With technical design and a few extra components added, the Osprey Hikelite 18L pack challenges the brand’s old fan favorite, the Daylite daypack.
There’s no shortage of technical daypacks out there. In fact, it’s one of the largest categories of gear I’ve tested for GearJunkie. It takes something special to stand out in such a crowded category, and while the Hikelite 18L daypack isn’t breaking any new technical ground, Osprey has honed in on a near-perfect all-around daypack.
Osprey’s aim with the Hikelite series is to create an “unassuming” and versatile pack — one with enough technical features to support double-digit day hikes, and enough comfort to support general, everyday wear. We set out to see how close Osprey got.
In short: The Hikelite 18 ($95) is a stellar option (under $100!) if you’re looking for a do-all, catch-all daypack that also has a few technical features.
We’ve had ours in testing for months, and the size, pocket placement, and overall durability all stood out to us. The ventilation and breathability are better than other Osprey daypack options — so if comfort is of high importance, the Hikelite should top your list.
Osprey Hikelite 18L Daypack Review
I won’t say this Hikelite is the “goldilocks” of packs — there are far too many packs on market for this to be the perfect one. However, compared to other Osprey models and daypack variations, the Osprey Hikelite 18L is up there as one of my top two favorites. Plus, it was good enough to make it into our list of the best hiking daypacks.
Why? Its ratio of volume to technical features to price is stellar for those who want a versatile, take-anywhere pack.
- Volume: 18L, 26L
- Weight: 1.49 lbs. (18L size)
- Style: Frameless
- Materials: 100-denier nylon diamond fabric on main, 500-denier nylon packcloth on base of pack
- Straps: Padded shoulder straps, sternum strap, hipbelt
- Features: AirSpeed ventilated back panel, side compression straps, side mesh pockets, external zip pocket, trekking pole attachment, removable hipbelt, safety whistle
- Rain cover included