I've owned a Kestrel 32 for approx 8 years now. It's been my day pack for the Annapurna Circuit and Inka Trail. I bought my wife a Kestrel 32 in 2014. Whenever we travel we take our Kestrel backpacks as carry on and nothing else. We spent a month travelling around Europe with this backpack each and a Eurorail pass. More than enough room. We're leaving on a 107 mile Cotswold Way trek in England and you guessed it, this pack is all we're taking with us.
The pack wears well and is easy to clean. Even when stuffed full, its easy to wear without any hotspots from straps. We like we can loosen the shoulder straps and let some of the weight transfer to our hips for a short time which can be done on the move.

I got the older version from a few years back. First, I'm hard to fit, and this pack is ridiculously adjustable from every angle. I love the front panel loading, I love not having an extra access zipper on the bottom, this works way better.
Straps and belt: don't be fooled, they're not super padded, but they are beautifully form fitting, no rub spots, no bouncing around.
Pockets: one on each hip fin, one on each side, one big stretchy one on the front, one in the lid. I use them for smaller items and stuff I need access to quickly.
I really love the hydration system: the sleeve for the bladder is outside of the pack between the back panel and the pack itself, which means it stays out of the way of everything else and if you don't use a bladder, you have an extra pocket.
it also comes with an integrated rain cover which works exactly as intended.
This pack (S/M, my spine measures at 17") holds my Crazy Creek chair (that was a surprise, I expected to have to hold it in one of the side pockets and compression straps on the outside), rain layers, extra fleece, Buff, hat, gloves, socks, first aid kit, trowel and tp, extra mini Sawyer squeeze and collapsible bottle, cell phone, map, compass, knife, flashlight, food for the day and extra snacks, and a 2L bladder.
My only complaint is there needs a better way to hold a large smartphone.
I did find a nifty cool pouch Osprey makes which clips onto the shoulder harness. Works beautifully but many stores don't even carry those.

I have to let you know I am happy with the pack! I have used it a few time and I'm telling you it comfortable. I am a very broad shouldered person with a longer torso, most pack day pack do not conform to. I have spent this winter looking for a day pack and I could not find one to fit properly and comfortably. Researching I came across the Kestel 32 and a few folks with similar problems highly recommend it. BUT be warned of the same problems they stated and I am passing on, the STRAPS they are not long enough! You cannot wear anything more that a NANO style or FLEECE jacket! I wish all day-pack would adapt the adjustable torso system and have longer straps. Only reason I can't give it 5 star is for the only two things I find missing with this pack.1 and Very VERY important to me is the Straps they are to short!!!!! 2nd extra front pocket for smalls item and storage. Besides those two issues I have, this is a great pack!

After years and years of another pack it was time for a new one. I searched to find one that was comfortable and fit me. Broad shoulders, long torso. Found the Kestrel with adjustable torso length!!!
I never thought I would change my loyalties but I did!!! Love love love this pack. I wanted a panel loader, this is it. After I used this pack for 1 season, both of my daughters wanted an Osprey. They both have an Osprey now. I use the walking stick holder all the time, use the water bottle holders, use the pockets on the belt for essentials. when I day hike with friends they are all amazed at what I pull out of the Kestrel. I carry a backpack stove, trail model fishing pole, seat cushion, and snacks!! Love the raincover,I keep my raincoat in the same pocket. I cannot stress enough how I was loyal to another brand of pack, they do not make what I need anymore, so glad Osprey has such a HUGE selection. I now recommend Osprey to anyone that will listen. I also have a Talon 6 just used it today for a short hike with camera equipment and drinks.

Let me start by saying that this is the first pack that was able to take me away from my heavier military styled packs. Most pack I came across were way to small for my needs, I tend to pack pretty heavy to cover any emergency situations that may come up while I am hiking. This pack is big enough to hold all the gear I like to carry and is far more comfortable then the heavier bags I generally use. The only complaint that I have is the lack of pockets as I am used to being able to organize my gear better within my bags, but this was easily rectified with the purchase of a few organizational pouches. Overall a great product that I have found myself using more then any of the other packs I own!

Love the pack! If anything it is a bit too big for what I usually carry but I like having a sturdy hip belt and the smaller packs just don't offer that feature. When my shoulders get sore - especially on the way out after a hiking 15-25 miles in the Adirondacks it feels good to just release the shoulder straps and letting the entire pack rest on my hips for a little while.
Also, while it is a little large, the top and bottom compression straps keep the load snug and in place.
I tried on more than two dozen packs and this one just felt right.

I have used and abused the Kestrel 32 for the last 10 years. It has gone through school, around the world, and on many over-night camping trips with me.

I love how the pack has a big simple main compartment that doesn't have the top-pouch thing. It's ideal for stashing and accessing stuff quickly, even a laptop. The integrated rain cover is key as it allows for complete protection from weather you can trust. Unlike waterproof" packs.

After putting this pack through more than I imagined it could handle, it has one failing seem and a broken buckle. That's it. I know since osprey has the best product guarantee in the business, they will take care of these small problems.

I plan on using this pack for another 10 years at least and recommend it to anyone who needs a solid, versatile day pack.