Osprey Ultralight Dry Stuff Pack: The Best Compact Backpack

Every now and again you buy an item that you wonder how you lived before without it. Before my Nepal Trip, I was figuring out the best way to move safely around cities and on days away from the trail. I ideally wanted a small daypack but I did not have the packing space for a properly sized one. That’s when I discovered collapsible backpacks! These ranged from cheap Forclaz ones to more expensive Rab backpacks and then I found the Osprey Ultralight 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 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 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 lengthways. 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 thanks to it’s 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, 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.

Osprey Ultralight Dry Stuff Pack: Key Selling Points

• Waterproofing – The IPX5 waterproofing means it 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 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 such little space in a larger backpack or suitcase, that it’s hard to not 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, it has shown no signs of abrasion. 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 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 would be harder to justify the full price

Kit Rating

Category	Weighting	Score
Comfort	25%	3
Features	25%	6
Weight to Volume	20%	10
Value & Versatility	15%	5
Durability	15%	8
Overall Rating (/10)	6.2	Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Final Thoughts

The latest version by Osprey has some Design changes which I would say is an improvement such as the rolled top opening clipping to the sides. However, the middle compression strap has been removed which I rated. Overall, the Osprey Ultralight Dry-Stuff Pack is an intelligent compact backpack which suits all types of travel. It packs a 20L volume and thoughtful minimal features into a lightweight and portable backpack. It has been so useful on trips with larger backpacks (Osprey Atmos 50L or Osprey Fairpoint 40L) to have a secondary backpack without sacrificing packing space. This means more luggage room for trip souvenirs and mementos!

Would you recommend any other Stuff Packs or Collapsible backpacks? Please leave a comment and share with other travelers!