It’s New Brook Trout, New Osprey Daypack Weekend….

Older Bro has found a hidden gem; a Brook Trout stream somewhere within driving distance of his house, and because I’m a Brookie Groupie, I’m heading that way Saturday for a taste.
For the last two years, I’ve been slow-shopping for a new fishing daypack, and today I tumbled for an Osprey Stratos 24 — a pack I’d suggest shades towards the “technical” instead of the “cargo-ready.”

The Osprey Stratos 24 (the perfect fishing day pack?)
First, some background: Osprey makes a hell of a nice pack.
I own their Aether 60 (a lightweight overnight/weekender backpack), and like low modulus fly rods, the Osprey packs simply fit me.
The Stratos 24 is also a fairly small pack; just big enough for some gear, a lunch, a jacket and maybe a stove for lunch.
It’s not a winter pack — in fact it’s not up to carrying wading boots and waders and gear — but… the comfort.
Ohhh, the comfort.
The Stratos uses a trampoline-style back support; mesh fabric curves away from the frame struts, helping to eliminate the dreaded “soaked back syndrome” that curses hikers.

The trampoline-style back support (they call it Airsupport)
The trampoline support is comfortable and airy, though it’s also a sizable waste of space; the curved stays rob the pack of carrying capacity — especially for bulky items.
Still, the comfort (ohhh, the comfort) is worth the trade, especially given the lovely old Lowe Alpine winter pack waiting in the wings should more capacity be required.
This weekend we’ll test fly the pack alongside the new Brookie stream, and let you know how it carries.
See you on a small Brookie stream, Tom Chandler.
Tagged as: brook trout, osprey daypack, osprey stratos 24