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A trim, adaptable pack that’s well-suited to day-long hikes and all kinds of day-to-day adventures, the Osprey Daylite Daypack is one of the better small hiking packs on the market. It’s also a budget-friendly option that punches well above its weight class when it comes to comfort and durability.
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Stats and Specs
The Osprey Daylite Daypack weighs a light 1 lb. 1 oz. and has a capacity of 13L. If you’re prone to overpacking, you might find it a little cramped, but most day hikers will find it more than up to the task of carrying all their essentials for an afternoon on the trail. The overall design is streamlined and easy to navigate.
It’s apparent from the design that the Daylite Daypack is also intended for off-trail use. Inside the large panel-loading main compartment is an interior sleeve designed to hold either a hydration reservoir or a 13” laptop. So it’s well suited as a work/commute bag, or as an airplane carryon. The pack has a DWR coating that sheds water nicely, and is made from recycled fabrics.
The Daylite has a removable hip belt and adjustable sternum strap with a built-in safety whistle. It’s designed to attach to larger Osprey backpacks, making it useful for summiting or slack-packing on longer backpacking trips. The shoulder straps and back panel are generously padded for comfort and ventilation.
Pros of the Osprey Daylite Daypack
- Quality construction. Despite its relatively low price tag, the Daylite Daypack is made of rugged, durable materials. Osprey uses GRS-certified recycled nylon, and the pack has a PFC-free durable water repellent (DWR) coating.
- Simple, streamlined design. With few extra straps, compartments or add-ons to get in the way, the Daylite has a straightforward layout that serves its purpose well. It also weighs just a hair over 1 pound, making it a good lightweight option.
- Versatile. In addition to day hiking, the Osprey Daylite is great for travel, commuting or running errands. It can also be attached to several other, larger Osprey hiking backpacks including the Aether and Ariel Series packs.
- Excellent padding and ventilation. The back panel and shoulder straps are well-padded with mesh-covered die-cut ridged foam, which provides superior comfort and ventilation.
Cons of the Osprey Daylite Daypack
- Small capacity. At just 13L, the Osprey Daylite is a bit limited when it comes to how much gear you can stow away inside. Although it’s perfect for a short afternoon hike, even a long day hike can stretch the limits of the Daylite’s capacity. It’s definitely not for overnighters.
- Limited external storage. With small mesh water bottle pockets, only two short compression straps and no external looks, the amount of gear you can lash or strap to the exterior of the Osprey Daylite is extremely limited.
Osprey Daylite Daypack: Final Thoughts
The Daylite Daypack from Osprey is a versatile day hiking backpack that’s well-made and durable as well as affordable. It’s equally at home on the trail as it is on your daily commute, and makes a great all-around travel pack. The Daylite’s 13L capacity is a little on the small side, even for a day pack, but it still has room to hold all the essentials for a day’s adventure.
