When deciding between the Osprey Daylite vs Daylite Plus, understanding their differences is crucial. Both backpacks are renowned for their durable and lightweight construction, making them ideal for hiking, travel, and daily use. This comparative review will delve into the key distinctions between the Osprey Daylite vs Daylite Plus, helping you determine which backpack best suits your needs.
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Size and Carrying Capacity
Comparing the Osprey Daylite vs Daylite Plus side-by-side reveals significant differences in size and carrying capacity. The Daylite is a compact, ultralight pack ideal for minimalists, offering 13 liters of space. In contrast, the Daylite Plus, with its 20-liter capacity, provides more room and additional features such as extra pockets and a padded laptop sleeve.
Measurements of the back panels:
- Daylite: 9.5” (W) x 17.5” (H)
- Daylite Plus: 10” (W) x 18.5” (H)
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Despite their size differences, both backpacks come equipped with the same-sized shoulder straps, providing a consistent level of comfort regardless of the pack’s overall size.
In summary, the Daylite is ideal for those who favor a smaller, more compact backpack. Its 13-liter capacity is perfect for users who need just the essentials for quick day hikes or daily use. On the other hand, the Daylite Plus, with its larger back panel and 20-liter capacity, offers additional support and comfort for taller individuals or those carrying more gear. The Daylite Plus also features an extra front shove-it pocket, adding to its versatility and making it suitable for travel, daily commutes, or longer excursions.
When both backpacks are packed with the same items—a 13” laptop, light jacket, small notebook, tech case, and large headphones—the Daylite is nearly filled to capacity, while the Daylite Plus has ample room left over. This difference in capacity highlights the advantage of the Daylite Plus for those who need more space.
Overall, the Osprey Daylite vs Daylite Plus comparison underscores how the Daylite excels in minimalism and light weight, while the Daylite Plus provides additional space and support. Whether you need a smaller, lighter pack or a larger, more versatile option, the choice between the Osprey Daylite vs Daylite Plus will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
What Fits Inside the 13L Daylite:
- 2L Hydration Bladder filled
- Fleece Jacket (women’s size medium)
- Small First Aid Kit (6.5” x 4.5” x 2”)
- Bag of Snacks
What Fits Inside the 20L Daylite Plus:
- All of the above
- Large 1L Coffee Thermos
- Birdwatching Book (8.5” x 5.75” x 1.5”)
Additional Pockets and Compartments
Both the Osprey Daylite and Daylite Plus offer similar pocket configurations, sharing the same front compartment with slip pockets and a key clip. These slip pockets are spacious enough to accommodate a phone, wallet, snacks, and other small essentials.
Both backpacks also feature stretchy water bottle pockets that can easily hold larger 32-ounce bottles.
The primary difference between the two backpacks is the front shove-it pocket on the Daylite Plus. This shove-it pocket, though not very large, is perfect for bulky items like a bike helmet or shoes. It’s an ideal spot for items that require quick access, such as sandals, a hat, gloves, or snacks.
Additionally, Osprey has included a zippered pocket on the front of the Daylite Plus for extra storage, giving it two additional pockets compared to the Daylite.
Inside the main compartment of each backpack, you’ll find an internal sleeve for a laptop or tablet that doubles as a hydration pocket.
The key distinction is that the Osprey Daylite offers a thin and stretchy sleeve suitable for devices up to 13 inches, while the Daylite Plus provides more protection with a padded sleeve for devices up to 15 inches. For commuters needing maximum tech protection, the Daylite Plus is the clear choice.
When comparing the Osprey Daylite vs Daylite Plus, it’s clear that each has unique features tailored to different needs. The additional pockets and enhanced protection make the Daylite Plus a superior option for those who need more storage and better device protection. However, the Daylite remains a solid choice for those who prefer a simpler design with adequate functionality. Ultimately, choosing between the Osprey Daylite vs Daylite Plus will depend on your specific requirements and how you plan to use the backpack.
Materials and Comfort Features
When comparing the Osprey Daylite vs Daylite Plus, the construction is nearly identical. Both backpacks use bluesign® approved recycled polyester materials with a PFC-free DWR coating for water resistance. They are equipped with the same zippers and internal lining.
It’s worth noting that while the exterior fabric offers some water resistance, the zippers do not. These backpacks can handle light rain, but in the Osprey Daylite vs Daylite Plus comparison, neither is ideal for heavy downpours or big splashes where moisture might sneak in through the zippers.
Unlike the older versions of the Daylite series, both backpacks now come with breathable Airscape die-cut EVA foam back panels that cannot be removed. Additionally, both the Daylite and Daylite Plus come with a removable 20mm hip belt and an adjustable chest strap with a built-in whistle.
A minor difference in the Osprey Daylite vs Daylite Plus comparison lies in the shoulder straps, but it has little impact. The Daylite Plus uses die-cut EVA foam padding on the upper portion of the shoulder straps, while the Daylite uses spacer mesh. Both shoulder harnesses are highly breathable, and although the die-cut EVA foam on the Daylite Plus offers slightly more padding, the difference is negligible.
In summary, when evaluating the Osprey Daylite vs Daylite Plus for materials and comfort features, both backpacks are remarkably similar, with only minor differences in shoulder strap construction.
Which Backpack is Better?
When considering the Osprey Daylite vs Daylite Plus, your choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Choose the Osprey Daylite if… You want an ultralight backpack for hiking, travel, and daily carry, or if you prefer the fit of a smaller backpack. The Osprey Daylite offers easy, carefree carry of just the essentials.
Choose the Osprey Daylite Plus if.. you’re looking for a lightweight backpack that’s versatile for hiking, travel, and daily use, and you need added protection for your laptop with a padded sleeve, plus extra pockets for better organization.
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