Osprey Kestrel 48 vs. Osprey Tempest 33

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

Osprey Kestrel 48

Capacity48 L
Weight2 kg
Dimensions74×40×39 cm
Airline fit1%
Price$230

Feature by feature

Osprey Kestrel 48FeatureOsprey Tempest 33
Storage
6 Compression 6
None Expanded Capacity None
0 Opening 0
top Passport top
N Passthrough N
Carry
Y Backpack Y
Y Hip Belt Y
Y Sternum Strap Y
Inside
N Laptop N
4 Main Compartments 2
N Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
Y Rain-fly N
2, side Water Bottle Holder 2, side
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
ecycled 420D nylon, DWR treatments made without PFASbluesign® APPROVED, 100% recycled 100D high-tenacity nylon w/ dobby check ripstop, DWR treatment made without PFAS

Osprey Tempest 33

Front facing view of the Osprey Tempest 33
Capacity33 L
Weight1.2 kg
Dimensions63×31×30 cm
Airline fit1%
Price$200

Key differences between the Osprey Kestrel 48 and Osprey Tempest 33

Both have: compression straps, passport pocket, backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, water bottle pockets, water resistant.

Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on

We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 1 accept both. 0 accept only the Osprey Kestrel 48, and 1 accept only the Osprey Tempest 33.

Only the Osprey Tempest 33 fits

Virgin America.

Osprey Kestrel 48 vs. Osprey Tempest 33: which should you pack?

The Osprey Kestrel 48 carries 15L more than the Osprey Tempest 33 (48L vs. 33L), while the Osprey Tempest 33 is the lighter pack at 1.2kg (vs. 2kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Osprey Kestrel 48 fits 1% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Osprey Kestrel 48; if you want to travel lighter, the Osprey Tempest 33 is the better call.