Choosing the Best Osprey Backpack for Travel and Adventure

Looking for the best Osprey backpack for travel and adventure? Ultra-functional and smart, my reviews will help you choose the right fit.

Osprey Backpacks prove that when it comes to exploration, adventure gear can be functional, comfortable and hardwearing without compromising on style. While many find exactly what they are looking for in multi-packing compartments, security features, and the perfect fit, the additional colour and trendiness can be somewhat lacking in contrast.

I’ve tried many brands over my years of globetrotting, and the muted black, taupe and kaki colours have been the only options that match the detailed practicality and hardwearing qualities. Osprey Backpacks also factor in colour in their style. 

Over the years, Osprey has invited me to test some backpacks. The Ariel AG 55 litre in the vibrant ‘Tidal Blue’ and the Daylite Plus daypack in ‘Solar Yellow’ allowed me to move at ease while Overlanding in Europe, Asia, and South America, and to feel vibrant and stylish. These durable packs are great for longer trips that require carrying extra weight beyond carry-on suitcases.

I’ve also put hiking packs to the test, trying out the Osprey Hikelite 32 in Challenger Blue, complete with a 2.5L water pouch, during my Kilimanjaro trek.

Here’s my honest review of Osprey Backpacks and which ones to use for particular kinds of travel. 

Review of Osprey Ariel AG 55 Backpack

Ariel AG 55-litre backpack looks compact when laid out, but expands as you fill it, making it an ideal choice for hiking trips or extended travel stints where you need to carry more.

The main thing I love about this backpack is that the hip belt is rigid, hugging your hips tightly for a perfect fit and distributing the weight evenly. Osprey is known for its AntiGravity back system and mouldable fit, which comes from the IsoForm hip belt, making it ideal for a ‘women’s fit’. 

My only criticism is the lack of a side loader opening. While I am used to side-loader packs that open like suitcases, this backpack is designed with many pockets and compartments for easier access on the move. There’s a ‘top loader’ style pocket and only smaller side loader zips for instant access – more to reach in and grab an item.

Multiple compartments in the lid, which hold a waterproof cover and provide extra space for packing, complement the bottom compartment, where you can access the main hold.

Review of Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack

The Osprey Daylite Plus daypack was with me every single day, used as a front pack for my most important equipment when on the move with both bags (it has an expandable front pocket for extra storage) and then as my day-to-day backpack when exploring each city.

This daypack is designed to be lightweight and versatile, so you can fit more into it while still keeping a padded laptop sleeve without bulking it out. The ventilated mesh back and the Hydraulics (water pouch) reservoir, alongside the outer-side mesh pockets, also make this bag a perfect trekking daypack.

Review of Osprey Hikelite 32 Backpack

It’s vital during any multi-day, strenuous trek to not carry too much in your daypack, but have enough space and weight capacity for water. The optimal trek backpack should be a 30-35L Day Bag with a Camel hydration pack.

We used the Osprey Hikelite 32 (female fit) and Osprey Stratos 34 (male fit), both of which include a 2.5L reservoir, which I cannot recommend enough for keeping hydrated easily while on the move. These packs also have a rain cover, a contoured fit, and a cooling back system for maximum comfort, with roomy, multi-compartment sections to organise your gear. You can also easily remove the reservoir water pouch if you want to use the pack as a regular backpack. 

With side pockets for walking sticks, extra water bottles, or clothing, and multiple front zippers with compartments for quick, easy access to the things you need, this trekking backpack is my most favoured Osprey backpack of all. 

Looking for More Travel Gear?

You have the backpack, now it’s time to fill it with all the essentials for the ultimate adventure. Check out my streamlined list of travel gear, and everything I pack that has me covered for any destination.