8 Best Osprey Hiking Backpack – An In-Depth Review

Hey there, dear hiker! Have you ever found yourself on a hike with your backpack acting like an anchor instead of a trusty sidekick? We get it. The struggle is real. Your bag shouldn’t be a source of stress; it should be a reliable partner on your journey through the great outdoors. Fear not; we have got the solution to your outdated backpack.

Get ready to bid farewell to sore shoulders and backaches because we’ve got the lowdown on the 8 best Osprey hiking backpack. These marvels of design are here to revolutionize your hiking experience. No more struggling with ill-fitting packs or zippers that refuse to cooperate—we’ve found the answer to all your hiking gripes.

We’ve tested these backpacks to bring you the list of the 8 best Osprey hiking backpacks. Say adieu to the headache of selecting the ideal backpack. Get ready to elevate your hiking game with the Osprey hiking backpack.

8 Best Osprey Hiking Backpack – Our Top Picks

1. Osprey Kyte 36 Women’s Hiking Backpack – Best Osprey Hiking Backpack
2. Osprey Stratos 36 Men’s Hiking Backpack – Versatile Backpack
3. Osprey Kestrel 38 Men’s Hiking Backpack – All Round Backpack
4. Osprey Talon 44 Men’s Hiking Backpack – Best Value to Money Backpack
5. Osprey Daylite Plus Backpack – Ideal for Space Enthusiasts
6. Osprey Sportlite 20 Hiking Backpack – Light and Comfortable
7. Osprey Skimmer 16L – Best Osprey Hiking Backpack for Women
8. Osprey Tempest Backpack – Economical Osprey Hiking Backpack

1. Osprey Kyte 36 Hiking Backpack – Best Osprey Hiking Backpack

The Osprey Kyte 36 Hiking Backpack is a fantastic choice for adventurous women. That’s why it is at the top of our list of the best osprey hiking backpack. It is tailored with women-specific sizing and fit, and this backpack ensures a snug and comfortable experience without any awkward adjustments.

A standout feature is the breathable AirScape ridged foam back panel with an adjustable torso length, providing a refreshing feel on your back even during long treks. Say goodbye to annoying backaches with lesser backpacks – the Osprey Kyte 36 prioritizes your back’s well-being.

Now, let’s dive into the cool extras that make this backpack a true winner. With dual tuckaway ice tool attachments, zippered hip-belt pockets, and a removable rain cover, you’re not just getting a backpack; you’re getting one with all the extra features.

Furthermore, the outside reservoir sleeve, ice-axe loops, zippered sleeping bag section, removable sleeping pad straps, mesh water bottle holders, and hiking pole attachment demonstrate that Osprey has considered everything!

The real highlight? The Osprey Kyte 36 offers a spacious 36-litre capacity, and the side pockets are perfect for stashing water bottles, trail snacks, and all your little essentials.

Pros and Cons

Our Verdict

The Osprey Kyte 36 Hiking Backpack isn’t just a backpack; it’s your reliable companion, ensuring you hike with comfort and style. It is highly recommended for all the adventurous ladies out there!

2. Osprey Stratos 36 Men’s Hiking Backpack – Versatile Backpack

The Osprey Stratos 36 Men’s Hiking Backpack stands out as a true treasure among backpacks. Osprey, known for crafting high-quality, adventure-ready backpacks, has hit the mark with the exceptional Stratos 36, showcasing their commitment to excellence.

Let’s start with its weight – as light as a feather, making it the perfect companion for those seeking a hassle-free hiking experience. The Stratos 36 doesn’t compromise on features, either. It includes an internal hydration sleeve capable of holding up to a 3L reservoir, ensuring you stay refreshed throughout your trek.

What truly distinguishes this backpack is its impeccable design. The ventilated back panel with an adjustable shoulder harness guarantees a perfect fit, making it easy to carry even on extended journeys. The stretch mesh pockets on both sides offer convenient storage for bottles and smaller items, ensuring everything is within easy reach.

The organizational features of the Osprey Stratos 36 are a game-changer. Two zippered hip-belt pockets and a strategically placed vertical centre pocket on the front simplify access to essentials without rummaging through the main compartment. Also, the external sleeping pad straps are a considerate addition, allowing secure transportation of extra gear.

Moreover, the Stow-On-the-Go Trekking pole attachment and the integrated, removable rain cover demonstrate Osprey’s dedication to versatility. Whether tackling challenging terrains or unexpected rain showers, this backpack covers you.

Pros and Cons

Our Verdict

After putting the Osprey Stratos 36 backpack to the test, it has proven to be an excellent option for travel in hot climates. Lightweight, well-ventilated, and carefully designed, it guarantees comfort. It is an excellent choice for people who value functionality and comfort, particularly in hotter climates.

3. Osprey Kestrel 38 Men’s Hiking Backpack – All Round Backpack

The Osprey Kestrel 38 Men’s Hiking Backpack is your go-to choice for all hiking escapades. It is engineered for durability and is a reliable partner for on-trail, off-trail, and even winter hiking. The adjustable torso length guarantees a personalized fit, ensuring it feels like a backpack made just for you.

This backpack has many features, including an external compartment for a hydration system, a sewn-on main lid pocket, and a zipped bottom flap. Organizing your gear becomes a breeze with five closed and four open pockets. The three access points to the main compartment—top, bottom, and side—offer a strategic approach to packing, making gear retrieval hassle-free.

What truly distinguishes the Kestrel 38 is its outstanding carrying comfort. The breathable AirScape ridged foam back panel, combined with the adjustable torso length, allows for a customized experience that elevates your overall hiking adventure. Whether carrying more gear, food, or water, the rigid frame ensures efficient load transfer to the hip belt, making long hikes a walk in the park.

Convenience is at the forefront with features like the fixed top lid, an external zippered pocket, and an under-lid zippered mesh pocket. The additional rain cover demonstrates Osprey’s commitment to keeping your stuff secure and dry, even in severe weather conditions.

Pros and Cons

Our Verdict

The Osprey Kestrel 38 Men’s Hiking Backpack is a comprehensive choice for hikers seeking durability, versatility, and personalized comfort. Packed with considerate features and a sturdy design, it is a dependable companion on any trail. This backpack is a top choice for individuals who expect excellence from their gear.

4. Osprey Talon 44 Men’s Hiking Backpack – Best Value to Money Backpack

The Osprey Talon 44 Men’s Hiking Backpack provides excellent value for your hiking gear investment. With a generous 44-liter capacity, it is a dependable companion for various hiking trips, striking the perfect balance between comfort and functionality.

Crafted from lightweight yet durable nylon fabric, strategically reinforced, and featuring mesh pockets, the Talon 44 prioritizes durability without adding unnecessary weight. Also, the small yet sturdy plastic buckles and an ergonomically shaped foam back panel contribute to durability and comfort.

The backpack’s ventilation is noteworthy, thanks to mesh-covered foam shoulder straps and a hip belt that ensures optimal airflow during hikes.

Furthermore, the adjustable shoulder harness allows easy personalized torso length adjustments, ensuring the backpack can be tailored to your specific comfort needs.

Storage options are abundant with the Talon 44. From the main compartment to external and internal lid pockets, side pockets, hip belt pockets, shoulder strap pockets, and a sizable stash pocket, every essential has a designated space.

Moreover, the top and bottom access points to the main compartment and a hydration sleeve for up to 3 liters enhance the backpack’s functionality. The larger external lid pocket adds a convenient touch for quick access to essential accessories.

Pros and Cons

Our Verdict

The Osprey Talon 44 perfectly balances ultralight and traditional internal frame backpacks. Its impressive lightweight design ensures comfort, making it an excellent choice for hikers who want the best of both worlds.

5. Osprey Daylite Plus Backpack – Ideal for Space Enthusiasts

The Osprey Daylite Plus Backpack is a stellar choice, especially for those who adore space in their backpacks and adventures alike. Ideal for shorter hikes, this backpack offers simplicity with super effectiveness, all at an affordable price point.

One noteworthy feature is the outer elastic strap, which can handle a heavy load. Whether strapping in trail-building tools or isolating wet boots from clean clothes, this backpack proves its versatility.

Furthermore, the abundance of pockets is a game-changer. From the main compartment for large items to the zippered mesh organizer pocket, front Shove-It Pocket, and small front zip pocket, the Daylite Plus is a pocket-lover’s dream.

But what truly sets this backpack apart is its comfort. It’s well-padded, tender, and loving. Worn properly, it snugly sits on your shoulders, with frames that conform to your back’s shape, efficiently distributing weight.

It is crafted with quality and care; the Daylite Plus withstands urban and outdoor challenges thanks to its tough 210D Nylon Double Diamond Ripstop construction. Weighing in at a mere pound, it’s the lightest pack in its class, yet it packs a punch with a hydration sleeve and a solid internal frame, supporting day hikers for miles.

The Daylite Plus continues to surprise with cool features, such as the removable internal foam frame, offering the flexibility to lighten your load or provide a handy seat during those long hikes.

Check out our guide to the best day hiking backpacks!

Pros and Cons

Our Verdict

The Osprey Daylite Plus is an excellent hiking bag that functions well as a laptop, travel, or daily-carry backpack. Its adaptability and exceptional performance make it a fantastic choice for urban and mountain activities, among our top picks for an Osprey hiking backpack.

6. Osprey Sportlite 20 Hiking Backpack – Light and Comfortable

The Osprey Sportlite 20 Hiking Backpack is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts, proving that a good backpack can enhance your adventure. It is lightweight, comfortable, and available in various sizes to suit expedition durations. The Sportlite is a reliable companion, from quick afternoon hikes to two-day excursions.

Osprey offers five Sportlite backpacks, each differing in size but sharing the commonality of being crafted from 100D High Tenacity recycled nylon. This material ensures surprising lightness without compromising durability, abrasion, and water resistance – crucial for peak trail performance. The DWR coating also fortifies these backpacks, ensuring excellent performance even in wet weather.

Despite its minimalist design, the Sportlite 20 is ingeniously equipped with a single large pocket, a small ‘valuables’ pocket at the rear, and a water bladder pocket. This standout feature adds a defining touch to a hiking pack.

Moreover, It features compression straps, an attachment slot, and an adjustable sternum strap, which contribute to the backpack’s functionality, catering to the diverse needs of outdoor enthusiasts. The Sportlite 20 excels in its simplicity, offering a streamlined design that prioritizes comfort without sacrificing essential features.

Pros and Cons

Our Verdict

The Osprey Sportlite 20 Hiking Backpacks are a wise investment, with excellent craftsmanship and durability. Its comfort, useful features, and outstanding warranty ensure years of dependable performance.

7. Osprey Skimmer 16L – Best Osprey Hiking Backpack for Women

The Osprey Skimmer 16L stands out as the best Osprey hiking backpack for women. It combines lightweight design with hands-free hydration for those seeking efficient and comfortable outdoor experiences. It is made from premium 210D Nylon Diamond Ripstop fabric; this backpack is extremely durable, tear-resistant, and water-resistant without additional coatings.

The Skimmer backpacks, designed to focus on shorter and easier tours, are notably smaller, lighter, and more minimalistic. Ideal for easy hiking tours where a heavy backpack is unnecessary, these packs offer the perfect balance between functionality and weight.

The Skimmer features AirScape back panels with bump-foam ventilation, ensuring exceptional comfort, superb ventilation, and stable load distribution.

Moreover, this bag’s thoughtful design includes a tiny hole above the rain cover compartment at the bottom of the back panel. It allows quick drainage in case of a hydration bladder rupture – safeguarding the main compartment’s contents.

Furthermore, the padded and fully adjustable shoulder straps, covered with mesh on both sides, provide personalized comfort, while the sternum strap aids in load transfer and stability. The stretch side pockets, accessible from the top and back, add convenience for on-the-go access to essentials like water bottles or maps.

The mesh pockets are stretchy and firm, securely holding items in place. Osprey maintains its commitment to premium quality materials, ensuring the Skimmer 16L meets and exceeds expectations for durability and functionality.

Pros and Cons

Our Verdict

The Osprey Skimmer 16L is the epitome of lightweight functionality, making it the best Osprey hiking backpack for women. With its durable design, it ensures comfort and convenience for every adventure. It is a top-notch choice for women who want practicality with premium quality.

8. Osprey Tempest Backpack – Economical Osprey Hiking Backpack

The Osprey Tempest 9 backpack is a fantastic option for those searching for a compact yet feature-rich hiking companion. It Perfectly addresses the need for a smaller daypack when a larger one feels excessive; the Tempest 9 excels in packing numerous features into its pint-sized frame.

Moreover, its 100D nylon material stands out and reveals a subtle contrasting pattern upon closer inspection, adding a touch of premium aesthetics to the bag. Despite its compact size, the Tempest 9 boasts a technical silhouette and a host of external features, showcasing its versatility.

The mesh-covered foam harness and Osprey’s Airscape back panel suspension system elevate Tempest 9’s comfort level. Once the well-fitting hip belt is secured, this backpack becomes an unparalleled comfort haven.

Furthermore, the easily adjustable shoulder straps and a sternum strap, equipped with a whistle, enhance the overall fit and support, with the hip belt playing a pivotal role in redistributing the bag’s weight.

The Tempest 9 proves to be more than just comfortable; it’s a well-thought-out design that caters to practical needs. The bungee webbing on the front panel offers a convenient spot for stuffing a jacket or towel, providing quick access without delving into the main compartment. This feature is especially handy for adventurers carrying a second set of footwear, such as water shoes or sandals.

Pros and Cons

Our Verdict

The Osprey Tempest 9 backpack exceeds expectations, delivering an economical yet feature-packed solution for women adventurers. Its compact size combines comfort and style. With a well-fitted hip belt and adjustable shoulder straps, this backpack is the go-to choice for those seeking convenience without compromising quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

When finding the perfect companion for outdoor adventures, the search starts with the “best Osprey hiking backpack.” Offering a spectrum of options that blend durability, comfort, and innovative features, Osprey has curated a collection that caters to every hiker’s needs.

Whether it’s the Airscape back panels, women-specific fits, or the overall commitment to quality, Osprey ensures that your hiking experience is not just good but elevated. Investing in the Osprey hiking backpack secures a reliable partner for memorable journeys, promising durability, comfort, and assurance that every hike is enjoyable.

So read the reviews above and select the best Osprey hiking backpack. Happy trekking!