Cost: $100

Product description: The Stratos 24 offers simple panel access in a lightweight, comfortable, custom fit daypack. Features include: AirSpeed™ suspension, Breathable mesh and perforated, molded waffle foam at contact points on contoured shoulder straps and hipbelt, Internal sleeve with hanger holds a hydration reservoir (sold separately), Zippered front pocket, Mesh side pockets and zippered mesh pockets on hipbelt and right shoulder strap, Integrated raincover, top grab handle, trekking pole attachment point and single ice axe attachment loop with a central handle clip.

Product specifications: 

Volumes and Weights
US and International weight and volume specifications

Dimensions
Dimensions are shown as length (height) x width x depth
Size Medium
22 x 13 x 9 in
55 x 32 x 22 cm

Bob's impressions: This is a great daypack. It's not perfect, but it comes pretty close in meeting my needs. I like, and use, all of its features and I don't find myself wishing for anything it doesn't have (okay, except for one thing). The pack seems well-made and durable. I've dragged it over quite a few miles and the only wear I can find is one small spot of rust - the fault of a metal hydration tube clip - obviously not a pack or manufacturer problem.

The only quality problem I've had with the pack also points out one of the reasons I'm an Osprey fan. There is a little plastic fitting that cinches the ends of the trekking pole retainer bungees. Somehow this piece got knocked off and lost, so I emailed the company to ask what kind of replacement clasp I should look for and where I could find one (it was a tiny thing that was hardly worth bothering over). They immediately shipped me a replacement and a spare. That lifetime warranty is a reassuring thing when you spend decent money on a piece of gear.

And the one small change I'd like? The pack only has one pole/axe loop. I'd like two, spaced apart so the retained pole doesn't cover up the zippered pockets.

But I make do. I'm such a trooper.

[Update: After several years of hard use I actually broke a part of the trekking pole system and emailed Osprey for instructions. They told me to empty and wash the pack and send it back to them for repair or replacement. Because the breakage seemed reparable to me I expected to get my old pack back in a few weeks, but was surprised to quickly receive a brand new Stratus 24. I was extremely impressed with their service and their willingness to stand behind the product.

Oh, and in the new version they moved the pole/axe attachment off to the side. Is it wrong to love a backpack?]

Italics indicate manufacturer's remarks and details.