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Osprey makes many of the best backpacks on the market today for hiking, backpacking, and traveling. They have been making high-quality backpacks for over 40 years. With over 100 backpacks available ranging from 6-liter capacities to 105-liter capacities, they have something for every person and every occasion. To help you narrow down your search for the best Osprey backpack, we have reviewed the top choices for day hikes, backpacking trips, and airline travel.
Quick Picks: The Top Osprey Backpacks
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Osprey Backpack for Day Hikes or Every Day Carry: Osprey Daylite Plus
The Osprey Daylite Plus is the overall best Osprey backpack. This backpack is great for day hikes or everyday carry – or both! It’s durable and multi-functional. Hikers will love the accessible side and front pockets and the breathable back panel. While this pack is designed for hiking, it can also be used for everyday activities like work and school or even for travel. It has a padded sleeve that can hold a water reservoir, a laptop, or a tablet. For longer trips, you can attach the Daylite Plus to the front of several of Osprey’s larger backpacks.
Best Osprey Backpack for Multi-day Backpacking Trips: Osprey Aura AG 65 Women’s Backpacking Backpack/ Atmos AG 65 Men’s Backpacking Backpack
The Aura/Atmos AG 65 backpacks, like many Osprey backpacks, have a women’s and men’s version. The two versions are essentially the same. The main differences are the colors and size options. The Aura comes in slightly smaller sizes and weighs slightly less to accommodate women’s smaller frames. Both use Osprey’s AntiGravity suspension system to make the pack feel comfortable and lightweight even when carrying a full load up a mountain!
Best Osprey Backpack for Travel: Osprey Porter 30 Travel Backpack
The Osprey Porter 30 Travel Backpack is perfect for traveling around the world. It is small enough to be your personal item on most airlines while still having a large 30-liter capacity. In a lot of ways, this backpack resembles a travel suitcase. It unzips like a suitcase and has two large storage pockets inside. The shoulder straps and hip belt can be stowed away allowing you to carry the Porter 30 like a duffle bag.
How to Choose the Best Osprey Backpack
Your backpack can make or break any trip whether it’s a week exploring another country or a weekend backpacking in the mountains. That’s why we made this buyer’s guide. It will help you think carefully about what kind of backpack you want including the size, volume, and color.
Size
Osprey backpacks range in volume from 6 liters to 105 liters. As a hiker, I generally split backpacks into two main size categories: day trip backpacks and multi-day trip backpacks. There are also trail running backpacks and travel backpacks. The chart below recommends the volume range for each type of backpack:
| Type of Backpack | Volume Recommendations |
| Trail Running | 6-10 liters |
| Day Hiking | 10-30 liters |
| Backpacking | 40-70 liters |
| Traveling | 20-40 liters |
Pro tip: You can go to your local REI store to get your back measured for free. You can even try on the pack you want to make sure it fits properly. Then, you can purchase it online when you’re ready.
When shopping for the best Osprey backpack for traveling, you will want to make sure it’s small enough to bring on the plane. Each airline has its own maximum size allowed for carry-on bags and personal items, so check the specific requirements of your preferred airlines.
Weight
One of the most important factors for backpackers when choosing their backpack is its weight. Your pack will be one of the heaviest pieces of gear you carry on the trail.
There is a trend in backpacking towards ultralight gear. The problem with an ultralight backpack is that you sacrifice comfort to shed ounces. Most Osprey backpacks are not ultralight. There are several lightweight options. When determining if a lightweight pack is right for you, think about the items and food you will often carry on trips. A lightweight pack is not designed to carry a heavy load. If you like to bring a lot of comfort items or extra food on your backpacking trips, look for a heavier backpack that can support more weight.
Color
While it may seem trivial, the color of a backpack is actually very important to a lot of people. You may favor a bag with a bright color that makes you stand out when you’re on the trail. It can help you easily find your pack and make it easy for others to find you if you get lost. Some prefer neutral tones that will blend in with the natural environment. The best Osprey backpacks have multiple color options to choose from.
Features
Different Osprey backpacks have different features. Think about your specific needs. If you live in a rainy area, the best Osprey hiking backpack for you may be one with a built-in rain cover.
Many of Osprey’s larger backpacks use their signature AntiGravity suspension system. This is a mesh back panel that is breathable and designed to make it feel like you’re carrying less weight than you are. For longer trips, you can’t go wrong with an AntiGravity pack.
Another cool feature of some of Osprey’s best backpacks is that they connect to each other. Select day hiking backpacks connect to some of the larger backpacking backpacks. The smaller pack attaches to the front of the larger pack. This allows you to bring your daypack to use while on your multi-day trip.
Frequently Asked Questions About Osprey Backpacks
How do I clean my Osprey backpack?
Osprey provides specific directions on how to clean and maintain your Osprey backpack. While it’s not necessary to wash your pack after every trip, there are some things you should do to ensure the pack’s longevity. After each trip, remove all your items from the pack and loosen all the straps. If the pack is wet or damp, hang it to dry before storing it. It’s important to clean all the zippers on the pack regularly with a soft brush to keep them from breaking.
You should handwash the pack when it has a lot of dirt and sweat on it. If your pack has a removable harness or hip belt, remove them and wash them separately. Wash your pack with warm water and mild soap. Osprey recommends using Nikwax Tech Wash soap. Hang the backpack to dry out of direct sunlight.
Why should I buy an Osprey backpack?
Osprey backpacks are best for people who want a comfortable backpack that will last for years. Osprey backpacks are not the cheapest option because they are made of high-quality materials. They are also not ideal for folks looking for the most ultralight option. Osprey focuses on providing structure and padding to make the pack as comfortable as possible which means a little more weight.
Osprey also has one of the most comprehensive lifetime warranties available for backpacks and outdoor gear. If any part of your backpack breaks for any reason, you can mail it to Osprey and they will repair it for free. I know this sounds too good to be true, but it’s really what they offer. And if your pack isn’t repairable, they will send you a replacement for free! Here’s the repair request form and instructions.
The Top 3 Osprey Backpacks for Day Hikes
Osprey Daylite Plus –
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Capacity: 20L
Weight: 1.19 pounds
Water reservoir sleeve: 3L
The Daylite Plus is the best Osprey backpack for hiking (and also does double duty as a great every day carry backpack). It’s lightweight and comfortable enough to wear on a full day of hiking. You will barely notice it’s there. At the same time, it’s big enough to hold all your gear and snacks as well as up to 3 liters of water in the reservoir sleeve. The reservoir sleeve is padded and also makes a great laptop sleeve for days that you’re using your pack for work or school instead of hiking.
This backpack only comes in one size, but most people will find the size and fit of this pack works for them. There are 14 color options, so you should have no problem finding one that you like. One of the things people love about the Daylite Plus is all the pockets. The side mesh pockets are really large. This makes it easy to carry and easily access large water bottles. There is also a front pocket that zips down for easy access to small items such as your phone and snacks.
The Daylite Plus can be added onto the following larger backpacks: Aether/Ariel Series, Volt/Viva Series, Ace 75, Shuttle Series, Sojourn Series, Farpoint 80, and Porter Series. It’s also the best Osprey backpack for folks on a tighter budget as it’s usually less than many of the other top-rated Osprey packs. For another option, check out the smaller Daylite Daypack.
Osprey Talon 22 Men's Hiking Backpack –
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Capacity: 22L
Weight: 1.37 pounds
Water reservoir sleeve: 3L
The Osprey Talon 22 Men’s Hiking Backpack is one of the best daypacks for all types of outdoor adventures. It has zippered pockets on the hip belt for easy access to small items such as your phone and chapstick. There are loops on the front to attach your hiking poles to when you aren’t using them. And, there’s even a place to attach a helmet to your pack. This is great if you’re going biking or climbing.
This backpack is made to keep you comfortable and happy during all your outdoor adventures. The mesh back panel and hip belt promote air circulation to keep you cool and dry on hot days. The backpack comes in two sizes and four colors. There is also a women’s version called the Osprey Tempest. It has the same design as the Talon with a few key differences. The Tempest is 20L compared to 22L and has different color options.
Osprey Dyna 6 Women's Running Hydration Vest –
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Capacity: 6L
Weight: .66 pounds
Water reservoir sleeve: 1.5L reservoir included
The Osprey Dyna 6 Women’s Running Hydration Vest is the smallest Osprey backpack available. It’s made for runners, so it sits high and snug around your chest and shoulders. When all the straps are tightened, it will stay in place while you run. The backpack comes with a 1.5L water bladder. There are also several pockets on the front, so you will have easy access to all your essentials without having to stop.
I like the cute teal and coral colors of this pack. The men’s version is the Duro 6. It’s color options are red and black. If you like a little more storage space for your trail runs, there is also a 15-liter version. It comes with a 2.5L reservoir which is great for longer runs. Overall, this is the best Osprey backpack for trail running.
The Best Osprey Backpacks for Multi-Day Trips
Osprey Aura AG 65 Women's Backpacking Backpack –
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Capacity: 65L
Weight: 4.42 pounds
Water reservoir sleeve: 3L
The Aura AG 65 Backpack is the best Osprey pack for multi-day backpacking trips. With this pack, you can enjoy an amazing long weekend or full week in the mountains. The backpack uses Osprey’s unique AntiGravity suspension back panel to make the pack feel impossibly light when it’s full of gear, food, and water. Many of my friends have this backpack, and they love the way it fits. The back panel and padded hip belt are both adjustable to get that perfect fit for any body type. This will help you stay comfortable during long days on the trail.
Other notable features of the Aura AG 65 include:
- Attachments to store trekking poles and ice ax
- 11 total exterior pockets
- Dual access side pockets
- Sleeping bag compartment with a removable divider
This backpack comes in three sizes and three colors. The men’s version of this pack is the Atmos AG 65. It’s the same pack, but each size is slightly bigger and heavier to fit men’s larger body frames.
Osprey Levity 60 Men's Backpacking Backpack –
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Capacity: 60L
Weight: 1.78 pounds
Water reservoir sleeve: 3L
The Levity 60 and the women’s counterpart, the Lumina, are the best Osprey backpacks if you want to go ultralight. They both weigh less than 2 pounds, and they are designed to carry a load of up to 25 pounds. This makes them excellent packs for thru-hikes where lightweight gear is essential.
While on the trail, you will love the oversized, dual-access side pockets. They allow you to easily reach and stow items like your water bottle, phone, and map. The tensioned back panel provides ventilation when hiking on hot days. In the main compartment, there is a built-in compression strap to maximize space and hold all your gear in place.
Osprey Kyte 46 Women's Backpacking Backpack –
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Capacity: 46L
Weight: 3.38 pounds
Water reservoir sleeve: 3L
The Kyte 46 and Kestrel 48 for men are great mid-size backpacks. While they probably aren’t big enough for week-long backpack trips, they are a great option for weekend warriors. What backpackers love about the Kyte and Kestrel bags are the built-in rain cover and external reservoir sleeve. Anyone who has tried to refill their water bladder when their pack is fully loaded knows how difficult it is. The external reservoir sleeve makes refilling easy and helps you avoid spills.
Despite being smaller in size than many other backpacking packs, this backpack has so many storage options. There are attachments for trekking poles and an ice ax. The bottom of the pack has removable sleeping bag straps. And, there is a zippered storage pocket on the side in addition to the mesh side pockets. Another unique feature of these packs is the side access into the main compartment.
The Best Osprey Backpacks for Travel
Osprey Porter 30 Travel Backpack –
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Capacity: 30L
Weight: 2.82 pounds
Water reservoir sleeve: None
The Porter 30 is the best Osprey backpack for travel. Its dimensions are 19.7 by 12.6 by 7.9 inches which makes it small enough to be your personal item on most airlines. There is also a built-in compression system to make the pack a little smaller when needed to fit those airline requirements. The laptop sleeve has its own zippered compartment, so it’s easy to access when going through airport security. The zippers also lock for anti-theft protection when traveling.
The backpack unzips kind of like a suitcase making it easy to pack and to live out of while traveling. There are even mesh zippered pockets on the interior just like you would find in a standard rolling suitcase. If you prefer to carry the pack like a suitcase, you can stow the shoulder straps and carry it using the padded side handle. The only thing this pack is missing is an exterior pocket to hold your water bottle.
Osprey Farpoint 40 Men's Travel Backpack –
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Capacity: 40L
Weight: 3.17 pound
Water reservoir sleeve: None
The Farpoint 40 and the women’s Fairview 40 are also excellent travel backpacks. They are similar to the Porter backpack in many ways, but there are some key differences. The main differences are that these backpacks have a larger volume and are slightly taller and heavier than the Porter 30. While the Porter only comes in one size, the Farpoint and Fairview 40 both come in two sizes to help you find the perfect fit.
The Farpoint and Fairview also open like a suitcase, but unlike the Porter, they include two compression straps inside the pack to hold your stuff in place. These travel backpacks have two mesh front pockets that are great for storing water bottles and umbrellas for easy access. They even have a slash-resistant exterior pocket for storing fragile items like sunglasses.
Final Thoughts
The best Osprey backpack for you depends primarily on what you will use the backpack for. There are specific Osprey backpacks for hiking, backpacking, and airline travel. The best Osprey backpack for hiking (or for EDC) is the Osprey Daylite Plus. It’s lightweight, affordable, and multi-purposeful.
For longer trips, we recommend the Osprey Aura AG 65/Atmos AG 65 Backpacking Backpack. This pack uses Osprey’s special AntiGravity back panel for maximum comfort when carrying a lot of heavy gear. For travel, we recommend the Osprey Porter 30 Travel Backpack. It’s very well designed for convenient airline travel.
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