Osprey Stratos 24L Men's Hiking Backpack, Cetacean BlueBluesignBluesignBluesign

This is the best of hiking backpacks. I was worried 34L was too big but it is only 0.4 pounds (120 g) more weight than the 24L. It has an expandable 10L section to the inside bottom of it that can be collapsed and not use or expanded and filled with more gear. So the same size as a 24L not used. I am 6’3” and I needed an extra inch or two in the frame to fit perfectly according to website. The 34L accommodated a longer vertical frame setting if needed but still offered all the same frame settings as the 24L. So more space if needed or don’t use extra space and same size as 24L. Ventilated back is essential and this frame has great ventilation and strength.

Top feature is the incredible weight distribution of this pack. It essentially hugs your hips and the light frame carries all the load of the pack into the hip belt, so that your legs do the work, not your shoulders or spine. The pack essentially tilts against your shoulders, suspended away from your back by Osprey's fantastic mesh system. I literally felt like I had a small air conditioner on my back because the breeze was continuously able to reach my back while wearing the pack.I carry a 3 to 5 pound mirrorless camera and lens on a clip on one of the shoulder straps and I can barely notice it's there because the weight is all transferred through the pack to the hip belt.The zippers and materials are all high quality. The only tiny drawback on the zippers was the small pouches on the hip pack, though well designed to protrude from the hip belt, I could not close the zippers one handed.It's expensive, but that's because you're buying quality.

Perfect volume for extended day walks. Used this for the first time walking Hadrian’s Wall in September and I could easily fit my weather gear, packed lunch, first aid kit, camera, and other bits and pieces. It was very comfortable and provided plenty of adjustments to fit my contours. The included rain cover was very convenient and could be pulled out in a hurry as needed in the rather variable English weather - everything stayed completely dry. Very happy with this superior quality day bag.

I was surprised how well this packed fit. With the multiple adjustments, I was able to carry a full heavy load with great comfort. It was easy to adjust in a manner that put 50 to 60% of the load to my belt area. I would highly recommend this pack. The pockets are well placed in very usable. The zippers are heavy duty and covered to protect from the weather.

Love, love, love this backpack! Team Osprey knows what they are doing. This pack changed my entire experience on the trail. I am not an expert hiker yet, but increasing experience out on the trail. This is for day hikes. The comfort is fantastic, the suspension makes all the difference, I never feel the pack on my back. Love all the pockets, including the one for a bladder, and the ones along the waist strap. Zippers are super sturdy with loops that won't come off. My only feedback is that the water bottle pockets on the side (which are deep and stretchy flexible to accommodate a range of sizes) are impossible to reach without taking off the pack, which can be a disincentive for proactively staying on top of your hydration. Still--you will not be disappointed. This pack is worth every penny.

I’ve been using Osprey Stratos packs for about 20 years now. This one was purchased to replace my very well used day pack that is starting to wear at the corners. It still has lots of life in it, ut I decided to go ahead and upgrade before my big trip this summer. It didn’t disappoint at all. The internal frame provides for a lightweight comfortable fit. The mesh “airspeed” backing holds the main body of the pack away from your body to allow airflow between your back and the pack, while maintaining a secure fit. The pack fits all my hiking essentials for day trips with ease, and with an added water reservoir it’s a fantastic pack that I expect to use for many more years.

I have herniated discs in my neck (C6/7, C5/6) and a bad lower back but love to hike. I went to reddit for advice and Osprey was the only consensus answer I saw. I tried several ones on before a big trip to Europe where we averaged about 25k steps per day hiking and walking everywhere. It's by a long shot the best backpack I've ever worn, the adjustability of everything makes it a no brainer for anyone. I'm going to need neck surgery but you never would have known it after wearing this with ~30lbs in it every day for a week on those long days.This is the type of item that you get excited about during the day and you can't remember why. It makes me want to hike when I'm at work. I feel like a little kid who got an action figure he can't wait to go home to play with. I'd give it 10 stars if I could.

I've bought this pack four times - 5 times: 3 24L, 2 36 (two sizes for me, the other three were gifts). It is perfect for hiking and finding what you want quickly, without pulling everything out due to all the compartments YET is very light weight. Keeps your back from sweating. Holds both the osprey and platypus bladders. I strongly prefer the platypus. The 2L Platypus sticks up a little bit but I don't care. To be honest I hate bladders, but for longer hikes they are a necessity and much easier to manage with this pack then bottles. The 36L is BARELY heavier than the 24L if your are trying to decide between the two and off and empty appear the same size, but you can put more in the 36L.