OSPREY KYTE 36 / KESTREL 38 £130

The Kyte 36 is the women’s version of the men’s Kestrel 38, so does this fully-featured design make it the go-to pack for all hillwalkers?

it's good

This pack comes in both women’s and men’s versions, with both boasting an airscape back system that allows the shoulder straps to be raised or lowered for a more precise fit. The back panel is really comfortable too, with foam padding and lots of air channels that are covered with a mesh overlay for airflow. The hipbelt fins are also very well padded, so the overall effect is loads of comfort without being too hot.

The main compartment is accessed through a quality fixed lid, so there’s no chance of water creeping under it, and there’s external zipped access to the bottom of the main compartment. The pockets on the lid and hipbelt are a good size and the big stretch pocket on the front of the pack is perfect for stuffing a waterproof between showers.

Side compression straps and stretch side pockets complete this fully-featured rucksack.

However

all those features add up, making this the heaviest rucksack here, so you have to ask yourself if you need everything this pack is offering; such as the adjustable back system, base compartment access and all those webbing straps. Even with all those features other packs offer more airflow across the back, although no other pack we tested was as comfortable as this overall.

The men’s version offers two back length options, as well as adjustment, while the women’s has just one size but does have the same adjustable back length.

This pack is also higher in price than some other options. If you just need a simple daypack with basic features, this is probably more than you need.

verdict

ideal if you need more packing options and maximum comfort. it isn’t the cheapest or lightest option out there, but the overall package can’t be beaten.