I’m obsessed with lightweight travel and have been using Osprey packs and daypacks for years. I also think they’re very much worth recommending for school, hiking, outdoor sports, shopping, carrying gear for work, and more.

I’m now here with my tiny team of researchers and adventurers to help you decide which of the wide range of Osprey daypacks is right for which use — this based on our experience of them and reading/watching every quality review out there (which we link to in this post).
Unfortunately, the names Nebula, Nova, Talia, Daylite, Hikelite, Talon, Tempest, and Tropos don’t much help in determining which pack is meant for what. And the descriptions that come directly from Osprey are jargony and repetitive without actually providing much concrete insight. (Hey kids, here’s an example of truly awful product copywriting: “Its lightweight [sic], simplicity, durability, comfortable carry and price has proven to be wildly popular, and today their popularity is undeniable.”)
So we’re here to give you the real low-down. We’ve picked the top Osprey daypacks (bestselling and ones we’d use) and put them side by-side in a chart, then we’ve got mini-reviews of each one.
What we don’t cover in this article are bags for extended travel. If you’re going on a trip, consider instead either the Osprey wheeled carry-on backpacks or the full-sized wheeled backpacks — both come with their own excellent detachable daypacks. And if you’re going on multi-day jaunts, check out our review of the full range of larger Osprey trekking and hiking backpacks.
- Quick Comparison Table: Osprey Daypacks Side-by-Side
- Overall Pros and Cons of Osprey Daypacks
- Women's vs. Men's Osprey Daypacks: The Differences
- How to Measure Your Torso for Choosing Osprey Daypack Sizes
- The Best Osprey Daypacks for Travelling: The Daylite, Daylite Plus, and Daylite Travel
- The Top Daypacks for Adventure Sports, Mountain Biking, and Hiking: The Osprey Talon (Men) and Tempest (Women) series
- Our Pick for Long Days Out Hiking in Very Wet Weather: The Osprey Hikelite 18 and Hikelite 26
- The Best Osprey Urban/Laptop Backpacks: Tropos (Men) and Talia (Women)
- The Slightly Larger Overnight Laptop Backpacks: Nebula (Men) and Nova (Women)
- Roundup: Which Osprey Daypack Is Best for You?
Update history of this article
Quick Comparison Table: Osprey Daypacks Side-by-Side
Note: Use that cute little + sign ( ) to expand the info on each one.
Picture | Name | Notable differences | Interior volume | Weight (lb. / kg.) | Dimensions | Pocket situation | Built-in safety whistle | Hip belt | Materials | Compatibility | Warranty | Available sizes | Available at |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Osprey Daylite Daypack | • Designed for hiking, travel, and everyday use • Very lightweight • Unisex • Can fit small laptops but not ideal as sleeve is not padded | 13L | Lightweight: 0.94 lbs./0.42 kg. | 18x9x9 in.; 46x24x22 cm. | • Main compartment • Front pocket (mesh organizer, key clip) • Side mesh pockets (e.g. for drinks) • Interior sleeve for tablet/hydration pouch • (Unadvertised) exterior sleeve just behind straps; could fit hydration pouch | Yes | Yes; very thin, not padded, removable | • Main compartment: 210D nylon double diamond ripstop • Accent and bottom: 400HD nylon packcloth | Can be attached as an easy add-on to: • Aether/Ariel series • Fairview/Farpoint Wheeled series • Farpoint 80 • Porter series • Sojourn series • Volt/Viva series | Excellent lifetime warranty; Osprey has a good history of follow-through | One size fits all | Amazon Moosejaw Sunny Sports |
![]() | Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack | • Designed for hiking, travel, and everyday use • Lightweight • Unisex • Harness has a bit more padding than the regular Daylite • Suitable for carrying up to 15" laptops with its padded sleeve | 20L | Lightweight: 1.19 lbs./0.54 kg. | 18x10x9 in.; 46X26X24 cm. | • Main compartment • Front pocket (mesh organizer, key clip) • Side mesh pockets (e.g. for drinks) • Interior sleeve for tablet/small to medium laptop/hydration pouch • (Unadvertised) exterior sleeve just behind straps; could fit hydration pouch • "Shove it pocket" on front flap (a quick-access open pocket) • Zippered pocket on front flap | Yes | Yes; very thin, not padded, removable | • Main compartment: 210D nylon double diamond ripstop • Accent and bottom: 400HD nylon packcloth | Can be attached as an easy add-on to: • Aether/Ariel series • Fairview/Farpoint Wheeled series • Farpoint 80 • Porter series • Sojourn series • Volt/Viva series | Excellent lifetime warranty; Osprey has a good history of follow-through | One size fits all | Amazon Sunny Sports |
![]() | Osprey Daylite Travel Daypack | • Designed for travel (especially minimalists like us!) and everyday use • Lightweight • Unisex • Harness has a bit more padding than the regular Daylite • Suitable for carrying quite large laptops and second screens with its padded sleeve • Expandable zip-around accordion feature adds 6L, or slims pack when not needed | 24L | Lightweight: 1.3 lbs./0.59 kg. | 17.73x12.21x9.85 in.; 45X31X25 cm. | • Main compartment • Front pocket (mesh organizer, key clip) • Side mesh pockets (e.g. for drinks) • Interior padded hanging sleeve for large laptop (could work for hydration pouch, but more designed for laptops) • Hidden interior easy-to-access upper pocket for passport and cash • Two interior pouches for Kindles/tablets • Zippered pocket on front flap | Yes | No | • Main compartment: 210D nylon double diamond ripstop • Accent and bottom: 400HD nylon packcloth | Can be attached as an easy add-on to: • Aether/Ariel series • Fairview/Farpoint Wheeled series • Farpoint 80 • Porter series • Sojourn series • Volt/Viva series | Excellent lifetime warranty; Osprey has a good history of follow-through | One size fits all | Amazon |
![]() | Osprey Talon 11 Backpack (Men) | • Designed for hiking, biking, and outdoor sports • Very lightweight • Men's (or broader/longer torso) • Emphasizes stability during rough-and-tumble movement with harness and wrap-around hip belt • Trekking pole attachments • Bike helmet attachment | 9L (small-med.) / 11L (med.-large) | Lightweight: 1.4 lbs./0.66 kg. | 19.3x9.8x9.8 in.; 49.02x24.89x24.89 cm. | • Main compartment • Side mesh pockets (e.g. for drinks) • External hydration sleeve • Lower compression/carry straps • Two zippered hipbelt pockets • Top panel zippered slash pocket • Adjustable bungee on front of pack | Yes | Yes; stretchy | • Main compartment: 70D x 100D nylon mini shadow brick • Accent and bottom: 420HD Nylon Packcloth | N/A | Excellent lifetime warranty; Osprey has a good history of follow-through | S/M: Torso length 16-19 in. / 40.5-48 cm. M/L: 19-23 in. / 48-58.5 cm. | Amazon Moosejaw |
![]() | Osprey Talon 22 Backpack (Men) | • Designed for hiking, biking, and outdoor sports • Lightweight • Men's (or broader/longer torso) • Emphasizes stability during rough-and-tumble movement with harness and wrap-around hip belt • Trekking pole attachments • Bike helmet attachment | 22L | 1.786 lbs./0.81 kg. | 20.1x11x11 in.; 51.05x27.94x27.94 cm. | • Main compartment • Side mesh pockets (e.g. for drinks) • External hydration sleeve • Lower compression/carry straps • Two zippered hipbelt pockets • Top panel zippered slash pocket • Stretch mesh pocket on front of pack | Yes | Yes; stretchy | • Main compartment: 70D x 100D nylon mini shadow brick • Accent and bottom: 420HD nylon packcloth | N/A | Excellent lifetime warranty; Osprey has a good history of follow-through | S/M: Torso length 16-19 in. / 40.5-48 cm. M/L: 19-23 in. / 48-58.5 cm. | Amazon Moosejaw Sunny Sports |
![]() | Osprey Tempest 9 (Women) | • Designed for hiking, biking, and outdoor sports • Very lightweight • Women's (or shorter/narrower torso) • Emphasizes stability during rough-and-tumble movement with harness and wrap-around hip belt • Trekking pole attachments • Bike helmet attachment | 9L | 1.356 lbs./0.62 kg. | 18.1x9.1xX 8.3x in.; 45.97x23.11x21.08 cm. | • Main compartment • Side mesh pockets (e.g. for drinks) • External hydration sleeve • Lower compression/carry straps • Two zippered hipbelt pockets • Top panel zippered slash pocket • Adjustable bungee on front of pack | Yes | Yes; stretchy | • Main compartment: 70D x 100D nylon mini shadow brick • Accent and bottom: 420HD nylon packcloth | N/A | Excellent lifetime warranty; Osprey has a good history of follow-through | XS/S: 13-16 in. / 33 - 40.5 cm. S/M: 16-20 in. / 40.5-51 cm. | Amazon Moosejaw Sunny Sports |
![]() | Osprey Tempest 20 (Women) | • Designed for hiking, biking, and outdoor sports • Lightweight • Women's (or shorter/narrower torso) • Emphasizes stability during rough-and-tumble movement with harness and wrap-around hip belt • Trekking pole attachments • Bike helmet attachment | 20L | 1.645 lbs./0.75 kg. | 17.7x11x10.6 in.; 44.96x27.94x26.92 cm. | • Main compartment • Side mesh pockets (e.g. for drinks) • External hydration sleeve • Lower compression/carry straps • Two zippered hipbelt pockets • Top panel zippered slash pocket • Stretch mesh pocket on front of pack | Yes | Yes; stretchy | • Main compartment: 70D x 100D nylon mini shadow brick • Accent and bottom: 420HD nylon packcloth | N/A | Excellent lifetime warranty; Osprey has a good history of follow-through | XS/S: 13-16 in. / 33 - 40.5 cm. S/M: 16-20 in. / 40.5-51 cm. | Amazon Moosejaw |
![]() | Osprey Hikelite 18 Backpack | • Designed for hiking and everyday use, especially in very rainy weather • Very lightweight • Unisex • Best ventilation in back panel • Integrated pull-out rain cover hidden in bottom of pack (removable) • Trekking pole attachments | 18L | Lightweight: 1.49 lbs./0.68 kg. | 18.11x9.45x10.83 in.; 46x24x26.16 cm. | • Main compartment • Upper scratch resistant zippered pocket (e.g. for sunglasses) • Stretch mesh side pockets (e.g. for drinks) • Internal hydration sleeve (accommodates up to a 3L reservoir) • Upper side compression straps | Yes | Yes; very thin, not padded, removable | • Main compartment: 100D nylon mini diamond shadow • Accent: 100D nylon mini diamond shadow • Bottom: 500D nylon packcloth | N/A | Excellent lifetime warranty; Osprey has a good history of follow-through | Also the slightly larger Hikelight 26, which is 26 L and measures 18.9 x 10.8 x 10.8 in. or 48 x 28 x 28 cm | Amazon Moosejaw |
![]() | Osprey Tropos Daypack (Men) | • Designed for urban and everyday use • Men's (or broader/longer torso) • Excellent breathability from suspended back panel • Blinker light attachment • "Kickstand" feature — simply means solid frame keeps pack standing bolt upright • Padded and safe storage for laptop and tablet • Suspended mesh ventilated backpanel | 34L | 2.7 lbs./1.2 kg. | 21.9 x 13.4 x 10.6 in.; 53 x 34 x 27 cm. | • Main compartment • Padded and interior-hanging laptop and tablet sleeve (separate zippered laptop access, very well protected) • Upper scratch-resistant zippered pocket (e.g. for sunglasses) • Side stretch mesh pockets (e.g. for drinks) • Front panel organization pockets (for mouse, keys, phone, pens, business cards, etc.) • Front panel vertical center zippered pocket | Yes | Yes; very thin, not padded, removable | • Accent: 420HD nylon packcloth • Main and bottom: 210 / 420 / 630D nylon dobby | N/A | Excellent lifetime warranty; Osprey has a good history of follow-through | One size fits all | Amazon |
![]() | Osprey Talia Daypack (Women) | • Designed for urban and everyday use • Women's (or narrower/shorter torso) • Kickstand to stand upright • Padded and safe storage for laptop and tablet • Suspended mesh ventilated backpanel | 30L | 2.6 lbs./1.18 kg. | 20.9x12.8x13 in.; 53.89x32.51x33.02 | • Main compartment • Padded and interior-hanging laptop and tablet sleeve (separate zippered laptop access, very well protected) • Upper scratch-resistant zippered pocket (e.g. for sunglasses) • Side stretch mesh pockets (e.g. for drinks) • Front panel organization pockets (for mouse, keys, phone, pens, business cards, etc.) • Front panel vertical center zippered pocket | Yes | Yes; very thin, not padded, removable | • Main compartment: 420HD nylon packcloth • Accent: 210D nylon rose • Bottom: 420HD nylon packcloth | N/A | Excellent lifetime warranty; Osprey has a good history of follow-through | One size fits all | Amazon |
![]() | Osprey Nebula Daypack (Men) | • Designed for urban and everyday use, plus overnight travel with laptops • Men's (or broader/longer torso) • Padded and safe storage for laptop and tablet • Opens flat for airport screening without removing laptop | 34L | 2.13 lbs./0.97 kg. | 19x12x11 in.; 48.26x30.48x27.94 cm. | • Main compartment • Padded laptop and tablet sleeve that opens completely for airport screening without removing laptop • Upper scratch-resistant zippered pocket (e.g. for sunglasses) • Side stretch mesh pockets (e.g. for drinks) • Front panel organization pockets (for mouse, keys, phone, pens, business cards, etc.) • Front panel open stash pocket with buckle | Yes | Yes; very thin, not padded, removable | • Main compartment: 420HD nylon packcloth • Accent: 210D nylon stripe twill • Bottom: 420HD nylon packcloth | N/A | Excellent lifetime warranty; Osprey has a good history of follow-through | One size fits all | Amazon |
![]() | Osprey Nova Daypack (Women) | • Designed for urban and everyday use • Women's (or narrower/shorter torso) • Padded and safe storage for laptop and tablet • Opens flat for airport screening without removing laptop | 33L | 2.06 lbs./0.93 kg. | 19x12x11 in.; 48.26x30.48x27.94 cm. | • Main compartment • Padded laptop and tablet sleeve that opens completely for airport screening without removing laptop • Upper scratch-resistant zippered pocket (e.g. for sunglasses) • Side stretch mesh pockets (e.g. for drinks) • Front panel organization pockets (for mouse, keys, phone, pens, business cards, etc.) • Front panel open stash pocket with buckle | Yes | Yes; very thin, not padded, removable | • Main compartment: 420HD nylon packcloth • Accent: 210D nylon stripe twill • Bottom: 420HD nylon packcloth | N/A | Excellent lifetime warranty; Osprey has a good history of follow-through | One size fits all | Amazon |
Overall Pros and Cons of Osprey Daypacks
I have no qualms in recommending Osprey as I’ve been using the brand’s packs myself for years as I travel the globe writing for this site.
Osprey daypacks vary between themselves depending on intended use, but they do share some overall features, quality build, and the singular Osprey aesthetic.
Pros of Osprey Daypacks
- Osprey daypacks are extremely lightweight, ranging in our selection from just under a pound (half-kilo) to just over two pounds (one kilo).
- The pocket situation generally offers a good balance for each type of bag depending on activity — and since there are so many different options you’re sure to have a bag that offers the right level of organization and device protection without any confusing pocket overkill.
- Quality materials: Osprey daypacks generally use 210D nylon bodies and even tougher 400HD or 420HD nylon for their bottoms, they are tougher than the PP or polyester used in cheap bags and lighter than the waxed cotton canvas that was once popular. The zippers and buckles also hold up well over the years. Backpackers like me buy an Osprey for life and expect it to last. We’re generally pleased with the results.
- All daypacks are backed by Osprey’s excellent lifetime warranty and reputation for follow-up with customers if something does go wrong.
- These daypacks are comfortable to carry; they offer good ventilation on the back panel and shoulder-friendly padded harnesses/shoulder straps.
Cons of the Osprey Daypacks
There are a few general downsides, though they generally haven’t held us back from recommending and using these bags.
- Not the cheapest backpacks out there: While Osprey is also not most expensive daypack builder, and we don’t consider the brand to be overpriced in most cases, you can definitely find good-enough generic backpacks out there without all that Osprey charm and perhaps overkill in terms of rough-and-tumble durability. Here’s a list of the top-rated cheapos from Amazon.
- Only the Daylite bags can clip directly onto Osprey’s other backpacking packs. None of them zip onto Osprey packs to become a single unit; if you’d like to be able to do that, try instead the Osprey Meridian 75L with its daypack.
- The sportier bags are not suitable for carrying laptops (as detailed in the table above); the Tropos/Talia or Nebula/Nova are the best choices for laptops and tech gear.
- There are a variety of quick-access pockets on many of these bags that are easy for villains to get into as well. Either wear the bags in front of your torso in crowded places or place your valuables in inner pockets (like the inside tablet pocket on some models) or pick up a smart, modern money belt.
Women’s vs. Men’s Osprey Daypacks: The Differences
Osprey’s packs in some cases are gender-specific, in others they are unisex. Specifically women’s Osprey backpacking packs are designed with slightly changed angles in the padding around the hips, to allow women to use their often rounder hips to better support more weight there. Women’s packs are also generally a bit shorter and narrower than the men’s or unisex counterparts.
This does not make as much of a difference with Osprey daypacks, as they are not designed for carrying weight on the hips. The hip straps that they do have are meant merely to secure the pack if you’re running, scrambling, or biking over bumpy terrain.
Thus, the main thing to worry about with these daypacks is size. If you’re a man with a shorter torso, you may prefer a women’s daypack in some cases, and likewise, if you’re a woman with a longer torso you might prefer the daypacks marketed to men. In cases where these packs are not one-size-fits-all, we’ve listed the torso length ranges (see next section) so that you can get the exact right size.
You’ll also notice in the table we made above that the women’s packs are sometimes designed to carry just a few liters less than the men’s counterparts — something to consider if you want to scale down or up just a bit from a particular pack.
And finally, Osprey hasn’t quite caught on to post-gendered-color-consciousness and offers slightly different color options in some cases for women and for men.
The features and pockets on men’s vs. women’s Osprey daypacks are the same.
How to Measure Your Torso for Choosing Osprey Daypack Sizes
Torso sizes are not super-important with daypacks; the main considerations are features, capacity, and intended use. But a couple of these daypacks are offered in different sizes, so here’s a guide to help you get the exact right one, should you choose a daypack with two size options.
- Locate the level of your hip bones.
- Identify your C7 vertebra (it’s the bone that sticks out at the base of your neck when you bend your head down to your chest).
- Measure the distance between the two.

That’s your back measurement for Osprey daypack purposes! The measurements for differently sized daypacks are included where there are such options in both the table above and in the descriptions down below.
The Best Osprey Daypacks for Travelling: The Daylite, Daylite Plus, and Daylite Travel
The Osprey Daylite, Daylite Plus, and Daylite Travel are the daypacks to choose for accompanying you while travelling, particularly if you are also carrying large Osprey hiking packs.These are the Osprey daypacks that are compatible with their kin, meaning they can easily clip into the following: the Osprey Aether/Ariel series, Farpoint 80, Porter series, Sojourn series, and finally the Volt/Viva series.
The Daylite and Daylite Plus daypacks emphasize lightness and have some basic organizational pockets but certainly don’t go overboard. They’re great for carrying sunscreen, a book, a phone, and something to keep you warm for when the sun starts to go down. Keys go on a neat little key clip in the front pocket, and there are side mesh pockets for a water bottle or coffee thermos. Other reviewers also generally admire their organizational design and build, and that they have been able to hold up over the years.
The Daylite Plus or Daylite Travel are better if will be carrying a laptop; their interior sleeve is padded (the sleeve for the regular Daylite is not). It can generally carry any 15″ laptop.
The Daylite Travel is the Osprey daypack that I personally use and most love. It has more organizational pockets than the other Daylites. It can be thin like they are, or it can expand to give you more space as an overnight bag with a wraparound zipper that allows it to accordion out for an added 6 liters.
They’ll easily work as a carry-on on any airline. If you’re stumped over which to get, check out the differences between the Daylite, Daylite Plus, and Daylite Travel.
The Daylite daypacks are adjustable/one-size-fits-all and quite comfortable.

The Top Daypacks for Adventure Sports, Mountain Biking, and Hiking: The Osprey Talon (Men) and Tempest (Women) series
Osprey’s take on the backpacks for outdoor sports are its Talon (for men) and Tempest (for women) series. They excel in stability for those who are carrying a small to medium amount of gear while hiking, running, biking, climbing, or otherwise bouncing about a bit. They do this through a smooth harness and back panel and snug wrap-around harness, which features small pockets for items you need to keep readily at hand without dismounting your pack.All of these daypacks are quite lightweight for their various sizes. The men’s daypacks are the Talon 11-liter and Talon 22-liter versions, and the women’s options are the Tempest 9-liter and Tempest 20-liter packs.

Aside from the obvious capacity differences, the main difference between the larger (Talon 22 and Tempest 20) and smaller (Talon 11 and Tempest 9) daypacks is the front panel. There is a non-zippered “stash pocket” on the larger packs and instead of that a bungee cord on the front of the smaller ones. In both cases these are great for quickly stuffing wet gear, a bit of trash that you intend to pack out, or other items that you’d want to keep separate from your main compartment.
The backpanel’s rigid suspension system (“airspace”) manages to keep the packs stable and yet backpackers find it offers excellent breathability.
The harness packets and back stash pockets are made of a stretchy but quite tough mesh material that doesn’t fall apart like the mesh used on cheaper packs (which can often be the first point of weakness).
If you use trekking poles, you’ll enjoy the quick access of having them under your arms, attached to the shoulder harness. You can also attach them to the back of the pack.
As we noted above, the genders of daypacks don’t make a huge difference, but with the Talon and Tempest packs you will have size options so it’s worth measuring your torso as we mentioned. When in doubt, go for your torso length and/or prefered-capacity pack, not your gender.
- Talon daypacks (“men”) small-medium size: torso length of 16-19 in. / 40.5-48 cm.
- Talon daypacks (“men”) medium-large size: torso length of 19-23 in. / 48-58.5 cm.
- Tempest daypacks (“women”) extra-small to small size: torso length of 13-16 in. / 33 – 40.5 cm.
- Tempest daypacks (“women”) small-medium size: torso length of 16-20 in. / 40.5-51 cm.
So: tall women and short men will likely be more comfortable if they ignore the gendered marketing.
We have also seen good prices on these at Moosejaw.
Our Pick for Long Days Out Hiking in Very Wet Weather: The Osprey Hikelite 18 and Hikelite 26
Are you going for daylong hikes in the gorgeous, rainy Northwest of the USA, for example? The Osprey Hiklite 18 or Hikelite 26 would then be the top choice for you. (Their main difference is that they hold 18 or 26 liters of your stuff, respectively.)
These are the Osprey daypacks with an integrated (but removable) raincover that slides out of the bottom sleeve and can be used to completely cover the pack, making it quite convenient to cover up when a downpour starts.
The other basic hiking and trekking elements are also there. You can stash trekking poles in the attachments on either side of the pack and secure them with the upper compression straps. There’s a hydration sleeve that holds up to a 3L reservoir. And the scratch-resistant top pocket holds sunglasses or a phone without damaging them, and making them easy to access when needed.

The Osprey airspeed system provides a bit of a “trampoline” effect so that only a springy mesh rests against your back and air passes through in the curved space between this mesh and the pack itself, keeping you cool. It doesn’t mean you’ll never sweat, but it does help keep air flowing, and keeps heat from building up on your pack, and any sweat from soaking the pack. The shoulder harness also lets air through and is quite comfortable, as with most Osprey packs.
There are hip straps but they are not padded and not designed to carry weight, just to secure the pack to you if necessary, as the other Osprey daypacks. They are removable (and probably not useful for most people unless you’re running, biking, or otherwise bouncing). Reviewers have found the pack to stay comfortable and not chafe after day-long hikes.
The 26L version also has a stash pocket on the outside, making it a convenient place to carry partially wet rain gear for example, should the sun come out.
And while it has an inner pouch that could fit a 15-inch laptop, the Hikelite 26 is still not very suitable for carrying electronics as this sleeve is not padded. If you’re rough with your bag or regularly using it for a laptop, get the Daylite Plus above or Tropos or Talia just below.
The Best Osprey Urban/Laptop Backpacks: Tropos (Men) and Talia (Women)
The Osprey Tropos and Talia bags are meant more for “urban” use and are extremely suited for carrying large laptops and even a second portable screen.Two main features distinguish the Tropos and Talia from other such bags. The first is the “kickstand” feature, which is a bit poorly named since it’s nothing like a bike kickstand aside from keeping the whole unit vertical. What Osprey means is that there’s an interior hard frame on the front and back of the back, and whether or not the pack is full of stuff this frame will always keep it standing up straight, rather than collapse over on its side as most bags would. Not exactly indispensable, but cool enough.
The laptop sleeve in these bags is roomy and entirely separate from the main compartment — the laptop sleeve is located just against your back and is both padded and has a hard shell on the back panel to keep it safe. The sleeve is also “hanging” so that your laptop is never jostled against the ground directly if you should drop your bag with a thump. There’s another little sleeve in the laptop compartment for cables and such.

The main compartment is quite roomy; it holds 34 L for the Tropos and 30 L for the Talia. There are also side mesh pockets for water or coffee and a front panel pocket with very complete organizational options for cards, pens, and more, including also the key ring holder seen on Osprey’s other daypacks.
Reviewers have found the pack to hold up well over time, and while it is larger than the other daypacks on this page, it remains relatively lightweight for its size. It’s not quite as great as being able to roll your laptop bag, but it’s the closest you’ll get without wheels.
Note that if you don’t need all that space you can reduce the size with the compression straps and get the feeling of carrying a svelter daypack that you can then expand again whenever you need to.
While this is an “urban” daypack it’s quite adapted for active use, including biking. The back panel is suspended to allow for breathability and there are attachment points on the back that are suitable for a helmet and for a bike light.
In 2019 the Tropos was updated to be just slightly wider and less deep, presumably to fit even larger laptops and second screens; this added 2 L to the overall volume. We of course link to the current model and its correct current dimensions, but you may still see the older model from some other sellers.
The Slightly Larger Overnight Laptop Backpacks: Nebula (Men) and Nova (Women)
The Osprey Nebula and Nova are good-enough laptop daypacks that are just as durably built as the Tropos and Talia above, but lack some of their excellent features.There is nice padding on the Nova’s and Nebula’s back panel that is raised a bit for some breathability, but these lack the excellent curved back and mesh combo that raises the Tropos or Talia completely off your back to allow airflow. The Nova and Nebula also lack the interior hanging laptop sleeve and kickstand features.
All that said, the Nebula and Nova are absolutely suited to urban use and protecting your laptop and other gear, with a stiff back panel and padding. They are 34 and 33 liters respectively.
One of their main selling points is that the laptop compartment opens completely flat to allow for airport screening without removing your laptop. In theory at least, for the TSA in the United States; most airport screenings in most countries will still make you take your laptop out, and this is still likely enough in the USA too. One reviewer also complains that the zippers can get a bit stuck when the bag is opened completely in this way.
The main compartment is separate from the laptop compartment, and has mini sleeves inside it for separating cables and for documents.
On top of the pack are a slash pocket for sunglasses or a phone, and on the front is an organizational panel with plenty of pockets for business cards, cables, and the like, plus a fob for your keychain.

There are attachment points at the front of the daypack for a bike light and helmet, and a quick access open pocket that’s great for carrying wet gear until you get a chance to dry it out, or a sandwich.
As with all of the other daypacks on this page, the Nebula and Nova have held up over time quite well for customers and others who have reviewed them. In spite of their light weight they can hold quite a bit of gear, and have the largest capacity of the daypacks discussed here.
Roundup: Which Osprey Daypack Is Best for You?
All Osprey daypacks are made of excellent lightweight but durable materials and have held up for years in our hands and those of other reviewers and customers.
For the best prices, be sure to check their different color options at the Amazon products we link to, as some colors are often deeply discounted there. We’ve also on some occasions noticed good prices at Moosejaw, though there can be less of a selection.
very helpful – thank you! Finally much more clarity on these packs, and which one will suit me best.
Very useful. When I think I have fund a perfect Osprey daypack there is another model someone recommends. I fell that especially organizing small items/ pocket stuff when hiking is missing from most Osprey packs.
I wish you could include the Apogee, Escapist, Syncro and Skarab/Skimmer as well. There is also a Daylite Travel now.
I have had my Daylite Plus for about 4 years. I have used it everyday including international travel. Except for the useless water bottle pouches it has served me well. Today one of the interior framing wires has separated from its mooring. I will soon find out about Osprey’s warranty policy.
Thanks, very helpful.
Just one question re-size options: is there much downside to opting for a larger size (e.g. Talon-22 vs 11, or Hikelite-26 vs 18)? My tendency is to lean towards a larger size, for option-value for more gear, but (e.g.) does a half-full Talon-22 provide a noticeably less snug fit than a full Talon-11?
Thank you very much for this article. Very detailed and provided a toe-to-toe comparison of the backpacks. I already owned a Talon 22 and was contemplating on whether a Daylite or Daylite Plus would be a good addition. Your article has helped me decide to stick with the Talon 22 since I wasn’t going to gain much. Appreciate what you’ve researched and compiled.
Thanks! I actually love that I’ve helped you to *not* buy a bag then; it’s great to avoid consumer waste. 🙂
I’m a Daylite Plus owner and to be honest…the ability to clip it onto my Porter 46 is the ONLY reason I use it. The “stuff-it” area is too small and shallow to really be useful, the mesh pockets on the sides seem to be designed to dump your water jug on the ground as quickly as possible, and (being a big dude) it’s just not wide enough to ride comfortably on my back. That said, as long as you go light, can deal with the strange bulbous bottom and use a carabiner on your water jug, the Daylite Plus works…sort of. Glad I got it for free.
When I bought my Porter last year, I looked at the option of getting the Farpoint with the zip-on daypack, but in the end, the Porter/Daylite combo carried more, was easier to mate/separate, and worked better in non-backpack mode so that’s the route I went – given that I already owned the Daylite Plus. If I hadn’t, maybe the Farpoint would have been more appealing.
Great article! There is also a Daylite Travel pack designed for commuters. It has more storage compartments than the Daylite Plus and has a expansion zipper allowing the main compartment to increase in volume from 18L to 24L.
The Daylite Plus has an external “shove it” pouch, hip belt and removable foam frame sheet. The Travel does not have these features.
In the end I returned both bags. The shoulder straps were too uncomfortable. the straps were too narrow and rubbed against the sides of my neck.
Thankyou for such a great article. Helped me decide which one i wanted by the end. Didnt get that info even when i asked for assistance at the outdoor gear shop where tget had all the above models
Thanks for letting me know, much appreciated!
This was very helpful, thanks.
Thank you very much for all your time and effort you obviously devoted to this article. It really made a difference to me!
Thanks for taking the moment to comment and let us know that! Much appreciated!