Every now and again, you buy an item of gear that completely changes your travel logistics, leaving you wondering how you ever lived without it. When I was planning for my massive trekking trip to Nepal, I ran into a major packing dilemma: I needed a secure way to move safely around the bustling streets of Kathmandu and carry essentials on my rest days away from the trail. I ideally wanted a small, dedicated daypack, but I absolutely did not have the spare packing space inside my main trekking bag for a rigid, fully-sized backpack. And that’s where the magical Osprey Ultralight Dry Stuff Pack comes into its own…
I researched a massive range of options, from budget-friendly Forclaz models at Decathlon to highly technical, expensive Rab backpacks. Eventually, I landed on the Osprey Ultralight Dry Stuff Pack. In this comprehensive review, find out exactly why this incredibly compact, fully waterproof 20L bag earned a permanent spot in my travel kit, and why it might just be the best packable daypack on the market.
Field Note: This guide contains affiliate links. If you purchase gear through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend equipment I have personally mountain-tested and trust.
Osprey Dry Stuff Pack
Introduction: Osprey Ultralight Dry Stuff Pack
Half Dry Bag and Half Backpack, this clever compact stuff sack effortlessly combines the best of both worlds. The benefits of the Osprey Ultralight Dry Stuff Pack over the cheaper Osprey 18L Stuff Pack (£45) are waterproofing and an additional front pocket. Osprey sells one size of the Dry Stuff Pack with multiple colourways. Whilst the Stuff Pack has a conventional zip, the Osprey Ultralight Dry Stuff Pack has a roll-to-close system like most dry bags. It works by rolling the lid down and clipping the ends in a loop to waterproof the compartment.
Tip: To pack the backpack into the internal pocket, put the internal pocket inside out so the Osprey logo is on the outside. Then fold the laid-out backpack into quarters lengthwise. Make sure the straps are not flared out and start rolling the bag up. Finally, with the pocket open, stuff the roll and straps inside the pocket and zip up.
Other features include the single lace handle, compression strap and meshed shoulder straps. The double elasticated water bottle pockets on either side fit a 750ml bottle or act as another storage pocket. Since buying in 2022, this has become a constant in my Backpacking and Trekking Packing Lists.
Why I chose the Osprey Ultralight Dry Stuff Pack
I chose the Osprey Ultralight Dry Stuff Pack thanks to its minimal compact size, fast to roll up, impressive waterproofing and great capacity to weight. It’s the perfect companion for any travel where you need a compact solution for day tripping or an additional bag for souvenir shopping. I have taken the Osprey Ultralight Dry Stuff Pack to Belgium, Nepal, Canada, the Dolomites, Prague and Patagonia on all types of travel!
This ultra-lightweight packable backpack has a waterproof rating of IPX5 but is non-submissive, unlike most Dry Bags. Even though it’s not designed to be compatible with hydration bladders, I have threaded the hose through the roll-up top and secured it to the straps via the loop, which makes it a super lightweight hiking daypack instead of taking the Osprey Atmos 50L.
Updated Osprey Ultralight Dry Stuff Sack Comparison
The Latest “Dry” Version Updates. If you are looking to purchase the Osprey Ultralight Dry Stuff Pack today, it is worth noting that Osprey recently updated the design. The most noticeable improvement is how the roll-top closure functions; instead of clipping together at the very top (which could sometimes create an awkward loop), the buckles now clip down to the sides of the pack. This creates a much sleeker profile and a tighter, more secure waterproof seal.
To streamline the bag further, Osprey removed the middle compression strap found on older models. While I personally loved that strap for locking down half-empty loads, the new side-clipping roll-top naturally compresses the bag quite well on its own. Finally, the newer versions are built with bluesign® approved, 100% recycled high-tenacity nylon, making it a much more eco-friendly purchase.
Dry Stuff Pack vs. Standard Ultralight Stuff Pack When shopping, you will likely notice Osprey sells a cheaper, non-waterproof version simply called the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack (without the “Dry” in the name). It is crucial to understand the difference between the two:
- Closure System: The standard Stuff Pack uses traditional zippers to access the main compartment, whereas the Dry version uses a waterproof roll-top.
- Weather Protection: The standard version is only water-resistant. A light drizzle is fine, but water will eventually seep through the zippers and seams. The Dry version features fully taped seams and waterproof fabric, meaning it will survive a torrential downpour.
- External Features: The standard Stuff Pack actually has a slight edge for casual city use, as it includes a stretch-mesh side pocket for a water bottle—a feature the Dry version lacks to maintain its seamless waterproof integrity.
- The Verdict: If you are travelling somewhere with unpredictable weather (like the Himalayas, Patagonia, or the Pacific Northwest) or plan on doing watersports, pay the slightly higher price for the Dry version. If you just want the absolute lightest, cheapest bag for walking around sunny European cities, the Standard zippered version is a fantastic, highly accessible alternative.
Where this pack earned its keep
I don’t review gear out of a box. Read the full destination guides where the Osprey Ultralight Dry Stuff Pack served as the ultimate secondary daypack on rest days and city excursions.
Osprey Ultralight Dry Stuff Pack: Key Selling Points
- Waterproofing – The IPX5 waterproofing means the Osprey Ultralight Dry Stuff Pack can withstand water jets at medium pressure (12.5 litres per minute). The main compartment, when closed, is watertight, but the front pocket is a weak point. It’s a non-submersion backpack, so it is not as good as a purpose-built dry bag, but for a backpack, it offers better weather protection than most day packs
- Packability – When packed within its internal pocket, the Osprey Ultralight Dry Stuff Pack is the size of an apple, which is perfect for backpacking adventures. It is simple and fast to fold up and stuff into the pocket, thanks to the large aperture. The Dry Stuff Pack takes up so little space in a larger backpack or suitcase that it’s hard not to take it!
- Capacity to Weight – The 20-litre capacity is great, given it packs down to fit within your palm. So when visiting a city and not needing a larger backpack, the Ultralight Dry Stuff Sack is fantastic for shopping or using as a daypack. The weight of the pack is supremely light and is barely noticeable when unrolled and empty.
- Features -The chest straps include the signature Osprey whistle, whilst the shoulder straps are mesh to improve ventilation. The outer compression straps help keep items in place, which is useful if the bag is half-full. The outer zip pocket is deep, and the inner pocket is ideal for valuables and small items (keys, coins)
- Quality: The 40 Dernier Nylon is robust, and despite feeling thin, the Osprey Ultralight Dry Stuff Pack has held up well for 4 years of use with only small holes in the bottom due to sharp objects. The straps and zipped pockets feel sturdy when a little force is applied. Overall, it’s of the quality you expect of an Osprey product.
Osprey Ultralight Dry Stuff Pack: Worth Knowing
- Comfort – There is no back support or padding in the Osprey Ultralight Dry Stuff Pack, so it’s worth considering how you pack your bag. The straps are thin but pretty comfortable when the chest clip is closed. And there is no back ventilation for a hot day, but it’s so light
Tip: I use a flat book and sweater combination to keep sharp objects from the back. - Aesthetics – A small one to pick on, but I’m not a huge fan of the colour options or style. I like the orange as it stands out, but the new version (link below) has a nicer shade of orange as well as Blue & Black.
- Expensive – Osprey bags come with a premium price tag, and for what little material you get, it is a high price. I bought mine for £45 at an end-of-season sale, which is a fair price, but it would be harder to justify the full price
Alternatives
While the Osprey Ultralight Dry Stuff Pack is an incredible piece of engineering, the market for “summit packs” and collapsible bags has exploded recently. Depending on whether you prioritise absolute weight savings, technical durability, urban style, or a strict budget, these are the top alternatives to consider:
1. Arc’teryx Heliad 15
- Pros: Premium minimalist aesthetic, durable siliconized mini-ripstop fabric, surprisingly comfortable shoulder straps.
- Cons: Premium Arc’teryx price tag, smaller 15L capacity, not fully waterproof.
- Best For: Style-conscious travellers who want a sleek, packable daypack that doesn’t look like crinkly outdoor gear. If you want a bag that seamlessly transitions from a dusty trailhead to a high-end cafe in the city, the Heliad is gorgeous. It packs away neatly into its own pocket and feels great on the back, but you are definitely paying the premium Arc’teryx tax. Furthermore, while the DWR finish sheds light rain nicely, it lacks the fully waterproof roll-top seal of the Osprey Ultralight Dry Stuff Pack, so you wouldn’t want to trust it in a torrential downpour.
2. Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack
- Pros: Featherlight (72g), incredibly tiny packed size, surprisingly strong for its weight.
- Cons: Not fully waterproof (only water-resistant), zero structure, very thin shoulder straps.
- Best For: Ultralight hikers who want the absolute smallest “just in case” bag. If your primary goal is to carry a bag that is virtually weightless and disappears into your pocket, the Sea to Summit is a proven classic. However, it lacks the technical 40D high-tenacity nylon and the fully taped waterproof seams that make the Osprey Ultralight dry Stuff Pack so much more versatile in unpredictable mountain weather.
3. Matador On-Grid Packable Backpack
- Pros: Technical aesthetic, better internal organisation, durable 100D Cordura fabric.
- Cons: Significantly heavier than the Osprey, more expensive, not fully waterproof.
- Best For: Urban travellers who want a packable bag that looks and feels like a “real” backpack. The Matador On-Grid is a fantastic alternative if you dislike the unstructured look of ultralight dry bags. It offers a more rigid fit and better abrasion resistance, making it ideal for city walks and commuting. However, for a multi-day trek where every gram counts, and rain is a constant threat, the Osprey’s waterproof roll-top gives it the edge.
4. REI Co-op Flash 18
- Pros: Highly versatile, doubles as a stuff sack inside your main pack, very comfortable straps.
- Cons: Not waterproof, doesn’t compress as small as the Osprey, no zippered external pockets.
- Best For: Hikers who want a bag that serves a dual purpose. The Flash 18 is a darling of the outdoor community because it can be turned inside out and used as a padded stuff sack for your sleeping bag. While it is more comfortable to wear for long durations due to its slightly padded straps, it cannot compete with the Osprey when it comes to keeping your gear dry during a monsoon in Nepal or a coastal storm in Vancouver.
5. Decathlon Forclaz 20L Waterproof Pack
- Pros: Unbeatable budget price, fully waterproof roll-top, decent 20L capacity.
- Cons: Heavier materials, simpler harness system, less durable over long-term use.
- Best For: Budget-conscious travellers who need basic waterproof protection. If the price point of the Osprey is a concern, this Decathlon model is an essential budget pick. It offers a similar roll-top design and keeps-dry performance for a fraction of the cost. However, the engineering isn’t quite as refined; the Osprey uses higher-quality high-tenacity nylon that feels much more reliable when you are miles away from civilisation.
Kit Rating
Final Thoughts
It is worth noting that the latest version released by Osprey features a few key design changes. Some are definite improvements—such as the roll-top opening now clipping securely down to the sides rather than over the top, creating a much better waterproof seal and a sleeker profile. However, they did remove the middle compression strap found on older models, which was a feature I highly rated for cinching down half-empty loads.
Despite that minor change, the Osprey Ultralight Dry Stuff Pack remains an incredibly intelligent, highly functional compact backpack that suits literally all types of travel. It miraculously packs a generous 20L volume and thoughtful, minimalist features into a featherlight, ultra-portable pouch. It has proven absolutely invaluable on trips where I am hauling larger primary bags—like the Osprey Atmos 50L on the trail or the Osprey Farpoint 40L through airports. Having a highly capable secondary backpack without sacrificing an inch of precious packing space means more luggage room for trip souvenirs and mementoes!
Would you recommend any other stuff packs or collapsible backpacks? Have you found a budget alternative that holds up to heavy rain? Please leave a comment below and share your thoughts with other travellers!
Osprey Ultralight Dry Stuff Pack FAQs
Is the Osprey Ultralight Dry Stuff Pack actually waterproof?
Yes. Unlike many “water-resistant” packable daypacks, this specific Osprey model is built with waterproof ripstop nylon, fully taped seams, and a dry-bag style roll-top closure. While you shouldn’t fully submerge it underwater for long periods, it will easily keep your electronics and spare clothes completely dry during torrential downpours. Be careful with the front pocket, which doesn’t have a waterproof zipper
How small does the Osprey Stuff Pack compress down?
When stuffed into its own integrated carrying pouch, the entire backpack compresses down to roughly the size of an apple (or a clenched fist) and weighs just barely over 100 grams. It easily fits into the side pocket of a larger backpack or the glovebox of a car.
Can the Osprey Dry Stuff Pack hold a laptop?
While a standard 13-inch or 15-inch laptop will physically fit inside the 20L main compartment, it is not recommended unless you have a heavy-duty padded laptop sleeve. Because the bag is designed to be ultralight and packable, it has absolutely zero padding on the bottom or the back panel to protect fragile electronics from drops or bumps. There is no structure to the pack as well.
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