Hiking Gear Reviews
Unbiased reviews to help you find the best hiking gear for your next adventure.
Osprey Stratos 34 Pack Review
By Adam Thompson – September 27, 2024.
...a feature-laden pack that will suit almost any hiker.
Osprey Stratos 34 Pack
Price: $200.00
Key features: AirSpeed suspension system and ability to add hydration pack.
Pros: Spacious design, easy load distribution, quality construction.
Cons: A bit expensive for a daypack. Not waterproof but includes a rain cover.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Osprey Stratos 34 daypack is a feature-laden pack that will suit almost any hiker. Osprey has been making backpacks since 1974, and when you wear the Stratos 34, it’s apparent that this pack was made by the experts. With a weight of 3 lbs, 2.5 oz., and a capacity of 34 liters, this pack can hold everything you need for a long day hike with ample room for more, at weight that won’t slow you down on the trail.
Key Features
My favorite feature of the Osprey Stratos 34 is the AirSpeed suspension system with a mesh backing. As a hiker that is prone to overheating and sweating, the suspension system keeps the pack itself away from my back, allowing my body to breathe while at the same time protecting the pack from absorbing sweat on the trail. This is a game changing feature for a hiker like myself, having tried packs with breathable foam backings and other designs that just don’t seem to work as intended.
The Stratos 34 has an internal frame. I found that adjusting the pack to fit my body was an easy process overall. The adjustment straps just above the shoulders can be easily shortened or lengthened, allowing you to adjust the load so that the weight of the pack is not a burden on your shoulders, but can be distributed to your hips and back as well.
A very nice and usable feature of the Stratos 34 is an internal mesh pocket made to hold a hydration reservoir, as well as a hose port to feed the tube to the exterior of the pack. Two large pockets sit at the top of the pack above the hydration reservoir, allowing you to put electronic items above the reservoir in case you should have a water leak.
At the bottom of the pack is a pocket that holds a rain cover, a trekking-pole attachment that allows you quickly stow your poles on the go, and two mesh pockets designed to hold water bottles or items of similar size. The waist belt is made of mesh and contains two large pockets big enough to hold a cell phone or snacks on the trail.
Comfort and Fit
I found the Stratos 34 extremely comfortable on my 100 mile hike through the Wicklow Way in Ireland. The pack design makes load distribution extremely simple. Two shoulder straps can be adjusted to take the load off the shoulders, and the hip belt can be easily adjusted to fit the waist. The backpack also features an adjustable chest strap that allows for a more even load distribution on the trail, as well as two compression straps on the back to tighten the load.
At the bottom of the pack is a pocket that holds a rain cover, a trekking-pole attachment that allows you quickly stow your poles on the go, and two mesh pockets designed to hold water bottles or items of similar size. The waist belt is made of mesh and contains two large pockets big enough to hold a cell phone or snacks on the trail.
Durability and Build Quality
The pack is made of recycled nylon with a foam hip belt. As with any Osprey pack, the materials feel premium and durable. The nylon itself is not waterproof though. It can withstand some time in the rain, but for downpours or extended time in the weather, the included rain cover is a great addition.
Storage and Organization
With a capacity of 34 liters, the Stratos 34 offers plenty of room for any day hike. The design is well thought out. One large back pocket is isolated from the main compartment, making it easy to store larger items that you want to easily access. The main compartment holds a mesh pocket for a water bladder, which can take up a lot of room in the pack, but with the 34 liter capacity, still leaves plenty of room for a jacket, spare clothes, a camera, or any variety of gear. Two large pockets sit above the hydration compartment, ideal for cell phones, battery packs, flashlights, or any other electronic item that you want to keep safe from getting wet. There are also straps on the outside of the pack, allowing you to attach additional items to the exterior.
Special Features
The AirSpeed suspension system with mesh backing is where this pack truly shines. In my opinion, it is a must for hikers that become easily overheated and are prone to sweating. It just feels great, and Osprey did a phenomenal job of allowing the pack to feel secure on your back, while also away from it.
Price and Value
Daypacks come in a variety of sizes, materials, and prices. This pack is for the serious hiker, and is priced as such. Running around $200.00 USD, the Stratos 34 offers size, comfort, and features that not every daypack has, but to me is absolutely worth the cost.
Where to Purchase
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Retailer
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Price
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Buy
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REI
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$125.99
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VIEW
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Amazon
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$122.00
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VIEW
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Conclusion
The Osprey Stratos 34 backpack is a great investment for the serious hiker who loves long day hikes and needs extra room for storage. It offers serious comfort and great features for a lot of flexibility on the trail.
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