Stratos 24 feels like it was tailored to my body. I'm using the pack for bike commutes and day hikes.

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Love it. Well built and tough, comfortable and plenty of pockets and space for a day hike. Interestingly, I am 5'7" and the small size was too small for me. The first time anything was too small for me!

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Have been using the last Stratos 24 model for a couple of years and still love it. I'm 6'6" and most of the day packs are terrible for anyone not of average height. Very comfortable and handles a 3 liter bladder without any problem. Wish it had an extra pocket or two. Would definitely get another one.