Osprey Stratos 36 Review

The Osprey Stratos 36 has been around for a while, but it's still a great short-haul workhorse. Mine is a couple years old, with numerous hikes (both day and overnight) and many miles on it. It's still in perfect shape (if dusty and stained in places).  It was the first pack I picked up when I started converting to 'Ultra-light' backpacking.

Most sites will list this as a day pack. But for any ultra light backpacker you can easily accommodate gear for longer hauls.  I would rate this pack as a good 3 day hauler for moderate climates.  For very cold, snow filled trips, you might find you need a bit more cargo room.  As always, fit the pack to your gear and needs.

The Stratos 36 weighs in at 3 lbs 1 oz (large size) and 2 lbs 15 oz (medium). I trimmed all the excess strapage to get mine under 3 lbs.

The Stratos has cinching straps on either side, for tightening down on a small load or lashing on your jacket when the trail gets you sweating and there is just no more room inside your pack. There are two pockets in the top flap, which are relatively easy to access while you are wearing the pack and on the move. A pocket on each hip strap keeps even more stuff ready at hand.

On either side of the bag is also a bottle holder, big enough to handle your standard 32-40oz water bottle. There is also a secondary compartment on the back, and just superior to this is another zipper opening that lets you access the mail compartment - for those times when what you need is all the way at the bottom and you don't want to pull everything through the top opening.

You will also see a tool attachment loop at the bottom, and a clip attachment point at the top of the secondary compartment. On the left side of the bag is the Osprey hiking pole loop. If you use hiking poles, this is awesome for stashing your poles on the go. Stick the bottom of the poles through this loop (collapsed or not) and then the handles get attached to the left shoulder strap at your chest. On the opposite strap is a pocket for sunglasses. I was wary of my Oakleys getting crushed in there, but after a dozen trips my fears have been unwarranted.

And speaking of sweating, this pack has the Osprey "Airstream". Basically a mesh back support which helps keep your back breathing. Compared to normal back padding, I find this totally superior in every way. I miss it everytime I'm wearing my bigger, heavier bag (which isn't often since I love the stratos so much). You can optionally hang your water bladder here instead of in the pocket inside the main compartment, saving some space for other gear, and making it easier to access and refill without unloading the pack. Loops at the shoulders are provided to thread your bladder's hose through and keep it from thrashing around. I use a clip to attach it to the sternum strap as well. On the sternum strap is the standard safety whistle.

Hard to believe I used to use that heavy rope for hanging my hammock!

Bottom line: Obviously I love this bag. It has accompanied me on many miles, withstood my abuse (which is substandial) and held up superbly. I have since moved on to true ultra-light packs from cottage manufacturers, but this is a good entry-level pack for hikers or backpackers tackling short trips.  You can also look at the Osprey Exos as a good mainstream answer to ultra-light packs.

Buying considerations: Like many Osprey packs the Stratos comes in small, medium, and large. Keep in mind this has nothing to do with your relative size, and everything to do with your torso length. If your torso is longer than 21" I would go with the large. Smaller than 18" go with small. When in doubt, go to your local outdoor outfitter and have them size you up. You can save yourself some change by ordering the pack online though. Amazon.com typically has the lowest price.

I actually have this pack in my sell or swap pile - though I love it and it certainly has sentimental value, I've been working on adopting a minimalist attitude to my entire life.  As such I'm trying to part with anything I don't absolute need or use a lot.  My new Zpacks Arc Blast (review forthcoming!) fits all my backpacking needs at the moment, so I don't feel the need to keep the Statos except as a loaner for friends.