Osprey Daylite

We had moved to Colorado in December of 2015. As winter transitioned to spring, our thoughts had turned toward exploring the mountains. So off to REI we had went, in search of a few items for our upcoming adventures into the high country. On one particular trip, I had picked up the Osprey Daylite for our day hikes. I was looking for a pack that would be large enough to hold some basic essentials, with a bit of room to spare. This pack seemed like the right fit for that need.

The Daylite pack features 13L of carrying capacity to pack the essentials and more. There is a large single compartment plus a small front pocket. Inside the large compartment resides a separate sleeve. I use this space to stow a few maps of the areas we hike, along with an emergency blanket. In the summer months, I carry my Arc’teryx Beta LT at the bottom of the pack with some type of base layer depending on the weather. My camera is then packed in as well. In the winter months, I include a variety of base layers with extra head gear and gloves. The front pocket holds my Petzl Tactikka+ Headlamp, a compass, a knife, a spare flash lite, and a medical kit plus a few other items.

The Daylite pack has two external side mesh pockets that easily hold a 24oz Hydro Flask or similar type of water bottle. However, the pockets will not accommodate a 1L Nalgene water bottle, which I consider to be a drawback. Since my purchase, I typically keep an 8.1oz Counter Assault Bear Spray in oneside while the other holds a pair of trekking poles or a small tripod depending on the adventure.

Part of the appeal of the Osprey Daylite was the ability to add a hydration bladder. After one year of use, I added the 1.5 Liter Hydraulics Reservoir during the winter of 2017. Looking back, I should have added the hydration bladder when I had initially purchased the pack. The hydration reservoir fits snuggly into an external sleeve that could hold a small laptop or tablet if needed. The addition of the 1.5L Hydraulics Reservoir has reduced the need for carrying additional water containers. Even on hikes up to ten miles, the 1.5L hydration bladder has been sufficient.

Overall, I am very satisfied with the Osprey Daylite pack. It is versatile, lightweight and durable. Plus, the ventilated back panel, which has a a foam inlay, provides comfort while out on the trail. The only real complaint that I have is that the zippers are so close the main compartment that they tend to catch the surrounding material. Plus, here are the links to the Osprey Kestrel 38 Review and the Osprey Rev 6 Hydration Pack.

Link to the Osprey’s website and the Daylite Pack: Osprey Daylite Pack

Overall: Very Good Purchase

Price paid: $50 for the Daylite Pack and $28 for the 1.5L Hydraulics LT Reservoir

Place purchased: REI Englewood (Now Greenwood Village)

Link to REI website: REI

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