Review on 🎒 Men's Hiking Backpack - Osprey Stratos 34 by Joe Taniguchi

I have an Osprey Daylite pack that I really like, but I was looking for something roomier and with an inner frame that would take the load. I've seen reviews of people complaining about the Stratos 34 backpack being too heavy, but that weight is in the frame and that frame pays for itself by distributing the weight properly. I didn't really notice any weight gain. I chose the Stratos 34 over the 24 because I needed the extra ability to use it for an overnight stay and this has a sleeping bag compartment and straps on the bottom for carrying a pad and/or tent. My 30 year old down sleeping bag barely fits in though, so switched to a new 2lb packable bag. I know there are compact ones that fit in there easily. If you were only going to use it for day hikes the Stratos 24 would probably be better, but I don't mind that it's a bit larger than what's needed for 5-10 mile day hikes. The hip lined pockets are good for snacking and the other pockets have proven useful and well placed. I added a small one to the shoulder strap that contains two packs of performance gel. The back cushion also handles sweat and heat, if not better than any other. I used a raincoat once and it easily fit on a full backpack. I figured it might be useful as a mite repellant too, but I might consider removing it once the summer heat hits. My only complaint/criticism, which is really unfair, is that the bag can expand and get bigger. Weight distribution is excellent and there are good compression straps. But the bag stretches only a little. You could make 44 liters out of it and that would be great. This makes it very compact. I'd love for it to be expanded a bit to add things for a multi-day trip, but of course it would be "Stratos 44" instead. Doesn't really matter, since I have other packages. So far I haven't had any issues with durability.