Osprey Men's Stratos 24 Pack

I have used this pack in just about every way possible, and in almost every instance it has served me well. Daily commute on my bicycle and motorcycle. Travel, Hiking, general, I have camped with this back and gone on numerous day hikes and quick morning walkabouts. The fit is A+ and the pack makes the weight of the gear light on my body and allows me to retain mobility with heavy loads. This is more of a middle sized/function bag, that is not in the same size class as the lighter hydration focused day packs, nor is it in the size range of the trunk like full camping bags. The rigid wire that lines the back is very strong and will not bend, the Stratos is NOT packable and not made to compress vertically, but will slim down horizontally in relation to the amount of gear packed. The AirSpeed suspension is the greatest backpack feature ever created, I have piled on more weight than is imagined and the bag has always allowed air to pass through and cool me down. Keep in mind, AirSpeed pushes the pack about 1-2 inches away from your body to create the cushion. Durability: I have thrown this bag around for nearly every day of the last 3 years and while is shows signs of love, nothing has ever broken on it. Straps are all intact, plastic fasteners are all 100%, zippers work as new, outter shell has zero holes or rips. I have dragged this bag in dirt and on much more abrasive concrete numerous times. The amount of wind whip my poor pack has suffered while on my motorcycle is immense and yet despite daily rides not a single strap, pocket, or piece of cloth is frayed. Would I recommend this bag? Yes without question, I do this routinely when people see me with it. Would I buy this bag again? Yes, but I won't have to because it's a tank that will last forever.

I have used this pack for two years on long dayhikes and snowshoeing in mountainous terrain. It's got a wide belt and rigid frame so the weight rides on your hips where it gelongs. The frame, straps and belt adjust in many ways. All the straps and compartments seem well thought out. Snowshoes and poles attach easily and securely. All the literature shows the hydration reservoir inside the bag (internal). But I slip the reservoir in between the mesh and the bag (external). It sits right against your back so air circulation is compromised but the weight balance is much better. It seems like a secret feature, partially but not fully designed into the bag. There's a little opening in the back of the main compartment, just right to thread the little support strap thru to hang external. But the strap is hard to unsnap in that position so I use a CamelBak reservoir which has an open hook (no need to unsnap). It's easy to remove/replace the reservoir when it's external, no need to go into the main compartment and pull out all your gear. I've used this configuration for a few hundred miles and it's the way to go. Overall, an excellent pack for many uses.