Customer Reviews Osprey Hikelite 18

So let me first start off by saying that the reason this bag only gets 4 stars is because of the organization. They only give you 3 zippered compartments. The main, the small on on the top maybe large enough for a phone or eye glass case then the one on the bottom for the rain guard if you should even count that. I understand that this is a hiking bag but why not give us a large ziped compartment on the front where we can put some small things or atleast some internal zip pouch that can be used for things like passports. The bag is easily the most comfortable personal item sized backpack I have ever used. Its light weight and the frame helps a ton for support and adds almost no weight. The waist straps are removable and leave a clean look when removed can be used for attaching some gear or hanging bottle. I was also looking at the day light, daylight plus, day light travel, one because they attach to the larger packs and the daylight travel is larger then this bag and has the organization I crave. But there all missing this awesome frame this is why in the end I went with the hike lite. To add some organization to the bag I purchased the Osprey UltraLight Zip Organizer and attached it to the top of the bag with some clips (See my photos). This gave me an great use of the top part of this bag and taking everything out of the front pouch that caused it to sag and not really look nice when the bag was empty. I will mostly be using this for travel and very light hiking I can fit 2 or 3 light jackets/hoddies or one heavy jacket with this set up. I hope this is helpful to some others. I hope osprey can make a combination of this and there travel bag that is also carry on sized. On most trips that don't involve hiking the backpack I bring will be with me almost all the time I would rather have one with a frame over one that can attach to my backpack. Most people rarely use this feature from what I found online. Give us a frame and pockets for our things!

Great bag for hiking! Bought this bag for our recent trip to Hawaii and it worked great for our day hiking trips. It was lightweight, and the design kept air moving between my back and the bag, so I stayed cool while wearing it. The waterproof cover came in handy for the pop up showers. Able to carry two rain jackets, bladder full of water, sunscreen and a few snacks with room to spare. High recommend it!

Fits my coat fire starter food and more perfect for day hikes and biking

I didnt realize that the water reservoir didnt come with it, which was a bit disappointing, but other than that its great! I recommend it

I haven't had the opportunity to take it out on a hike yet. That said, I love how it fits, how light it is and the frame structure, which I'm sure will make it more comfortable and breath better when hiking on hot days. I'll be taking it on a 2 day hike in Joshua Tree National Park in about 6 weeks.

Very happy with the bag

The Hikelite 18 is incredible for travel, day hikes, daily commuting via bike, and more. It fits under an airplane seat, has hydration bladder capability for day hikes, includes a chest and waist strap to secure the bag to you when biking, and it is the perfect size. I cannot recommend this pack enough.

The Hikelite 18 is perfect for me, no downsides! Fits my Apple M2 16" (someone wrote it doesn't fit their 14" laptop) with no need for sleeve as it is protected by the wire frame.... plus small photography drone + controller + 3 batteries in a Solo rectangular gear pack (looks like softside lunch box), Hikelite is great for day-trekking photo shoots. The whole Hikelite 18 then drops perfectly into an Eddie Bauer 22" rolling half-hardshell duffel for all-in-one travel (dusty busrides on dirt roads). Before boarding aircraft I take out the Hikelite to easily fit underseat (and use laptop), while the now-shrunken duffel can fit in limited overhead bin space.

Love the light weight frame in this pack. Keeps my back cool and supported

After only a few hikes, I can say its a great pack for day hiking! It doesnt get too hot with the mesh back panel, and access to water and small pocket items is good.

Bought this last year for a trip and so glad I did. It help up two water bottles, jackets, and a bunch of snacks. I also got a great deal because it was on sale. Very sturdy and love the breathable backing so you don't easily sweat during hot muggy days. I can fit a tablet, but it was too small for my 14" laptop. All in all, great backpack for day travel or a personal item to carry and fits nicely under the seat cabin on the plane.

Excellent product. Incredibly light despite the wire frame. I never carried backpacks on our hikes as I hate a sweaty back. Have used it on long hikes on back to back days in the Swiss Alps, both sunny warm days, and forgot I was carrying a backpack, no sweaty back. Found myself bragging to my wife about finding the product.

Great little pack!

I love this pack! I needed a new daypack for doing some fieldwork in Namibia, and if you know anything about Namibia, its known for its heat. I needed a pack that could fit the basics including a first aid kit, rain jacket, 2L of water, snacks, flashlights, a camera, and other research gear but also not cling to my back and make me all sweaty as I hiked through thick bush in the Namibian sun. The Hikelite 18 was perfect for my needs! It was just the right size and the mesh backing allowed amazing airflow to keep me cool.

I love my Hilekite I am taking her to El Camino de Santiago in Spain next week. I will carry my daily essentials. I love that she has a built in rain cover, so handy!

Love it!! Great quality and functionality - and with that a great companion for our hikes.

I purchased this pack for a 10 day trip to the Utah parks. It was absolutely perfect! I used it as a carryon for my flight and was easily able to put it under the seat in front of me. I purchased a 3L water bladder that fit perfectly in the designated pocket with the tube coming through the space in the back, going through the loops in the front, and easily attaching in the front with the magnet. It was lightweight and extremely comfortable and the weight in the pack was evenly distributed. The ventilated Airspeed backpanel kept me comfortable and prevented a sweaty back. I didn't have any of the pilling of my shirts, as other reviewers mentioned. I used the small zipper compartment for snacks, lipbalm, cellphone, etc. I didn't need to use the rain cover, but knowing it was there was another benefit. It is really well made and Osprey's warranty and customer service (should I ever need it) is an extra plus.

I bought this Hikelite 18 with promoted price and then used it for hiking Camelback Mountain , it was a very comfortable bag, amazing!

I have had this bag for over 2 weeks and I use it for everything. Cycling, commute to the gym,speed skating, and for urban hiking. The bag is comfortable I don't have anything negative to say only wish they of thought of something to hold night lights for night walking.

Awesome little pack, super comfortable! Just the right size for a day hike, fits lunch, extra layers, water bladder, and my DSLR camera. I've used it for about 3 years for day hikes as well as to take climbing. Not too easy to travel with since the frame is a tad longer than under an airplane seat and I can't fit my laptop in it. Otherwise its great! I just bought the Sirrus because after long enough I want a slightly larger pack now that I've got more gear but this has served me well for a long while.

It is the perfect day pack for anyone who likes to use their own pouches (like me) for things that they carry every day. It doesn't have much organization options so don't get this one if that is what you need. I just toss in my own 3 little pouches and everything is organized perfectly for me. There is still room for a jacket, hat and gloves if needed and there is a little quick access pocket, too. The pack cinches down really well and the back panel and suspension system is the best that there is and actually sweat-proof. It is also really lite weight and I love the orange color. Love it!

The best backpack

I love this backpack

The best part is the mesh panel. Perfect if you hate a sweaty back. The side pockets work great for extra water and electrolytes. Only down side is that the waist straps don't have side pockets, but you get over it.

I love this backpack!