Osprey Hikelite 18L Unisex Hiking Backpack, Black

I bought this pack after reading many reviews. I wanted a pack enough that was big enough for a long hike but also one that did not look ridiculous to bring on a short day hike. When I came across this one I was instantly smitten. It arrived right before I was scheduled to go on a 6 mile hike the next day. The pack was lighweight, it held my snacks for the hike, my wallet, my hydroflask and polaroid camera all in the main compartment. It was nice because there is a small compartment in the front where you can put your sunglasses and it's supposed to be antiscratch. I kept my sunglasses on so I did not get to try that feature on. I also kept my hydroflask in the main big compartment even though it fits in the side mesh pocket for watter bottles I just was a bit nervous that my hydroflask would stretch out that mesh part since it was a bit of a tight squeeze. I loved this pack - it was easy to carry, it was a hot day and there was breathability on my back despite the 6 mile hike I was able to feel a nice breeze on my back carrying the pack the entire time. I would definitely recommend. Next is just buying the water reservoir for it! (it does not come with one).

It is just right for an outdoor 1 day adventure such as a trip to the beach or hiking or exploring on vacation, with enough room for your lunch & two large liquid vessels of at least 1 L each, and extra jacket or a towel & flip-flops, sunscreen, hat, first aid kit, etc. For commuting, you can carry a 13 inch laptop with chargers, a notebook, etc.., plus your lunch, snacks & liquids. Light stuff jacket. It is perfect as your personal item when traveling by air, as it held my 11” MacBook Air, iPad mini 4, charging cords and mobile charger, magazine, a light jacket, travel pillow, several snacks and two liquid vessels for hot and cold drinks.. I also had a small clear bag for travel size toiletries. The small embossed 2nd pocket can hold wallet, passport, keys, lip balm, gum, mints, hand sanitizer, etc., easily. Small enough to fit anywhere, simple design, rain cover deploys in 3-5 seconds, strong design with light internal frame. Backpacks this size without an internal frame, can only hold about half as much weight. Warning: I am 6 foot 1, 220 lb. fit build, 48” chest & 34-36” waist. If you are much bigger than that, this might not be the right bag for you to wear, unless you plan to hand carry, mostly. It just fits me. Great bag I use everyday for everything!!!

I bought this bag for a hot and humid climate in Asia (and later for the desert) since it features the mesh back and wire frame. It’s since been to 7 different countries (1yr in asia) and gets me through everything I need it for. Pros: 1. Great for hot climate areas. No longer worry about a sweaty, drenched back on small hikes or walking around town. 2. Tons of room. What I packed on a nearly every weekend basis for 1yr: Rain jacket, water bottles, snacks, keys, sunglasses, camera with extra lens, large portable battery, small med kit, sometimes souvenirs. 3. Really great fit and extremely comfortable. The mesh back + wire internal frame means the weight is evenly distributed. When the bag is heavy on a hike, the waste and chest straps do their job of relieving some stress and keeping the bag close to the body. 4. Durable materials. I haven’t had any issues in my 1+yr of ownership with any zippers or material issues. Cons: 1. My biggest complaint with the bag and probably the reason I give it 4 stars, it does not sit up straight when you set it down. It really doesn’t matter how you balance the weight, it will fall over. This is due to the internal metal frame so not much you can really do but lean the bag up onto something. 2. Bottle holder is not as secure as I’d like. If you bend over or get the bag past 90deg, your bottle WILL fall out. I’ve mitigated this by just keeping a carabiner attached to my bottle at all times. 3. If you’re looking for compartmentalism, maybe look for another bag since this is basically one front pouch for small things and one large pouch for everything else with a bladder holder within. 2 zipped areas but realistically, 3 compartments total.

I don't really consider myself to be very gentle with a lot of my outdoor equipment. That being said I've owned this pack for over 2 years and I've haphazardly thrown scissors and other hard pointy tools into the pockets and haven't had a hole yet. I've thrown a full jug of water in there and ran around some hillsides and never had the straps wear out. I've used it as a camelbak, day pack for hiking, and most recently as a fishing backpack (Although the lures and hooks were in containers and not just sitting in the bag). I think the most I had in the bag at one time was my hammock, 2 twenty foot ratchet straps, my rain fly, an E-tool, an extra fleece jacket, a 36oz water bottle in the side pocket, a poncho, and still had room for plenty of snacks and small misc gear. For a fisherman's reference I can fit three 2x20x10in Plano lure organizers and still have room for a 2.5x3x5 inch trout and crappie box and my 2x3x5 inch fly box on top of that. My favorite feature is the clips on either side of the backpack. You can use it to secure long items in the exterior side pockets or to simply compress the pack for a lower profile (this helps keep weight from shifting and somewhat helps keep the pack from getting caught on brush when hiking). I think I've used these little clips about 70-80% of the times I've taken the pack out. I've secured large fishing nets, large water bottles, small camping chairs, and fishing rods in the side pockets and used the clips to hold them down with no issue. As long as it continues to be durable this pack is worth the money. It's not too bulky or too tiny and can be used however you want to use it.

It is such a great backpack. Light, easy to use, enough space for water, food, some extra clothes. The back with the mash is so convenient. On very hot days you do not sweat at the back. I love it.

This is an awesome little pack. It’s little but that is what I wanted. It’s really comfortable and breathable. It does have ridged supports in it so don’t expect to fold it up in a little ball.

The backpack only has 2 pockets plus a little rain fly pocket. Would have been nice to add pockets on the waist belt and maybe extra front pocket too.

I bought this for my wife and I am very impressed. I haven't had an Osprey pack before, but it is if great quality with some really nice features. I'm jealous of how breathable the back is with the space for air between yourself and the pack. The trekking pole attachments are a nice addition. I would definitely recommend for a light daypack and will consider the brand for future purchases.