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 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.
Buy Osprey Stratos 24 Backpack Now
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.Read Best Reviews of Osprey Stratos 24 Backpack Here
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!Want Osprey Stratos 24 Backpack Discount?
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.
