This really is a great little pack. The best ventilation I have seen, ensured a dry back after a 7 hour tramp. A rare and very pleasant surprise. The frame, suspension, compression straps and generous hip belt distributed the load extremely comfortably and it never felt heavy. While I have not yet used the integrated rain cover, it provides piece of mind knowing how well it works on my other Osprey packs. Good sized mesh side pockets and reasonable hip belt pockets proved very handy. The odd zip up front pocket not so much, it was difficult to zip up under load and would likely be useless with a really full pack. A stretchy mesh pocket would be far more use, so would some more straps and attachment points. Couple other top pockets are good, and the pole holder thingies front and rear are great. Fitting a 3L hydration bladder was fiddly and very difficult and can really only be done with an empty pack, though this is not uncommon for an internal bladder pocket. It also takes up a lot of space. Overall this is one of the nicest backpacks I have worn, very adjustable and incredibly comfortable the few weaknesses are quickly forgettable

Darren

Auckland, New Zealand

Hip pads cover fabric is deteriorating quick. hydration pack is difficult to load unload/load as insert opening is so high up inside the bag and the other top pocket obstructs it. Also back supports descend below hip straps so they imbed themselves against my body and rubs painfully.. not satisfied!

geo

canada

Rubs as hip strap not placed well

Ok

BC

The most comfortable backpack I have ever used. The Stratos 24 is great for hiking and bike commuting. On the bike I stow the belt buckle in the pockets on the hipbelt. A thin 15" laptop fits (very) snugly in the hydration sleeve. Mesh suspension is great for hot weather. Take it to work all week, on weekend bike to your local trail then hike/run -- does it all! Vertical zip pocket is really useful. Beautiful bag (especially in red), gets lots of compliments! Trade-offs: can't squish the bag into a tiny spot. Hipbelt can't be removed (but can be folded along the back while walking or biking). If you don't need suspension or hipbelt then buy a simpler bag. If you do, stop reading and buy it now!

Tim hikes

Boulder, CO

I had one of these packs previously and loved it. I use it for day and one night weekend trips. I recently purchased the new 24 and am disappointed that they removed the sleeping pad straps. I would prefer not to upsize and have already used the pack so It looks like I will need to add some straps on my own for future use.

Lost

Los Angeles