The Stratos is a great looking trekking day pack with impeccable ventilation thanks to the mesh back system. The key to the load carrying comfort and stability is the Airspeed mesh back panel; a lightwire frame effectively transfers weight to the hip belt whilst the sprung mesh panel keeps the pack away from your back allowing full ventilation when in use. Building on the success of their previous back system, Osprey's AirSpeed has taken what they feature in their higher end, heavier weight and larger capacity packs and slimmed it down into a lighter weight and more flexible alternative, better suited towards smaller packs such as this one. The foam now covers the entire back and hip belt and offers seamless comfort only previously used in their top end packs. Not only this, but the back system is fully adjustable to suit a wide range of back shapes and sizes.
This extremely comfortable pack works effectively in all conditions and the roomy 36 litre capacity is suited to long days out, ultra-lightweight multi-day trips or weekend breaks away.
Both the shoulder straps and the hip belt are made with Spacermesh foam, a stable and comfortable EVA with cut-outs to allow air flow and allow a little stretch for ease of movement. Access to the main compartment is through a traditional top lid that offers security and additional compression if required. The main compartment is split into two by an internal zipped divider which helps to keep wet dirty kit separate or the base compartment can be used to store a sleeping bag on overnight trips. To avoid having to pull out all your kit just to get to something right at the bottom of the pack, the Stratos unzips vertically from the front, allowing access to the whole pack from the front and the top.
You get all the usual and useful Osprey features with this pack such as the internal hydration sleeve, zipped hip belt pockets, stretch side pockets, integrated and detachable raincover and the brilliant Stow-on-the-go trekking pole attachment system. This brilliant system allows you to safely stash your trekking poles away when they are no longer required without having to remove the pack or pester a mate to do it for you.
The new Stratos sets the benchmark for ventilated hiking packs.
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AirSpeed trampoline suspended mesh backsystem
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Sternum strap with emergency whistle
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Stretch mesh side pockets with InsideOut compression
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Top lid access
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Twin zippered hip belt pockets
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Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment
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Integrated & detachable raincover
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Sleeping bag base compartment with internal divider
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Fixed top pocket with dual zippered compartments
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Internal hydration sleeve
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Internal key attachment clip
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Removable sleeping pad straps
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Side compression straps
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Single ice axe loop
Getting the correct fit for your rucksack is as important as getting the fit right for your boots. A badly fitting pack can inflict misery and discomfort and completely ruin your adventure. This guide is designed to help you get the best fit and comfort from your chosen pack so that carrying all your kit becomes a pleasure and not a chore.
ADJUSTING THE BACK LENGTH
If the pack has an adjustable back length, adjust this to your correct level. Your back length is not related to your height but your torso length. Many packs, and specifically the bigger and more technical packs are available in different back lengths or feature adjustable back systems. Contrary to popular belief, your torso length and not your overall height is the key to getting a well fitted pack. Tall people don’t necessarily have long torsos, just as shorter people don’t always have a short torso length.
Your torso length can be found by measuring from your C7 vertebra (the bony protrusion at the back of your neck when looking down) to the height of your iliac crest (top of your hip bones, where you put your hands on your hips). This measurement will give you an idea of which pack back length to choose.
Once you've got the back length sorted, either by selecting the correct size pack or adjusting the back system, you can begin to follow these simple steps to help achieve a comfortable carry.
LOOSEN OFF ALL STRAPS
Before you start fitting the pack, loosen off all the straps as this will make it easier to get the correct tension later.
TIGHTENING THE HIPBELT
Fasten the backpack hipbelt, the general position is the same as where you’d put your ‘hands on hips’ This area is called the pelvic girdle, and what you can feel when you rest your hand on the area is the bony protuberance, the iliac crest. The iliac crest can support the weight from a pack comfortably, and for sustained periods. The padded section of the hipbelt should encompass this and fit securely.
Tighten the straps so the hipbelt feels secure and held firmly around your body. Ensure that the lumbar pad is centered to your lower back to give you maximum support. Remember that your hips carry most of the weight of the pack, so this should be firm but comfortable.
ADJUSTING THE SHOULDER STRAPS
Next, adjust the shoulder straps, pull them until they start to become snug, but ensure that they are not too tight as to lift the pack off your hips. Remember tightening them will stabilise the pack but will increase pressure over the shoulders. If the back length of the pack is correct the shoulder straps will be flush to your shoulders whilst the hipbelt sits in place comfortably. The point where the shoulder straps attach to the main body of the pack should be roughly half way down your shoulder blades; this ensures that the shoulder straps rolls evenly over the top of your shoulders to distribute the weight correctly.
FASTENING THE CHEST STRAP
Fasten the chest strap and pull until taut but not tight, the elastic section should not be extended. This helps keep the shoulder straps from catching in your shoulder joints and keeps the stability of the pack when moving over rough ground.
ADJUSTING THE TOP TENSIONERS
Top tensioner straps link the shoulder straps to the top of the pack. When tightened, their main function is to stabilise the top part of the pack. The optimum angle for these straps in 45º, but they will stabilise the load even when horizontal or at a more obtuse angle. Tighten them until you feel the top part of the pack rest against your pack, over tightening them will create excessive pressure on the front of your shoulders.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE TENSIONERS
Side tension straps are linked to the hipbelt. By tightening these straps you can stabilise the load but reduce the hipbelt flexibility. Where balance is critical tightening them can help you feel more secure. However, if you are striding out over easy terrain it’s better to loosen these straps to allow full hip flexibility.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE COMPRESSION STRAPS
Side compression straps come next, pulling these tight does two things: firstly, it stabilises the load, secondly it can lift the lower part of the pack, repositioning the load closer to your back.
ADJUSTMENTS ON THE GO
Following these steps should give you a comfortable but secure fit on your pack. Sometimes adjustments will need to be made on the go depending on the terrain or the load you are carrying. The perfect fit is very much a personal preference so experiment with different tensions on the pack to find what suits you best.