If you’re a hiker searching for a lightweight, versatile daypack that doesn’t break the bank, the Osprey Daylite Plus might be on your radar. This backpack is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts for its compact design and durability.
But is it the right choice for your hiking adventures? In this detailed review, we’ll explore the Osprey Daylite Plus, covering its features, performance on the trail, pros and cons, and how it stacks up against competitors.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned hiker, read on to find out if this pack is your perfect trail companion.
Why Choose the Osprey Daylite Plus for Hiking?
The Osprey Daylite Plus is a 20-liter daypack designed for day hikes, urban adventures, and travel. With Osprey’s reputation for quality, this backpack promises comfort, functionality, and durability. It’s marketed as an all-purpose pack, but we’ll focus on its performance for hiking, testing its features on trails to see if it lives up to the hype.
Quick Specs:
Capacity: 20 liters
Weight: 1.29 lbs (0.59 kg)
Dimensions: 18.9 x 10.2 x 9.4 inches
Material: Recycled nylon with DWR coating
Price: ~$75–$85 (check latest prices below)
Ready to hit the trails? Check the Osprey Daylite Plus on Amazon.
Key Features of the Osprey Daylite Plus
Let’s break down the features that make this backpack stand out for hiking:
Lightweight Design
At just 1.29 lbs, the Daylite Plus is a featherweight option, ideal for day hikes where you don’t want extra bulk. It’s easy to carry for hours without feeling weighed down.Comfortable Fit
The pack features a breathable mesh back panel and padded shoulder straps. The adjustable sternum strap and removable hip belt provide extra stability on uneven terrain.20-Liter Capacity
Perfect for day hikes, the main compartment holds essentials like a water bottle, snacks, a first-aid kit, and a light jacket. It also has a front shove-it pocket for quick access to maps or layers.Hydration Compatibility
The Daylite Plus includes a sleeve for a hydration reservoir (up to 3 liters, sold separately) with a hose port, making it easy to stay hydrated on the trail.Durable and Eco-Friendly Materials
Made from recycled 210D nylon with a DWR (water-repellent) coating, it’s tough enough for rugged trails and resists light rain.Organization Features
Side mesh pockets for water bottles or snacks.
Internal key clip and zippered pockets for small items.
Laptop sleeve (up to 15 inches), doubling as a tablet or map holder for hiking.
Want to see the latest deals? Shop the Osprey Daylite Plus at Backcountry.
Performance on the Trail: How It Holds Up
To test the Osprey Daylite Plus, we took it on a 6-mile day hike in the Rocky Mountains, carrying essentials like a 2-liter water bladder, snacks, a rain jacket, a first-aid kit, and a small camera. Here’s how it performed:
Comfort: The padded shoulder straps and mesh back panel kept us comfortable for 4 hours of hiking. The sternum strap and hip belt prevented the pack from bouncing on steeper inclines. However, with a full load (around 10 lbs), the straps felt slightly thin for longer treks.
Capacity: The 20-liter size was perfect for a day hike. We fit all essentials, with room for extras in the front pocket. The side mesh pockets securely held 32-oz water bottles.
Durability: The nylon material held up against brush and rocks, showing no signs of wear. The DWR coating repelled light drizzle, keeping contents dry.
Organization: The key clip and internal pockets made it easy to find small items like lip balm or a compass. The hydration sleeve worked flawlessly with a 2-liter reservoir.
Ventilation: The mesh back panel reduced sweat, but on a hot day (85°F), we still felt some warmth compared to premium packs with advanced ventilation.
Overall, the Daylite Plus is a reliable choice for hikes under 10 miles, especially for beginners or casual hikers.
Pros and Cons of the Osprey Daylite Plus
Pros
Lightweight and compact: Easy to carry for day hikes or travel.
Comfortable for short hikes: Breathable back panel and padded straps.
Durable materials: Recycled nylon withstands trail wear and tear.
Hydration-ready: Compatible with reservoirs for easy sipping.
Affordable: Great value for under $80.
Versatile: Works for hiking, commuting, or travel.
Cons
Limited capacity: Not ideal for multi-day hikes or heavy loads.
Basic hip belt: Thin and less supportive for heavier weights.
No rain cover: DWR coating helps, but a dedicated cover would be nice for heavier rain.
Curious about the Daylite Plus? Check it out on Amazon or Osprey’s official site.
Osprey Daylite Plus vs. Competitors
How does the Daylite Plus compare to similar daypacks? We pitted it against two popular alternatives:
REI Co-op Flash 22 ($60)
Pros: Lighter (1 lb), slightly larger (22 liters), cheaper.
Cons: Less durable material, no laptop sleeve, basic organization.
Verdict: Choose the Flash 22 for ultralight hikes on a budget, but the Daylite Plus wins for durability and versatility.
Deuter Speed Lite 20 ($75)
Pros: Better ventilation, more ergonomic hip belt.
Cons: Smaller side pockets, less eco-friendly materials.
Verdict: The Deuter is great for hot climates, but the Daylite Plus offers better organization and travel-friendly features.
Explore more options at REI or Backcountry.
Who Should Buy the Osprey Daylite Plus?
The Osprey Daylite Plus is ideal for:
Beginner hikers: Its lightweight design and simple features are perfect for those new to hiking.
Day hikers: Great for trails under 10 miles with moderate loads.
Urban adventurers: Doubles as a commuting or travel bag with a laptop sleeve.
Eco-conscious buyers: Made with recycled materials and backed by Osprey’s repair guarantee.
It’s less suitable for:
Multi-day hikers: Too small for overnight gear.
Heavy packers: Limited capacity and basic hip belt struggle with loads over 15 lbs.
Final Verdict: Is the Osprey Daylite Plus Worth It for Hiking?
The Osprey Daylite Plus is a fantastic choice for day hikers seeking a lightweight, durable, and affordable backpack. Its 20-liter capacity, hydration compatibility, and comfortable design make it perfect for trails, while its versatility suits urban use. While it’s not built for heavy loads or multi-day treks, it’s hard to beat for the price. If you’re a beginner or casual hiker, the Daylite Plus is a reliable companion that won’t disappoint.
