Osprey  Hikelite 26 Pack

I don't usually write reviews, but it looks like this daypack is suffering from a lack of them! I've been using this for a couple of months now, mainly on my daily commute to work by bike or train. Plenty of room for lunch, a thermos, water bottle, spare set of clothes for the gym, and climbing shoes/chalk bag. I like that the mesh pockets on the sides aren't strictly tight for the use of water bottles; tossing a carabiner on my water bottle keeps it from falling out and the other pocket has enough space to jam a chalk bag in. It would be nice if the outer stuff pocket was made of mesh, but it currently keeps my climbing shoes snug and secure as can be. Don't think I'd put anything larger than a light outer shell back there, otherwise. I can't speak to the durability of the material yet, but this review would definitely change if the pack wears out soon. As of right now, it doesn't seem cheap so much as it does prioritize lightweight/thin materials. If future iterations of this pack stuck with Osprey's typically robust materials, I'd think that a wise call on their part. The back suspension has no squeaking yet at all, nor do I think that will start up. Having it suspended off of my back is great for cycling or longer hikes, reducing what would usually be unbearable sweating to something manageable. Over all, mighty pleased with this pack as a flexible commuter option that easily works for day hikes. If it wears out quickly, this review will be adjusted.

I love Osprey products, have lots of their bags. This is a definite swing and a miss. First, the One Size designation is disappointing. With a hipbelt, they should have gone with the S/M and M/L sizing they usually do. The pack rode too high for me to even try to use the hipbelt. I'm also not a fan of hipbelts this thin, but at least it is removable. The next place they missed on are the bottom compression straps. Osprey typically makes their side pockets and straps so that you can route the straps inside the pocket (at least on every backpack I have owned from them). Not so here. They can only be routed outside the pocket, which means that when you cinch them down, you are going to lose the use of the bottom part of the pocket. Forget getting a water bottle in and out while it is cinched down, the strap will always get in the way. It is too low to help hold it in, it will just assist in forcing the bottle up and out, probably to be lost on the trail. The final nail in the coffin for this pack is the pitiful size of the shove it pocket. The sidewalls only come about half way, maybe two thirds, up the sides of the front flap. I got my wind shell in there, could get a light rain jacket (think OR Helium II but no larger), but I wouldn't trust it to hold anything more than that. TL;DR - It could have been so much more, but isn't. I didn't even get the tags off it. At least it was free shipping, I'll have to return it the next time I'm at one of the stores.