Osprey Kestrek 48 Pack Review

My review of this bag is an honest one. I didn't get this backpack for free as a test to review. I bought it with my own money based on other peoples reviews of it. This is what I think of this bag...

Right off the bat I have to say that I'm not a fan of the lid not coming off. On one spring trip I stuffed it extra high then had to remove items because I couldn't close the top. I took out a sweater, one I wish I had later on. If the lid adjusted, I would have been warm, period.

My standard size fit is a Med/Large, but this bag is too large around the waist. I'm returning it for the Small/Med bag and adjusting the spine to fit my shoulders and waist.
I like the side pockets as my tent poles and rodent sack fit perfectly.
The side mesh pockets are also nice. I hold quick grab food there to eat during the hike.
The wide mesh pocket was important for me, I wanted to be able to gab quick clothing out of here. It has worked out perfectly for this.
The pole straps are fantastic. The compression straps work perfectly. And it has a lot of tie points.
It has a ventilated back which is great for the summer months!
The water pocket is long, and holds my 3 liter water bladder perfectly. However, despite reviews saying the water compartment is located outside the main compartment, I disagree with them. You slide your water into a compartment which seemingly is located just behind the main compartment, but when you open the bag and look inside, the water sack is right there, located INSIDE the main compartment! Unfortunately with this bag, water spills are still a scary factor to think about when purchasing. I counteracted possible spills by purchasing two Sea To Summit waterproof cinch sacks, one for my sleeping bag and one for my clothes.
The bag is light, comfortable, and compresses nicely.
My only major complaint about this bag is that I have to tighten down my shoulder and waist straps every so often during the hike, as they give way making it loose and uncomfortable at times.
 Out of 5 starts, I give this bag 3.5. I wanted to love this bag. But as it turns out I just like it. I'm keeping it, but only until something better comes along.

Spectacle Lake By Way Of Pete Lake Trail

Me on the vista of Spectacle Lake Trail

 I will start this off by stating this trek is not for the lighthearted, especially in early season packing such as June in the Northwest. Matter of fact, I have five blisters on my feet confirming for me that, in fact, this is likely the hardest trek I have done to date. With that being said, let's get to it!

 Trail rout, Pete Lake to Spectacle Lake via Cooper River

After a quick travel through Roslyn, WA, a town 80 miles east of Seattle, made up from years of coal-mining from the late 1800's, (Roslyn played a role in Washington State History by supplying fuel to the Northern Pacific Railroad trains during the construction of the rail line through the Cascade Mountains. It is the perfect place to stop and eat after a long adventure in the Cascade Mountains.) we headed straight to the Pete Lake Trailhead with our sights set on backpacking to Pete lake before dark.

The Pete Lake Trail is essentially an extension of the Cooper River Trail and is located just past the Owhi Campground. The trail begins with deep forest and quickly adds attractive views of the river, lush foliage and wildflowers. With a lack of vistas and only one large log crossing the trail is easy enough for families with children to trek. 
We settled in at Pete Lake just before dusk with just enough light to fix a quick meal and watch a magical sunset drop behind Big Summit Chief Mountain while a boy fished for what is said to be, "pan-sized rainbow trout" that flourish in this lake.

Pete Lake & Big Summit Chief Mountain at sunset

Due to the abundance of people visiting Pete Lake, the wildlife is happy to come snatch up your left out goodies. It's important to bring a bear bag if you plan to keep your food throughout the night. We even had a black tailed dear walk right into our camp and have a look around with what appeared to be little worry about our presence.

Shaun fording the second half of Lemah Creek

The next morning we were quick to rise and start our journey to Spectacle Lake. The trail takes you around the lake and along the Lemah Creek onto a Lemah Creek fording. The two part creek ford is fairly high in the early months of the summer, with some parts of the creek nearing our waist. I highly recommend caring trekking poles and adequate footwear. A footbridge was constructed along the PCT a mile north of this ford as an alternate crossing route without fording, but it has been washed out and reports indicate it has not been rebuilt. Once past the ford and after drying off the best we could, we continued northwest along the trail to the PCT junction and up the first series of switchbacks.

Passing through the rebirth of the Lemah Fire

The Lemah Fire, which was caused by a lightning strike in 2009, left the mountain with roughly 600 acres of burnt wilderness. In 2013 the mountain has reclaimed the forest with thick, sometimes waist high, vegetation and beautiful wildflowers. Tracks of wildlife along the trail indicate that deer, birds, rabbits, bobcats, coyotes, and yes, cougars roam the mountain side. We saw both fresh and old scat (cat poo) on many different parts of the trail. I was relieved to have my comrade with me on this part of the trail in particular. After a series of switchbacks and little shade, I was happy to be passing a creek once again.

Spectacle Falls bridge crossing

                                                                                     


The waterfalls are plentiful along this journey.
Some falls are small and hardly noticeable, others raging and sprouting what appears to be right out of the ground. But the one worth mentioning is Spectacle Falls. After crossing a tight squeeze of a waterfall, one which drenched us yet again, we reached the mother load of all falls. Luckily, this fall had a sturdy bridge for us to cross over. We were also fortunate because just beyond the falls, the trail had collapsed stopping horses from passing, turning around all those easy goers and giving us Spectacle Lake to ourselves!

Once past Spectacle Falls, we set out for our second set of switchbacks up a slippery slope of snow covered trail. Much time was spent here trying and remain on our feet as we climbed over snow to find more trail. Sometimes having to maneuver climbing over or ducking under large fallen trees, only to have to climb over snow again. This process went on until we got to the vista, which made everything worth the effort.  A panoramic view of everything that we had just done and more, plus a spectacle of a lake patiently waiting for our arrival below!

Snow covered trail can lead to serious injury.

Snow covered trail with tree hopping. Holy beeep!

A glimpse into some of the payoff...

After a short stop on the vista we headed down to the lake, stopping first at the small lake for a snack and some much needed leisure. Shaun took a hand at fishing while I pondered over some Robert Frost poetry. Then we went on about exploring the area. We decided to set up camp pretty much right at the center of the inland allowing us access to both sides of the horseshoe style lake that is a spectacle indeed. One side giving us an awesome beach access to the water, the other showing us the awesomeness of nature with all it's raging waterfalls, crystal clear water, and enormous rock mountains for a backdrop.

Spectacle Lake from the vista

The area in early summer is bogged down by mosquito's, especially where there is stagnant snow runoff. Between the two of us, we brought enough spray to fight off the little demons while we set up camp and prepared our meals. Bringing anything less then 95% deet repellent, regardless of it's harm, will be harmful in contrast with the constant swarming, bites and itching you will face. Unless you are bagged in a net from head to toe, without deet, you will surely be miserable. Bring light long sleeve clothing and spray away! It's the only way, TRUST ME! 

Spectacle Lake from camp

                                           

Fried Spam & Mashed Potatoes for dinner

Cooking in the back country can be worrisome for those just getting started. Additionally, the first thing picked up seems to be some sort of Top Romen. Although Top Romen is good to have in your bag, it will not give you the fuel that you need to replenish your energy and rebuild muscle. Instead, think about protein, carbs and hydration. Pack based on those supplies and what you like to eat and drink at home. For me, there is nothing like eating an awesome tasting dinner out in the back country. I carry extra food weight because I like food, and I want it to taste good, even in the back country. For dinner I had fried spam and mashed potatoes along with hot rum cider. I sat next to wildflowers and watched the sun set on the rocks as I ate and laughed with Shaun about our adventure and my "turkey" spotting. Which, as it turns out, clearly was not a turkey at all. Not even close.

 By the time dinner was done and dishes had been washed, the sun was starting to duck behind the ridge. Based on the warmth of the night before, we decided to leave the rain fly off of the tent so we could star gaze. But after a days hike like the one we had and full bellies, we were asleep by the second star sighting. However, we both woke up on separate occasions and took a good look at the blanket of stars and moon that had covered us that night. The temperature was perfect, neither hot nor cold. The next morning I woke to the singing of about 50 yellow bellied birds hanging out in our camp sorting through our stuff. They all gathered and flew across the lake when they spotted me reaching for my camera. It was the perfect start to a brand new day. Unfortunately, the mosquito's were also there, waiting ever patiently for us to leave the tent. F'ers!

We packed up camp and started the long trek back to the civilization. Backtracking through everything we had done the day before. Taking time to check out the little things that we had passed up or missed on the way up. We decided to take an alternate route back to the car instead of the continuing on with the Cooper River Trail. As  it turns out, the trail is for mountain bikers as they are not allowed inside the wilderness boundary. The alternate route is at the boundary line and makes for some awesome riding if you are into that sort of thing! On the map this trail is marked in back and is labeled Pete Lake Trail. Don't get confused by this while hiking, your car is parked along the Cooper River Trail. I give this trek an A. And plan to go back again at some point.

Shaun, my comrade, on the vista of Spectacle Lake Trail

Ozette Triangle, Washington State

My friend Shaun and I took up the highly rare nice weather weekend to backpack the Ozette Triangle as a preseason opener.  I managed to get a three day weekend so we could drive to the trailhead and car camp the night before the trek. We camped at the Ozette Lake State Park. Shaun had taken the lead and got our wilderness pass and took charge in renting our bear vault for the trip, as the Olympic Wilderness requires that you carry one, not so much for bears but for the raccoon population at the campsites. Crossing the ferry was a breeze, there was hardly any traffic leaving Seattle at one in the afternoon.

Ferry ride to Bainbridge Island

After a five hour drive from Seattle and a little confusion on Ozette Lake Rd. we reached our destination. Setting up at Camp 6, we arrived with enough daylight to start a fire and cook dinner. While splitting a six pack of Coors the sun disappeared beneath the mountains behind us, bringing an end to our day.

Camping at Ozette Lake

Lake Ozette is a wonderful place to kayak, fish and just flat out relax. Due to the 22 mile long road following the Hoko River to reach the camp, and the five mile and hour speed limit on the water, you don't get the distraction of fast motor boats zipping by, or loud parties past the quite hour. Call in advance to reserve a campsite, as these spots fill up fast. If you are not able to secure a campsite at the park, Lost Resort is less then a mile from the lake and have a rule against turning away campers. Also, stop at the resort's general store to pick up a bundle of firewood for $5.00. The Ozette State Park works on the honor system and requests that you drop cash in the box for your camping spot.

Shaun hard at work

The next morning we were quick to rise and get our feet on the trail. Concerned with the tides on the coastal part of the trail, Shaun had downloaded and printed a tide chart for us to reference. Low tide was to be at 3 PM. Using the "Green Trails Map, Ozette, Wa No. 130S" as our guide, we began hiking southwest from the Ozette Lake Trailhead toward Sandy Point, our first destination. At Sandy Point we would slowly head north taking our time to stop and look in tide pools for starfish and sea urchins as we would be arriving too early to cross the tides safely. Once the tides were low enough to cross, we'd continue north along the beach to or camping destination, Cape Alava.

Ozette Triangle Trail

 We walked out of the forest and onto the rocky beach within two hours of starting our hike. Not being a native of Washington state, the view of the Washington coast was my first ever. It was incredible. More gorgeous then what I saw in pictures. The smell was fresh and the breeze comforted me. The whole experience gave me a familiar feeling that is hard to depict, but is the sole reason of why I have to backpack. It transforms me into what feels like a heart of this lucid creature we know as nature. And I am in love with all that I can see, every piece of this being all around me. So much in love that, at times, I will cry over the beauty of it or develop a momentary obsession about the well being of all these little things that make up one huge creature of which I am the heart of. And then it's gone. And I am me again.This is the best description I can give you. And if it hasn't happened to you, you'll probably think that I'm slightly crazy.

Sandy Point, Washington Coast

Trail guide post

We were surprised to find that the tide was already incredible low and we could continue on or journey with only wanted delay. I couldn't put away my camera, the atmosphere was so amazing. I was trying my hardest to capture the memory as we made it. After stopping at the shore rock we continued north toward Cape Alava, paying close attention not to miss the trail signs along the way. We passed many ship artifacts and I collected a few shells to bring home to my wife as she couldn't be a part of this trip.

The beach proved to be the hardest part of the hike. It is a challenge walking across miles of loose beach gravel and ducking under or climbing over fallen trees, all while trying to check out tide pools and taking pictures. But I could completely understand why folks approximately three hundred years ago would hike to "Wedding Rock" and carve petroglyphs into rock with bone, antler, and metal. I could only imagine how happy these couples must have felt being blessed by such a beautiful place. Apparently there are 44 ancient petroglyphs at the site. I only saw two.

Wedding Rock Petroglyphs approximately three hundred years old

 Continuing north, we continued to stop and chat with fellow hikers as well as take pictures of folks playing on the rocks at various places. We also made sure to refill our water supply and filter it right away. I highly advise that anybody doing this trek, bring a filtering source as the streams with fresh water are incredibly low and looks down right dirty.

It was well before dinner when we made it to Cape Alava. We arrived well before others started rolling in so we had a open choice of the campsite we wanted. We chose the second site in which was covered in the shade we needed for the day due to the heat, and had a easy and quick access back down to the beach, not to mention the view. Both Shaun and I enjoyed a little lunch and napped. A perfect weather day is rare in Washington, but we were having it, and it was awesome!

North of our camp the beach turned from gravel beach to sand making the walk easier and I was able to walk barefoot in the rising tide water. 

Campers were setting up along the beach and taking walks along the shore. Shaun was able to capture a few pictures of some sea urchins that I was unable to find. All around, he's a better fisher than me so it was quite appropriate that he be the one to find the sea urchins while I feverishly searched for them. I made it back to camp in time to eat a tasty dinner that Shaun had prepared and looked forward to sipping his concoction of cider and whiskey while watching the sun set on such a splendid beach.

Sea urchins courtesy of Shaun Moore

Me relaxing in camp

Shaun making Whiskey Cider

Anticipating the sunset left me feeling anxious. I couldn't wait to experience it yet at the same time, I knew seeing it would also mean our trip was just about over. Shaun had collected and compiled a intricate fire starter consisting of different forms of drift wood and dead seaweed. We would later find out that dead and dry seaweed doesn't burn. This forced us into a frantic search for more kindling to keep the fire burning. We had taken our first partake of what I'm sure will soon become our evening ritual of Whiskey Cider and we were both pretty happy. We were amazed to see how high the tide had came up on the shore at twilight. The Island that you could once walk to was now surrounded by water. Anyone that was still on that island would be spending the night on it.
I held my breath as the sun touched the water, in awe of the illuminated sky. An orange hue had cast over Shaun's face and stayed there for then next ten minutes. I took as many pictures as I could knowing that it would never be able to capture the experience of actually being there.

Sunset at Cape Alava

The Simplicity Of Backpacking Can Become Really Complicated!

I've been putting together my pack for the season. I've finished removing the things I didn't use last season and I have added a few things. A new addition to my backpack is my down sleeping bag. Backpacking in the Northwest where there is always a threat of rain, I went back and forth on whether or not I should get a down sleeping bag. Because, as you should know, you're ducked if your down bag gets wet! I chose to go with one after all because the weight and size of a down sleeping bag takes up quite a bit less room in my backpack. It was no longer beneficial for me to carry such a heavy and large sleeping bag when I had reduced the size and weight of my pack by replacing my backpack and sleeping pad. I will give you a break down of my system in just a minute. But first I'd like to discuss my philosophy in backpacking. It's a pretty easy concept. For me, the joy of backpacking comes from within. It can't be purchased. Meaning, if you can't afford the latest things on the market, it's okay. Instead hit your local thrift stores and pick up things that will do just as good, if not better in some situations. Hike for the of love for nature. And if you have to, go naked!

Our original "thrift store" set up. 

When Jennie and I first started this together, I didn't have a tent. I had a sleeping bag that I got as a birthday gift and a hand me down backpack from a friend who had moved up the merchandise line. When I was on a trail I would borrow a tent or sleep in a friends. My clothing consisted of cotton and converse. My water bottle was a 40 oz. Gatorade bottle and some iodine tables. My mess kit was the only thing I had actually purchased, and at the time, it cost me $12 at Big 5. It consisted of a pan, pot and cup. And Jennie didn't have a single item. Not one. We shopped our local thrift stores and over a short period of time we found a 20 degree synthetic mummy sleeping bag for $5. A backpackers tent for $10. And  let me tell you, later on, while were trying to figure out how to put this tent together, we quickly realized what an awesome find it actually was. The thing had only two small poles and all together it was barely over two pounds! The thing was just down right fantastic! We used it for two years! Giving it to another fellow backpacker only because we needed to invest in a tent that was waterproof for the Washington area. We then went in on some used hiking boots, sweaters, and hiking pants. We ended up having to purchase as additional backpack from Amazon for $40 because we couldn't afford a new one in our area. And the used ones in our area turned out to be obsolete. We also purchased a new rocket style stove, again from Big 5 for $20 and it included a gas can. I still use this stove today. I prefer it over the Rocket because although the Rocket is slightly lighter, mine feels more sturdy and it's arms are slightly longer and holds a good size pot easily.  If you were to total all our old gear expenses, you would likely find that a monthly fast food expense is more costly.

So, if you haven't figured it out, we're not interested in getting the next big thing on the market. We're interested in getting the next best thing suited for our needs. Whether or not the product is used, old or slightly heavy, matters not! We like to spend more time on the trail and less time working to buy products. With that being said, here's the low down on our equipment.

Everything that goes in my bag, excluding Badboy, the cat.

Stix Gear:

• Osprey Kestrel 48 Pack, Med/Lar
• Kelty Cosmic 20 Degree Down, Short
• REI Quarter Dome T2 Tent & Footprint
• Thermarest Prolite Short 
• Platypus Big Zip SL 3.0L
• Burton Stove
• Open Country 1-Quart Non-stick Billy Pot w/ Lid + Snow Peak Titanium Spork & Coleman Aluminum Cup
• First Aid Kit & Multi Tool Pocket Knife
• Headlamp

I use Sea To Summit dry sacks for my sleeping bag and PJ's. I don't pack clothes other then a hooded fleece sweater, extra underwear and socks that go in with my PJ's. The clothes I hike in, I wear the entire time. I do have several different types of PJ's to choose from at home before the trip, and based on the weather forecast I pack suitably. If the weather is hot, I hike in shorts, but pack with my PJ's a light pair of pants for the evening. I wear a pair of  New Balance Gore Tex Trail Shoes that I got from Ross. Which by the way, I'm sold on and will purchase again and at full price if I have to.

Jennie will post her gear list later.