The zippers are all super-smooth and a pleasure to use. Zippers are YKK #8s and #5s neither are AquaGuard, though. There’s one layer of material the exterior’s 300D is what you get inside, and the same with the 600D on the sides and bottom. On the bright side, they’re easy to clean. The front face is a cool-looking 300D recycled poly, while the accents and bottom are a sturdier 600D recycled poly. In addition, the two bottle pockets on either side are stretchy mesh. None of these materials are especially noteworthy, but they get the job done. Osprey knows their materials and hardware well, and the Daylite has a mix that speaks to the budget-conscious nature of the bag. A notable result is that the pack does lack some structure. One point of contention, though, may be of concern when using the Daylite over more extended periods or under harsh weather: there is no liner, only a single layer of material. Their reputation and my experience with this pack so far tell me it’ll last at least a few years of abuse. It still feels and looks like a new pack. Although my testing time was a bit over a month, I took the Daylite to quite a few places and overstuffed it as much as possible.
Osprey’s been making bags for a long time they know how to build a bag that can contend with the rigors of travel. It’s clearly not a fancy bag, but it will fit in just fine in most places while traveling.īuild quality is a big deal when creating a travel bag. The last thing you want while rushing to catch a flight or getting onto public transportation is your bag to pop a zipper or have a seam rip open. At $100 and made in mass production, I expected flaws like loose threads, messy exposed seams, or other signs of a lazy or hurried build. Nope.
That’s it. The texture of the pack, though, is fetching and I quite like it – it’s not just flat fabric but adds character, almost like a diamond rip-stop. Especially in black, the Daylite’s looks can keep you incognito while traveling and even be workplace appropriate. The front of the pack contains Osprey’s recognizable logo up top and a small “Daylite” label at the bottom. My particular Daylite came in black, even though in person it seems more like a dark gray. The bag comes in “Night Arches Green” that almost looks like a blue/green Multicam, “Wave Blue,” and Black. Personally, I appreciate a pack that doesn’t call too much attention, especially when traveling. As mentioned above, the Daylite won’t be turning any heads, and that’s alright. With a pair of stretchy mesh side pockets and external hydration access, it’s a wonder just how Osprey has managed to offer such high quality in such a small package.Osprey’s designs are consistent. If you’re going for an Osprey pack, you pretty much know you’re getting a toned-down aesthetic that doesn’t call a lot of attention to itself. This helps to prevent the dreaded sweaty back that we’ve seen with so many other small daypacks – offering a huge benefit over the competitors.Īlongside the comfort aids, the exterior of the pack is surprisingly helpful, too. The pack offers Osprey’s AirScape™ back panel paired with foam ridges for increased comfort and a perfect fit. Most packs of this size are often left compromised when it comes to comfort and, most importantly, the airflow on the back – but that isn’t an issue with the Daylite. A pair of lightweight, sturdy shoulder straps offer the majority of the support with a sternum strap (combined with a handy emergency whistle) designed to spread the load across the torso. A removable hip belt makes all the difference when moving over more challenging terrain, keeping the pack firmly to the back. However, once you’ve got to grips with the pack, it quickly becomes clear that there have been no corners cut.Īlthough marketing as a lifestyle pack, the Daylite has plenty of credentials as an impressive lightweight hiking pack. The pack, (measuring just 43cm x 26cm x 20cm), is one of the smallest the brand offers. The Osprey Daylite may only be small, but it manages to pack a punch inside such a small area.