The Osprey Daylite daypack is one of the most popular lightweight daypacks on the market. It provides a streamlined and functional design perfect for day hikes, travel, and everyday use. But with its $50-60 price tag, is the Osprey Daylite really worth the investment? This article will examine the key features, pros and cons, and alternatives to help you decide if the Osprey Daylite is the right lightweight daypack for you.
Osprey Daylite Overview
The Osprey Daylite daypack provides 13 liters of storage capacity in a lightweight and highly functional design. Weighing in at just 12.11 oz, it is one of the lightest daypacks from a major brand. The Daylite is constructed with durable 210D nylon Oxford fabric with water-resistant PU coating. The harness system features breathable mesh straps and an open-foam back panel to provide ventilation. The exterior daisy chain webbing allows for added storage with bike lights or other accessories.
Here are some of the key features and specifications of the Osprey Daylite daypack:
- Weight: 12.11 oz
- Volume: 13 L
- Torso fit range: 16-21 inches
- Fabric: 210D nylon Oxford with water-resistant PU coating
- Front zippered panel pocket
- Internal key clip
- Mesh shoulder straps
- Webbing hipbelt
- Sternum strap
- Hydration reservoir sleeve (reservoir not included)
- Blinker light attachment
- Reflective graphics
- Daisy chain webbing for added attachments
With its minimalist but functional design, the Daylite provides just enough features for short hikes, travel, and EDC without unnecessary bulk. The ventilated back panel and harness make it comfortable even when loaded up. And at just over 12 ounces, it’s easy to take the Daylite anywhere without weighing you down.
Osprey Daylite Pros
There are several advantages that make the Osprey Daylite stand out as a top lightweight daypack option:
Lightweight and Compact
Weighing just 12.11 oz, the Daylite lives up to its name as an ultralight daypack. It provides significant storage capacity in a highly compact and portable package. The slim profile makes it easy to maneuver through crowds when traveling.
Durable and Weather-Resistant Materials
The 210D nylon Oxford fabric stands up well to abrasions and scuffs while the PU coating helps to resist light moisture. The materials make the pack fairly rugged for its ultralight weight.
Ventilated Harness System
The air mesh shoulder straps and perforated foam back panel provide good airflow when wearing the pack. This helps reduce sweat buildup compared to non-ventilated packs.
Front Zippered Pocket
The zippered scratch-free pocket on the front of the pack provides quick access for items like phone, wallet, and keys. It’s a handy place to keep essentials secure but accessible on the go.
Hydration Reservoir Sleeve
The Daylite includes an internal sleeve for hydration reservoir storage (reservoir not included). This allows you to bring water easily without the need for water bottles.
Versatile for Various Uses
From day hikes to travel to EDC, the Daylite works well as a grab-and-go pack for a wide variety of activities. The lightweight design makes it a versatile option.
Attached Whistle on Sternum Strap
The included whistle on the sternum strap provides an emergency whistle for signaling should the need arise out on the trails.
Reflective Graphics
The reflective strips help increase visibility when wearing the pack at night or in low light conditions. A nice safety feature to have.
Osprey Daylite Cons
While the Daylite performs admirably as a minimalist daypack, there are a few downsides to consider:
No Internal Organization
Aside from the front scratch-free pocket, the Daylite lacks internal organization pockets or dividers. Items tend to end up jumbled together in the main compartment.
No Hipbelt Pockets
The removable webbing hipbelt does not include zippered pockets for storage. Hipbelt pockets come in handy for keeping snacks or small essentials accessible on the go.
Minimal Support and Comfort Features
To keep weight down, Osprey skimped on some of the comfort and support features. The shoulder straps and back panel provide basic ventilation but lack thick padding. The hipbelt is only a minimal webbing strap. And there is no load lifter adjustability.
Not Ideal for Heavy Loads
Given its ultralight design, the Daylite works best with light loads under 10-15 lbs. Packing it too heavily compromises comfort compared to bags designed for heavier hauls.
Limited Color Selection
The Daylite is only available in a handful of muted color options. Those wanting bright colors or patterns will need to look elsewhere.
Not Waterproof
While the fabric has a water-resistant PU coating, it is not fully waterproof. Anything truly wet will still seep through the pack in heavy rain. You’ll want a rain cover or dry bag for wet conditions.
Osprey Daylite Features
Features | Osprey Daylite Details |
---|---|
Volume | 13 L |
Weight | 12.11 oz |
Dimensions | 18 x 10 x 6 in |
Fabric | 210D Nylon Oxford |
Front Pocket | Zippered scratch-free pocket |
Hydration | Internal sleeve for reservoir |
Frame | Mesh straps, foam back panel |
Hipbelt | Removable webbing hipbelt |
Sternum Strap | With integrated whistle |
Other Features | Blinker light clip, daisy chains |
Osprey Daylite Alternatives
If the Osprey Daylite isn’t quite what you’re looking for, here are a few alternative lightweight daypacks to consider:
CamelBak Rim Runner 22
Like the Daylite, the Rim Runner 22 focuses on an ultra-minimalist design for fast and light performance. It adds a bit more hydration focus with quick access to water and storage for bikes shorts and tools.
Deuter Speed Lite 20
The Speed Lite 20 provides similar well-ventilated comfort in a sleek profile. The elastic side stash pocket adds a nice extra storage option the Daylite lacks.
REI Flash 18
REI’s pack offers comparable ultralight performance and durability at a lower price point. The exterior lash points provide customizable options for added gear attachment.
Patagonia Lightweight Travel
This stylish pack has a streamlined design with lots of quick-access pockets. The aesthetics make it a nice option for travel and urban use.
Gregory Miwok 18
For those wanting a few more bells and whistles, the Miwok 18 adds features like trekking pole attachments and a reservoir hose port for enhanced hiking performance.
Conclusion
The Osprey Daylite effectively bridges the gap between minimalist design and functional utility. For those looking to shed ounces without sacrificing core performance for short hikes and day trips, the Daylite is a compelling choice. It provides good comfort, ventilation, and durability in an impressively lightweight package. The lack of significant padding or heavy-load support does limit its applications for ultralight purposes. But for basic day-to-day use, the Osprey Daylite delivers a lot of quality and features at a reasonable price point. Its versatility solidifies it as one of the best lightweight daypacks available today.