Osprey Sportlite 20 Hiking Backpack, Multi, O/S

I've owned a Black Diamont Bullet 16 for the past decade and it's due for an upgrade due to a deteriorating lining. I did not realize how spoiled I was until after purchasing the Osprey 20 Sportlite. Overall the bags are very similar: minimalistic design, waist straps, space for a water bladder, adjustable height for chest straps. However the bags really differ on the execution of technical construction details. Bladder system: on the Bullet it is tucked away under an extra compartment, which makes it more annoying to access but hides everything once it is tucked away. On the Osprey, it's a multi purpose pouch which leaves the hydration tubing completely exposed but can also be used for more things. The main con: THE STUPID RED TAB DOESN'T UNIVERSALLY SUPPORT WATERBLADDERS. A simple strap with velcro is versatile enough to fit anything, but instead they chose to put in a useless tab of plastic which I supposed can support a limited amount of designs. But not mine lol Bag Handle: it is a very thin strap that is not strategically incorporated to hold heavy loads. If I pull on it, I can see the stiching. Which tells me it is not reinforced. Moving forward, I will be holding the bag by the should straps to avoid damage, which renders the handle completely useless. Waist Straps: on the Bullet there is a sneaky compartment to tuck in and hide and waist straps when not in use without the need to completely take them off. On the Osprey they need to be completely removed if I want to hide them, and there's no secret spot to put them. Small detail but makes me think they built the bag to minimize assembly cost, and not for user convenience. Overall 3/5 because I've had exposure to better built bags. If this is your first, overall it's still well made and I hope will last a long time.

This backpack is great for day hiking or walking into town for a fest. The craftsmanship and quality of materials is top notch. When you load it up correctly, the weight balance is distributed in a way that relieves pressure from the top of the shoulders. The chest strap has a built-in emergency whistle, but it's not extremely loud, which may not matter since this pack isn't designed for deep expeditions in super remote wilderness. That said, 20L sounds like a lot, but once you start packing clothes, first aid, food, water--you run out of space quick. It would have been nice to have more straps to hook things to. The camelback water reservoir accommodation works well, though for short hikes I prefer just a 48 oz nalgene bottle, which fits perfectly in the mesh side pouch. Overall great product, recommended for short trips anywhere.

Quite possibly the best day hiking pack ever!

Not had an osprey product before, really like this backpack. Large volume for the size which seems to comply with airline baggage size. Very deep side pockets so tall water bottle doesn't fall out. Good back system which is comfy. Can be wiped with soapy water to clean, lovely colour. Only negative is would have liked a deeper front pocket but can't have everything.

Great backpack, it’s a bit smaller than expected, but fits a 3 liter bladder, and still has room for day packing accessories.