Osprey
Osprey Kestrel 68 men's rucksack (size L/XL)
Where it fits
- Also works for
- Backpacking and wild camping
- Not for
- Bikepacking
Why these labels
- Backpacking and wild camping: Holds an overnight kit: 68 litres
- Bikepacking: Too big to ride with: 68 litres
From the maker's stated use and the published specs.
- Weight: 4/10 How much the empty rucksack adds to what you carry, as sold.
- Comfort with a full load: 7/10 How well it carries a full camping load over a long day: hip belt, shoulder straps, back and how the weight sits.
- Durability: 5/10 How well the fabric, zips, buckles and frame hold up over seasons of use.
Multi-night trips with a heavy load: the maker's range is 14 to 20 kg
- Capacity
- 68 L
- Weight
- 2.25 kg (L/XL)
- Frame
- Framed
- Back length
- 48 to 58.5 cm
- Max load (maker's)
- 20 kg
Sizes: S/M (66 L, 2.17 kg) and L/XL (68 L, 2.25 kg). Women's version: Osprey Kyte 68. Rain cover included. Straps to carry a mat or tent outside.
No rucksack is waterproof: line it with a pack liner or dry bags. Try it on with weight in, or buy where returns are free.
Where to buy
Alpinetrek £191.96 In stock. Free delivery. Free delivery from £85.
View at shop: AlpinetrekCotswold Outdoor £240 In stock. Free delivery. Free delivery over £125.
View at shop: Cotswold OutdoorPrices checked 8 Nov 2026 on each shop's own page; shops can change them. We earn no commission on these links; shops are listed by price. More
Our ratings (out of 10)
1 to 10, compared with the whole market. Each says what it's based on. How we score
Weight
From maker's figures 4/10How much the empty rucksack adds to what you carry, as sold. 4: A bit below average.
Maker's weight for the L/XL is 2,250 g, in the 2,000–2,699 g band.
Comfort with a full load
Estimate from maker's specs: maker's maximum load 7/10How well it carries a full camping load over a long day: hip belt, shoulder straps, back and how the weight sits. 7: Better than most.
Estimate from maker's specs
Durability
Estimate from maker's specs: no figure published: average for a rucksack (no durability reviews yet) 5/10How well the fabric, zips, buckles and frame hold up over seasons of use. 5: Does the job. Average for wild-camping gear.
Estimate from maker's specs
In short
Good for
- Multi-night trips with a heavy load: the maker's range is 14 to 20 kg
- Winter and long-distance trips that need a rucksack with a proper frame
- Carrying a sleeping mat or tent outside on the removable straps
Strengths
- 3.5 mm perimeter wire frame plus a moulded framesheet to carry weight on the hips
- Maker's recommended load is 14 to 20 kg
- Rain cover is included
- Two back sizes: torso range 48 to 58.5 cm on the L/XL, 38 to 51 cm on the S/M
- Women's version available (Kyte 68)
Weaknesses
- 2,250 g is heavy for a 68 litre pack, in the 2,000–2,699 g weight band
- No independent test of this current version found, so comfort, durability and pockets are estimates, not reviewed scores
- Osprey also sells a lighter Kestrel LT 65, so check you are buying the 68 you want
Sources
We haven't tested this ourselves. Every score comes from these specs, tests and reviews.