Assessment of Osprey Daylite Plus Backpack: A Comprehensive Evaluation
Osprey Daylite Plus: A Budget-Friendly Daypack with Enhanced Storage and Organization
The Osprey Daylite Plus is a versatile and budget-friendly daypack that offers an upgrade to the original Daylite model. This entry-level pack from Osprey's collection boasts tough, hardwearing materials and additional storage options, making it ideal for everyday adventures and carry-on travel.
Storage and Organization
The Daylite Plus sets itself apart with its increased storage capacity and organizational features. It comes equipped with an interior sleeve designed to fit either a hydration reservoir or a small laptop or tablet, enhancing its versatility for various uses. Additionally, it features side mesh water bottle pockets, two zippered pockets on the outside, and a large shove-it pocket on the front for quick access to items like snacks, a windbreaker jacket, or rain shell.
Capacity and Size
The Daylite Plus offers a bit more room for gear compared to the standard Daylite, although the exact capacity details for the Plus model are not specified. Regardless, it provides a good amount of storage and capacity to cater to your daily needs.
Color Options and Design Features
The Daylite Plus also includes at least one new color choice not available with the Daylite. Both packs share common design features such as water bottle side mesh pockets, front organizational pockets, and harness grab handles that double as luggage pass-thrus. However, the Daylite Plus is positioned as an upgraded version, emphasizing extra storage and travel functionality.
Weight and Price
The Daylite Plus weighs 1 pound 4.6 ounces, making it slightly heavier than its predecessor but lighter than the Osprey Talon 22 and similar to the Deuter Speed Lite 20. It costs $70, an additional $5 compared to its predecessor, which was priced at $65.
Alternatives
For those seeking a more streamlined pack with a lighter weight and less robust build, the REI Co-op Flash 22 might be a suitable alternative. On the other hand, if you're looking for more features like a lightly padded mesh hipbelt, technical features, and a women's-specific version, the Osprey Talon 22 could be a better choice, although it costs $60 more.
The standard Osprey Daylite, priced at $60 less, offers less capacity and forgoes the front shove-it pocket. It is compatible with Osprey's larger-capacity packs, making it a good option for those who need more space. Lastly, the Gregory Nano 20 offers similar storage options but uses less hardwearing fabrics and is slightly heavier than the Daylite Plus.
In summary, the Daylite Plus builds upon the compact, versatile design of the Daylite with more storage options, a hydration/laptop sleeve, and an additional color, making it a more feature-rich option for everyday and travel use.
While the Osprey Daylite Plus excels in everyday adventures and carry-on travel, it's also suitable for backpacking trips, with trekking poles slides easily into its roomier interior. The additional storage options make it a great choice for hiking excursions, allowing you to carry more travel essentials. With the increased storage capacity, the Daylite Plus also serves as an efficient daypack for sports activities.
