In this Osprey Stratos 36 review, we will let you know what we think about this overnight backpacking solution.
Like every other Osprey backpack, the Stratos 36 is highly adjustable to the size your body. This is part of the reason why the Osprey company is so popular. In fact, it is the go-to outdoor gear company for serious hikers and travellers.
Why Use the Stratos 36 Backpack
The Stratos 36’s utility comes in somewhere between a day pack and a thru-hiking backpack. It is not quite so small that it can be used for daily use. If you are to carry this around every day, you might not enjoy the fact that it is a larger size than regular backpacks. But it is also not made for several days of hiking; it would not have enough space for that amount of time.
This backpack is made for overnight backpacking and day hiking. It has enough room to put two days worth of survival items in it. It’s size is halfway between the Stratos 24 (daytime) and the Porter 65 (thru-hiking).
Osprey Stratos 36 Features
Weight: 2.89 or 3 pounds; depending on the size you select
Dimensions: 26 x 13 x 12 or 28 x 13 x 12 inches
Mesh back panel: The back panel has a frame lined with a ventilated mesh. This helps prevent against sweat build up on the back of the backpack, and makes it much more comfortable than regular rucksacks.
Integrated rain cover: The bottom of the backpack has an external pocket which has an integrated (and removable) rain cover. While most backpacks require you to purchase a separate rain guard, this one comes with it built-in. While the body of the backpack is mostly water-resistant, the rain cover comes in handy during periods of heavy rain or snow.
Two loading options: You can load your main compartment in one of two ways; from the top or from the front. You can unzip the front panel on three sides to fully expose the contents of your backpack. This makes it easier for you to look for specific items without needing to rummage through the content.
Removable top compartment: Like many hiking backpacks made by Osprey, the Stratos 36 has a removable top compartment. The top compartment extends beyond the shoulders slightly, but allows for the packing of more items.
Zippered sleeping bag compartment: Instead of rolling up your sleeping bag and hooking it on with a strap, store it away inside of the zippered compartment at the bottom of the backpack. This helps protect against moisture so that you can rest in a dry sleeping bag at the end of the day.
Hip belt: In order to stabilize the backpack, attach it to your waist using the adjustable hip belt. The hip belt has two side pockets so that you can store your frequently used items.
Compression straps: The upper side of the backpack has compression straps. This allows you to compress the items the backpack while providing load stabilization. These straps also double as extra carry straps for items that might fit into it.
Mesh side pockets: The mesh side pockets allow you to store items such as water bottles and snacks. Outside of the mesh pockets are compression straps that allow you to keep them shut tight.
Sleeping pad straps: Attach a rolled up sleeping pad to the adjustable sleeping pad straps.
Pros
- Highly adjustable to the contours of your body
- Has an external rain cover protect the backpack against rain and snow
- This backpack is small enough to be used as carry-on luggage
- Very durable and sturdy
- The content of the backpack will not shift around because it has compression straps
- The breathable mesh prevents sweat from building up on the back
Cons
- The main compartment does not unzipper completely at the bottom
- The hip belt pockets are quite tight
- The only pockets that are easily reachable are the hip belt pockets and the side mesh pockets
The Verdict
The Stratos 36 was made with the hiker in mind. While it is not quite as big as some of the other hiking backpacks made by Osprey, this one is good enough for two or three days of hiking. While most hiking backpacks cannot be used as carry-on luggage, the Stratos 36 fits the guidelines to be able to be carried on a plane.
One of the great things about the Stratos 36 is that it has an external rain cover to protect the backpack while it rains. Not all of the Osprey backpacks have this feature. But if you are looking for a backpack that is made for many days of travel, you might be interested in the Osprey Porter 65. Granted, this is not a hiking backpack, and it cannot be used as carry-on luggage due to its size.
If you are interested in another hiking backpack that has more room than the Stratos 36, take a look at the Osprey Aura 65 backpack. It has enough room for about 7 days of hiking and is one of the largest Osprey backpacks in production. It is about 30% larger than the Stratos 36, and it comes in beautiful racy colors.
The Stratos 36 can be used most efficiently by those who want a backpack that is designed for hiking, but do not want it to be too large. A person of shorter stature would be an example of someone who might want this backpack. However, this is also great for someone who is taller.
Which backpack you decide to go with will highly depend on its purpose. If you would like more information on any of the Osprey backpacks mentioned on this site, please leave us your question below.