Solid day pack - Osprey Stratos 26 Pack

I purchased the Stratos 26 pack to replace a decade-old Black Diamond daypack that'd seen plenty of action. After researching dozens of daypacks, I settled on Osprey because of the hiking pole stowing feature and specifically the Stratos 26 for its volume. After using it once for a short (6 mile) hike, the most positive feature for me is the pack's fit and suspension system - it carries much like my ultralight multi-day pack, with weight properly distributed to hips and little to none on shoulders. Cons: because of the pack's curved shape, it's a little challenging to pack and makes it seem to have less volume than specified. I haven't found side pockets on any pack that I really like (they all seem to have a weird shape) and the side pockets on this pack don't do anything to change my mind on that score. But overall I really like its suspension and it seems to be well made with extremely durable materials.

This review was written in the old system and had content requirements that are different than reviews written today.