The Osprey Hikelite 26 Backpack: A Hiker’s Best Friend

Navigating the hundreds of options for hiking backpacks is a difficult task. Osprey alone have a vast collection of Backpacks with small differences and capacities to choose from! First this Review will explain the different Osprey Hiking backpacks available and why to consider the Osprey Hikelite 26 from the options. This post is closely linked to the Hikelite 18 Review posted due to the vastly similar design. Both these backpacks combine Osprey’s signature durability with a minimalist design, making them ideal for both casual and experienced hikers. This review will cover the key features, strengths and weaknesses of the amazing Hikelite 26.

Introducing: The Osprey Hikelite 26 Backpack

Osprey Hiking Backpacks Explained

Let’s explore the Osprey hiking options to help find where the Hikelite sits and what’s best. Within the range, the Hikelite sit in the lightweight and streamlined category. There are less bells and whistles whilst giving the essential functionality for a day hiking. A popular and affordable backpack for all hikers with the 26L being the best selling. Next, there are the Talon/Tempest series (Men’s/Women’s versions) which starts at 11-litres up to 44L. The Talon & Tempest are great multi-sport backpacks such as hiking, cycling or climbing with the 22L being a best-seller size. Then the Exos/Eja Backpacks are the true ultralight backpacks and great for multi-day trips! These are offered from 38L-58L so not as suited to day hiking in my opinion.

The Kestrel & Kyte are more rugged and technical backpack suited for overnight trips or hiking on challenging terrain. With capcities from 38L to 68L, there is a huge offering to get the right size for trekking and backcountry exploring. Whereas the Stratos & Sirrus are in between the Kestrel series and Hikelite series where they offer durability, comfort and a range of sizes from 24L to 44L. The Sportlite series a an even simpler and cheaper than the Hikelite with sizes of 15L to 30L available. Finally, a backpack designed for the bad weather, the Downburst in 26 or 36L provides IPX5 waterproofing to keep the rain out.

Osprey Hiking Backpacks Summary

• Day Hiking: The Hikelite 26 is great for long day hikes with enough capacity and ventilation.
• Multi-Sport Activities: The Talon 22 balances gear attachments and snug fit for high versatility.
• Heavier Loads: The Stratos 24 ensures comfort with its suspension system and suits challenging conditions.
• Ultralight Backpacking: The Exos 38 is a super lightweight pack for trekking with premium materials
• Minimalist Day Trips: The Sportlite 20 is very simple, cheaper and lightweight for quick hikes
• Technical Hikes & Overnight Trips: The Kestrel 38 offers durability and ample storage for rugged adventures.
• Wet Conditions: The Downburst 26 provides waterproof protection, suitable for rainy environments. 

Osprey Hikelite 26 Overview

The Osprey Hikelite 26 are top-tier unisex daypacks designed with hikers and casual adventurers in mind. Lightweight, durable, and equipped with thoughtful features like an integrated rain cover and ventilated back panel, they strike a solid balance between comfort and functionality. Both the 18L and 26L versions hit that sweet spot between simplicity and performance. They are only offered in One Size and are unisex compared to other Osprey models which are tailored for Men/Women. One of the major design differences is the kangaroo pouch on the outside of the 26L pack. The 18L retails at £90 ($110) whereas the 26L sells for £100 ($115). Both Backpacks use sustainable materials such as bluesign® approved fabrics with DWR treatments made without PFAS. The Hikelite series ranges from 18L to 32L with a 28L option and 2 Touring versions available to consider.

Hikelite 26 Stats

• Capacity: 26L
• Weight: 1.69 lbs (765g)
• Price – £100 / $115
• Dimensions: 51H x 31W x 25.5D cm
• Best for: Longer day hikes, photography, light overnight trips, carrying extra layers, food or wanting more organisation, family hikes
• Rating: 8.4/10

The Hikelite Backpacks are lightweight and streamlined daypacks which effectively combines essential features and quality construction with the fantastic ventilation thanks to the AirSpeed™ back panel. Its minimalist panel-loading approach keeps it’s silhouette clean and uncluttered for simplified and versatile use. I bought my girlfriend the Osprey Hikelite 26 around 2 years ago and has been a trusty companion on our travels. Often, we swap backpacks so I carry the Hikelite 26 and she will use my Hikelite 18. As much as I like mine when it’s hot and I need minimal gear. The extra space is useful when the weather is unpredictable or I’m bring photography gear too.

Osprey Hikelite 26 Key Features

• AirSpeed™ Suspension & Ventilation: The key feature for on the trail comfort is the tensioned mesh back panel. This helps to distribute pack load and improve comfort. It is not as effective as Osprey’s Air Gravity system used in the Atmos 50. The low profile design offers excellent ventilation due to the mesh improving airflow which helps to avoid a sweaty back which no one likes! Both backpacks feature the AirSpeed mesh technology which has been updated with a taller and wider frame for an improved fit.
• Easy Access: Traditional panel loader design with convenient top zip access to main compartment. This means fitting waterproofs, layers, food and extras inside and accessing items is quick.
• Bright raincover: The trademark fluorescent Osprey raincover is made with bluesign® approved fabrics and DWR treatments, stored in zippered pocket at base of pack for easy access
• Extra-tall stretch mesh side pockets: keep contents secure such as water bottles
• External zip pocket: A very useful pocket with key clip keeps small, essential items handy
• Adjustability straps & loops: Dual upper side compression straps with dual trekking pole capture. The Straps have adjustable sternum straps with an integrated rescue whistle for added customisability and safety. There is a 25mm removable webbing hip belt to help reduce backpack movement and give better stability. The shoulder straps are padded to improve comfort.
• Hydration Bladder: Internal reservoir sleeve up to 3L bladder with hose port in backpanel to feed the hose to the strap loops. There is a Osprey Hydraclip for easily hanging a reservoir to stop it moving around within the sleeve.

Osprey Hikelite 26: Selling Points

• Increased capacity: Featuring the same AirSpeed Suspension as the Hikelite 18, the additional 8 litres of volume allows more practicality and equipment for longer trips.
• Front shove-it pocket: One of the key differences between the Hiklite Backpacks is the addition of the front ‘kangaroo pouch’. I’ve used one on the Osprey Atmos 50 and it’s a great feature for storing an extra layer when the weather quickly changes. And given the expandability, it can be sued to store food securely.
• Excellent Ventilation: With a larger frame, there is a larger mesh to give better airflow and and support for light to moderate loads
• Carrying Heavier Loads: With the extra capacity and AirSpeed technology, it’s possible to carry slightly more and up to around 10Kg comfortably.
• Hydration options: With a hydration bladder sleeve up to 3L, a large main compartment and dual side bottle meshes, there are plenty of options.
• Integrated rain cover: Not always available on cheaper backpacks and to have a raincover that is bright helps for visibility.
• Added organization: includes a front shove-it pocket and internal hydration sleeve.

Osprey Hikelite 26: Worth Knowing

• Minimal Padding: As with the Hikelite 18, the lack of padding might put some people off as the extra space would add more weight to carry on the shoulder and around the waist.
• No Hip Belt Pockets: As mentioned above, it’s a small and useful feature especially with the larger size
• Shove-it pocket size: A great feature but when comapred to the Atmos style elsaticaed kangeroo pouch, the Hikelite 26 shove it pcoket could be deeper and have an elasticated top isnetad of
• Not compact and heavier than the 18L: Naturally, the larger capacity is not as small and is bulkier as a carry-on backpack.

Competitors & Alternatives

1. Deuter Speed Lite 20 / 24

• Pros: Lightweight, sleek, good load stability
• Cons: Less ventilation
• Best for: Fast-paced hiking or alpine routes

2. Gregory Nano 20 / 24

• Pros: Affordable, good organization, hydration sleeve
• Cons: Slightly heavier, simpler suspension
• Best for: Budget-conscious day hikers

3. REI Co-op Flash 22

• Pros: Lightweight, versatile, stuffable
• Cons: Less structured, no included rain cover
• Best for: Travel, ultralight day hikes

4. Patagonia Refugio 26

• Pros: Great urban-outdoor crossover, sleek design
• Cons: Less technical hiking features
• Best for: Everyday carry, travel

Kit Rankings

Conclusion

The Osprey Hikelite 26 Backpack is a great all round hiking backpack which is lightweight, minimal in design but highly functional. Osprey’s reputation for quality and long lasting materials will give you a backpack to last years of hiking. The key feature is the AirSpeed Suspension which provides excellent ventilation and comfort whilst the rest of the pack is full of smart features. The addition of the Shove-it Pouch over the Hikelite 18 is worth the higher price. The extra 8L of space over the 18L version is ideal for longer adventures or unpredictable weather conditions.

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