3 YEARS of using the Osprey Stratos 44 – REVIEW

Table of Contents

• What is the Stratos 44 from Osprey?
• Features of the Osprey Stratos 44
• Who is Osprey Stratos 44 useful for?
• In-Dept Field Testing
• Comparison: Osprey Stratos 44 vs. Talon Pro 40
• Pros and Cons
• Other User Reviews and Feedback
• What about the alternatives?
• Pricing & Value for Money
• FAQs
• Conclusion

What is the Stratos 44 from Osprey?

The Osprey Stratos 44 is the biggest backpack from the series. The Stratos series includes 4 different sizes: 24 liters, 34 liters, 36 liters and 44 liters. The Stratos series is made for men while the Sirrus series is made for women. Both series are anatomically fitted for both genders.

The loading range lies between 15 and 30 lbs and the net weight of the backpack itself is 3.638 lbs.

Features of the Osprey Stratos 44

The Stratos 44 comes with a lot of features. We’ve listed the most important ones here:

Rain Cover

• Comes with a rain cover made from environmentally-friendly, PFC/PFAS-free, bluesign® approved materials.

Pocket space

The Stratos 44 is equiped with a lot’s of pockets:

• Front stash pocket with zipper
• Zippered hipbelt pockets
• Side mesh pockets
• Secret side pocket
• Bottom pocket
• External top pocket
• Internal top pocket

Airspeed® Suspension

• Injection-molded ladder system allows for 4 inches of torso length adjustment
• LightWire frame, taller and wider at 4 mm with powder coating, improves the range of fit

Airspeed® Backpanel

• 3D-tensioned breathable mesh back panel offers a supportive and comfortable fit
• Redesigned to increase ventilation by up to 40% compared to the previous model
• Updated yoke design provides consistent fit across all adjustment settings

Sustainable fabrics

• The Osprey Stratos 44 is made from bluesign® approved recycled nylon with a PFC/PFAS-free durable water repellent coating.

Anatomically fitted

• Gender-specific design ensures a comfortable fit with easy and quick adjustments.

Trekking Poles Attachment

• Trekking pole attachment system with new soft-touch tubes for improved comfort and convenience.

Ice Axe Attachment

• Single ice axe attachment loop with secure bungee tie-offs for added stability.

Who is the Osprey Stratos 44 useful for?

The Osprey Stratos 44 is ideal for men who want a solid backpack for day hiking. With it’s 44 liters it’s also very suitable for overnight stays and +- 3 day treks.

It’s build to stand all weather conditions on the trails.

If you want to use your backpack for overnights, then you definitely need to go for the 44 liters compared to the smaller Stratos models.

You can use this backpack to go camping, small treks, day hikes, overnights in huts, traveling, etc…

The ability to attach for instance an ice axe also makes it suitable for mountaineering activities such as canyoning, via ferrata’s, etc…

In-Dept Field Testing

How did we test?

I bought the Osprey Stratos 44 3 years ago and been using it ever since on hiking trips, overnights in huts and mountain bike marathon trips.

During all these outdoor adventures the backpack was fully tested in different conditions and during different activities such as:

• Day hiking in Slovenia
• Mountain bike overnight route in the Dolomites, Italy (Stoneman Dolomiti)
• Freeride ski trip to Engelberg
• 4 day trek with overnights in mountain huts in the Dolomites, Italy (Dolorama trail)
• …

Unboxing and First Impressions

When you first lay your hands on the Stratos 44 it feels like a highly qualitative backpack. The fabrics feel rugged and build to last. The weight of the backpack feels light. However, it’s probably not the lightest backpack on the market.

The backpack is preformed with metal rails/bars which helps keeping it’s form and adds comfort when wearing it.

The harnas and mesh looks and feels solid and so does the Airspeed panel.

For a 44 liter backpack it still looks compact when empty. The backpack “grows” a bit in size when it’s fully loaded. The front and side straps however make it possible to make it as compact as possible.

Loading capacity of the Osprey Stratos 44

One of the key advantages of this backpack are the many pockets. Stowing your stuff is not a problem with these large and thoughtful pockets.

Many backpacks have mesh pockets on the sides but often can store just one bottle. In addition, some backpacks only have 1 side mesh pocket. The Stratos 44 has 2 very large mesh pockets, one on each side. You can easily put an extra pair of shoes in one of them which makes them very useful.

At the side there is a hidden zipper which gives access to a large pocket. It’s perfect to put your valuable stuff there like some cash or your passport. Ideal if you are visiting a city while traveling.

At the top of the Osprey Stratos 44 there are 2 pockets, one accessible from the outside and a mesh pocket accessible from the inside. These pockets are perfect to put some hiking essentials in and they are actually quite spacious as well. I use them to stow away a medical kit, compass, maps, pocket knife, cables and chargers, camera accessories etc…

Underneath the top cover is the main compartiment with a top loading design and drawcord closure. I use it mainly to pack my clothes. The draw closure is practical to keep your clothes dry and makes it possible to put a lot of clothes in the main compartiment.

I tested how many winter sweaters and hoodies fit in there and I managed to put 7 thick woolen pull overs in easily.

Even for multi day overnight trips I never had any problem to pack everything I needed.

Between the top cover and the main compartiment I sometimes put my hardshell jacket so I can easily grab it if it get’s cold or starts raining.

At the bottom and front of the Stratos 44 there are 2 additional pockets as well. Small disadvantage: when the main compartiment is fully packed, you are not able to put a lot of thick items in the bottom pocket.

The same goes for the water bag. On the inside of the main compartiment there is a seperate pocket to put a water bag. However, when the main compartiment is fully packed it can be hard to get a full water bag in. You first need to fill the water bag and put it in place before you start filling the main compartiment.

Ice Axe and Trekking Poles

The ability to attach an ice axe and trekking poles is a nice extra. It makes this rucksack more versatile and useful for different outdoor activities and travels.

I never had to use the ice axe attachment yet but knowing that the Stratos 44 can carry it if needed gives peace of mind. Who knows where the next trip is going to right?

The stow-on-the-go trekking poles attachment is super convenient to use. While hiking you can put them away easily or grab them when needed. They also don’t bother you while hiking when they are attached.

Carrying comfort of the Osprey Stratos 44

The comfort of the Osprey Stratos 44 is amazing. The backpack can carry up to 30 lbs which is already quite much. However, when you carry it on your back it doesn’t feel like 30 lbs anymore.

The harnas is made from highly ventilated EVA foam which makes it very comfortable.

The backpanel consists of a 3D-tensioned breathable mesh that ensures supportive fit. The patented Airspeed backpanel also keeps a space in between your back and the backpack. Hence, moist can easily escape while sweating which helps to keep you cool and dry.

On the other hand, the Airspeed suspension system makes it possible to perfectly adjust the rucksack to the length of your torso.

Being able to do the right adjustments to get the perfect fit is crucial for any backpack. This is the only way to divide the weight so that you don’t feel like carrying all those pounds.

The hip belt is also very well made and adjustable. The only down side is that if you fully stuff the hip belt pockets with rigid items such as a flashlight, it becomes hard to close the hip belt.

This is because they made the backpanel of the Osprey Stratos 44 with thin metal bar/rail on the outside. This keeps the form of the back of the rucksack and keeps the Airspeed mesh under tension. This is great for comfort but makes it difficult to close the hip belt when the hip pockets are stuffed.

Keep in mind that you put softer goods in the hip pockets like food, energy bars, buff, etc… to avoid this problem.

Osprey Stratos 44: Pros and Cons

What we like

• Good loading capacity
• A lot of different pockets
• Comfort while carrying
• Large mesh pockets on both sides
• Ice Axe attachment
• Trekking poles attachment
• Airspeed backpanel against sweating

What we don’t like

• Bottom pocket not very useful when main compartiment is full
• Difficult to get the water bag in when loaded
• Difficult to close hip belt when hip pockets are full with rigid items

Comparison: Osprey Stratos 44 vs. Talon Pro 40

The Osprey Stratos 44 and the Osprey Talon Pro 40 are both high-performance backpacks but serve different needs:

• Osprey Stratos 44: Features a ventilated AirSpeed suspension system, ideal for multi-day hikes and warm weather due to excellent airflow. It’s a better choice for comfort and heavier loads. The Stratos also has trekking pole attachment.
• Osprey Talon Pro 40: Lightweight with a more minimalist design, focused on fast, light adventures like day hikes, climbing, and biking. It has a closer fit for dynamic movement. The Talon Pro doesn’t have trekkin pole attachment. The Talon however is a bit lighter.

The Talon Pro 40 is best used for fast-paced adventures, climbing, day hiking, etc… while the Stratos 44 is best for multi-day hiking and backpacking.

Other User Reviews and Feedback

The Stratos 44 get’s a lot of good feedback from other users for instance on Amazon. The average rating is 4.7 stars out of 5.

Customers praise the backpack for its comfort, size, and durability. They particularly appreciate how it fits snugly around the hips, its ample capacity, and its ability to carry all necessary gear for day hikes.

Many also commend its solid construction and well-designed zipper openings. However, there are mixed opinions about the pocket layout, with some finding them less functional than expected. Overall, it’s seen as a high-quality, reliable pack for outdoor adventures.

What about the alternatives?

A similar alternative from another brand would be the Fjalräven Abisko Hike 35. However, it comes with less features compared to the Osprey Stratos and sits around the same price.

The Abisko does have the ability to access the main compartiment from the front which is practical to reach your stuff on the go.

Pricing & Value for Money

The Osprey Stratos 44 is a well-made qualitative backpack which will literally and figuratively speaking have your back on any trail.

It’s not cheap. Period. But considering the durability and quality you get good value for money.

This backpack will support you for many years on many outdoor adventures to come.

FAQs

Is Osprey Stratos for men?

Yes, the Osprey Stratos is designed for men, but there is a women-specific version called the Osprey Sirrus.

How do you tell what size your Osprey backpack is?

The size is usually printed on a label inside the backpack or on the harness area. The Stratos series however come with one size per volume but have an adjustable harness.

How big is the Stratos 44 Osprey?

The Stratos 44 has a 44-liter capacity, ideal for multi-day trips.

What Osprey backpack is carry-on size?

Osprey backpacks like the Farpoint 40 and Talon 40 are carry-on size. However, we’ve taken flights with our Stratos 44 as carry-on luggage without any problem. The Stratos 44 is suitable for carry-on.

What is the difference between Osprey Sirrus and Stratos?

The Sirrus is the women’s version of the Stratos, designed for a female-specific fit.

Is Osprey a luxury brand?

Osprey is not a luxury brand but is considered premium in terms of quality and durability for backpacks.

How should an Osprey pack fit?

It should fit snugly on your hips, with the weight primarily on the hips rather than the shoulders.

What size backpack is considered big?

A backpack over 50 liters is generally considered large.

What is the standard backpack size for flights?

A carry-on size is typically 40-45 liters, depending on airline restrictions.

Are Osprey backpacks any good?

Yes, they are highly rated for their durability, comfort, and functionality.

How big is the average Osprey?

Most daypacks range from 20-30 liters, with larger packs going up to 70 liters.

How big is a 44L bag?

A 44-liter bag can typically hold enough for 2-3 days of gear.

Is 40L Osprey a carry-on?

Yes, a 40-liter Osprey backpack is generally suitable as a carry-on.

How can I tell what size my Osprey pack is?

Check the tag inside the bag or consult the manufacturer’s size guide.

Is a 50L backpack too big for carry-on?

Most airlines will consider a 50L backpack too large for carry-on, but it depends on the airline’s policies.

How strict are airlines about backpack size?

Airlines can be strict, especially with budget carriers, so checking dimensions is important.

How do I know my backpack size?

Measure your torso length or check the pack’s label for recommended fit.

What is the best Osprey for multi-day hiking?

The Osprey Stratos series are excellent for multi-day hiking.

What is the women’s version of Osprey Stratos?

The women’s version is the Osprey Sirrus.

What does EF mean Osprey?

EF stands for Extended Fit, designed for larger body types.

Conclusion

The Osprey Stratos 44 is a well-rounded backpack, ideal for multi-day hikes and shorter trips.

Its standout features include the AirSpeed® suspension system for superior comfort and ventilation, multiple pockets for excellent organization, and trekking pole and ice axe attachments for versatility.

Its durable, sustainable materials and gender-specific design enhance both performance and environmental friendliness.

While there are some limitations with fully loaded compartments and hip belt functionality, the Stratos 44 remains a top choice for hikers due to its balance of comfort, capacity, and adjustability.