Osprey Day Lite Backpack – A low-vis Everyday Carry Option

The first time I saw the Osprey Day Lite Backpack was in November 2019 while visiting London and Paris. I was carrying my 5.11 RUSH 12. Not the lowest profile civilian looking pack. I noticed that there were a lot of people carrying small packs that were so common as to go unnoticed. So I made a mental note to add an Osprey pack to my collection for future travel carry. Well, 2020 hit and the world shut down for travel for a while. For Christmas in 2020 my wife gave me an Osprey Day Lite pack. Since travel was still pretty much limited, I didn’t get a good opportunity to start using it until 2021.

Day Lite Construction

This pack is constructed primarily of light weight nylon material. The straps are thin and “mesh like” with a sternum strap and built in whistle. There is also a minimalist waist belt to secure heavier loads. A compartment on the back exterior can hold a hydration bladder. And two additional side mesh pockets are perfect for water bottles or small items. On the outside, you’ll find a zippered pocket with two small mesh pockets inside. Great for organizing small items plus there is a strap with a clip for keys. The interior has a slip pocket that can hold a 13″ laptop or tablet. Finally, the back of the pack is adequately padded and slightly rigid to provide support.

“Simple, technical enough for the trail and familiar enough for travels abroad or down the road—the Daylite® Family embodies versatility.”~osprey.com

Osprey Day Lite Features

• Large panel-loading main compartment
• Attaches to a variety of compatible Osprey packs
• Multifunctional interior sleeve for hydration reservoir, 13” laptop or tablet
• Dual side compression straps
• Dual water bottle side mesh pockets
• Front pocket with organization and key clip
• Internal reservoir sleeve
• Harness grab handle doubles as a luggage pass-thru

The body of the Day Lite Pack is made of 100D Nylon Mini Diamond Shadow. And the bottom is made of 500D Nylon Pack cloth. The back is properly ventilated to prevent heat and sweat buildup. Plus, there are compression straps on the sides to aid securing the load.

For about a year, I’ve been using the Day Lite for personal and professional travel. My loadout is basically the same for personal or business travel. My loadout covers four general areas. Medical, both trauma, basic first aid and illness. Lights, including a flashlight, headlamp, batteries, cables and charger for my phone. And lastly, personal comfort items. Including snacks, hygiene and a fleece or rain jacket.

The Day Lite Pack hauls all of these items comfortably. Due to the light padding on the shoulder straps it’s important not to overload the Day Lite. As they tend to start cutting in during long carries. Other than that, it is a good light weight, low profile backpack for everyday carry or travel carry on duty. There are currently several models available with MSRP starting around $56.99.