This review of the Osprey Stratos 34 vs 36 was written because both are very similar in design. Most of the features are quite the same, except for a few differences. In fact, the Stratos 34 is made for day hiking, while the Stratos 36 is made for overnight backpacking as well as day hiking.
Before we get into the differences, let’s talk about what makes them the same.
Which Osprey Stratos Pack has more features? Find out in this Osprey Stratos 50 vs Kestrel 48 article.
Osprey Stratos 34 vs 36
Stratos 34 vs 36: The Similarities
Organization and pockets
Both backpacks have a large main compartment that can be accessed through a large front panel. There are zippers on three sides so that you can fully uncover and expose the contents. This means that you get a full view of your gear all at once without needing to rummage through from the top.
The Stratos 34 and 36 both have two zippered pockets on their hip belt. In the zippered pockets, you can store your readily accessible items such as your phone and your snacks.
They both also have side mesh pockets that you can use for your water bottle. Put any other smaller items in there that you will need to access without taking off the backpack.
Weatherproofing
Both these backpacks have a removable rain cover. This rain cover comes toward an external pocket at the bottom of the backpack. You can pull it out and cover the entire backpack with it while it is raining or snowing. This is a very important feature on a backpack and not a lot of them have it. Instead of buying a garbage bag, you can rely on this weatherproofing system.
Sleeping pad and sleeping bag
Both come with sleeping pad straps that you can use for a rolled-up sleeping pad at the bottom of the backpack. These sleeping pad straps can also double as trekking pole attachments. If they become cumbersome and you are not using them, you can simply remove them.
It is important that your sleeping bag remains free of moisture as you hike. This is why both backpacks have a zippered sleeping bag compartment. Other backpacks have straps that you simply used to roll up your sleeping bag, which remains external. This is a great feature because you will not be fighting the weather to get a good night’s sleep.
Comfort
Both the Stratos 34 and Stratos 36 come with a spacer harness that uses Airspeed suspension in order to evenly distribute the weight of the backpack. This helps to keep the load stable, along with the backpack’s compression straps. The back panel has mesh ventilation to prevent sweat build up at pressure points.
Osprey Stratos 34 vs 36 :The Differences
The Stratos 36 is slightly larger than the 34, and it does hold more volume. This is because the Stratos 36 was specifically made for overnight backpacking. Although it can still be used as a daypack, the Stratos 34 is better suited for everyday hiking as it is not as bulky.
Size and volume
- Stratos 34
- Dimensions: 22 x 13 x 13 inches (s/m) and 24 x 13 x 13 inches (m/l)
- Volume: 32 liters (s/m) and 34 liters (m/l)
- Stratos 36
- Dimensions: 26 x 13 x 12 inches (s/m) and 28 x 13 x 12 inches (m/l)
- Volume: 34 liters (s/m) and 36 liters (m/l)
As you can see, the Stratos 36 holds 6% more volume than the Stratos 34. It is also 4 inches taller, but 1 inch narrower.
Pockets
The Stratos 34 has more pockets than the Stratos 36. This is due to the to slash pockets at the top and the front of the backpack. The simply gives extra space for your smaller items to be stored where you can access them easily.
Removable top
As you can see from the image above, the Stratos 36 has a larger top than the Stratos 34. The Stratos 36 actually has a lid that holds more items than the top of the Stratos 34. This lead is actually removable in order to make the backpack lighter. This is one of the best parts of the Stratos 36. Although it is the larger backpack, it can convert into a smaller one just by removing the top lid.
Top-load access
Apart from having full main compartment access through the large panel, the Stratos 36 has top-load access. You can access the contents of the main compartment from the top by opening up the draw string. This makes it so that you don’t have to lay the backpack on its back every time you want to take something out.
Price
The Stratos 36 cost about $10 more than the Stratos 34. To see current prices, take a look at them on Amazon.
The Verdict
As you can see, these two backpacks differ in mainly two ways. The Stratos 36 holds more volume, and it has a removable top. The removable top allows you to make backpack just as light as the Stratos 34. And the Stratos 36 allows main compartment access from the top through a drawstring. Our vote is for the Stratos 36 because it gives all of the same capabilities as the Stratos 34 for only $10 dollars more.
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Can you use the Stratos 36 as a carry on?