When it comes to premium daypacks built for all-day hiking, The Osprey Stratos/Sirrus 26 (Stratos: men’s and Sirrus: Women’s) remain standout choices. Known for their signature AirSpeed™ back panel, refined fit system, and impressive feature set, they offer comfort and support that outshine many larger packs.
In 2024, these packs earned Gear of the Year from Live for the Outdoors, and for good reason. We took both models across UK hill walks, alpine scrambles, and multi-hour hikes to test ventilation, stability, and real-world usability — and we came away impressed.
Core Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 26 litres |
| Weight | ~1.4 kg (Men’s M/L) |
| Fit System | 5-point adjustable torso |
| Back System | AirSpeed™ trampoline mesh |
| Access | Top lid + zipped lower compartment |
| Hydration | Internal sleeve + hose ports |
| Rain Cover | Included (packs into base pocket) |
| Materials | bluesign®-approved recycled nylon |
| RRP (UK) | £160 (often discounted to ~£130–£145) |
Fit and Gender-Specific Comfort
Osprey pioneered gender-specific design in daypacks, and the difference is tangible.
Stratos (Men’s)
- Longer torso adjustment range
- Wider hipbelt and straighter shoulder straps
- Better suited for flat backs and broader shoulders
Sirrus (Women’s)
- Shorter torso length
- Contoured shoulder straps to avoid chest compression
- Shaped hipbelt for curved hips and narrower waists
Both packs use Osprey’s adjustable back system, allowing customisation across five size points. Combined with the mesh AirSpeed™ panel, you get a suspended feel that lifts the pack off your back — reducing sweaty hotspots and improving comfort on long, warm ascents.
Even when loaded with 10–12 kg for full-day hikes, we found weight distribution excellent. The shoulder straps are plush yet supportive, and the hipbelt grips comfortably without digging or slipping.
Storage and Organisation: Compact Yet Clever
At 26 litres, the Stratos/Sirrus 26 falls into the sweet spot for day hikes — offering enough room for all essentials while encouraging a streamlined carry.
Key Storage Features:
- Top-loading main compartment with a floating lid that expands or compresses depending on your gear
- Zipped lower compartment with internal divider — perfect for wet gear, a lightweight sleeping bag, or down jacket
- Front shove-it pocket for quick access layers, made of tough stretch nylon
- Dual zipped hipbelt pockets for snacks, compass, or phone
- Stretch mesh side pockets fit 1L bottles or trekking poles (though bottle access while wearing can be tricky)
- Hydration sleeve fits most 2–3L reservoirs, with hose routing ports on both sides
The internal layout is intuitive, making it easy to access gear on the go. The bottom compartment is especially handy for wet items or for packing bivvy gear separately from dry essentials.
Ventilation and Back Panel: Hot Day Game-Changer
The AirSpeed™ back system is one of the best ventilated suspension designs in any hiking pack.
Benefits on the Trail:
- Suspended mesh keeps the pack off your back
- Airflow gap reduces sweat and overheating
- Provides a stable carry without clinging to spine or lumbar
On humid hillwalks and steep scrambles, the mesh panel delivers a noticeable improvement in comfort compared to foam-backed packs. It’s a major advantage in summer or if you run hot on the trail.
On-the-Ground Testing: How It Performs
We tested the Stratos and Sirrus 26 across several environments:
- Snowdonia ridge hikes
- Windy Lake District trails
- Winter woodland walks
- Canal towpath rambles with changeable weather
What We Loved:
- Excellent ventilation that kept backs dry even on steep climbs
- Stable carry, even with 10kg+ of gear including water, layers, food, and camera kit
- Quick-access pockets made refuelling on the go easy
- Rain cover provided solid protection during sudden downpours
- Fit system was genuinely comfortable for both male and female testers
Room for Improvement:
- Side pockets are deep and secure, but bottles can be hard to reach while wearing the pack
- Weight is higher than minimalist alternatives (~1.4 kg)
- Main compartment has no front zip — top lid only makes access a bit fiddly when fully packed
Even so, none of these issues proved deal-breakers, and comfort more than made up for the added grams.
Durability and Materials: Built to Last
Osprey’s use of 100% recycled bluesign® nylon doesn’t compromise on strength. The honeycomb weave resists scuffs and abrasions from rock, brush, and pack drops.
- Zippers are glove-friendly and slide smoothly under tension
- Buckles are large enough for cold-weather use, without feeling bulky
- Rain cover packs neatly into the base and stays snug in wind
After multiple months of hill use and rough travel, we saw minimal wear. Stitching remained tight, and the mesh didn’t sag or lose tension. It’s a pack you’ll still be using three years down the line.
Feature Comparison: Stratos/Sirrus vs Talon/Tempest
| Feature | Stratos/Sirrus 26 | Talon/Tempest 26 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | ~1.4 kg | ~900g |
| Back Panel | AirSpeed™ mesh | AirScape™ foam |
| Access | Top lid + lower zip | Top zip only |
| Rain Cover | Included | Not included |
| Fit System | Adjustable torso | Fixed torso sizes |
| Best For | Comfort & support | Speed & minimalism |
The Talon/Tempest is ideal for fast-and-light missions, but for long hikes with changing weather and heavier loads, the Stratos/Sirrus feels more refined — with added comfort, coverage, and stability.
Sustainability and Lifetime Warranty
Osprey’s sustainability credentials are worth noting:
- All materials are bluesign® approved and made from recycled nylon
- Osprey offers the All Mighty Guarantee, which covers free repairs for gear damaged through normal use — helping reduce landfill and extend the life of your kit
This means your pack won’t be destined for the bin after one buckle snaps or a zipper fails. It’s designed to last, and the company will help make sure it does.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros
- Gender-specific fit that actually delivers comfort
- Outstanding back ventilation via AirSpeed™ system
- Durable recycled fabrics with water-resistant coating
- Includes rain cover and hydration-ready sleeve
- Excellent weight distribution and trail stability
- Lifetime repair guarantee
Cons
- Heavier than minimalist daypacks
- No front zip access to main compartment
- Side bottle pockets are deep — tricky to reach while moving
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Stratos/Sirrus 26?
If you’re looking for a feature-rich, ultra-comfortable daypack for UK hillwalking, long day hikes, or light overnight missions, the Osprey Stratos/Sirrus 26 stands out as one of the best options for 2025.
It’s not the lightest — and it’s not designed to be. Instead, it offers top-tier comfort, smart organisation, and mountain-ready ventilation in a rugged, repairable shell. Whether you’re climbing ridges or crossing valleys, this pack delivers mile after mile.
Rating: ★★★★★ 9.3/10 Best For: Hillwalkers, day hikers, scrambling and all-day adventures
Avoid If: You’re ultralight-focused or prefer front-entry packs
