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Osprey Kestrel 38 backpack - any opinions? Please share.

Tumbleweed

Active Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Frances (2013)
Hello fellow Pilgrims, :arrow:

I am so very excited, I take my first Camino step in SJPdP on Sept 4, 2013 only 107 days away.
After trying on many backpacks I finally made my purchase. Osprey Kestrel 38 S/M 36 L
I walked around REI with a load of 15 lbs for about an hour and a half, this was yesterday. I went back today, tried on 3 other packs (with loads) then went back to the Kestrel, loaded it up again and strolled around for about an hour. It has been adjusted to fit me by Bev, the backpack guru.....hail to Bev, she made a world of difference in the way it fit. This is the one.

Please, any experience with this pack would be welcomed. The best way to pack it, etc....

Also, how do I get the static electricity out of my sleeping bag. Can I put it in the dryer with a bunch of anti static dryer sheets? It's down.

Thanks a bunch - Buen Camino
Angela
 
Camino Inspired & Tested Gear!
New Original Camino Gear Designed Especially with The Modern Peregrino In Mind!
Hi
Just did 14 days St Jean to Burgos with same pack. No issues at all. I put sleeping bag and sheet in bottom compartment.
Mine was M/L
Have fun
 
I made my second Le Puy walk with the Kestrel 36. It is comfortable and well organized. The water bladder sits in the small of your back, reducing ventilation some. Sleeping kit in the bottom, clothing next, then lightweights. Rain gear on top. Lunch and guidebook in the lid.
 
Camino Way markers in Bronze
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
I used that same pack, no issues other than the shoulder straps digging in after a few weeks. I was told it was due to wearing the backpack incorrectly (by someone who didn't see me wearing it) but I had it fitted when I first bought it, and had it packed and cinched the correct way according to Osprey's website, so I'm not sure about that.

But it had plenty of pockets, plenty of room to hold stuff, came with a rain cover (which I didn't know about so was pleasantly surprised to find), and was a good buy. I'd take a smaller one next time, but otherwise I'd recommend it, but be prepared to use a shirt, socks, towel, or whatever to cushion your shoulders if you have an experience like mine.
 
Used mine for two Caminos. I carried two sleeping bags (my wife's) so if you are only carrying one or none, you will have plenty of room. Very comfortable.
 
2024 edition: The Brierley Camino Frances Guide
The first edition came out in 2003 and has become the go-to-guide for many pilgrims over the years. It is shipping with a Pilgrim Passport (Credential) from the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
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