Osprey Stratos 36

This pack was my first foray into the world of Osprey and I have to say that I love what I have seen so far, for the most part. The Airspeed suspension is great. I always had a problem with putting a pack on a cold, sweaty back after a break. No longer is this an issue. My back stays completely dry. The hip-belt pockets are indeed handy, as is the pocket on the shoulder strap. Having the option of a top loader and a front loader is convenient. I don't use trekking poles, so I cannot speak on the effectiveness of the "Stow-and-Go" feature (I tried to use it to hold my Rogue Hoe, with no success).
With that said, I have three big issues with this pack and one rather minor one. Here they are:
1.) You cannot cinch down tight on the compression straps. This causes the frame to bend and the suspension to press against the pack.
2.) The design of the cross-member for the frame causes the bladder to take up even more space than it would already. The Hydroform bladders from Osprey will not fit comfortably mounted on the outside as designed.
3.) If you actually pack the main compartment then the front pocket is useless. If you do accidentally do put say a notebook in there before you pack the main compartment, you have to fight to get it out.
4.) Minor Issue - When the pack is packed, it is difficult to access the built in rain cover. Not really a huge issue, but a lapse in design just the same.
Overall, would I buy this pack again? Yes, if only for the suspension. The other issues are dealt with by simply being careful when packing. However these issues have made me realize that I HAVE to get another pack, which I was hoping not to have to do. I will stay with the Osprey line, looking at the Kestrel and the Atmos.

This is the first Osprey pack I've ever purchased, and I did so because of rave reviews from friends and internet users alike, so I figured I would post my own review. I'm 6'2", 170 pounds, and I got the large (2,319 ci), which suits my body perfectly. As other reviewers have noted, the Airspeed system allows your back to breathe, no matter the conditions. This pack is great for 1-3 nights, though I'd use a larger pack if I was hiking/trekking for a longer period of time. The hip-belt pockets are easily accessible and great for a digital camera or energy bar, and I like the front-loading feature, in my opinion a must have. However, if you're searching for a day-to-day pack, then this probably isn't the one for you. It's a bit bulky for daily use, especially if you're on a crowded bus or train, or if you're commuting on a bike. I spent 3 years abroad, living out of a backpack while teaching in Latin America and Asia, so I tend to put my packs through one torture test after another. I'm planning another long-term excursion to Australia and Southeast Asia, and this pack is definitely coming with me since it has a built-in raincover that's great for the rainy season. Once again, I highly recommend this pack for hiking, camping, and outdoor use, not so much for day-to-day city use.

I've been looking for a couple of years for a good pack to use while canyoneering, and you'd be surprised how hard it is to find one. After lots of looking I finally decided on this one and it's been a great choice.
Plenty of room in the pack to carry a rope, harness, webbing, food (as long as you don't mind some smooshed sandwhiches) and some extra shoes for the hike in. I went with the Stratos because of the front loading feature which makes it easy to stuff the rope in the pack when you're on the move.
My only beef with the pack is that it does only have the two main pockets and the smaller of the two is pretty tiny especially if you've got the main pocket loaded up with gear. I think I might look into installing a shelf just above the front loading pocket to keep my rope separate from all my other junk.

As a Scoutmaster - and a father - I usually have to carry a bit extra gear than usual and needed something slightly larger for longer day hikes. This pack works great - much better than the CamelBak day packs I'd used in the past.
Priced competitively with others (CamelBak day packs, etc.), it has the following significant advantages:
- The mesh back panel. It adds cooling comfort - and a place to stow the water reservoir if you don't want it in the main compartment.
- Comfort - the hip belt, perfect rigid/flex of the frame make this the most comfortable pack I've carried in this class.
- Integrated rain cover. Easy and quick to deploy - it works great.
- Hip belt pockets - for easy retrieval of smaller items.
- Trekking pole stow system - it works as it should, allowing poles to be easily stowed/retrieved on the fly.

I just took this on a weekend trip down to Zion National Park to do the Orderville and Subway hikes. It fit everything I needed and I even had room for other peoples ropes and gear. The AirSpeed system is AWESOME and let's your back breathe while you sweat in the summer heat. Hipbelt pockets were big enought for a pair of sunglasses on one side and plenty of Cliffbars on the other side for easy access. Also a shoulder pouch the same size for anything you could think that was small. Started raining half way through the hike so the built-in rain cover was great and we had to do some swimminng so i put a 13 liter dry bag in there as well. Great pack, great weekend!