Osprey Europe Unisex Hikelite 26 Hiking Pack

I first ordered the Deuter on the left side of the included picture, but as soon as I got it decided to return it. The straps and adjustments didn’t fit, and honestly I couldn’t see them fitting on anyone, but worse for me was that the foam ventilated back not only didn’t work but seemed to make the back hotter by trapping and insulating the hot air. I’ve seen this type of design in many manufacturers, including Osprey, and having tried it now, NOT a fan. The effect was immediately and quite noticeably bad. The foam is an insulator and the hot air actually gets trapped in the pockets between the foam ribbing, and actually makes the back hotter, exactly opposite the intended design. I’d prefer two lines of cheap webbed foam that cheaper backpacks have over this foamed vent design. But back to my point, as soon as I tried the Osprey suspension, wow, what a difference. First, the pack actually fits, load bearing adjustment on top actually does something too, unlike on the Deuter, instead of just bending the pack around my shoulder like the Deuter, the solid back actually does leverage weight, but best of all, my back feels cool! My personality, I usually like to support lesser, second place companies and buy their products to support them over market leaders, but, here, Osprey’s suspension back is so much superior, nope, I will be keeping the Osprey and returning the Deuter. Now, I can understand why Osprey is so much more popular. Sigh. Not trying to pick on Deuter, I’m over it, and will return, and the bag has many functions and features that the Osprey seems to lack, and I’m sure the bag will be better for some other people, but, in real world, I felt I would use the functions on the Deuter less and they wouldn’t necessarily work as advertised. The Osprey is much more streamlined(though cynically, could be interpreted as euphemism I suppose for cheap and lacking in features but yeah), and besides the single thin inner bag and hydration compartment has next to no other features or compartments in the bag. As other commenters have said, it is somewhat like a glorified duffel or something. But I like it. I’ll just use separate waterproof bags inside to compartmentalize anyways. I also managed to get the bag at a significant discount, cheaper than the Deuter which didn’t come with a rain cover. The Osprey does have a integrated rain cover(bottom zipper compartment) and on the Deuter it’s something like $20-$40 for a non-purpose built Deuter cover which likely wouldn’t fit well. I suppose for people using these bags for commutes or travel may not care about the rain cover but if used in hiking, I think rain covers are extremely important, since all bag fabrics WILL wet out without them and with enough water; I personally don’t want wet undies. One thing, I noticed at first, the Osprey which is supposed to be 26 Liters seemed at first noticeably smaller than the Deuter which is supposed to be 25L. But I quickly realized, this just wasn’t the case. When you extend/loosen the compression straps on the Osprey, it gets far roomier, as in thicker. The Deuter looked taller and wider by about an inch but is much thinner in profile. I see the volume would be near equivalent, so I disagree with the commenters saying the inside doesn’t seem like 26L. Lastly, the included rain cover works well, though the thin bungee cord that straps the cover around the bag is very weak seeming and I fear wouldn’t last unless handled carefully. I imagine if it starts to rain, last thing you’re apt to do is handle the cover carefully. But it works and is fluorescent lime green for anyone curious.

As for cons: I do concur with the other reviewers about that strange inside out zipper holding the trampoline back in place. I have zero idea what or why that zipper is there, honestly. I remember vaguely reading that the bag back could be collapsed or something and maybe it’s for that, but the zipper tab can’t be accessed at all since it’s between the trampoline back and the frame and the space between those is like a centimeter. There’s no way anyones’ fingers could reach the zipper handle. It’s very strange, and likely I think it’s a design or manufacturing flaw/defect which Osprey didn’t bother to fix. I personally won’t be messing with the zipper, however, and don’t care. I seriously don’t see what the intended function of that zipper is at all. Also, the other commenters saying the inner valuables bag looks suspect/chintzy, I have to agree; the top inner bag is extremely thin and weak looking, and I can’t imagine would last. Lastly, I personally am not a fan of how the shove it pocket is reliant on the top compression straps. I feel the compression straps are for compressing the bag, and the shove it pocket should have it’s own compression method to hold loose stuff like helmets, jackets in place irrespective of bag compression. Having one strap for both purposes doesn’t streamline but makes both functions lesser imo. But not a big deal. Final side note, I wish, the bag and more bags had carabiner hook tabs, so can conceivably attach more stuff, but oh well. The Deuter does have this and was appreciated.

Overall, I’m 100% satisfied over this bag, however, and my minor complaints are second to how well the ergonomics and suspension back works on this bag, and unlike some of the more critical comments, couldn’t find a single uncomfortable rub point or friction point when wearing on my body. I’m a short stocky guy, however, and maybe not a typical body. Nonetheless, I found this pack immediately and immensely comfortable on my back. Whatever else cons this bag may have gets trumped in my opinion by the awesome comfort and ergonomics. Whether my socks and shirts have different compartments inside the bag to me is secondary to being able to walk miles and miles in humid or cold weather to get to the campsite or back to my car comfortably. The chest and waist strap also fit much better on the Osprey. Thumbs up.